INDEPENDENT NEWS

Cablegate: Recognition of Exemplary Performance On Blue

Published: Mon 28 Apr 2008 09:09 PM
VZCZCXRO0104
RR RUEHGA RUEHHA RUEHQU RUEHVC
DE RUEHC #4862 1192129
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 282123Z APR 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHOT/AMEMBASSY OTTAWA 0521
RUEHON/AMCONSUL TORONTO 6313
INFO RUEHGA/AMCONSUL CALGARY 2259
RUEHHA/AMCONSUL HALIFAX 1441
RUEHMT/AMCONSUL MONTREAL 6710
RUEHQU/AMCONSUL QUEBEC 0676
RUEHVC/AMCONSUL VANCOUVER 0788
UNCLAS STATE 044862
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
OTTOWA FOR AMBASSADOR DAVID H. WILKINS FROM ACTING PM A/S AMB
STEPHEN MULL
TORONTO FOR CONSUL GENERAL JOHN NAY FROM ACTING PM A/S AMB STEPHEN
MULL
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPDC ETTC KOMC CA
SUBJECT: RECOGNITION OF EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE ON BLUE
LANTERN CHECKS: MERRIGAN, PLEDGE AND HOLLIDAY-SKLAR
REF: A. 07 STATE 43692
B. TORONTO 108
1. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the
outstanding performance of economic officer Robert Merrigan,
consular officer Molly Pledge, and political/economic officer
Sherri Holliday-Sklar for their timely and thorough
investigation of Blue Lantern cases. As you know, the Blue
Lantern program is the Department's primary instrument for
monitoring the end-use of exported defense articles,
technology, and services. This program is indispensable to
PM's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls in making informed
licensing decisions, discovering illicit supply networks, and
deterring diversions of U.S. military articles and technology.
2. For a second year in a row (ref A), the Mission to Canada
has distinguished itself as a model of collaboration among
personnel spread across a very large country. This year,
ConGen Toronto deserves special recognition. Mss. Pledge and
Holliday-Sklar expertly conducted and reported on at least
three end-use checks, including one that was quite complex
and time-consuming (ref B). Mr. Merrigan extended his track
record of diligence, thoroughness, and professionalism in
efficiently either conducting or coordinating at least ten
high-quality checks.
3. The PM Bureau and the Department are grateful for the
efforts of Mr. Merrigan and Mss. Pledge and Holliday-Sklar,
which have demonstrably contributed to the security and
integrity of U.S. defense trade.
RICE
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