Related Documents - CREW: Department of State: Regarding International Assistance Offers After Hurricane Katrina: Swizterland Assistance

UNCLASSIFIED
O'Herron, Petra C
From: CMS TaskForce1 F ,
Sent: Wednesday. September 14, 2005 3:02 PM
To: TaskForce-1
Cc: TaskForce-1
Subject: End of shift report - EUR Rep RELEASED IN PART
B6
End of shift report - EUR Rep
1. Pending cable declining the Swiss offer of help. The Switzerland desk is clearing it, and then it must go through the
rest of the clearances. Draft cable is a modification of STATE 169094. The Switzerland desk has cleared. Sent to PA,
EURJPGI, OFDA for clearance. PENDING CLEARANCES.
2. Pending: modification of cable accepting Danish donation. FEMA now wants Denmark to arrange for the shipment of
the blankets they plan to donate. NATO transport aircraft are too swamped to transport the blankets. Also, FEMA wants
Denmark to reduce the number of blankets from 40K to 10K. Cable 166970 needs to be modified. Spoke with backup
Denmark Desk officer, but he didn't want to take action. Said Task Force should draft cable. AWAITING ACTION.
3. Ukraine: very much wants to be of help. Want to send in-kind donations via airplane, but FEMA does not want the
stuff.... They do. however, need the airplane to transport NATO-countries donations currently on the tarmac in Ramstien
afir force base. The Deputy in UMB is going to work with the Embassy in Kiev to see if we can maybe push the Ukrainians
to send their airplane, empty, to pick up the NATO material. Follow up with UMB Deputy - Marcus Micheli x7-9049.
4. Georgia: Donated $50K directly to the Red Cross. The Georgia desk is working on a cable to thank the GOG.
5. Greece: Desk is drafting a cable declining the Greek offer of a cruise ship. The offer had been accepted previously, but
FEMA re-assessed the needs and no longer need the ship. We are waiting final word from FEMA, but Greece desk is
already working on a cable to decline offer. Call Joe Parente when we have final word from OFDA representative.
. .
6. John Cockrell at US NATO is very interested in following the status of transportation for the NATO countries donations.
Please copy him when relevant. .
7. Germany: David Chin (240) 476-4914 is the State Department Detail to the National Communications System. He
needs to find out more information about 2 Germany telecom offers - one a private donation from New Skies and the
other a containerized cell phone equipment offer. He needs technical details and dollar amount of the New Skies offer of
help. NO ACTION TAKEN YET.
8. r· . ILIaison to State Dept from U.S. Coast Guard I I

wants to follow up with Malta's offer of B6
help. (Listed in Matrix) He will check what materiel Malta was offering, and OFDA rep needs to check with FEMA. Please
contact OFDA rep and Dave Gordner to check-status..
\.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE . 1

