BURMA: STAFFDEL GROVE ON STATE/AID PROPOSALS

C O N F I D E N T I A L RANGOON 000889

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EAP/MLS AND F
DEPT PLEASE PASS USAID
BANGKOK FOR USAID/RDMA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/16/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM ECON EAID SOCI BM
SUBJECT: BURMA: STAFFDEL GROVE ON STATE/AID PROPOSALS

REF: RANGOON 888

Classified By: P/E Chief Jennifer Harhigh for Reasons 1.4 (b) & (d)


1. (C) Embassy discussed the State/AID proposals for
additional assistance for cyclone-recovery activities
("Element 2") and a new mechanism for civil society support
("Element 1") with Senate Appropriations Committee Minority
Clerk Paul Grove during his November 8-10 visit to Burma.


2. (C) Grove said he sees merit in the continuation of
humanitarian assistance for cyclone recovery at a significant
level and would undertake discussions in Washington about
potential funding sources. During Grove's visit (Reftel),
interlocutors, including diplomats, NGOs and UN
representatives, agreed that the regime has allowed unusual
space for humanitarian assistance efforts in the Delta. That
has not translated into increased space elsewhere in Burma,
at least not yet. However, Grove observed that the
humanitarian need is pervasive in the delta; and recipients
clearly see that donors, not the regime, are the saviors.


3. (C) Regarding Element 1, Embassy Rangoon staff described
to Grove the usefulness of a fast and flexible mechanism to
support civil society/democracy initiatives as conditions
warrant. Grove had reservations. He noted competing
priorities and budget constraints, particularly given the
fiscal environment. He queried funding a new program
generated just before a transition to a new presidential
administration. He expressed reservations about employing a
contractor, which might have little experience in Burma's
unique operational environment, to do such work. He
suggested that, while the current embassy team has good
judgment, a future team might not. He suggested that the
National Endowment for Democracy, designed for sustainability
and tasked with political-oriented assistance, might be the
appropriate tool. Grove said he would make no judgment about
the current Congressional hold on Element 1 until he returns
to D.C. and engages in further discussion there.


4. (C) Embassy officers discussed the current small grants
and PD programming with Grove and gave him a tour of the
American Center. He praised such efforts, noting they build
local capacity and help show the flag.


5. (SBU) Mr. Grove cleared this message.
VAJDA