(C) GERMAN REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON A PENDING

C O N F I D E N T I A L BERLIN 001114 SIPDIS STATE FOR EUR/CE PETER SCHROEDER STATE FOR ISN/MTR E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/10/2034 TAGS: MTCRE PARM PREL MNUC ETTC KSCA IN GM SUBJECT: (C) GERMAN REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON A PENDING EXPORT TO INDIA OF PROLIFERATION CONCERN Classified By: Global Affairs Unit Chief Don L. Brown for reasons 1.4 (a) and (b). ¶1. (U) THIS IS AN ACTION REQUEST. PLEASE SEE PARA 4. ¶2. (C) On September 9, the German MFA Export Control Office (Division 412) provided EconOff with a German-language non-paper requesting information from the USG by September 18 regarding a pending German export of a low-pressure casting machine to India. (COMMENT: The name of the German firm exporting the low-pressure casting machine was not given. END COMMENT) The non-paper asserts that the Indian firm, Hindustan Aeronautics, Foundry & Forge Division, is ordering a casting machine from Germany to produce cast aluminum parts for Boeing aircraft on behalf of Hamilton Sundstrand of Rockford, Illinois. Germany is concerned that Hindustan Aeronautics could use the casting machine for proliferation purposes and is requesting information from the USG about the end-user and the nature/volume of the contract. ¶3. (C) Begin text of informal Embassy translation of German-language non-paper: In the spirit of our partnership in connection with the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and other export control affairs, we would like to consult with the USG on the following information: A German firm plans to export a low-pressure casting machine (for sand molds) to India. The named end-user is Hindustan Aeronautics, Foundry & Forge Division located in Bangalore, India and the noted end-use is the casting of aluminum parts for the aerospace industry. Specifically, the cast aluminum parts are to be used for civilian aircraft (among others, Boeing 737 and 747). According to information in the contract, these parts are to be manufactured on behalf of the US firm Hamilton Sundstrand. The end-user is also known to us as a developer and manufacturer for Indian weapons delivery systems. Although the low-pressure casting machine is not included in the MTCR Annex, the machine is also suitable for use in proliferation. We would be grateful to the USG for confirmation that the Indian end-user is indeed producing Boeing aircraft parts on behalf of Hamilton Sundstrand. It would be very helpful to our decision making process if the USG could share information regarding and the volume this purchase order comprises as well as any information about the end-user. The German firm is pressing Germany export control authorities for a decision on this pending order request, and we would be thankful for a response by September 18. We look forward to our continued excellent cooperation in the matters of non-proliferation and export control. End text of informal Embassy translation. ¶4. (SBU) ACTION REQUEST: Post requests Department guidance in responding to the request posed in paragraph 3. Murphy