Just released from Agence France Presse:
“Defense Secretary Robert Gates called for greater funding for U.S. diplomacy and foreign development aid July 15, acknowledging concerns about a “creeping militarization” of U.S. foreign policy.
“Broadly speaking, when it comes to America's engagement with the rest of the world, it is important that the military is – and is clearly seen to be – in a supporting role to civilian agencies,” he said. “Our diplomatic leaders, be they in ambassadors’ suites or on the State Department's seventh floor, must have the resources and political support needed to fully exercise their statutory responsibilities in leading American foreign policy.”
Gates’ speech was delivered as the keynote address of an event that the US Global Leadership Campaign held yesterday in Washington.