REVIEW AUTHORITY: FRANK TUMMINIA
DATE/CASE ID: 27 SEP 2006 200503991
UNCLASSIFIED
., - -- ;'.".,
UNCLASSIFIED
Oliva, Amber M
From: eMS TaskForce1F
Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2005~~~;~~ RELEASED IN FULL
To: Cleary, Colin M(MoSCQw) ~~: ',.571 ---------.- ----
Cc: TaskForce-1
Subject: FW: September 12: EUR End of Shift Report, 1500-2300
FYI
>=------=::=-=----=--=---:-=-----------
>From: CMS Ta~kForce1F
>Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005 11:00 PM
>To: TaskForce-1
>Cc: CMS TaskForcel- LogA; TaskForce-1
>Subject: September 12: EUR End of Shift Report, 1500-2300
>
>Scott Brandon
>EUR TF rep
>
>1530 Ukraine -.clarification of offer. ACTION: request sent to Embassy
>Kiev to confirm offer of $200,000 to be drawn·from to procure supplies vice $2,000,000
cash donation. (See emails sent to Malgorzata Bula-Duane, found on unclass side.)
Waiting on answer. from post. Check with Desk Officer (Darren Hutman).
>
>1615 Swiss offer of assistance. FEMA apparently has approved some items, but there's some
discrepancy about what OFDA approved wi FEMA and eMS. ACTION:
>
>1) Need to find closure on comfort kits. For example, are there any medicines in the
kit, is the writing in English or are the items easily identified? We confirmed with Desk
that there are no food items, but did not get info on other aspects. Need to go back to
the Desk.
>
>2) Obtain CMS, OFDA and FEMA agreement on what to accept - circumstances have changed
since last agreement on 9/8. Current OFDA "green light" matrix shows "plastic sheets,·
bedding and comfort kits (no food)." OFDA OPS thought that agreement covered tarps, not
plastic sheeting (Swiss offered both). Do we need tarps over plastic sheeting? Should we
accept the tents too?
>
>See below for draft acceptance cable language.
>
>Other offers: pumps and appox. 100 people to operate them - FEMA said "yes" to offer, but
i.t is outstanding, no action; forensic experts - this is on "standby."
>
>1642 Georgia offer of $50,000. ACTION: Tomorrow morning Desk Officer will draft dip note
to accept their offer.
>Georgian embassy wants to hand-deliver a dip note and check tomorrow (Govt declined to
give to Red Cross, or to a wire transfer to RC or USG). Desk Officer (Erin Anna) will
draft a dip note accepting the offer, and will confirm with RM that check can be written
to "U.S. Department of State" (RM said yes, EUR said no) .
>
>1650 German Ambassador's visit to New Orleans. NO ACTION.
>GER Ambassador contacted Senator Frist's office about getting permissiont to travel to
N.O. A staffer passed an inquiry to State. Guidance on travel was in clearance, but
German Ambassador had already traveled to region.
>
>1710 France - info on $1M private donation. NO ACTION.
>The Executive Summary contained a reference to a $1M private donation - removed as ES
only reflects govt offers. Not found in matrix. France Desk Officer had no knowledge of
the donation. Informed TF3.
>
>1730 Russia offer of bandages. NO ACTION.
>Flight scheduled for Sept. 13. Inquiry from PM Action Team about status.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE 1
REVIEW AUTHORI1Y: FRANK TUMMINIA
DATE/CASE In: 02 NOV 2006 200503991
UNCLASSIFIED
""J UNCLASSIFIED
>OFDA transport summary - movement count 34 - (marked as blankets, should say bandages) -
marked as APPROVED, but OFDA has not issued a control number.
>
>1815 Greek offers of ships. ACTION: On Sept. 13 need to confirm with FEMA that cruise
ship no longer needed (also, turn back cargo ship which USG has not accepted) .
>Offer and acceptance of cruise ship - Greek govt waiting on word of waivers of mooring
..-fees;-taxesoe-fore s-enCilng--snip--:- No----nee-d-for snip (apparently Ewo otner slilps are alreaay
available, and have been found to be unattractive options). There's another offer
outstanding fro~ the Greek govt - a cargo ship - no USG acceptance, yet it appears ship
departed for U.S. on/around 9/8.
>
>1830 European Commission condolence letter. NO ACTION.
>ERA received tasker for response to EC.condolence letter. ERA has no record of such a
letter (question whether the tasker should be a response to letter from president of
European Parliament to POTUS): ERA contact: John G. Robinson.
>
>2015 ALDAC of Ambassador Sullivan'S remarks handed to SWO. NO ACTION
>
>
>
>Draft Language for Swiss acceptance cable:
>
>REFS: A) STATE 163461
>
>1. (SBU) This is an action request -- see paras 2 and 4.
>
>2. (SBU) This cable contains the official USG reaction to Swiss Government assistance
offers for Hurricane Katrina. Embassy Berne should deliver the points in para 4 at the
highest appropriate level on Tuesday, September 13.
>
>3 . . (SBU) Background: OFDA informs State that some of the proposed items previously
accepted (ref) are no longer needed. We are prepared to accept the plastic sheeting,
bedding and comfort kits. The tents, tarps and crutches are simply not needed at this
time. The comfort kits have been accepted with the understanding that they coptain;no
food items ...
>
>4. (SBU) Begin points:
>
>-- The U.S. Government is grateful for the generous offer of assistance,from the
Government of Switzerland in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
>
>-- The situation on the ground is dynamic, and the U.S. Government emergency response
authorities continue to determine what is required most urgently to meet the immediate
needs of those suffering from the hurricane'S impact.
>
>-- We very much appreciate your offer of supplies.
>
>-- An analysis of our specific needs indicates that the plastic sheeting, bedding and
comfort kits would be very useful to us. However, we do not currently have a need for
additional tents, tarps and crutches.
>
>-- We repeat our gratitude for the prompt and kind offer and delivery of humanitarian
supplies already sent.
>
>RICE
>
UNCLASSIFIED
~J_·i
UNCLASSIFIED
Oliva, Amber M 113~3 \.
From: eMS Taskftorcet K
Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2005 2:39 AM
To: Blackshaw, Brett(Tokyo) RELEASED IN FULL
·Cc: TaskForce-1
Subject: GoJ H20 pump offer
Brett-
Per our conversation, I'm attaching a cable (STATE 169094) which we sent out to Bern
earlier today regarding water pumps. Apparently we don't need them anymore. The cable
has some talking points as well. I realize that this isn't fully respon~ive since you
asked about a list of things we needed, so let me know if you still need that 'list
(probably best to call the TF number rather than email) .
Alex
SUBJECT: TFuS01: UPDATE ON ACCEPTANCE OF HURRICANE KATRINA ASSISTANCE FROM SWITZERLAND
REF: A) STATE 163461
1. (SaU) This is an action request -- see paras 2, and 5.
2. (Sau) This cable contains an update to the official USG reaction to swiss Government's
generous assistance offers for Hurricane Katrina. Embassy Bern should deliver the points
in para 4 at the highest appropriate level on Wednesday, September 14.
3. (SBU) Background: OFDA has informed State that some of the proposed items previously
accepted (ref) are no longer needed due "to',' the tremendous flow of assistance into the
country. Specifically, relief officials'ihave ,;sufficient tents, crutches, bedding and
comfort kits. In addition we are not currently in need of pumps or pump operators. Via
Septel we are also indicating that we appreciate but do not need the aid of forensic
assistance teams.
4. eU) OFDA has, however, indicated that tarps and plastic sheeting would be very useful.
S. (U) Please note that USG acceptance of an offer does not mean.immediate transport of
the assistance. Post and host government should work with USAID/OFDA Logistics team.
6. (SBUI Talking points for use with host government:
The U.S. Government is extremely grateful for the generous offer of assistance from
the Government of Switzerland in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
The situation on the ground has evolved considerably, resulting in a change in the
determination by U.S. ~
Government emergency response authorities regarding urgent needs.
An analysis of our specific needs indicates that the plastic sheeting and tarps would
be extremely useful to us. However, we do not currently have a need for additional tents,
crutches, bedding, comfort kits, or forensic assistance teams.
We repeat our gratitude for the prompt and kind offer and delivery of humanitarian
End points.
7 . . Action request for Post: Please provide the Hurricane Katrina Task Force, preferably
via front-channel cable,
with:
-- Name and contact information of host government point of contact - preferably English-
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE
DATE/CASE 10: 02 NOV 2006 200503991
UNCLASSIFIED
- - _ . - - - - _ . _ - - - _ . _ .. _..
UNCLASSIFIED
speaking. -
-- We encourage your Government to identify an English- speaking point of contact for your
offer of taips and plastic sheeting, and to have that individual contact the USAID/Office
of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OIFDA Logistics Team; as well as NATO's Euro-Atlantic
Disaster Response Coordination Center (EADRCC) to begin the necessary procedures for
prompt acceptance of your shipment. USAID/OFDA logistics contact information, available
24/7, is FLIGHTMOVEMENTREQ [at] OFDA.NET and
(703) 526-2206/2207.
RICE
UNCLASSIFIED
-PAGE 01 STATE 169094 140606Z
@INFO: C(OO) CA(Ol) D(OO) E(OO) EAOX(Ol)

