Access to International Law Enforcement Academy

1. (SBU) We have heard from your staff in INL that you
might visit Sri Lanka late next month, perhaps after
inaugurating the new campus of the International Law
Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in Bangkok. I would be delighted
to see you here. We could put together a program for you
highlighting how a mid-size Embassy like this makes
excellent use of INL and other USG law enforcement training
resources.



2. (SBU) In the meantime, I wanted to bring to your
attention one way in which we could improve USG efforts to
build constructive relationships with law enforcement
agencies in South Asia. In previous assignments, I've had
exposure to the tremendous courses offered in ILEA in
Bangkok. As you know, participation is now limited to Asian
member countries. I think it would be a tremendous boon if
a way could be found to include our law enforcement friends
in South Asia in this worthy training opportunity. We have
informally queried other South Asian posts and there appears
to be a significant degree of interest.



3. (SBU) I understand that about a year ago there was
informal discussion of creating a new ILEA for South Asia,
perhaps in Maldives, but that there seemed little prospect
of finding the necessary funds. A South Asia regional ILEA
would be great. Short of that, however, I suggest we
explore ways of getting South Asian students into
ILEA/Bangkok or one of the other ILEAs in order to begin to
establish ties between South Asia and the ILEA concept. I
understand that, at present, a limited number of South Asian
students could attend ILEA/Bangkok classes as "observers"
but that all expenses would have to borne by either the
observers' government or by the U.S. Embassy in that
country. This is a welcome gesture but not a long-term
option for significant South Asian participation. Of
course, I understand that ILEA/Bangkok is a joint endeavor
with the Thai government and that any change in procedures
might have to be negotiated with them.



4. (SBU) I would appreciate your thoughts on this concept
and look forward to discussing it and other exciting law
enforcement cooperation possibilities if your trip to Sri
Lanka pans out.



5. (U) Best regards.



6. (U) Minimize considered.
LUNSTEAD