RESPONSE TO CANADA - REMOTE SENSING DISCUSSIONS

S E C R E T STATE 113885 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/20/2018 TAGS: ETTC PARM PREL SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO CANADA - REMOTE SENSING DISCUSSIONS ABOUT UAE OPPORTUNITY Classified By: ISN/CATR Director Ann Ganzer. Reasons, 1.4 (B) and (D) ¶1. (C) Embassy is requested to deliver the following text of the U.S. reply to a Canadian inquiry regarding the transfer of RADARSAT-2 capabilities to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for exploration by MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) of opportunities in the UAE, and to report back any Canadian government reactions. ¶2. (S/RELEASABLE TO CANADA) Begin Text of U.S. Message: The U.S. Government appreciates the opportunity to consult under the auspices of Annex III.D of the Inter-Governmental Agreement on MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) Geospatial Services Incorporated, exploration of opportunities with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) including extending Spotlight and Extended Low beam modes. The U.S. Government has no material objection to MDA pursuing an opportunity with the UAE, but would appreciate further clarification on exactly which UAE Governmental entities would be contracting with MDA if proprietary concerns allow. The U.S. Government also looks forward to receiving for informational purposes the proposed Customer Access Profile for the UAE; and to be briefed as previously agreed upon about any formal contract with the UAE for full RADARSAT-2 capabilities. End Text of U.S. Message ¶3. (U) Please ask any questions and/or slug any related reporting to ISN/CATR action officers Miguel Green (ph:202-647-3529; GreenMD@state.sgov.gov) and Bernard Crawford (ph:202-647-0223; CrawfordBT@state.sgov.gov). Washington appreciates post's assistance in this matter. RICE