RECOGNITION OF EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE ON BLUE

UNCLAS STATE 044862 SIPDIS SIPDIS OTTOWA FOR AMBASSADOR DAVID H. WILKINS FROM ACTING PM A/S AMB STEPHEN MULL TORONTO FOR CONSUL GENERAL JOHN NAY FROM ACTING PM A/S AMB STEPHEN MULL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC ETTC KOMC CA SUBJECT: RECOGNITION OF EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE ON BLUE LANTERN CHECKS: MERRIGAN, PLEDGE AND HOLLIDAY-SKLAR REF: A. 07 STATE 43692 ¶B. TORONTO 108 ¶1. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the outstanding performance of economic officer Robert Merrigan, consular officer Molly Pledge, and political/economic officer Sherri Holliday-Sklar for their timely and thorough investigation of Blue Lantern cases. As you know, the Blue Lantern program 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. For a second year in a row (ref A),the Mission to Canada has distinguished itself as a model of collaboration among personnel spread across a very large country. This year, ConGen Toronto deserves special recognition. Mss. Pledge and Holliday-Sklar expertly conducted and reported on at least three end-use checks, including one that was quite complex and time-consuming (ref B). Mr. Merrigan extended his track record of diligence, thoroughness, and professionalism in efficiently either conducting or coordinating at least ten high-quality checks. ¶3. The PM Bureau and the Department are grateful for the efforts of Mr. Merrigan and Mss. Pledge and Holliday-Sklar, which have demonstrably contributed to the security and integrity of U.S. defense trade. RICE