Cablegate: Blue Lantern Level 3: Pre-License End-Use Check

VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #7843 1511321
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 301312Z MAY 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHBO/AMEMBASSY BOGOTA 6258
INFO RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC 3361
RHMCSUU/FBI WASHINGTON DC 9773
RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHINGTON DC 4126
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
RUEPINS/HQ BICE INTEL WASHINGTON DC

UNCLAS STATE 057843

SIPDIS
BOGOTA FOR ARI NATHAN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETTC KOMC CO
SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: PRE-LICENSE END-USE CHECK
ON APPLICATION 050105372

REF: 2006 BLUE LANTERN GUIDEBOOK

1. (U) This is an Action Request. See paragraphs 2-4.

2. (U) The Department's Office of Defense Trade Controls
Compliance (PM/DTCC) requests post's assistance in conducting
a pre-license check on application 050105372 for the export
of C-130 spare parts to Colombia. Post is requested to
complete this Blue Lantern check within 30 days. Lack of
response to a Blue Lantern check will affect pending and
future licenses involving parties to this license.

3. (SBU) Reason for request: Law enforcement concerns about
the legitimacy and business activities of Higher Source
Aviation (HSA), U.S. applicant.

4. (SBU) ACTION: Embassy is requested to make inquiries with
appropriate host government officials to determine if the
Colombian Air Force (CAF) has ordered the C-130 parts from
HSA and plans to use the items for the purpose stated on the
license. Colombian Air Force POC is Armin Oswaldo Gomez
Guzman, Subdirector Acquisitions, reference letter of intent
# MDFAC-JOL-ACOFA-ACOAD-45 dated May 9, 2008. The following
questions are offered as suggested guidance with the CAF:

- Can the CAF explain the background of its relationship to
HSA? Is anyone familiar with Tom or Ken Kane?

- What factors led the CAF to choose to order parts from HSA
over other providors?

- Are any additional Colombian foreign consignees or freight
forwarders active in this transaction?

END ACTION.

5. (U) Details of license application:

DTC Case: 050105372

QUANTITY/COMMODITY:

Lots aircraft spare parts miscellaneous

License Value: USD 5,000,000

SELLER:

Higher Source Aviation
908 Upward Road
Flat Rock, NC 28731

FOREIGN CONSIGNEE:

Colombian Air Force Purchasing Agency
Base Area "Catam-Bogota Colombia" Aeropuerto Eldorado
Bogota, CO

FOREIGN END-USER:

Colombian Air Force Purchasing Agency
Base Area "Catam-Bogota Colombia" Aeropuerto Eldorado
Bogota, CO

PURPOSE:

For maintenance needs of C-130 aircraft owned and operated by
the Colombian Air Force

6. (U) Please slug reply for PM/DTCC - BLUE LANTERN
COORDINATOR and include the words "Blue Lantern" and the case
number in the subject line. PM/DDTC can fax license
documentation to post upon request. POC is Tim Watkins,
Phone: 202-663-2814; Email: WatkinsTR@state.gov; SIPRNET:
WatkinsTR@state.sgov.gov. The Blue Lantern Guidebook (ref)
is available as a PDF file in the Bunche Library's E-Book
Collection on the DOS Intranet:
http://buncheelectroniclibrary.state.gov/eboo ks/
BlueLanternGuidebook2006%20 final .pdf

7. (U) Department is grateful for post's assistance in this
matter.
RICE

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