[PT] Message to Russia

[Bruno]

SECRET

To: Russian Defence Ministry Jay
Subject: Arms Purchase

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to you on behalf of the Portuguese Department of Defence to express our interest in initiating discussions regarding the potential purchase of four (4) Borei-class submarines, including their intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capabilities.

We fully understand the sensitivity surrounding the transfer of advanced military technology, particularly with regard to strategic assets such as the Borei-class submarines. With this in mind, the Portuguese Republic is prepared to enter into an agreement that would address any concerns Russia may have regarding the safeguarding of this technology.

Portugal would be willing to sign a comprehensive agreement to ensure:

1. Non-Transfer of Technology: We commit to not transferring the technology or related systems to any third parties, nations, or entities.
2. Secrecy and Non-Disclosure: Portugal will maintain strict confidentiality regarding the specifications, capabilities, and systems of the Borei-class submarines, ensuring that this information remains classified and protected from any external actors.
3. Exclusive Use for National Defence: The submarines and ICBM capabilities will be exclusively used for the protection and security of the Portuguese Republic and will not be involved in any external offensive engagements unless in full cooperation and accordance with international law and Portuguese national defense priorities.

Portugal highly values its relationship with the Russian Federation and believes that such an acquisition would enhance mutual defense capabilities while maintaining regional and global stability.

We would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss this matter further at your convenience and explore any additional safeguards or terms that Russia might require. Please let us know if there is a preferred time for a meeting or further correspondence to initiate formal discussions.

Thank you for considering this request. We look forward to your response.


Thank you for your cooperation and patience.
Secretary of Defence,
Augusto Santos Silva

 

[Jay]

МИД РФ Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

AUTHENTIC COMMUNIQUE OF THE OFFICE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Security Clearance: Secure and Encrypted​

[Recipient]: Augusto Santos Silva < Bruno > [Sender]: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Russian Federation < @LCAlbrechtMOFA.ru.gov > [Subject]: Confidential: RE: Borei-Class + ICBM Sale.

Dear Secretary Silva, I hope this email finds you well. Thank you for the email. The Russian Federation equally values its relationship with Portugal and believes that further cooperation is necessary to enhance our bilateral relationship. As European nations facing changing global dynamics, it is important to advance our security, defense, and economic ties. Thank you for your inquiry regarding the potential purchase of Borei-class submarines by the Portuguese Department of Defence. While we appreciate your interest and the measures you propose to ensure the safeguarding of sensitive technology, there are several significant legal reasons why Russia cannot proceed with such a sale. Russia is bound by various international treaties, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and various bilateral agreements regarding the control of advanced military technology. The transfer of ICBM capabilities could violate these commitments, leading to diplomatic repercussions and potential sanctions. The complexity of the systems involved, including their ICBM components, necessitates a level of control that is difficult to guarantee once the technology is transferred. Despite assurances of non-transfer and secrecy, ensuring compliance with these commitments in practice poses significant challenges. Allowing the sale of advanced military assets, particularly to European nation, could set a precedent that impacts regional security dynamics. It may provoke an arms race or escalate tensions in sensitive areas, undermining the balance of power that Russia seeks to maintain. Russian law restricts the sale of strategic military assets to foreign entities, without approval of the Federal Security Council (FSC). Due to the NPT it is unlikely that the FSC will approve this sale in its current state. Given these considerations, we regret to inform you that the sale of Borei-class submarines and their ICBM capabilities to the Portuguese Republic is not feasible at this time. We appreciate your understanding and respect for Russia's position on these critical issues. Should you wish to explore alternative avenues for cooperation in defense matters, we would be open to discussing other forms of collaboration that align with our strategic interests. Thank you for your interest and patience in my reply. Regards, Lucie Albrecht Minister of Foreign Affairs Russian Federation