BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: PRE-LICENSE END-USE CHECK

UNCLAS STATE 118451 SIPDIS BANGKOK FOR THOMAS HINES E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETTC KOMC TH SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: PRE-LICENSE END-USE CHECK ON LICENSE 050127892 REF: 07 BANGKOK 1984 ¶1. This is an Action Request. See paragraphs 2 - 4. ¶2. The Department's Office of Defense Trade Controls Compliance (PM/DTCC) requests Post's assistance in conducting a pre-license check on license 050127892 for the export of pistols to Thailand. Post is requested to complete this Blue Lantern check within 30 days. Lack of response to a Blue Lantern check will affect pending and future licenses involving parties to this license. ¶3. Reason for Request: In previous unfavorable Blue Lantern check (REFTEL),Post was unable to establish Thai company, Kangwan Firearms, as a reliable recipient of United States Munitions List items. REFTEL also indicates some significant irregularities in the company's business practices. This request is to determine if the current license application represents a legitimate order. Post is also requested to revisit the issues surrounding Kangwan's operation and determine if the company has improved its business practices. ¶4. Action Request: Post is requested to establish the bona fides of this transaction by making appropriate inquires to proper authorities of the Government of Thailand and representatives of Kangwan Firearms (Tel: 66 2801 1885). Post is also requested to determine if these firearms will be used by the law enforcement cadets in their official or personal capacity. In its reply, Post may also comment on any other information pertinent to these transactions such as security of facilities, end-use, and concerns about the entities involved. ¶5. Details of license applications: DTC Case: 050127892 QUANTITY/COMMODITY: 15 Colt 1911 .45 Caliber Pistols 12 Sig P229 9mm Pistols 3 Sig P220 .45 Caliber Pistols 1 Para Ord Hawg 9mm Pistol 1 HK Usp .45 Caliber Pistol 1 Sig P229 .40 Caliber Pistol License Value: USD $25,014 SELLER: RSR Group Inc 4405 Metric Drive Winterpark, FL 32792 FOREIGN END-USER: Kangwan Firearms Ltd Part 449/18 Thepprasit Road Nongprue Banglamung Cholburi, Thailand Tel: 66 2801 1885 PURPOSE: For Sale to Thai Police Cadets As Listed on Individual Import Permits ¶6. Submitted in support of the license application were the following documents (PM/DTCC will fax documentation to Posts upon request): DSP-83 signed by Sunee Pankaew of Kangwan Firearms dated 08/08/2008 and Cathy Mandery of RSR Group dated 10/01/2008 33 Import Certifications Nos. 127/2551 through 155/2551, 168/2551, and 194/2551 through 195/2551 signed by Boonsom Watanapanee dated 08/04/2008 Purchase Order No. 426/51 from Kangwan Firearms signed by A. Ananthawan ¶7. Please slug reply for PM/DTCC - BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR and include the words "Blue Lantern" and the case number in the subject line. POC is Kyle M. Ballard, Phone: 202-663-1929; Email: BallardKM@state.gov; SIPRNET: BallardKM@state.sgov.gov. The Blue Lantern Guidebook (ref) is available as a PDF file in the Bunche Library's E-Book Collection on the DOS Intranet: http://virtuallibrary.state.gov/ BlueLanternGuidebook2006%2520 final .pdf ¶8. Department is grateful for Post's assistance in this matter. RICE