(S) PSI: SHIPMENT OF JAPANESE ORIGIN MATERIALS

S E C R E T STATE 068507 E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/25/2033 TAGS: PARM PREL MNUC JA SY SUBJECT: (S) PSI: SHIPMENT OF JAPANESE ORIGIN MATERIALS WITH MISSILE APPLICATIONS TO SYRIA Classified By: ISN DAS Mary Alice Hayward, Reasons 1.4 (b),(c),and (d) -------------- ACTION REQUEST -------------- ¶1. (S) Post is requested to approach appropriate-level Japanese officials regarding a shipment of Japanese-origin toluene di isocyanate to Syria and encourage them to investigate and recall the shipment if appropriate. Post may draw from background, objectives, and talking points/non-paper below as appropriate. -------------- OBJECTIVES -------------- ¶2. (S//REL Japan): Post should encourage Japan, as a partner nation in the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI),to: -- Investigate this shipment to identify the end use and end user for this material, and -- Take all appropriate measures, including, if appropriate, recalling the cargo, to ensure that this is not going to a missile-related end-use in Syria. -------------- BACKGROUND -------------- ¶3. (S//REL Japan) The USG received information that the Japanese firm Mitsui and Co., LTD shipped a cargo of toluene di isocyanate (TDI) to Syria. The cargo was loaded aboard the M/V CAPE BRETT at Hakata, Japan for delivery to Latakia Syria. TDI has industrial uses, but also can be used as a cross-linker in solid rocket propellants. ¶4. (S//REL Japan) The cargo has trans-shipped, and is now aboard the Cypriot-flagged vessel M/V NORDSPRING, which is due to arrive in Latakia, Syria on June 30. -------------- TALKING POINTS/NON-PAPER -------------- ¶5. (S//REL Japan) Begin talking points/non-paper -- As partners in the Proliferation Security Initiative, we would like to share with you some information regarding a shipment of proliferation concern. -- We have information indicating that a Japanese firm, Mitsui and Co., Ltd., shipped toluene di isocyanate (TDI) to Syria. The cargo was loaded aboard the M/V CAPE BRETT at Hakata, Japan, for delivery to Latakia, Syria. Details regarding the shipment are as follows: -- COMMODITY DESCRIPTION: toluene di isocyanate cosmonate. -- SHIPPER: Mitsui and Co. LTD., B6J3-08-3054 -- CONSIGNEE: To order -- NOTIFY PARTY: Belal Al Sasa, Damascus, Syria, TEL: 0933012556 -- BILL OF LADING: JP8001761, issued by CMA CGM, dated 28 May 2008. -- MARKINGS: TDI (COSMONATE T-80) number 1-80, made in Japan. -- PORT OF LOADING: Hakata, freight paid at Tokyo -- PORT OF DISCHARGE: Latakia -- Our information indicates that the cargo has trans-shipped, and is now aboard the Cypriot-flagged vessel M/V NORDSPRING, operated by the CMA CGM shipping line. The vessel is scheduled to arrive in Latakia, Syria on June 30th. -- While toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is used primarily in the production of polyurethane foams, it can be used as a cross-linker in solid propellant binders like hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB). We are therefore concerned that this material could make a contribution to Syria's ballistic missile development efforts. -- Accordingly, we would like to request that you urgently investigate this shipment, and take all appropriate measures ) including, if appropriate, recalling the shipment ) to ensure that the TDI is not going to a missile-related end-use. -- We would also appreciate if you could share the results of your investigation with the United States as quickly as possible. Timely sharing of this information could allow us to assist you in determining if the end-user is proliferation-related or may allow us to approach other PSI partners regarding this shipment. END POINTS. -------------- REPORTING REQUIREMENT AND POC -------------- ¶6. (U) Please report delivery of demarche and any immediate response by June 27. ¶7. (U) Washington point of contact for follow-up information is Mark Felipe, (202) 647-5376, felipem2@state.sgov.gov. Please slug all responses for EAP, ISN, and T. Washington appreciates Post's assistance. RICE NNNN End Cable Text