BLUE LANTERN: BROKER INQUIRY K-1505

UNCLAS CANBERRA 000991 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR PM/DTCC JOUBERT-LINEEB AND EAP/ANP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETTC KOMC AS SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN: BROKER INQUIRY K-1505 REF: SECSTATE 93579, ATKINSON-ARNETT EMAILS 2007 ¶1. (SBU) U.S. Embassy Political/Economic Office spoke with RICHARD FRANCIS, managing director of NIOA DEFENCE PTY LTD by phone on October 30, 2009. NIOA was reviewed in depth by the Department in October-November 2007 and, following a temporary suspension of export licenses, resumed importing firearms under approved licenses in early 2008. As part of that review, Sydney Pol-Econ officer visited the Brisbane location and met with company officials. The company submitted documentation on business practices and security to the Department at that time. Francis confirmed on October 30 that the company continues to import USML items, mainly firearms and firearm equipment for customers in the Australian military, law enforcement, and civil markets. Francis said the company has been audited for security by the ADOD and has received certification as a secure weapons storage facility under the DISP program. They have no offshore clients, and represent GD, BAE Systems, and Alliant Techsystems in Australia.