US embassy cable - 05BANDARSERIBEGAWAN431

C O N F I D E N T I A L BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 000431 
 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR TASK FORCE 1 AND EAP/PMBS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/07/2015 
TAGS: PREL, ECON, EFIN, AEMR, AMGT, BX 
SUBJECT: TFUS01:  OFFER OF CASH DONATION FROM THE SULTAN OF 
BRUNEI 
 
REF: STATE 163278 
 
(U) Classified by Charge Jeff Hawkins, Reasons 1.4 (B and D) 
 
1. (C) MFA Political II Acting Director Alihashim Yusof 
contacted Charge on September 7 to inform him that the Sultan 
had decided in principal to make a cash contribution in 
support of Hurricane Katrina victims and to inquire into the 
modalities of donation.  Alihashim reported a specific dollar 
figure had not yet been decided.  Charge conveyed reftel 
points, including USG gratitude for the offer and the need to 
consult with the Department. 
 
2. (C) Comment.  It is not unusual for the Sultan to make a 
cash contribution in situation like this one.  In general, 
the Bruneians prefer to pass such contributions on to a 
government, rather than an NGO, and Alihashim suggested the 
GOB would likely opt to donate to the USG in this case.  At 
this stage, it is not clear whether the donation would come 
as a personal gift from His Majesty or as a donation from the 
Government of Brunei.  We expect to hear from the MFA shortly 
and would appreciate interim guidance on how to respond.  End 
Comment. 
 
 
HAWKINS