VZCZCXYZ0002
OO RUEHWEB
DE RUEHC #8237 2031904
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 211859Z JUL 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO AMEMBASSY LONDON IMMEDIATE 0000
UNCLAS STATE 078237
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KNNP MNUC PARM PREL UK
SUBJECT: ISN LETTERS OF THANKS TO UK PSI PRESENTERS
REF: STATE 023568
1. SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND: On May 29, 2008, the United
States hosted a Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI)
Outreach Workshop in Washington, attended by representatives
of 21 countries that have not yet endorsed the PSI, as well
as most of the 92 PSI participating states. The workshop
provided detailed information on the broad range of PSI
activities and tools that have been developed for training,
organizing for, and conducting interdictions of shipments of
proliferation concern.
2. Three UK officials had formal roles at the workshop.
Myles Hothersall, a senior lawyer in the Solicitor's Office
of HM Revenue and Customs, gave two presentations: on a
successful PSI prosecution case and on the legal aspects of
the PSI. John Andrews, Deputy for the Counter-Proliferation
Support Group, Ministry of Defence, moderated a panel on
current proliferation threats and challenges. Dr. Bryan
Wells, Director, Counter-Proliferation and Arms Control,
Ministry of Defence, gave a briefing on the role of the PSI
Operational Experts Group on short notice, because of the
unavailability of the scheduled Greek presenter. Copies of
presentations can be forwarded upon request.
3. ACTION REQUESTED: Embassy is requested to deliver under
appropriate cover the following letters from Acting Assistant
Secretary Patricia McNerney to Mr. Hothersall, Mr. Andrews,
and Dr. Wells, thanking them for their contributions to the
PSI Outreach Workshop. There will be no signed original.
4. Begin text of letter to Myles Hothersall, HMRC:
Dear Mr. Hothersall:
I would like to thank you for giving two presentations at the
May 29, 2008 Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Outreach
Workshop in Washington, DC, on "Operation Attitude" and on
the "Legal Aspects of the PSI." Your presentations made
important contributions to the Workshop.
I believe the Outreach Workshop was very successful both
because it informed states of the many ongoing PSI activities
and because it provided states with concrete ways to improve
their capabilities to stop WMD-related trafficking. The
United States greatly appreciates the significant role that
the UK plays in advancing the PSI's goals, including in
outreach. We believe that we must continue PSI outreach,
both to encourage more states to endorse the PSI and
encourage states that have already endorsed to participate
more actively. We look forward to continuing our work
together in support of the PSI.
Sincerely,
Patricia A. McNerney
Acting Assistant Secretary for International Security and
Nonproliferation,
Department of State
5. Begin text of letter to John Andrews, MOD:
Dear Mr. Andrews:
I would like to thank you for introducing and moderating the
panel on "Current Proliferation Threats and Challenges" at
the May 29, 2008 Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI)
Outreach Workshop in Washington, DC. The panel helped to
explain to attendees the methods being used by proliferators
and ways in which they can be countered.
I believe the Outreach Workshop was very successful both
because it informed states of the many ongoing PSI activities
and because it provided states with concrete ways to improve
their capabilities to stop WMD-related trafficking. The
United States greatly appreciates the significant role that
the UK plays in advancing the PSI's goals, including in
outreach. We believe that we must continue PSI outreach, both
to encourage more states to endorse the PSI and encourage
states that have already endorsed to participate more
actively. We look forward to continuing our work together in
support of the PSI.
Sincerely,
Patricia A. McNerney
Acting Assistant Secretary for International Security and
Nonproliferation,
Department of State
6. Begin text of letter to Bryan Wells, MOD:
Dear Dr. Wells:
I would like to thank you for giving the presentation on the
role of the Operational Experts Group (OEG) at the May 29,
2008 Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Outreach
Workshop in Washington, DC. I particularly appreciate your
willingness to step up to this responsibility on very short
notice. Your presentation made an important contribution to
the Workshop.
I believe the Outreach Workshop was very successful both
because it informed states of the many ongoing PSI activities
and because it provided states with concrete ways to improve
their capabilities to stop WMD-related trafficking. The
United States greatly appreciates the significant role that
the UK plays in advancing the PSI's goals, including in
outreach. We believe that we must continue PSI outreach,
both to encourage more states to endorse the PSI and
encourage states that have already endorsed to participate
more actively. We look forward to continuing our work
together in support of the PSI.
Sincerely,
Patricia A. McNerney
Acting Assistant Secretary for International Security and
Nonproliferation,
Department of State
7. POINTS OF CONTACT: Washington points of contact on the
PSI are Jane Purcell, e-mail: PurcelJa@state.gov,
202-647-6186; and Carlos Guzman, e-mail: GuzmanCS@state.gov,
202-647-6320. Department appreciates Post's assistance.
RICE