Cablegate: Blue Lantern Check: Application 050046015

VZCZCXYZ0015
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHVB #0753 2221120
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 101120Z AUG 07
FM AMEMBASSY ZAGREB
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8014
INFO RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
RHMFIUU/FBI WASHDC
RUEPINS/HQ BICE INTEL WASHINGTON DC
RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHDC

UNCLAS ZAGREB 000753

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR PM/DTTC - BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR, EUR/SCE -
BALIAN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETTC KOMC HR NON PROLIFERATION
SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN CHECK: APPLICATION 050046015

REF: STATE 97922

1. (U) PolOff has confirmed with Post Office of Defense
Cooperation (ODC) Chief that assault rifles and grenade
launchers in application are part of legitimate testing
program of Croatian MOD. In fact, ODC facilitated temporary
import of four M4 rifles for testing in October 2006, but
manufacturer (Colt) pulled weapons back in January 2007 after
one extension of export license before Croatian military
completed testing, advising MOD to purchase weapons for
further trials. MOD then initiated procurement of M4s and
additional models through Agencija Alan and Post ODC. ODC
and Post support license approval to allow completion of
testing program.

2. (SBU) Agencija Alan is the primary agency for military
procurement in Croatia. Under Agency's current leadership,
they have proven to be extremely forthcoming with Post,
sharing information on all foreign purchases and sales.
BRADTKE

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