BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: POST-SHIPMENT END-USE CHECK

UNCLAS STATE 043578 SENSITIVE SIPDIS BRUSSELS FOR RICHARD EASON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETTC KOMC BE SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: POST-SHIPMENT END-USE CHECK ON LICENSE 050117106 ¶1. (U) This is an Action Request. See paragraphs 2 - 4. ¶2. (U) The Department's Office of Defense Trade Controls Compliance (PM/DTCC) requests Post's assistance in conducting a post-shipment check on license 050117106 for the export of firearms and components to Belgium. Post is requested to complete this Blue Lantern check within 45 days. Lack of response to a Blue Lantern check will affect pending and future licenses involving parties to this license. ¶3. (SBU) Reason for Request: In addition to firearms and components, the purchase order from end-user Podevijn Eddy Wapenhandel also lists "booby traps," "unconventional warfare devices and techniques-incendiaries," "sniper training and employment," and "improvised munitions handbook." Though these items were not listed on the export license request and were not/not approved for export by the Department, their presence on the purchase order raises significant concern regarding the end-user and the ultimate end-use of the U.S. Munitions List items listed below. ¶4. (SBU) Action Request: Post is requested to establish the bona fides of end-user Podevijn Eddy Wapenhandel by making appropriate inquiries to representatives of the company and authorities of the Government of Belgium. Post is also requested to confirm that the U.S. Munitions List items were received and to determine the ultimate end-use of these items. Finally, Post is also request to inform the appropriate authorities within the Government of Belgium of the unusual request for defense articles and services listed on the purchase order. The following points are included for guidance: (To Podevijn Eddy Wapenhandel) --Who are the principles of your company? How long have you been in the business of selling defense articles and services? What goods and services does your company provide? Who are your regular customers and where do they reside? --Can you confirm the order of the firearms and components listed on this license application? What is the ultimate end-use for these firearms? --Can you explain the nature of the other items listed on the Purchase Order dated 06-06-2008? Was Century Arms able to provide these goods and services, as well? What use does your company have for "booby traps," "unconventional warfare devices and techniques-incendiaries," "sniper training and employment," and "improvised munitions handbook?" What customers generally purchase these good and services? What is the ultimate end-use for such good and services? --Are you familiar with the regulations governing the import of U.S.-origin defense articles, including restrictions on re-transfer or re-export? (To Government of Belgium) --Can you confirm the authenticity and legitimacy of the import authorizations for this transaction? --According to a purchase order obtained by the U.S. Department of State, Podevijn Eddy Wapenhandel appears to be seeking "booby traps," "unconventional warfare devices and techniques-incendiaries," "sniper training and employment," and a "improvised munitions handbook." Are these defense items and services available on the commercial market in Belgium? Would the Government of Belgium authorize the import of such articles and services? --Do you have any derogatory information on Podevijn Eddy Wapenhandel? In its reply, Post is encouraged to comment on any information pertinent to this transaction such as security of facilities, end-use, and concerns about the entities involved. ¶5. (U) Details of license applications: DTC Case: 050117106 QUANTITY/COMMODITY: 20 Russian Nagant 1895 Revolvers, 7.62x38R 2 Polish Flare Pistols, 26.5mm Caliber 5 Enfield #4 Bolt Action Rifles, .303 Caliber 10 Spanish Destroyer Rifles Magazines, 7 Rounds License Value: USD $2,161 SELLER: Century Arms, Inc. 236 Bryce Blvd. Fairfax, VT 05454 FOREIGN END-USER: Podevijn Eddy Wapenhandel Meerlaan 9A 9620 Zottegem Belgium Tel: 0032-(0)9 360 33 80 H.R.OUD.24528 BTW BE 649.127.966 KB 444-4656721-30 Per 000-1653452-87 PURPOSE: For commercial resale in Belgium ¶6. (U) Submitted in support of the license application were the following documents (PM/DTCC will fax documentation to Posts upon request): DSP-83 signed by George Samson (Century Arms) dated 08/05/2008 and Podevijn Eddy dated 06/06/2008 Import License No 2008/2/000470 issued by the Belgian-Luxembourgish Administration Committee signed by Koen Verlaeckt dated 05/21/2008 Import License No 2008/2/000472 issued by the Belgian-Luxembourgish Administration Committee signed by Koen Verlaeckt dated 05/21/2008 Import License No 2008/2/000474 issued by the Belgian-Luxembourgish Administration Committee signed by Koen Verlaeckt dated 05/21/2008 Import License No 2008/2/000475 issued by the Belgian-Luxembourgish Administration Committee signed by Koen Verlaeckt dated 05/21/2008 Purchase Order issued by Podevijn Eddy Wapenhandel dated 06/06/2008 signed by Podevijn Eddy ¶7. (U) Please slug reply for PM/DTCC - BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR and include the words "Blue Lantern" and the case number in the subject line. POC is Kyle M. Ballard, Phone: 202-663-1929; Email: BallardKM@state.gov; SIPRNET: BallardKM@state.sgov.gov. The Blue Lantern Guidebook (ref) is available as a PDF file in the Bunche Library's E-Book Collection on the DOS Intranet: http://virtuallibrary.state.gov/ BlueLanternGuidebook2006%2520 final .pdf ¶8. (U) Department is grateful for Post's assistance in this matter. CLINTON