EDIT(OO) L(OO) MA(OO) NSCE(OO) OCS(Ol)
P(OO) PA(OO) PM(OO) R(OO) S(OO)
SCT(OO) SP(OO) SS(OO) SSO(OO) SSS(OO)
T(OO) TF1(00) TFMGT(OO)TFPDPA(OO)
"'''''''....'''..'''..'''========== 140211L SEP 05 RM (TOTAL COPIES:003)
@INFO: A (0 0 )
CMS (00 ) DSCC(OO) G(OO) IRM(OO)
M(OO) R(OO) SESIRM (00) SSEX (00) .'
SSEX(OO)
SSO(OO) SS (00) SS (00)
SWCI(OO)
WO(OO)
==================== 140607Z SEP 05 STePS (TOTAL COPIES:OOO)
ORIGIN SS-OO
INFO LOG-OO MFA-OO NP-'OO,' AID-OO A-OO CIAB-OO DNI-OO "<-" .'..
DODE-OO DS-OO i EAi>:.:00 BUR-OO UTED-OO FDRE-01 FEMA-01
FOE-OO VC-OO H-OO . TEDE-OO INR-OO IO-OO LAB-01 • J,'
VCE-OO DCP-OO NSAE-OO NlMA-OO IRM-OO 'SSO-OO FMP-OO I,'·
SCRS-OO DSCC-OO PRM-OO DRL-OO G-OO ALM-OO SAS-OO

