This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS HELSINKI 000958
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR TFUS01; EUR/NB
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL ECON AEMR ASEC CASC US FI
SUBJECT: FINNISH SUPPORT IN RESPONSE TO KATRINA ON THE
GROUND; MORE FORTHCOMING
REF: A. STATE 163366
B. SCHLAEFER-EVANS VOICEMAIL 1 SEPT. 2005
1. On Sept. 1, the Embassy received general offers of
assistance from the GOF in support of the victims of
Hurricane Katrina (ref B). Following up, Charge spoke
several times over the weekend with senior officials from the
PM's office and the MFA. Based on Charge's requests, Finland
committed to providing an as-yet undetermined cash donation,
the amount of which will be communicated to us this week. In
all likelihood, the Finnish government's response will be
channeled through the the Finnish Red Cross to the American
Red Cross, in response to the latter's appeal for funds to
arrange temporary housing. Separately, a 3-person logistics
and management team from the Finnish Red Cross arrived in the
U.S. on Sept. 2, in response to a request from the American
Red Cross and the IFRC. (We also understand from press
reports that Finnish telecom giant Nokia plans to donate $1
million to the American Red Cross.)
2. On Sept. 1, the Ambassador received the following letter
from Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja confirming Finland's
willingness to assist:
BEGIN TEXT
Helsinki, September 1, 2005
His Excellency Earle I. Mack
Ambassador of the United States of America
Helsinki
Dear Ambassador,
We have been appalled at the terrible consequences and loss
of life caused by the hurricane Katrina. We express our deep
felt sympathy for the victims and for your government. If
there is anything our government can do to help we are always
at your disposal.
Yours sincerely,
Erkki Tuomioja
Minister for Foreign Affairs.
END TEXT.
HYATT