CHILEAN NAVY REQUESTS PERMISSION TO TRANSFER

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000163 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/BSC, PM E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETTC KOMC CI SUBJECT: CHILEAN NAVY REQUESTS PERMISSION TO TRANSFER U.S.-ORIGIN MILITARY EQUIPMENT TO ECUADOR ¶1. This is an action request. See paragraph 4. ¶2. On February 13, Post received a letter dated February 8, from Chilean Acting CNO Vice Admiral Mariano Sarratea to the Ambassador requesting USG authorization to transfer U.S.-origin equipment to Ecuador. Paragraph three contains Post's informal translation of the letter. ¶3. Begin text: Dear Mr. Ambassador: The Chilean Navy, as authorized by the Government of Chile, is negotiating with the Republic of Ecuador the transfer of two Leander Class Units, Ex PFG Lynch and Ex PFG Condell, which were retired from service on June 1, 2007 and December 11, 2007, respectively. The Ministers of Defense of Chile and Ecuador have already signed a Letter of Intent to proceed with the above-mentioned negotiation. The indicated units will be transferred to Ecuador in working condition and with the equipment and systems that permit them to operate as combat units. In order to complete the transaction, the Chilean Navy will comply with all of the legal norms, obtaining the corresponding authorization from the manufacturers of some of the equipment and systems aboard the units, which were acquired with "End-user" certification. The following equipment on board these units has "End-user" certification from the United States: -- FLIR, Multiple sensor airborne and maritime thermal imaging systems, element: camera, manufactured by FLIR Systems. -- XENON, XENON projector, element: projector, manufactured by American Matrix Corp. -- FCR-M2221W, TWT, element: TWT, manufactured by CPI. With the information provided above and in an effort to transfer these units as soon as possible, I kindly ask that the U.S. process the authorizations necessary to allow this sale to go forward. The "End-user" authorization would transfer to Ecuador and is to be established upon signing of the contract. I also kindly request that a (USG) point of contact be provided so that the Navy of Ecuador can sign an "End-user" certificate. I avail of this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my highest and most distinguished consideration and esteem. Sincerely, Mariano Sarratea Saint-Lawrence Vice Admiral Acting CNO ¶4. Action request: Post requests guidance to use in responding to Vice Admiral Sarratea's request. URBAN