BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: POST-LICENSE/PRE-SHIPMENT

UNCLAS STATE 069718

SIPDIS
BERN FOR RICHARD RORVIG
BERN FOR CHRIS BUCK

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETTC KOMC SZ
SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: POST-LICENSE/PRE-SHIPMENT
END-USE CHECK ON LICENSE 050170718


1. This is an Action Request. See paragraphs 2 - 4.


2. The Department's Office of Defense Trade Controls
Compliance (PM/DTCC) requests Post's assistance in conducting
a post-license/pre-shipment check on license 050170718 for
the export of firearms components to Switzerland. 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. Reason for Request: Astra Arms S.A. is importing
components for the AR15 rifle but has no license history of
importing AR15s. This request is to determine if the company
is manufacturing AR15 rifles and, if so, whether the finished
product is being sold outside of Switzerland.


4. Action Request: Post is requested to establish the bona
fides of Astra Arms S.A. by making inquiries to
representatives of the company and appropriate local
authorities. Post is also requested to determine if the
company is manufacturing AR15 rifles and where these defense
articles are being sold. The following points are included
for guidance:

(To Astra Arms S.A.)

--When was your company established and who are its
principals?

--What products and services does your company provide? Who
are your regular customers and where do they reside?

--What are your annual sales of U.S.-origin firearms and
components?

--For what will these AR15 components be used? Do you
manufacture AR15 rifles? If so, where do you market these
rifles? Where are they sold? What is the model nomenclature
used by your company for these rifles? Do you export any
rifles that contain U.S. components?

--Do you have any manufacturing or distribution agreements
with other firearms manufacturers?

--Are you familiar with the regulations governing the import
of U.S.-origin defense articles, including restrictions on
re-transfer or re-export?

(To Swiss Authorities)

--Is Astra Arms S.A. properly authorized to import and sell
defense articles in Switzerland? Is Astra Arms S.A.
authorized to export firearms from Switzerland?

--Do you have any information on Astra Arms S.A. that would
question their reliability as a recipient of U.S. defense
articles?

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. Details of license applications:

DTC Case: 050170718

QUANTITY/COMMODITY:

3 JAE Custom Rifle Stocks, JAE-100

Several Magpul AR15 Components (e.g. Sights, Hand Guards,
Buttpads, etc)

Wilson AR15 components (Sights and Extractor Assys)

ARM AR15 Components (Sights, Scope Mounts, and Throw Lever
Adapters)

License Value: USD $15,456

SELLER:

Worldwide Sports Network, Inc
81A Noblestown Road
Carnegie, PA 15106

FOREIGN END-USER:

Astra Arms S.A.
Route de la Drague 35
Sion CH-1950
Switzerland

and/or

Case Postale 103
1951 Sion
Switzerland

Tel: 41 027.322.37.06
Email: astra@astra-arms.ch

PURPOSE:

For commercial resale in Switzerland


6. Submitted in support of the license application were the
following documents (PM/DTCC will fax documentation to Posts
upon request):

Official Confirmation issued by Bundesamt fur Polizel fedpol
citing Import Authorization No. 708153 stamped/dated 11 Oct
2008

Import Authorization No. 708153 issued by Bundesamt fur
Polizel fedpol stamped/dated 11 Oct 2008

Purchase Order issued by Astra Arms signed by Massimo
Garbarino


7. 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 on Intellipedia:
http://www.intelink.gov/wiki/
Blue Lantern End-Use Monitoring Program


8. Department is grateful for Post's assistance in this
matter.
CLINTON