NORTH KOREAN FIRM,S EFFORTS TO PROCURE

S E C R E T STATE 069979 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/18/2033 TAGS: MTCRE PARM PREL MNUC ETTC KSCA JA SY KN SUBJECT: NORTH KOREAN FIRM,S EFFORTS TO PROCURE ELECTRONICS FROM A JAPANESE FIRM (S) Classified By: ISN/MTR DIRECTOR PAM DURHAM, REASON: 1.4 (C). ¶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