US embassy cable - 05VILNIUS253

UNCLAS VILNIUS 000253 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FROM AMBASSADOR MULL FOR CDR USEUCOM, CDR USCENTCOM, CDR 
USSOCOM, UNDERSECRETARY OF DEFENSE (POLICY) 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: MASS, MARR, MOPS, PREL, LH, HT18, HT47 
SUBJECT: Lithuania Needs Night Vision Devices 
 
Ref:  Vilnius 005 
 
1.  I would like to appeal for your assistance in taking 
a look at a policy that is effectively denying one of 
our staunchest allies in Iraq and Afghanistan the 
ability to fully realize its potential in supporting our 
interests.  Lithuania has been seeking for several 
months the transfer of Night Vision Devices (NVDs) to 
assist its operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.  That 
request has taken on new urgency recently, with 
Lithuania?s decision to lead NATO?s arguably most 
difficult Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan 
later this year.  In response, Lithuania has received 
messages effectively questioning its reliability and 
trustworthiness as a relatively new NATO ally in using 
and controlling this sensitive equipment. 
 
2.  As our solders in the European, Central and Special 
Operations Commands know from direct experience, 
suggestions that Lithuania is unreliable stand in sharp 
contrast to the reality of everything this eager new 
ally has taken on at our request in the past two years. 
We have found ways to allow other allies to use this 
equipment; I urge that we take similar steps to allow 
our Lithuanian friends as well.  Failing to do so risks 
a corrosive impact on the excellent relations we have 
had with this ally, who so far has never said no to 
anything we?ve ever requested in the military sphere. 
 
3.  Thanks for any second look you can give at this 
policy.  A positive decision will work wonders in 
keeping Lithuania as the loyal friend and ally it has 
been. 
MULL