BLUE LANTERN RESPONSE ON POST-SHIPMENT CHECKS ON

UNCLAS KUALA LUMPUR 000579 SIPDIS PM/DTCC - BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETTC KOMC MY SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN RESPONSE ON POST-SHIPMENT CHECKS ON LICENSE NUMBERS 050081517 AND 050056771 REF: A. A. SECSTATE 63358 ¶B. B. SECSTATE 51042 ¶1. Pursuant to reftel requests, econoff conducted two searches for the separate purchases. Because both reftels involved spare parts for C-130 transport aircraft, we combined our response into a single cable. ¶2. The first case (Reftel A, license 050081517) involved the purchase of 23 thermostats for C-130 aircraft (specifically 8 p/n 5-09307 thermostats and 15 p/n 5-9034 thermostats) by Setcom Express Sdn. Shd., located in Johor Darul Takzim. This location is the same address as other Malaysian Royal Air Force (RMAF) units, although not the same as the air base listed in Reftel A. However, a RMAF contact in late June 2008 described to econoff that the thermostats were to be used by the RMAF, which had received them. In addition, this officer said that the articles are being used as indicated on the license. Econoff was unable to find the foreign consignee -- Setcom Express -- and the RMAF officer did not have their contact information. Still, the officer confirmed that the thermostats are for RMAF aircraft. ¶3. The second case (Reftel B, license 050056771) concerned the purchase of one motor (p/n 36726-1) by Avocet Aviation Limited. As Reftel B noted, Avocet is located in Essex, United Kingdom. Econoff was unable to locate an Avocet office or representative in Malaysia, although this is probably not unexpected. The same RMAF officer noted from para two indicated that the aforementioned motor had arrived and was also to be used by RMAF C-130 aircraft. Econoff had no reason to disbelieve this claim, and the officer knew nothing about Avocet. ¶4. Based on the discussions with the RMAF officer, both reftel purchases appear to be legitimate. KEITH