SYRIA SEEKING GERMAN LASER CUTTING MACHINE (S)

S E C R E T STATE 083166 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/11/2034 TAGS: MTCRE PARM PREL ETTC MNUC TSPA SY GM SUBJECT: SYRIA SEEKING GERMAN LASER CUTTING MACHINE (S) Classified By: ISN/MTR DIRECTOR PAM DURHAM FOR REASONS 1.4 (B),(C),AND (D). ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Embassy Berlin please see paragraph 3. ¶2. (S) Background and Objectives: We want to share with the German government information indicating that in early 2009, Syria sought a laser cutting machine manufactured by the German firm Trumpf Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH Co KG. Although not controlled by the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR),this machine would be useful to a missile program due to its ability to precisely cut metal sheets without compromising the integrity and strength of the resulting pieces. We want to urge German authorities to investigate this activity and take measures to prevent Trumpf from acting as an unwitting supplier to Syrian programs of proliferation concern. ¶3. (U) Action Request: Request Embassy Berlin approach appropriate German government officials to deliver talking points/non-paper in paragraph 4 below and report response. Talking points also may be provided as a non-paper. ¶4. (S) Begin talking points/non-paper: (SECRET//REL GERMANY) -- We would like to alert you to information of potential proliferation concern and request your assistance in investigating this activity. -- The United States has information that during the first part of 2009, Syria may have attempted to acquire a laser cutting machine from the German firm Trumpf Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH Co KG. -- We are bringing this information to your attention to inform your export control efforts and because we are concerned that this equipment could be intended to support Syria's indigenous ballistic missile development efforts. -- While not controlled by the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR),this type of equipment would be useful to a missile program due to its ability to precisely cut metal sheets - such as those used in the aeroshells of ballistic missiles - without compromising the integrity or strength of the resulting pieces. -- We urge you to investigate this activity and take all appropriate measures to ensure that Trumpf is not acting - even unwittingly - as a supplier to Syrian entities of proliferation concern. -- We will provide additional information on this activity as it becomes available to us. -- We look forward to future cooperation on nonproliferation issues and to hearing of any action your government takes in response to this information. End talking points/nonpaper. ¶5. (U) Please contact ISN/MTR's John Paul Herrmann with any questions or follow-up issues related to this case (202-647-1430 - herrmannjp@state.sgov.gov) and slug any reporting on this issue for ISN/MTR, EUR/PRA and EUR/CE. ¶6. (U) A word version of this document will be posted at www.state.sgov.gov/demarche. CLINTON