US embassy cable - 05AMMAN9505

S E C R E T AMMAN 009505 
 
SIPDIS 
 
NOFORN 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/08/2015 
TAGS: PARM, PREL, ETTC, IR, IN, CBW 
SUBJECT: SHIELD S53-05: JORDAN WILL BLOCK SALE OF 
CROP-DUSTING AIRCRAFT TO SYRIA 
 
REF: STATE 219520 
 
Classified By: Ambassador David Hale, Reasons 1.4 (B) & (D) 
 
1.  (S/NF) On December 7 Ambassador delivered to Haytham 
Mufti, the King's private office advisor on such matters, 
reftel demarche on the reported offer by Seabird Aviation 
Jordan LLC of crop dusting aircraft and equipment to a Syrian 
firm.  The King Abdullah Design and Development Bureau 
(KADD-B) owns Seabird.  Initially unaware of the contacts 
between Seabird and the Syrians, Mufti informed Ambassador 
several hours later that Seabird in fact had made an offer, 
but the Syrian firm opted to award the contract to a Chinese 
firm.  However, the Chinese firm declined, citing U.S. 
restrictions on transfers to Syria.  A few days ago, the 
Syrians again approached Seabird, and discussions of an offer 
were resumed.  In response to our demarche, Mufti has 
instructed Seabird in writing to cease all discussions with 
the Syrians and to provide assurances that no aircraft would 
be transferred. 
 
2.  (S/NF) Comment:  As King Abdullah accelerates development 
of a local arms industry through KADD-B, we are likely to 
face additional conflicts between potential Jordanian sales 
and U.S. export restrictions.  Recognizing the need to avoid 
even inadvertent violations, Mufti is setting up a tighter 
export licensing regime for Jordan.  In the months ahead, it 
would be extremely helpful to have a senior official 
responsible for our non-proliferation policies visit Jordan 
and brief the King's top advisors on our policy and legal 
considerations. 
HALE