FY2006 U.S. Speaker Request -- Ambassador

UNCLAS WELLINGTON 000827 SIPDIS STATE FOR IIP/G/EA - SPRIETO and RFHOLDEN; EAP/PD - AGRIMES; EAP/ANP - DRICCI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP SCUL SUBJECT: FY2006 U.S. Speaker Request -- Ambassador Charles Salmon ¶1. Program Description: In Support of MPP Goal 06-01, Active Anti-Terrorist Coalitions and Security, Post requests a U.S. speaker visit by Ambassador Charles Salmon (ret.),Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies, Honolulu, Hawaii. We have received a request from one of New Zealand's leading universities for a keynote speaker for the New Zealand Army Leadership Conference in November. We would like Ambassador Salmon to address the demands of leadership in complex environments. Allowing for a rest day and Embassy briefings in Wellington, we would like Ambassador Salmon to arrive in Wellington on or about Monday, 21 November, and depart Auckland for Honolulu on Sunday, 27 November. This would allow for a maximum of four official program days and two rest days. ¶2. Date, Fiscal Year and Quarter: Dates: 21-27 November, ¶2005. Fiscal Year 2006; First Quarter. ¶3. Justification and Objective: Ambassador Salmon's experience as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, his Naval War College background, his Presidential Award for Meritorious Service, the Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Medal, and his knowledge of foreign policy, specifically as it relates to the Asia- Pacific area, make him ideally suited to come to New Zealand and present at this conference. Post is of the opinion that a speaker of his caliber would attract a broad range of official, academic, and media interest. His knowledge of the Asia-Pacific region would also provide Post with an opportunity for discussion of Pacific issues with New Zealand contacts. ¶4. Program contact Christine Vivian has already approached Ambassador Salmon, who has confirmed his serious interest with enthusiasm and also his availability to visit New Zealand at this time. ¶5. Audience: It is anticipated that this program will include members of parliament and their staffs, academics, the media, and local branches of the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs in at least two university cities. ¶6. Topics and Types of Events: Ambassador Salmon will be asked to attend embassy briefings in Wellington. Speech topics are to be decided in consultation with him. It is envisaged that there will be a presentation to embassy contacts in Wellington and other events to include meetings with political leaders, the media, academia, and representational events and presentations to NZIIA (New Zealand Institute of International Affairs) members. ¶7. Ambassador Salmon's contact details: Email: salmonc@apcss.org Telephone: 808-971-8970 Address: Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies 2058 Maluhia Road, Honolulu, HI 96815 ¶8. Post Project Officer/Control Officer: Christine Vivian. Office Phone: 644-462-6112; Fax: 644-499-04890. Email: cvivian@actrix.gen.nz or Vivianc@state.gov ¶9. Funding Source: Post will fund the speaker's international and domestic travel, per diem, and honoraria. ¶10. Please advise soonest. Many thanks. BURNETT