BLUE LANTERN CHECK: APPLICATION 050046015

UNCLAS ZAGREB 000753 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR PM/DTTC - BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR, EUR/SCE - BALIAN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETTC KOMC HR NON PROLIFERATION SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN CHECK: APPLICATION 050046015 REF: STATE 97922 ¶1. (U) PolOff has confirmed with Post Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) Chief that assault rifles and grenade launchers in application are part of legitimate testing program of Croatian MOD. In fact, ODC facilitated temporary import of four M4 rifles for testing in October 2006, but manufacturer (Colt) pulled weapons back in January 2007 after one extension of export license before Croatian military completed testing, advising MOD to purchase weapons for further trials. MOD then initiated procurement of M4s and additional models through Agencija Alan and Post ODC. ODC and Post support license approval to allow completion of testing program. ¶2. (SBU) Agencija Alan is the primary agency for military procurement in Croatia. Under Agency's current leadership, they have proven to be extremely forthcoming with Post, sharing information on all foreign purchases and sales. BRADTKE