UNCLAS LISBON 002265

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEFENSE PLEASE PASS TO DSCA AND NAVY IPO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MARR PGOV PREL MASS PO
SUBJECT: PORTUGAL REJECTS EDA FRIGATES

1. In a letter from Vice Admiral Viegas Filipe, Director
General for Weapons and Defense Procurement, to Embassy
Lisbon's Office for Defense Cooperation, the Government of
Portugal formally renounced any claim to the two Oliver

Hazard Perry-class frigates offered through the Excess
Defense Article (EDA) program. An informal translation of
the letter follows.


2. Begin text:

Ministry of National Defense, Directorate-General for Weapons
and Defense Equipment

Subject: Excess Defense Articles (EDA) ) USS George Philip
(FFG12) and USS John Sides (FFG14) frigates

Dear Commander Bradfield:

Regarding the offer, on a grant basis, made by the Government
of the United States of America, of the Oliver Hazard Perry
class USS George Philip (FFG12) and USS John Sides (FFG14)
frigates to the Portuguese Navy, His Excellency the National
Defense Minister has requested that I express gratitude for
the friendly availability demonstrated by your Government and
recognition for the efforts made by U.S. authorities on this
matter.

It is also my duty to inform that, due to the dire need to
equip the Portuguese Navy with ships that possess the most
uniform logistical and operational requirements; Portugal has
sought alternative solutions for the replacement of the Joao
Belo class frigates.

As such, and because it must seek the most adequate solutions
for the operation of the Armed Forces, the Portuguese
Government hereby informs that it does not accept the
transfer offer of the above-captioned frigates, and
reiterates gratitude for U.S. efforts on this matter.

I avail myself of this opportunity to present my best and
personal (hand-written) regards.

//Vice Admiral Carlos Alberto Viegas Filipe,
Director-General//

End text.
Hoffman