VZCZCXYZ0004
PP RUEHWEB
DE RUEHSG #0163 0511626
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 201626Z FEB 08
FM AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2805
INFO RUEHQT/AMEMBASSY QUITO 1813
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC
UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000163
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR WHA/BSC, PM
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETTC KOMC CI
SUBJECT: CHILEAN NAVY REQUESTS PERMISSION TO TRANSFER
U.S.-ORIGIN MILITARY EQUIPMENT TO ECUADOR
1. This is an action request. See paragraph 4.
2. On February 13, Post received a letter dated February 8,
from Chilean Acting CNO Vice Admiral Mariano Sarratea to the
Ambassador requesting USG authorization to transfer
U.S.-origin equipment to Ecuador. Paragraph three contains
Post's informal translation of the letter.
3. Begin text:
Dear Mr. Ambassador:
The Chilean Navy, as authorized by the Government of Chile,
is negotiating with the Republic of Ecuador the transfer of
two Leander Class Units, Ex PFG Lynch and Ex PFG Condell,
which were retired from service on June 1, 2007 and December
11, 2007, respectively. The Ministers of Defense of Chile
and Ecuador have already signed a Letter of Intent to proceed
with the above-mentioned negotiation.
The indicated units will be transferred to Ecuador in working
condition and with the equipment and systems that permit them
to operate as combat units.
In order to complete the transaction, the Chilean Navy will
comply with all of the legal norms, obtaining the
corresponding authorization from the manufacturers of some of
the equipment and systems aboard the units, which were
acquired with "End-user" certification.
The following equipment on board these units has "End-user"
certification from the United States:
-- FLIR, Multiple sensor airborne and maritime thermal
imaging systems, element: camera, manufactured by FLIR
Systems.
-- XENON, XENON projector, element: projector, manufactured
by American Matrix Corp.
-- FCR-M2221W, TWT, element: TWT, manufactured by CPI.
With the information provided above and in an effort to
transfer these units as soon as possible, I kindly ask that
the U.S. process the authorizations necessary to allow this
sale to go forward. The "End-user" authorization would
transfer to Ecuador and is to be established upon signing of
the contract.
I also kindly request that a (USG) point of contact be
provided so that the Navy of Ecuador can sign an "End-user"
certificate.
I avail of this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of
my highest and most distinguished consideration and esteem.
Sincerely,
Mariano Sarratea Saint-Lawrence
Vice Admiral
Acting CNO
4. Action request: Post requests guidance to use in
responding to Vice Admiral Sarratea's request.
URBAN