RECOGNITION OF EXEMPLARY SUPPORT OF BLUE LANTERN

UNCLAS STATE 044861

SIPDIS

SIPDIS
FOR AMBASSADOR JAMES DERHAM FROM ACTING PM A/S AMB STEPHEN MULL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPDC ETTC KOMC GT
SUBJECT: RECOGNITION OF EXEMPLARY SUPPORT OF BLUE LANTERN
PROGRAM: LANCE HEGERLE AND DREW BLAKENEY



1. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the
outstanding performance of political officers Lance Hegerle
and Drew Blakeney in supporting the Blue Lantern program
during the last year. As you know, Blue Lantern is the
Department's primary instrument for monitoring the end-use of
exported defense articles, technology, and services. This
program is indispensable to PM's Directorate of Defense Trade
Controls in making informed licensing decisions, discovering
illicit supply networks, and deterring diversions of U.S.
military articles and technology.


2. Mr. Hegerle took the lead in organizing and executing a
very successful Blue Lantern outreach visit in Guatemala in
April 2008, which included meetings with Guatemalan Ministry
of National Defense officers, a private Guatemalan firearms
dealer, and your country team. Among the topics of
discussion was an ongoing sensitive issue critical to our
bilateral defense trade relationship with Guatemala, which
Messrs. Hegerle and Blakeney have handled with skill, tact,
discretion, and a critical eye. Messrs. Hegerle and Blakeney
also have demonstrated dedication, thoroughness, and
professionalism in efficiently managing several Blue Lantern
cases and working to strengthen our bilateral defense trade
relationship with Guatemala.


3. The PM Bureau and the Department are grateful for the
efforts of Messrs. Hegerle and Blakeney, which have
demonstrably contributed to the security and integrity of
U.S. defense trade.
RICE