Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BRUSSELS913
2009-07-02 12:52:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Brussels
Cable title:
OUTMODED BELGIAN HELICOPTERS RUMORED TO BE HEADED
how-toVZCZCXYZ0001 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHBS #0913 1831252 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 021252Z JUL 09 FM AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9151 INFO RUEHAN/AMEMBASSY ANTANANARIVO 0023 RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC
C O N F I D E N T I A L BRUSSELS 000913
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EUR/WE, AF/E, ISN AND PM
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/02/2019
TAGS: ETTC PREL PARM BE MA
SUBJECT: OUTMODED BELGIAN HELICOPTERS RUMORED TO BE HEADED
TO MADAGASCAR
Classified By: Acting Political Economic Counselor Robert Kiene, reason
1.4(b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L BRUSSELS 000913
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EUR/WE, AF/E, ISN AND PM
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/02/2019
TAGS: ETTC PREL PARM BE MA
SUBJECT: OUTMODED BELGIAN HELICOPTERS RUMORED TO BE HEADED
TO MADAGASCAR
Classified By: Acting Political Economic Counselor Robert Kiene, reason
1.4(b) and (d).
1. (U) This is an action request. See para 4.
2.(U) The Belgian press reported on July 2 that the Belgian
Ministry of Defense has received five bids from private
companies and European individuals to purchase 23 Alouette II
helicopters. The sales are consistent with the Belgian MOD's
intention to sell off outmoded military equipment to raise
funds both for operations and investment in new equipment.
Reportedly, at least one of the bidders has the intention of
selling the helicopters on to the government of Madagascar.
The press report emphasizes recent political problems in
Madagascar surrounding the deposing of Marc Ravalomanana.
3. (C) Normally, sales of military or dual use equipment are
subject to an export license requirement in Belgium. The
press reports quote an unnamed Ministry of Defense official
as saying that the helicopters are "demilitarized" and
therefore do not require an end use certificate. On July 2,
Poloff mentioned the press report to Filip De Clercq, an
official in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Department of
Non-proliferation and Export Controls. De Clercq said he had
not seen the report but would look into it.
4. (C) Action request: Post requests guidance as to whether
the potential of a sale of 23 somewhat dated helicopters to
Madagascar causes enough concern that Embassy should further
encourage a careful review of any proposed sale by the export
control authorities in the MFA.
BUSH
.
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EUR/WE, AF/E, ISN AND PM
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/02/2019
TAGS: ETTC PREL PARM BE MA
SUBJECT: OUTMODED BELGIAN HELICOPTERS RUMORED TO BE HEADED
TO MADAGASCAR
Classified By: Acting Political Economic Counselor Robert Kiene, reason
1.4(b) and (d).
1. (U) This is an action request. See para 4.
2.(U) The Belgian press reported on July 2 that the Belgian
Ministry of Defense has received five bids from private
companies and European individuals to purchase 23 Alouette II
helicopters. The sales are consistent with the Belgian MOD's
intention to sell off outmoded military equipment to raise
funds both for operations and investment in new equipment.
Reportedly, at least one of the bidders has the intention of
selling the helicopters on to the government of Madagascar.
The press report emphasizes recent political problems in
Madagascar surrounding the deposing of Marc Ravalomanana.
3. (C) Normally, sales of military or dual use equipment are
subject to an export license requirement in Belgium. The
press reports quote an unnamed Ministry of Defense official
as saying that the helicopters are "demilitarized" and
therefore do not require an end use certificate. On July 2,
Poloff mentioned the press report to Filip De Clercq, an
official in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Department of
Non-proliferation and Export Controls. De Clercq said he had
not seen the report but would look into it.
4. (C) Action request: Post requests guidance as to whether
the potential of a sale of 23 somewhat dated helicopters to
Madagascar causes enough concern that Embassy should further
encourage a careful review of any proposed sale by the export
control authorities in the MFA.
BUSH
.