IRANIAN BALLISTIC MISSILE PROGRAM'S INTEREST IN

S E C R E T STATE 067220


E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/23/2033
TAGS: MTCRE PARM PREL MNUC ETTC KSCA JA IR

SUBJECT: IRANIAN BALLISTIC MISSILE PROGRAM'S INTEREST IN
PROCURING JAPANESE-ORIGIN CARBON FIBERS

Classified By: ISN/MTR DIRECTOR PAM DURHAM FOR REASON 1.4 (C).


1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 3.


2. (S) Background/Objectives: We have information
indicating that in mid-December 2007, the Iranian firm Sazeh
Morakab Company Ltd. provided information on two types of
carbon fibers manufactured by the Japanese company Toray to
an entity affiliated with Iran's ballistic missile program.
Carbon fibers are required for the manufacture of the
composite material that can be used to produce ballistic
missile components such as solid rocket cases, re-entry
vehicle nose tips, propellant tanks, and rocket motor
nozzles. Although we have no information suggesting that
Toray is aware of the Iranian entities' interest in its
products, we want to bring this information to the attention
of GOJ officials. We want to alert them to the fact that
Sazeh Morakab appears to be working as an intermediary for
Iran's ballistic missile program and hope that this
information will be useful to the GOJ in its export control
efforts.


3. (U) Action Request: Request Embassy Tokyo approach
appropriate host government officials to deliver talking
points in paragraph 4 and report response. Points may also
be left as a non-paper.


4. (S) Begin talking points/non-paper:

(SECRET//REL JAPAN)

-- In the spirit of our nonproliferation cooperation, we
would like to raise with you a matter of proliferation
concern and request your assistance in investigating this
activity.

-- We have information indicating that in mid-December 2007,
the Iranian firm Sazeh Morakab Company Ltd. provided
information on two types of carbon fibers manufactured by the
Japanese company Toray to an entity affiliated with Iran's
ballistic missile program.

-- Specifically, we understand that Sazeh Morakab provided
specifications for high quality Toray T800HB-6000 and
T800HB-12000 carbon fibers to an entity affiliated with
Iran's ballistic missile program.

-- Carbon fibers are required for the manufacture of the
composite material that can be used to produce ballistic
missile components such as solid rocket cases, re-entry
vehicle nose tips, propellant tanks, and rocket motor nozzles.

-- While we have no information suggesting that Toray is
aware of the Iranian entities' interest in its products, we
wanted to alert you to the fact that Sazeh Morakab appears to
be working as an intermediary for Iran's ballistic missile
program and hope that this information is useful in
supporting your export control efforts.

-- We look forward to hearing back from you soon and to
continuing cooperation with your government on
nonproliferation matters.

End talking points/non-paper


5. (U) Please contact ISN/MTR's Sarah Beane with any
questions or follow-up issues related to this case
(202-647-4019 - beanesa@state.sgov.gov) and slug any
reporting on this issue for ISN/MTR and EAP/J.


6. (U) A word version of this document will be posted at
www.state.sgov.gov/demarche.
RICE


NNNN




End Cable Text