SWCI-OO /003R
169094
SOURCE: DIS~TTE.042970
DRAFTED BY: TFUS01: DMCCARTHY 09/1'4/05 7-6611 APPROVED BY: ·TFUS01: NSHANK
S/ES-O:CRTRIBBLE MTOLLIVER TF:DHENIFIN EUR:AYU
OFDA:TSTITT PA:AHARPER
---------~--------388EA1 140607Z /38
o 140604Z SEP OS,
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO AMEMBASSY BERN IMMEDIATE
UNCLAS STATE 169094
SENSITIVE
E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: ABMR, ASEC, EAID, AMGT, PREL, US, SZ
UNCLASSIFIED
Page 1 of 1
O'Herron, Petra.C
From: Stitt, Tony [tstitt@ofda.net]

Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 20052:03 PM
To: TaskForce-1
Subject: FW: URGENT: Swiss Offer of Assistance
Importance: High
Please pass to Sherry Hazelhurst.
Sherry - could you please confirm that the entire Swiss offer has been turned off?
Thanks.
Tony
Tony Stitt
Deputy Manager for Operations.
USAlD Katrina Operations Center
(703) 526-2210
tstitt@ofda.net
From: Stitt, Tony

sent: Wednesday, september 14, 2005 10:00 AM
To: TaskForce-!; 'Nleuwejaar, Sonja'
cc: SCheurer, Rebecca; rmtkatrina_dmr; rmtkatrina_rrn; OFDALogistics; Boyle, John; Boyle, John
SUbject: URGENT: Swiss Offer of Assistance
Importance: High 1 .
Task Force: Please pass to Sherry Hazelhurst-or Marci Michaud
I just spoke with Bill Duff at the US Embassy in Switzerland. The embassy is perfectly willing to politely decline
the entire Swiss offer based on our current assessment of needs. I would advise us to do so. Bill is standing by
for a decision. State TF I FEMA: Please let me know if you concur with declining the Swiss offer.
Thanks,
Tony
Tony Stitt
Deputy Manager for Operations
USAID Katrina Operations Center
(703) 526-2210
tstitt@ofda.net
7/7/2006
.....
,,
/
\ .. UNCLASSIFIED INITIAL
. APPR: DM
DRAFT: NS
CLR 1: MT
RELEASED IN FULL CLR 2: AY
UNCLASSIFIED CLR 3: TS
CLR 4: AH
CLR 5: DH
TFUSOl: DMCCARTHY
06/28/06 7-6611
TFUS01: NSHANK
S/ES-O: MTOLLIVER TF:DHENIFIN EUR:AYU OFDA:TSTITT

PA:AHARPER
IMMEDIATE BERN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AEMR, ASEC I EAID, AMGT I PRELl US I SZ
SUBJECT: TFUS01: UPDATE ON ACCEPTANCE OF HURRICANE KATRINA

ASSISTANCE FROM SWITZERLAND
REFS: A) STATE 163461
1. (SBU) This is an action request -- see paras 2, and 5.
2. (SBU) This cable contains an update, to the official

USG reaction to Swiss Government's generous assistance
offers for Hurricane Katrina. Embassy Bern should deliver
the points in para 4 at the highest appropriate level on
Wednesday, September 14.
3. (SBU) Background: OFDA has informed State that some of

the proposed items previously accepted (ref) are no longer
needed due to the tremendous flow of assistance into the
country. Specifically, relief officials have sufficient
tents, crutches, bedding and comfort kits. In addition we
are not currently in need of pumps or pump operators. Via
Septel we are also indicating that we appreciate but do . ,
not need the aid of forensic assistance teams.

