Pentagon not warm to idea of Myanmar aid drop

Another U.S. official says the U.S. is looking at that possibility anyway, to help victims of a devastating cyclone in Myanmar.

Gates says the military is moving aircraft and ships into place to help deliver humanitarian supplies once permission is granted. But he says he can't imagine doing it without the Myanmar government's go-ahead.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen says it's a matter of Myanmar's national sovereignty.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

WASHINGTON (AP) -The United States is considering air-dropping food aid and other relief supplies to victims of the devastating cyclone in Myanmar, even if the closed regime resists, a U.S. official said Thursday.

The option is not ideal, but is being studied by the U.S. and several other countries as a last resort if Myanmar's military leaders continue to limit outside aid and expertise that would help millions of people affected by the storm, said Ky Luu, the director of the U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance.

Air drops are often inefficient and, compounded with the junta's refusal to accept most offers of assistance, could have broader international legal implications, he said, adding that the best option would be for Myanmar to accept the aid.

Still, "anything that might have a positive impact is being looked at and is being discussed," Luu told reporters at the State Department. "Air drops (are) not the most efficient manner in terms of providing relief assistance and, in the end, may create more harm than anything else."

"So, yes, we're looking at it, but the immediate needs are for open access for the current existing operational partners and for the regime, in order to open up, to provide for additional relief workers to get on the ground," Luu said.