SHIPMENT OF NORTH KOREAN PARTS WITH MISSILE

S E C R E T STATE 044906 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/28/2033 TAGS: KNNP PARM PREL MNUC CH KN SY SUBJECT: SHIPMENT OF NORTH KOREAN PARTS WITH MISSILE APPLICATIONS FROM CHINA TO SYRIA (S) Classified By: ISN/CPI Director Philip A. Foley for Reasons 1.4 b, c, and d ¶1. (S) ACTION REQUEST: Post is requested to approach Chinese officials at an appropriate level regarding a cargo of North Korean electronic relays possibly trans-shipping through Chinese ports en route to Syria. Post may draw from objectives, background, and non-paper below as appropriate. -------------- OBJECTIVES -------------- ¶2. (S/REL China) Post should: -- Provide information below to Chinese officials regarding a cargo of electronic relays of North Korean origin with possible ballistic missile applications. -- Request that Chinese officials take steps to investigate and prevent this transfer. -- Request that Chinese officials share with us the results of their investigation. -- Note that, based on our understanding of the goods, the items may constitute spare parts or other related materiel of missiles or missile systems as defined for the purposes of the UN Register on Conventional Arms and, as such, would be captured by paragraph 8(a)(i) of United Nations Security Council resolution (UNSCR) 1718 (2006). If the items do meet this standard, paragraph 8(b) of UNSCR 1718, would require the DPRK to cease the export of such items and would require all UN Member States to prohibit the procurement of such items from the DPRK by their nationals or using their flag vessels or aircraft. -- In addition, in accordance with paragraph 8 (f) of UNSCR 1718, UN Member States are called upon to take, in accordance with their national authorities and legislation and consistent with international law, cooperative action, including through inspection of cargo to and from the DPRK, as necessary, to prevent illicit trafficking in nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons, their means of delivery, and related materials. -------------- BACKGROUND -------------- ¶3. (S/REL China) We have received information that a cargo of electronic relays with possible ballistic missile applications had been shipped to the port of Dalian, China from Nampo, DPRK, in February 2008. The material was then transported from Dalian to Ningbo, China, for delivery to Syria by the end of April 2008. The cargo in question consists of 8Eh18 and 8v6K electrical relays, which are used to transfer power from a SCUD missile's battery to various subsystems, and to arm the missile's warhead. It also contains chromium-nickel-titanium alloy steel, which can be used in Scud missile engines. -------------- NON-PAPER -------------- ¶4. (S/REL China) Begin non-paper: -- In the spirit of our nonproliferation cooperation, we would like to bring to your attention a shipment of materials with ballistic missile applications that is scheduled to depart from the Port of Ningbo to Syria. -- Our information indicates that these items were originally shipped to the port of Dalian from Nampo, DPRK, in February ¶2008. -- The material was then transported from Dalian to Ningbo, China, in early April. According to our information, the cargo is loaded into 20-foot container number CCLU3213085, with seal number 41068-G, under bill of lading number 8DLCLTK2G0359. -- Our information indicates that this container departed Dalian on April 1 on board the Liberian-flagged vessel M/V CSCL SEATTLE, and was off-loaded at Ningbo on April 5. The discharge port for this cargo was designated as Latakia, Syria. -- According to our information, the cargo in question consists of 8Eh18 and 8V6K electrical relays. These relays are used in SCUD missiles to distribute power from the missile's battery to the missile's various subsystems, and to arm the missile's warhead. The cargo also contains chromium-nickel-titanium alloy steel, which can be used in SCUD missile engines. -- These missile parts were originally shipped from North Korea and are capable of making a material contribution to Syria's ballistic missile program. Based on our understanding of the goods, the items may constitute spare parts or other related material of missiles or missile systems as defined for the purposes of the UN Register on Conventional Arms and, as such, they would be captured by paragraph 8(a)(i) of UNSCR 1718. -- If the items are captured under UNSCR 1718, paragraph 8(b) would require the DPRK to cease the export of such items and would require all UN Member States to prohibit the procurement of such items from the DPRK by their nationals or using their flag vessels or aircraft. -- Given the possibility that this container could depart imminently, we request that you urgently investigate this transfer and take steps to prevent this cargo from transiting onward to Syria. -- We look forward to hearing the results of your investigation. End non-paper. ¶5. (U) Washington point of contact for follow-up is Mark Felipe, 202-647-5376, felipem2@state.sgov.gov. ¶6. (U) Please slug all responses for ISN, T, and EAP. Washington appreciates Post's assistance. RICE NNNN End Cable Text