US embassy cable - 04COLOMBO697

UNCLAS COLOMBO 000697 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
Dept for INL A/S Robert Charles from the Ambassador 
 
Bangkok for ILEA 
 
E.O. 12598:  N/A 
TAGS: SNAR, KCRM, PREL, CE, XD 
SUBJECT: Access to International Law Enforcement Academy 
(ILEA) Resources for South Asia 
 
 
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED - PROTECT ACCORDINGLY. 
 
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