RECOGNITION OF EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE ON BLUE

UNCLAS STATE 044864 SIPDIS SIPDIS JAKARTA FOR AMBASSADOR CAMERON R. HUME FROM ACTING PM A/S AMB STEPHEN MULL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC ETTC KOMC ID SUBJECT: RECOGNITION OF EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE ON BLUE LANTERN END-USE CHECKS: YVONNE GONZALES ¶1. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the outstanding performance of economic officer Yvonne Gonzales for her 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 (PM/DDTC) in making informed licensing decisions, discovering illicit supply networks, and deterring diversions of U.S. military articles and technology. ¶2. Since the beginning of FY2008, Ms. Gonzales has managed 12 Blue Lantern cases, many of them complex and requiring considerable effort to complete. Ms. Gonzales not only handled this heavy case load with aplomb, she also provided important insights into local procurement systems, most importantly the requirement for an Indonesian firm to act as supplier and intermediary for all MOD purchases. This information led to the discovery of the involvement in proposed transactions of several Indonesian firms that were not listed on license applications. Ms. Gonzales' diligence, thoroughness, and professionalism helped PM/DDTC to make more informed licensing decisions. ¶3. The PM Bureau and the Department are grateful for the efforts of Ms. Gonzales, which have demonstrably contributed to the security and integrity of U.S. defense trade. RICE