(U) CUBAN MEDICAL MISSIONS (C-AL9-01833)

S E C R E T STATE 093867 NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/09/2034 TAGS: PINR PREL CU SUBJECT: (U) CUBAN MEDICAL MISSIONS (C-AL9-01833) Classified By: MICHAEL P. OWENS, ACTING DIR, INR/OPS. REASON: 1.4(C). ¶1. (S/NF) WASHINGTON ANALYSTS WOULD WELCOME FURTHER NFORMATION ON CUBAN MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS--PARTICULARLY ABOUT HOW CUBA DETERMINES WHERE TO SEND ASSISTANCE AND ABOUT FUNDING FOR SUCH PROGRAMS. AS TIME AND RESOURCES PERMIT, WE WOULD APPRECIATE ANY FURTHER INSIGHTS POST COULD PROVIDE ON THIS ISSUE, PARTICULARLY WITH RESPECT TO THE TOPICS BELOW. MANY THANKS. ¶A. (C/NF) HOW MUCH OF THE PROGRAM IS DRIVEN BY HAVANA, VERSUS CUBAN OFFICIALS LOCATED ABROAD? ¶B. (S/NF) WHAT DO HEALTH MINISTRY OFFICIALS THINK OF THE PROGRAM? DO HEALTH MINISTRY OFFICIALS AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS OFFICIALS HAVE DIFFERENT VIEWS ABOUT THESE PROGRAMS? ¶C. (S/NF) HOW DOES CUBA DECIDE WHERE TO SEND ASSISTANCE? WHAT ROLE DO POLITICAL CONSIDERATIONS PLAY? DO CITIZENS HAVE A CHANCE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT MEDICAL RESOURCES AND PERSONNEL BEING SENT ABROAD? WHAT ARE THE REACTIONS TO THESE COMPLAINTS BY THE VARIOUS RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT COMPONENTS? ¶D. (S/NF) HOW ARE MEDICAL MISSIONS ABROAD FUNDED? ¶2. (U) PLEASE CITE C-AL9-01833 IN THE SUBJECT LINE OF REPORTING IN RESPONSE TO THE ABOVE QUESTIONS. CLINTON