BLUE LANTERN PRE-LICENSE END-USE CHECK ON

UNCLAS LA PAZ 002930 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR PM/DTCC BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR STATE ALSO FOR WHA/AND LPETRONI COMMERCE FOR JANGLIN TREASURY FOR SGOOCH E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETTC KOMC BL SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN PRE-LICENSE END-USE CHECK ON APPLICATION 05-1012695 COMPLETED REF: A. STATE 177154 ¶B. 05 LA PAZ 3416 ¶1. (U) Summary: On October 26, Econoff spoke to the proprietor of foreign consignee Camping Cochabamba, having visited the business in November 2005 (ref B). Camping Cochabamba has a history of importing firearms from the United States, maintains detailed sales and customer records, and has appropriate authorizations and import licenses, which suggests it is a reliable recipient of Unites States Munitions List items. End summary. ¶2. (U) On October 26, Econoff spoke to Camping Cochabamba proprietor Marco Perez, having visited the business in November 2005 (ref B). Perez said his father established the sporting goods store in 1970 and started importing firearms from the United States in 1985, mostly selling shotguns to individuals and sporting goods stores in Cochabamba and Santa Cruz. The firm maintains detailed sales and customer records and has an established, legitimate customer base. The firm stores firearms in a locked warehouse. ¶3. (U) Perez provided a copy of Bolivian Ministry of Defense resolution 0828 (dated August 25, 2006) authorizing Camping Cochabamba to import the 200 rifles listed on the license application. Camping Cochabamba's import license is current. There is no indication the company has engaged in illegal activities. ¶4. (U) Perez told Econoff he understood the restrictions placed on United States Munitions List items, saying he had no intention of re-exporting the weapons. Given the firm's history of importing firearms and Perez' understanding of import restrictions, Camping Cochabamba seems a reliable recipient of the listed commodities. GOLDBERG