This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available. |
S E C R E T VIENNA 000269 |
1. (U) This message contains a request for guidance. (See para 5.) 2. (S) Econ Chief and PolOff delivered reftel talking points January 27 to Helmut Krehlik, head of the export and import control division at the Ministry of Economy. Krehlik responded enthusiastically to our offer of assistance to review the transaction files of Daniel Frosch Export (DFE) Industrial Spare Parts. He promised to discuss the matter with his GoA colleagues. He expected the GoA would accept the USG offer, particularly in verifying a list of transactions that the Austrians have not been able to determine are of dual-use concern. Krehlik noted that the close similarity of the dual-use lists maintained by the EU and United States will facilitate a productive working relationship on this matter. Krehlik promised to get back to us after consulting with his colleagues. 3. (S) Krehlik mentioned that he had just come from a meeting with the Office for Protection of the Constitution and Counterterrorism (BVT) on DFE, pointing to a binder of DFE transaction information that the BVT had obtained from CEO Daniel Frosch. Krehlik noted that a cursory examination revealed several transactions of dual-use concern. Krehlik said that the BVT's initial impression was that DFE had not fully opened its files to the GoA. INTENSIFYING DUAL-USE COOPERATION -------------------------- 4. (SBU) Krehlik thanked the USG for appreciation of his close cooperation with the USG (reftel). He added that U.S. and Austrian officials had previously held annual meetings to discuss dual-use and non-proliferation concerns. However, these meetings had stopped recently. Krehlik praised the current high-level of cooperation between the GoA and the Embassy, but suggested that reviving these meetings would be useful. 5. (C) COMMENT AND GUIDANCE REQUEST: Krehlik has been an excellent contact of various Embassy offices. As Krehlik approaches retirement, it may be in our interest to increase contacts between Krehlik's office and USG agencies, which would promote continued collaboration with others in his office. Post appreciates Department's guidance to respond to Krehlik's inquiry. McCaw |