DELIVERED DEMARCHE OF REQUEST FOR M113 ARMORED

S E C R E T TUNIS 001082 SIPDIS FOR PM/RSAT (DANIELEWSKI),NEA/ARP (MACDONALD),NEA/MAG (MNARDI, VSTEWART) E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/08/2018 TAGS: PREL SA TS SUBJECT: DELIVERED DEMARCHE OF REQUEST FOR M113 ARMORED VEHICLES REF: STATE 105349 Classified By: Ambassador Robert F. Godec for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (S) Summary: We have delivered via diplomatic note the demarche requesting the GOT to consider transferring some of its M113 armored personnel vehicles (APC) to Yemen. We do not anticipate a positive response as the GOT is already stretched to secure its own difficult borders. The Ambassador will raise the issue personally with appropriate officials. We recommend, in order to increase the possibility of a positive response, that the Government of Yemen make a direct request of its own to the GOT. End Summary. ¶2. (U) A diplomatic note requesting the GOT to consider transferring some of its M113 armored personnel carriers (APC) to Yemen was delivered 8 October to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ambassador will also raise the question personally with the Minister and or other appropriate senior officials in his next meetings. ¶3. (S) We do not anticipate a quick or positive response from the GOT on this request. This is the type of request that the GOT would take considerable time to consider (weeks if not months). ¶4. (S) Our latest information indicates that the Tunisians have approximately 143 M113s and 100-110 Fiat/OTO Melaras. Maintenance is problematic due to cost and spare parts. With three Mechanized Infantry Brigades and a Territorial Group covering a 1,400 km border, the likelihood of Tunisia giving up operational equipment when it has repeatedly requested more equipment from us is minimal. ¶5. (S) Recommendation: We believe that the request may have a greater chance of success if our demarche is followed by a direct request from the Government of Yemen to the GOT. GODEC