◆ SpookStack

UNCLASSIFIED Sitt, 10. ~ USAID was presented with a grant proposal by the UOU for a $30k grant for printing equipment for the UOU to establish its own newsletter. Though printing of independent media is illegal in Turkmenistan, the UOU assured DCM it already had advance approval from local authorities because a license was needed for anything over 1000 copies and the UOU only planned to publish 999 copies. UOU members said the content of the newsletter would be nonpolitical and only would describe the activities of the Union. If members wanted to make additional copies, the UOU told DCM, "that is up to them." Eventually subscribers would be charged for the newsletter, which would then become self-sustaining, according to the UOU plan. USAID has requested that the UOU submit a stronger, more cost-effective proposal. 11. ~ The UOU also is considering opening chapters in other welayets because "our services are in so much demand." Comment 12. ~ Crazy? Like a fox; and worthy of USG attention and support. End Comment. 13. (U) Minimize considered. JACOBSON BT #1028 NNNN Signature: JACOBSON Info: RUEHVEN/USMISSION USOSCE ROUTINE; RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA ROUTINE; RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS ROUTINE; RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC ROUTINE; RUEKDIA/DIA WASHDC//DHO-2/REA/NMJIC-J2// ROUTINE; RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC ROUTINE; RUCAACC/USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FU/CCJ2/HSE/CCJ5// ROUTINE; RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC ROUTINE; RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC//JS/RUE// ROUTINE; CIS COLLECTIVE ROUTINE XMT: ST PETERSBURG, AMCONSUL Dissemination Rule: Archive Copy IReleased in Fulll UNCLASSIFIED Sitt, Page 4 of 5