UNSCR 1874 DEMARCHE REQUEST

S E C R E T STATE 066749 E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/25/2019 TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM BM KN SUBJECT: UNSCR 1874 DEMARCHE REQUEST REF: A) RANGOON 387 B) STATE 65483 C) STATE 64133 D) THAILAND JUNE 26 O-I (NOTAL) Classified By: Scot A. Marciel, Acting A/S for East Asian Pacific Affairs. Reasons: 1.4(b) and (d) ¶1. (C) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 3 et seq. ¶2. (S/NF) Department remains concerned about the possibility that the North Korea vessel, Kang Nam 1, which we have information may be transporting arms-related material, will end up in Burma. We want to ensure that any inspection undertaken by the Burmese is credible. The Burmese also should see enlisting third party inspectors as in Burma,s interest. ¶3. (C) Embassy Rangoon is requested to convey the following points to the GOB: -- Express appreciation for Burmese messages of cooperation given to our Charge and DCM on implementing UNSCR 1874. -- We understand Burma does not believe that the Kang Nam 1 is on its way to Burma. -- We would appreciate any advance notice if in fact Burma's understanding of the situation changes. -- Moreover, if Burma's understanding of the situation changes and the Kang Nam 1 does travel to Burma, the United States would encourage Burma to involve a third party (government, non-governmental or commercial company) to observe and assist, as appropriate, with an inspection of the vessel and its cargo. -- We look forward to receiving any additional information that Burma has on this matter. If the United States receives information regarding this issue that could be useful to Burma, we will convey it to Burma. ¶4. (C) Other ASEAN posts are requested to convey the following to host governments: -- You may be aware of our concerns about Kang Nam 1, which has been described in the press as a North Korean ship heading towards Southeast Asia, possibly to Burma. -- We are contacting the Burmese to express appreciation for their statements offering cooperation on dealing with this ship, and urging them to consider including a third party (government, non-governmental or commercial company) in any possible inspection of the Kang Nam 1 and its cargo should it enter a Burmese port. -- We hope ASEAN governments would find an opportunity to express to the Burmese support for the idea of including a third party in any inspection. This idea is not directed against Burma in any way; rather, a Burmese decision to invite a third party to join the inspection would highlight Burma,s cooperation on this important issue. -- If the Kang Nam 1 should enter one of your ports, we would recommend you conduct an inspection according to your national laws. ¶5. (C) Seoul, New Delhi, and Beijing are requested to convey the following to host governments: -- You may be aware of our concerns about the Kang Nam 1, which has been described in the press as a North Korean ship heading towards Southeast Asia, possibly to Burma. -- We are contacting the Burmese to express appreciation for their statements offering cooperation on dealing with this ship, and urging them to consider including a third party (government, non-governmental or commercial company) in any possible inspection of the Kang Nam 1 and its cargo should it enter a Burmese port. -- We hope your government would find an opportunity to express to the Burmese support for the idea of including a third party in any inspection. This idea is not directed against Burma in any way; rather, a Burmese decision to invite a third party to join the inspection would highlight Burma,s cooperation on this important issue. ¶6. (C) For New Delhi and Beijing: -- If the Kang Nam 1 should enter one of your ports, we would recommend you conduct an inspection according to your national laws. ¶7. (C) Tokyo is requested to convey the following to the host government: -- You are well aware of our concerns about the Kang Nam 1, which the press has described as a North Korean ship heading towards Southeast Asia, possibly to Burma. -- We are contacting the Burmese to express appreciation for their statements offering cooperation on dealing with this ship, and urging them to consider including a third party (government, non-governmental or commercial company) in any possible inspection of the Kang Nam 1 and its cargo should it enter a Burmese port. -- As we previously informed you, we hope your government would find an opportunity to express to the Burmese support for the idea of including a third party, perhaps Japan, in any inspection. This idea is not directed against Burma in any way; rather, a Burmese decision to invite a third party to join the inspection would highlight Burma,s cooperation on this important issue. ¶8. (C) Additional Point for Embassy Bangkok: -- We would appreciate an update on Thai efforts to encourage an ASEAN statement expressing support for UNSCR ¶1874. ¶9. (C) For all posts: - We would be grateful if you could share with us the results of any conversations you have with the Government of Burma on this matter. CLINTON NNNN End Cable Text