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