NORTH KOREAN FIRM,S EFFORTS TO PROCURE

1. (U) This is an action request. Embassy Tokyo, please see
paragraph 3.



2. (S) Background/Objectives: We have information that as
of April 2008, a North Korean weapons trading firm was
working to procure a variety of electronics from Japan's
Secolo Corporation for an end-user in Syria. The requested
electronics include rotary encoders, which are not controlled
by the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), but could be
incorporated into guidance, navigation, and control hardware
used to support a missile during flight. We believe that
these electronics may be intended to support North Korea's
missile development projects in Syria. Our information also
indicates that the North Korean weapons trading firm may be
seeking this equipment on behalf of the Scientific Studies
and Research Center (SSRC), the organization responsible for
overseeing Syria's missile program. We want to raise this
matter with GOJ authorities and urge them to investigate this
information and take appropriate measure to prevent entities
in Japan from acting as a source of supply to missile-related
proje
cts in Syria.



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



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

(SECRET//REL JAPAN)

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

-- The U.S. has information that as of April 2008, a North
Korean weapons trading firm was working to procure a variety
of electronics from Japan's Secolo Corporation for an
end-user in Syria.

-- We believe that the electronics sought by the North Korean
firm may be intended to support North Korea's missile
development projects in Syria.

-- The electronics being requested from Secolo Corporation
include RAW1-G4096-05 rotary encoders, which, although not
controlled by the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR),
could be incorporated into guidance, navigation, and control
hardware used to support a missile during flight.

-- Our information indicates that the North Korean weapons
trading firm may be seeking this equipment on behalf of the
Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC), which is the
organization responsible for overseeing Syria's missile
program.

-- We hope you will investigate this information and use all
appropriate measures to prevent entities in Japan from acting
as a source of supply to missile-related projects in Syria.

-- We look forward to continued cooperation with your
government on nonproliferation matters and to hearing the
results of your inquiries at the earliest possible time.

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