Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BERLIN1330
2008-09-25 15:21:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Berlin
Cable title:  

BLUE LANTERN POST-SHIPMENT END-USE CHECK: LICENSE

Tags:  DA ETTC KOMC GM 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO1658
PP RUEHAG RUEHDF RUEHLZ
DE RUEHRL #1330 2691521
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 251521Z SEP 08
FM AMEMBASSY BERLIN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2260
INFO RUCNFRG/FRG COLLECTIVE
RUEHCP/AMEMBASSY COPENHAGEN 0486
RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHINGTON DC
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
RUEPINS/HQ BICE INTEL WASHINGTON DC
UNCLAS BERLIN 001330 

SENSITIVE

SIPDIS
STATE FOR EUR/CE, EUR/PRA, AND PM/DTCC - BLUE LANTERN
COORDINATOR (SABATINI)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: DA ETTC KOMC GM
SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN POST-SHIPMENT END-USE CHECK: LICENSE
05-050104085

REF: A. SECSTATE 91180

B. PETERSEN-SABATINI E-MAIL 9/21/2008

UNCLAS BERLIN 001330

SENSITIVE

SIPDIS
STATE FOR EUR/CE, EUR/PRA, AND PM/DTCC - BLUE LANTERN
COORDINATOR (SABATINI)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: DA ETTC KOMC GM
SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN POST-SHIPMENT END-USE CHECK: LICENSE
05-050104085

REF: A. SECSTATE 91180

B. PETERSEN-SABATINI E-MAIL 9/21/2008


1. (SBU) REF A requested Embassy assistance in conducting a
post-shipment check on license 05-050104085 for export of a
U.S.-origin piezoresistive accelerometer (Endevco Model
7270A-200K) to the Fraunhofer Ernst-Mach-Institute (EMI) in
Freiburg, Germany. The reason for this end-use check is that
this article represents a sensitive commodity with potential
for diversion. EMI's stated application for this article is
to measure the acceleration of shock plates under blast
loading in a large shock tube. Post was asked to confirm
from EMI receipt of the Endevco Model 7270A-200K
accelerometer and make inquiries about the intended use of
the commodity. Post contacted the director of EMI, Dr. Klaus
Thoma, multiple times, but did not receive satisfactory
responses to any of the questions posed in REF A.


2. (SBU) Thoma expressed irritation with our inquiries and
appeared to see them as an unnecessary intrusion, given that
the commodity had already been delivered to EMI. His
responses were vague and he did not respond positively to
follow up questions despite every effort by post to deliver
the inquiries in a considerate and professional manner.
Thoma explained that EMI has 30 years of experience working
with the USG and that EMI receives Endevco accelerometers in
the 7270A family on a continuous basis. His primary concern
was that he does not want his technicians burdened with
having to send reports describing how they intend to use
Endevco accelerometers and he insinuated that EMI may be
inclined to seek alternate suppliers if the procurement
process from Endevco becomes too cumbersome.


3. (SBU) In response to the REF A specific questions, on
September 18, Thoma did acknowledge that EMI did receive the
7270A-200K "a couple days ago," but he did not supply any
accompanying supporting documentation to confirm the
commodity was received. Thoma declined to describe any
specific testing EMI had planned for the 7270A-200K or why
this commodity was chosen (as opposed to other sensors in the
7270A family.) Thoma only said EMI uses extreme range
accelerometers for uses including measuring hypervelocity
impacts, which he says are some of the most extreme
collisions measured on Earth. Thoma also said that EMI
selects these sensors from an Endevco catalog without
consultations with Endevco applications engineers. Regarding
re-export concerns, Thoma said "I guarantee that EMI uses
Endevco sensors only in our labs and we do not re-export
them."
KOENIG