Letters: Nothing hurried

I am writing to express my disappointment with your July 13 article, ‘Lockheed Martin India Head Takes Off in A Hurry.’ The story was plagued with inaccuracies despite my on-the-record interview with reporter Ajai Shukla in which I explained in great detail the routine nature of Ambassador Douglas Hartwick’s transition and return to the US, and addressed the completely false allegations that my Corporation was in possession of unauthorised documents containing classified information relating to defence purchases.

To set the record straight, Ambassador Hartwick’s transition from the New Delhi office was done as part of Lockheed Martin’s normal business practices. Lockheed Martin field offices are routinely staffed to align with customer requirements and business needs. As the breadth and scope of our business in the region grows we are continually reassessing the resources and management required to support that growth. No one in the Indian government was involved in Ambassador Hartwick’s reassignment

The Corporation has been — and will remain — fully compliant with all Defense Procurement Policy directives and with the guidance provided by all government acquisition officials.

Lockheed Martin Corporation and its employees operate with the highest standards of integrity and ethics. It is imperative that readers not be misled by incorrect information in the July 13 article.

Richard Kirkland
President, South Asia
Lockheed Martin Global