Cablegate: (S) French Firm Selling Infrared Detectors To

VZCZCXYZ0030
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #6222 2591534
ZNY SSSSS ZZH
O P 161515Z SEP 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS IMMEDIATE 0000
INFO RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING PRIORITY 0000

S E C R E T STATE 096222

NOFORN
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/04/2034
TAGS: ETTC MARR MCAP MOPS PARM PINR PREL PTER MASS FR CH IR
SUBJECT: (S) FRENCH FIRM SELLING INFRARED DETECTORS TO
CHINA

Classified By: EUR/PRA Acting Deputy Director Matthew Hardiman
for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

1. (U) This is an action request to Embassy Paris. Please
deliver the points in paragraph 4 as soon as possible. These
points may be left as a non-paper.

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SUMMARY
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2. (S/NF) We have information the French firm Sofradir and
its subsidiary Ulis continue to sell cooled and uncooled
infrared detectors to a Chinese firm for incorporation into
thermal imaging systems. We believe the Chinese firm,
Zhejiang Dali Technology Company Ltd, is actively selling its
thermal imaging systems to Iranian defense entities. Iranian
military access to Chinese thermal imaging systems that rely
on high-grade French infrared detectors could increase the
threat to US and allied forces operating in the Gulf region.
We want to request the Government of France to act
immediately to terminate this activity by Sofradir and Ulis
so China cannot use French components to manufacture weapons
systems and sell them to Iran, a state sponsor of terrorism.

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ACTION REQUEST/OBJECTIVES
-------------------------

3. (S/NF) Post is requested to approach appropriate host
government officials as soon as possible to pursue the
following objectives and to deliver the talking
points/non-paper in para 4 below:

-- Inform French officials we have information the French
firm Sofradir and its subsidiary Ulis continue to sell cooled
and uncooled infrared detectors to China's Zhejiang Dali
Technology Company Ltd for incorporation into thermal imaging
systems.

-- Stress that Zhejiang Dali Technology is actively selling
its thermal imaging systems to Iranian defense entities and
that the use of high-grade French infrared detectors in this
technology could increase the threat to US and allied forces
operating in the Gulf region.

-- Ask the French government to investigate, share with us
the results of its investigation, and act to have Sofradir
and Ulis immediately terminate this activity.

-- Emphasize to French officials that infrared detectors are
critical components of high performance thermal imaging
systems and are controlled under the Wassenaar Arrangement,
Section 6.A.2.a.3.

4. (SECRET/REL FRANCE) BEGIN TALKING POINTS

-- In the interest of transparency and enhanced cooperation
on nonproliferation matters, we would like to share the
following information:

-- We have information that the French firm Sofradir and its
subsidiary Ulis continue to sell both cooled and uncooled
infrared detectors to China's Zhejiang Dali Technology
Company Ltd for incorporation into thermal imaging systems.

-- Our information indicates the Chinese firm is actively
selling its thermal imaging systems to Iranian defense
entities.

-- Iranian military access to Chinese thermal imaging systems
that rely on high-grade French infrared detectors could
increase the threat to US and allied forces operating in the
Gulf region.

-- Infrared detectors (IRD) are sensors and critical
components of high performance thermal imaging systems. IRDs
are controlled under Wassenaar Arrangement, Section 6.A.2.a.3.

-- IRDs are used in the core assemblies for advanced
targeting pods, long-range reconnaissance systems, gimbaled
imaging systems in manned and unmanned airborne
reconnaissance and combat aircraft, Forward Looking Infrared
(FLIR) sensors, tank targeting systems, submarine periscopes,
and missile seekers.

-- Diversion of the subject components could be harmful to
our shared national security interests. If these IRDs were
included in the optical targeting mechanism for tanks and air
defense systems, they could potentially be used to degrade US
superiority in night combat operations.

-- We ask that you carefully consider the consequences of
such sales.

-- We also welcome any further information about this case
that may come to light in the course of any French
investigation into the matter.

END TALKING POINTS

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REPORTING REQUIREMENT
---------------------

5. (U) Post is requested to please report the results of its
efforts within seven business days following receipt of this
cable.

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POINT OF CONTACT
----------------

6. (U) ISN/CATR POC is Michael Rolleri
(RolleriMJ@state.sgov.gov; 202-647-0255).

7. (U) Post's assistance is greatly appreciated.
CLINTON

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