PROVIDING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO FRENCH

S E C R E T STATE 010941 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/05/2034 TAGS: PARM PREL ETTC MTCRE KSCA IR FR SUBJECT: PROVIDING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO FRENCH OFFICIALS ON FRENCH FIRM INVOLVED IN IRANIAN UAV ENGINE PROCUREMENT EFFORT (S) REF: A. 2008 STATE 134297 ¶B. WALLER - HERRMANN E-MAIL - JAN 7 ¶C. WALLER - HERRMANN E-MAIL - JAN 14 Classified By: ISN/MTR DIRECTOR PAM DURHAM FOR REASONS 1.4 (B), (D). ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 4. ¶2. (S) In late December 2008, we informed French officials that as of mid-November 2008, a procurement official affiliated with Iran's unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program was seeking German-origin engines via the French intermediary Technical Assistance and Financial Services SA (TAFS SA) (Ref A). We asked the GOF to investigate this information and to take measures to prevent French firms from acting as suppliers to Iranian entities of proliferation concern. Although French officials agreed to conduct an investigation, they also advised that they had no record of the TAFS SA, and requested additional identifying information on the firm (Refs B & C). ¶3. (S) Objectives: We want to provide the GOF with the address of TAFS SA, as well as more complete information on the identity of a TAFS SA representative. ¶4. (U) Action Request: Department requests Embassy Paris approach appropriate host government officials to deliver talking points in paragraph 5 and report response. Talking points can be left as a non-paper. ¶5. (S) Begin talking points/non-paper: (SECRET//REL FRANCE) -- The United States greatly appreciates France's leadership of and support for international efforts to advance nonproliferation. -- In the spirit of our nonproliferation partnership, we would like to follow-up with you on a matter of proliferation concern. -- In late December 2008 we informed you that in mid- November 2008, a foreign commercial manager for Iran's unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program expressed interest in acquiring German-origin Limbach L550E engines from the French firm Technical Assistance and Financial Services SA (TAFS SA). -- We encouraged you to investigate this information and to take measures to ensure that French-based firms were not acting as suppliers of sensitive items to Iranian entities of proliferation concern. -- In response, you advised us that you had no record of TAFS SA, and requested additional identifying information on the firm to facilitate your investigation. -- We now want to provide you with the following information: -- The address of Technical Assistance and Financial Services SA is: 1 Rue Jean Philippe Ramaneu, 78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France. The firm was previously located at 1, Rue Vivaldi; 78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France. -- The Iranian foreign commercial manager was likely dealing with TAFS SA representative Nosratollah (also known as Nosrat) Tofighi. -- We hope this information is helpful to your investigation of this matter, and look forward to learning of the results of your inquiries. -- We know France shares a similar strong commitment to nonproliferation and will take the necessary steps to prevent exports that could contribute to missile proliferation. ¶6. (U) Please contact ISN/MTR's John Paul Herrmann with any questions or follow-up related to this case (202-647-1430 - herrmannjp2@state.gov or herrmannjp@state.sgov.gov) and slug reporting on this issue for ISN/MTR, EUR/WE, and EUR/PRA. ¶7. (U) A Word version file of this document will be posted at www.state.sgov.gov/demarche. CLINTON