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