Cablegate: Blue Lantern Level 3: Pre-License End-Use Check On License 050137870

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DE RUEHC #3426 3571546
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R 221539Z DEC 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHMU/AMEMBASSY MANAGUA 0000
INFO RUETIAA/DIRNSA FT GEORGE G MEADE MD 0000
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC 0000
RHMCSUU/FBI WASHINGTON DC 0000
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHINGTON DC 0000

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 133426

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
MANAGUA FOR JESSE CURTIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/19/2018
TAGS: ETTC KOMC NU
SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: PRE-LICENSE END-USE CHECK ON LICENSE 050137870

REF: IIR 6 870 0006 04 OF MARCH 2002

Classified By: David C. Trimble, for reasons 1.4(a), (b), and (d)

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 license 050137870 for the export of
firearms to Nicaragua. 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. (C) Reason for Request: Intelligence reporting (REFTEL)
cites potential ties between Carlos Zamora, reported owner of
end-user El Cazador, and retired Major General Roberto
Calderon Meza, who has allegedly been involved with illicit
arms deals in the region. This request is to establish the
bona fides of El Cazador as a reliable recipient of the U.S.
Munitions List items listed below.

4. (U) Action Request: Post is requested to establish the
bona fides of end-user El Cazador by working with relevant
country team members and by making appropriate inquires to
representatives of the company and authorities of the
Government of Nicaragua. Post is specifically requested to
determine if any of the parties are involved in illicit
activity. In its reply, Post may also comment on any other
information pertinent to this transaction such as security of
facilities, end-use, and concerns about the entities involved.

5. (U) Details of license applications:

DTC Case: 050137870

QUANTITY/COMMODITY:

70 M&P 9 Pistols, 9mm

15 M&P40 Pistols, .40 Caliber

7 M&P45 Pistols, .45 Caliber

5 Model 64 Revolvers, .38 Caliber

5 Model 67 Pistols, .38 Caliber

5 Model 442 Revolvers, .38 Caliber

5 Model 60 Revolvers, .38 Caliber

5 Model 640 Revolvers, .357 Caliber

46 Model 686 Revolvers, .357 Caliber

3 Model 351 Revolvers, .22 Caliber

50 Pistol Magazines

License Value: USD $68,436
SELLER:

Smith and Wesson Holding Corp
2100 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104

FOREIGN END-USER:

El Cazador S.A.
Iglesia El Calvario 2C Al Norte 1/2 C AL Este
Managua, Nicaragua
Tel: (505) 250-5783

PURPOSE:

For commercial resale in Nicaragua

6. (U) Submitted in support of the license application were
the following documents (PM/DTCC will fax documentation to
Posts upon request):

DSP-83 signed by Carlos Melendez dated 11/20/2008 and Helene
L. Piquette dated 12/17/2008

Certificado No. D-MGA-083/2008 issued by the Polica Nacional
signed by Mirna Fabri Medrano dated 11/14/2008

Certificado No. D-MGA-086/2008 issued by the Polica Nacional
signed by Mirna Fabri Medrano dated 11/14/2008

Purchase Order No. EC080-0005 from El Cazador signed by
Carlos Melendez dated 11/04/2008

Purchase Order No. EC080-0006 from El Cazador signed by
Carlos Melendez dated 11/15/2008

7. (U) Please slug reply for PM/DTCC - BLUE LANTERN
COORDINATOR and include the words "Blue Lantern" and the case
number in the subject line. POC is Kyle M. Ballard, Phone:
202-663-1929; Email: BallardKM@state.gov; SIPRNET:
BallardKM@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://virtuallibrary.state.gov/
BlueLanternGuidebook2006%2520 final .pdf

8. (U) Department is grateful for Post's assistance in this
matter.

RICE

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