Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BUDAPEST211
2008-02-28 10:50:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Budapest
Cable title:  

HUNGARIAN BLUE LANTERN - LICENSE 05-050085871

Tags:  KOMC ETTC HU 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0003
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHUP #0211 0591050
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 281050Z FEB 08
FM AMEMBASSY BUDAPEST
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 2606
UNCLAS BUDAPEST 000211 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR PM/DTCC BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KOMC ETTC HU
SUBJECT: HUNGARIAN BLUE LANTERN - LICENSE 05-050085871

REF: SECSTATE 12290

UNCLAS BUDAPEST 000211

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR PM/DTCC BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KOMC ETTC HU
SUBJECT: HUNGARIAN BLUE LANTERN - LICENSE 05-050085871

REF: SECSTATE 12290


1. Although surprised when contacted about reftel, Magnum
Vadasz es Hajos Company Director Akos Szucs willingly
discussed the company's operations with PolOff and EmbOff on
February 25. Opening the discussion, he commented that the
company has been importing Remington and Hornady brand,
U.S.-manufactured hunting equipment for the past 14 years.
Szucs noted that his company has three stores in Hungary and
is a wholesale supplier of hunting gear, weapons, and
associated equipment to approximately 200 other outlets
within Hungary.


2. Szucs stated he fully understands re-exportation and
re-transfer restrictions as well as end-user requirements,
noting that each year he is required to sign a government
agreement acknowledging those restrictions. When queried as
to how he ensures that the American products are not
re-exported or re-transferred by his or other outlets'
customers, Szucs stated that every weapon is registered with
its serial number and only a buyer with an approved
government permit can purchase such a weapon. The government
maintains records of all gun sales for more than 10 years and
private individuals cannot export weapons.


3. Asked about the current order for more than 1,000 rifles
and associated ammunition, Szucs stated that it was a "wish
list" of sorts, as he is never sure as to how many he will
actually receive. He provided the following information
concerning past and projected sales: Remington rifles
imported in 2007: 450; Remington rifles sold in 2007: 300-400
- approximately 50 percent of his total rifle sales;
Remington rifle sales projection for 2008: 500-600; 99
percent of his customers are Hungarian.


4. During the visit Szucs provided a tour of the company's
warehouse. Rifles, as well as ammunition, are kept in locked
vaults with electronic coded access to the storage facility.
A small number of weapons, also under lock and key, were on
display in the customer sales area.


5. Based on the site visit, interview with the managing
director, a review of the company's website, as well as
information from the Government's trade licensing office,
Post assesses the current pre-license request for transaction
and business operation to be legitimate.
FOLEY