Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09KUWAIT1171
2009-12-15 11:33:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Kuwait
Cable title:
RESPONSE, BLUE LANTERN BONA FIDES CASE NO. K-0721
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHKU #1171 3491133 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 151133Z DEC 09 FM AMEMBASSY KUWAIT TO RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 4315
UNCLAS KUWAIT 001171
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
PM/DTCC
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETRD ETTC EIND EINT KU
SUBJECT: RESPONSE, BLUE LANTERN BONA FIDES CASE NO. K-0721
REF: STATE 9556
UNCLAS KUWAIT 001171
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
PM/DTCC
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETRD ETTC EIND EINT KU
SUBJECT: RESPONSE, BLUE LANTERN BONA FIDES CASE NO. K-0721
REF: STATE 9556
1. (SBU) Per reftel request, Econoff visited the Fouad M.T.
Al-Ghanim Establishment on December 10 and met with its
operations manager, Steven Mathews, to substantiate the
company's bona fides as a broker of USML items. Mathews is
doing business out of Continental Hotel, one of Fouad
Al-Ghanim's buildings. Mathews stated that Al-Ghanim
Establishment serves as an agent/broker for American
companies supporting U.S. efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Al-Ghanim Establishment was set up in the 1970s by its owner,
Fouad Al-Ghanim. Al-Ghanim Establishment employs up to 23
people and works primarily with Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
as an agent for Black Hawk helicopter purchases. Mathews
estimates Al-Ghanim Establishment's annual revenue is USD 75
million.
2. (U) Al-Ghanim Establishment counts the MoD, MoI and the
Amiri Guard as its government clients. Econoff later
confirmed Al-Ghanim Establishment's registration with the
Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
3. (U) Mathews said that his company does not market
U.S.-origin equipment outside of Kuwait, although he does
have clients in Saudi Arabia. Mathews indicated that he is
aware of U.S. Munitions List restrictions, including the
prohibition against unauthorized re-transfers and re-exports.
He also noted that Sikorsky requires all staff conduct
annual training transfer restrictions and the Foreign Corrupt
Practices Act. Mathews stated that his company occasionally
stores demonstration helicopters in a secure Shuweikh
warehouse under the supervision of the physical guards,
electronics and the Ministry of Interior.
4. (SBU) Post believes that Al-Ghanim Establishment is a
reputable broker for U.S. products.
********************************************* *********
For more reporting from Embassy Kuwait, visit:
visit Kuwait's Classified Website at:
http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Kuwa it
********************************************* *********
JONES
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
PM/DTCC
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETRD ETTC EIND EINT KU
SUBJECT: RESPONSE, BLUE LANTERN BONA FIDES CASE NO. K-0721
REF: STATE 9556
1. (SBU) Per reftel request, Econoff visited the Fouad M.T.
Al-Ghanim Establishment on December 10 and met with its
operations manager, Steven Mathews, to substantiate the
company's bona fides as a broker of USML items. Mathews is
doing business out of Continental Hotel, one of Fouad
Al-Ghanim's buildings. Mathews stated that Al-Ghanim
Establishment serves as an agent/broker for American
companies supporting U.S. efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Al-Ghanim Establishment was set up in the 1970s by its owner,
Fouad Al-Ghanim. Al-Ghanim Establishment employs up to 23
people and works primarily with Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
as an agent for Black Hawk helicopter purchases. Mathews
estimates Al-Ghanim Establishment's annual revenue is USD 75
million.
2. (U) Al-Ghanim Establishment counts the MoD, MoI and the
Amiri Guard as its government clients. Econoff later
confirmed Al-Ghanim Establishment's registration with the
Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
3. (U) Mathews said that his company does not market
U.S.-origin equipment outside of Kuwait, although he does
have clients in Saudi Arabia. Mathews indicated that he is
aware of U.S. Munitions List restrictions, including the
prohibition against unauthorized re-transfers and re-exports.
He also noted that Sikorsky requires all staff conduct
annual training transfer restrictions and the Foreign Corrupt
Practices Act. Mathews stated that his company occasionally
stores demonstration helicopters in a secure Shuweikh
warehouse under the supervision of the physical guards,
electronics and the Ministry of Interior.
4. (SBU) Post believes that Al-Ghanim Establishment is a
reputable broker for U.S. products.
********************************************* *********
For more reporting from Embassy Kuwait, visit:
visit Kuwait's Classified Website at:
http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Kuwa it
********************************************* *********
JONES