As US, Burma Talk, Volunteers Say Junta Is Selling Aid

A US admiral met with Burma's military command today in continued attempts to persuade the government to allow US servicemen into the country to assist in relief efforts, the Washington Post reports. Meanwhile, a Burmese volunteer operating his own supply effort tells the Daily Telegraph that government officials are commandeering supplies to sell at public markets.

"If they see our relief supplies, they will come over and say 'don’t worry, give that to us, we will distribute it for you',” the volunteer said. "But we know that for every 10 sacks of rice we give them … six will end up being sold in some local town." Foreigners headed to stricken areas are being turned away, a theme familiar to US military officers. "We are ready to respond as soon as the Burmese give us permission," said Adm. Timothy Keating. "We did not get that permission today." (More Cyclone Nargis stories.)