S E C R E T SINGAPORE 003849

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/22/2016
TAGS: ETTC MNUC MTCRE PARM PREL SN
SUBJECT: (S/NF) SINGAPORE DETAINS PRECISION LATHES SHIPMENT

REF: FORSYTH-REED E-MAIL 12/19/2006

Classified By: E/P Counselor for reasons 1.4(c) and (d)


1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 4.


2. (S/NF) Michelle Teo-Jacob, Assistant Director of MFA's
International Organizations Directorate, on December 22
requested a meeting to inform E/P Counselor and Econoff that
the GOS had on or around December 16 detained a shipment of
precision lathes and accessories bound for the Rangoon, Burma
office of North Korea,s Korea Mining Development Corporation
(ref e-mail). The GOS had taken this action in response to a
USG request conveyed through separate channels on December

16. According to Teo-Jacob, the GOS was now assessing
possible end uses for the items in question and had requested
more information from the USG. Teo-Jacob said she wished to
ensure that the Embassy was aware that the GOS had received
the request and had taken action.


3. (S/NF) E/P Counselor thanked Teo-Jacob for the GOS's
quick response and told her that he was aware of the
situation and that the country team was coordinating closely
on the issue.


4. (S/NF) Action request: The GOS has acted swiftly on our
recent requests to intercept shipments of concern and to
investigate local companies that may be involved in
proliferation activities. In each case, the GOS has
requested further information in hopes of being able to
legally defend its actions. To ensure successful outcomes of
this and other pending cases, post requests that Washington
respond to GOS requests for information and technical
assistance as quickly and completely as possible. End
comment.
HERBOLD