Re: [MV] IMPORTS

Jim Rice (jimrice@sirinet.net)
Mon, 22 Mar 1999 21:07:41 -0600

Not only should you write Ms Allbright, but you should still write your
congressmen. The LST Association had a similiar problem with trying to
return LST 391 to the states from Greece. The State Department had blocked
it because it classified the LST as significant Military equipment.
Congress got involved and overrode the State Department.

Don't think it is solely a State Department issue. It is a government
issue. If we applie pressure to congress, they in turn ask questions of
State. We must write nice, intelligent, articulate letters to both the
State Department and Congress.

A multipronged attacked it the best bet. Don't rely solely on the State
Dept to do the right thing. A little pressure from Congress will go a long
way in "unsticking" DOS.

Jim Rice

Earl Tucker wrote:

> List, here is an update on whats going on with the Import Problems for
> parts and vehicles.
>
> State Department is reviewing the way ATF approves requests for form
> 6'es to bring in parts and vehicles. That's why no forms are being
> approved at present.
>
> Problem: The arms export control act does not allow any import of US
> made equipment into the US except for Defense Contractors and Museums if
> the vehicle is to be a static display. The equipment must be demilled
> and cannot operate. This includes equipment that has US technology used
> in its manufacture!
>
> Problem 2: This is not a congress problem. The State Department /
> Defense Department made these rules 50 years ago and operates on its own
> as to changes of the rules. We must hammer on the right person and that
> is at present Madillin Albright, she has the power to change the statues
> to allow old military equipment into the country. Our letters need to be
> directed to her office and make her aware that we are out there
> collecting this equipment and it has Historical uses, etc. State is
> trying to control the import of foreign military equipment as well thus
> this is where the ATF has stopped issuing form 6'es at present as they
> are under the control on the State Department.
>
> Good note: ATF is not the bad guys! They have returned my phone calls
> and have in repeated meetings with State, stated that there is no
> internal security threat to the public from people owning this
> equipment, ie tank with demilled gun!
>
> Yes! They are high level government officials that see this equipment as
> a threat to the US!!!!!
>
> In the past ATF has issued permits for US made equipment that they
> should have not according to the Arms Export Control Act! That is why we
> are where we are!
>
> Good news, after talking in length several times, we have allies in the
> State Department that are trying to interject logic into these
> decisions. And this is effecting large companies with money and pull
> that cannot bring in there parts and vehicles as well.
>
> Where not alone!! That's good for us!!
>
> Mission, Send letters, nice ones and let Mrs. Albright know what we do
> with these vehicles, the hobby, and the histroical value there is in
> owning this equipment. Let here know we need a change in the rules to
> allow obsolete US made military vehicles and parts into the US. If you
> don't speakup now, you will be crying in you beer latter!
>
> Thats where the ball is at present. Its not really a ban on importation
> just a halt that could become perminate!!
>
> Call or Write the U.S. State Department, Washington, DC Attn: Madillin
> Albright!
>
> Thats it for now, more as it developes!!
>
> Earl Tucker
> Int'l Repo-Depo
> Houston, TX
>
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