RECOGNITION OF EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE ON BLUE

UNCLAS STATE 044871 SIPDIS SIPDIS TOKYO FOR AMBASSADOR J. THOMAS SCHIEFFER FROM ACTING PM A/S AMB STEPHEN MULL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC ETTC KOMC JA SUBJECT: RECOGNITION OF EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE ON BLUE LANTERN END-USE CHECKS: CHARLOTTE CROUCH ¶1. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the outstanding performance of economic officer Charlotte Crouch 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 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. Crouch not only conducted eight Blue Lantern checks in a thorough, professional, and timely manner, she also offered valuable insights into the Japanese defense industry and leads on Japanese police investigations into local trading companies involved in export control violations. Ms. Crouch achieved results despite several significant obstacles, including challenges posed by the Ministry of Defense. She also diligently provided much-appreciated interim updates via email on the status of pending cases. ¶3. The PM Bureau and the Department are grateful for the efforts of Ms. Crouch, which have demonstrably contributed to the security and integrity of U.S. defense trade. RICE