DATE/CASE ID: 27 SEP 2006 200503991
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED 2
host government should work with USAID/OFDA Logistics I
I.
team.
6. (SBU) Talking points for use with host government:
The U.S. Government is extremely grateful for the

generous offer of assistance from the Government of
Switze~land in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
The situation on the ground has evolved considerably,

resulting in a change in the determination by U.S.
Government emergency response authorities regarding urgent
needs.
An analysis of our specific needs indicates that the

plastic sheeting and tarps would be extremely useful to
us. However, we do not currently have a need for
additional tents, crutches, bedding, comfort kits, or
forensic assistance teams.
We repeat our gratitude for the prompt and kind offer

and delivery of humanitarian supplies already sent.
End points.
7'. Action request for Post: Please provide the Hurricane

Katrina Task Force, preferably via front-channel cable,
with:
Name and contact infqrmation of host government point

of contact - preferably English-speaking.
We encourage your Government to identify an English-

speaking point of contact for your offer of tarps and
nl::lClt-;t'" C1hoot-;nn :>nn t-I"\ h:>-.ro t-h:>t- ;nn;-.r;nll::l1 t"'l"\nt-:>t"'t- t-ho
UNCLASSIFIED
.. - - UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED 3
available 24/7, is FLIGHTMOVEMENTREQ" [atJ' OFDA.NET and

(703) 526-2206/2207.
yy
I:\TFl\DOCS\CABLES\lCABLE TEMPLATE.DOC
"I
I
UNCLASSIFIED
'UNCLASSIFIED ;j}J-/7
RELEASED IN FULL
Denial of Flight Clearance for Swedish Katrina-Related Assistance
• No requests for flight clearance have been denied.
• Diplomatic clearances for aircraft carrying Katrina-related assistance

will be issued once the offer of assistance has been accepted.
• U.S. Embassy Stockholm has contacted the Government of Sweden

for specific details regarding the assistance they have offered. We are
examining how to best utilize their offer.
• We thank the Government and people of Sweden for their assistance.

DATE/CASE ID: 26 SEP 2006 200503991 UNCLASSIFIED
.UNCLASSIFIED
Q'Herron, Petra C
From:
Sent:
eMS TaskForce1 F
Thursday, September 08,2005 2:07 PM
RELEASED IN PART
To:
Cc:
Flachsbart, Kathryn L
TaskForce-1
136
Subject: FW: Switzerland's offer of support in favour of the victims of hurricane "Katrina"
fyi
-----Original Message--~-_-_- ~
From: alexander.wittwe~ B6
Sent: Thursday, September 08, 2005 2:02 PM
To: TaskForce-l
Subject: Switzerland's offer of support in favour of the victims of hurricane "Katrina"
. Sir
Please find the following information to ensure that the taskforce is in possession of the
Swiss offer of support for .
. "forensic experts" as requested by Department of State at the Briefing on Tuesday,
September 6, 2005. Contact Person: Franklin Thevenaz (address at the bottom) Kind regards
Alexander Wittwer DCM, Embassy of Switzerland Washington DC
To
Mr Eric Sandberg (US Embassy, Bern) via e-mail
US Operational point of contact in the US, Mr Martin O'Hara (via Fax
001 202 647 7094)
:
To the concerned competent authorities

\
Dear Mr Sandberg,
Following my' e-mail message of today, the Swiss authorities would also like to
convey to you the .
following informations ;
1-) ·In the corning days and weeks, efforts will be conducted in the.field of
identification
of the human remains of the victims of hurricane "Katrina." For these tasks, SOC
will be in a position to assist US efforts by providing forensic experts under the
form of "Dead Victims Identification" teams.
2) Also in the coming weeks and months, when efforts at physical rehabilitations and
reconstruction
will be under way,. SDC will also be in a position to assist US efforts by providing
expertise
and the prov~s~on of know-how in the field of "cash programmes." These programmes
have"been tested
in various places around the world, - most recently in the Aceh Province and in the
Sri Lanka following
the Tsunami there, - and have proved both appropriate and successfull. Our staff
will
be ready to assist.
We thank you very much in advance for passing the aim information to the appropriatre
authorities and we thank you in advance for sour support.
Waiting for your reply.

Greetings.
DATE/CASE 10: 06 OCT 2006 200503991 UNCLASSIFIED
Franklin Thevenaz
UNCLASSIFIED
(Signing in the name of Mr Toni Frisch, SDC vice-Director)
Franklin Thevenaz
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC

Department of Humanitarian Aid and SRA (Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit)
Head of Division / Multilateral Affairs and Special Assignments Swiss Foreign Ministry
B6
EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND
USA - Washington D.C.
Alexander Wittwer
Deputy Chief of Mission / Minister Counselor
2900 Cathedral Ave, NW
Washinaton D.C. 20008
J::mcassy s webs1te: WWW.sw1ssemc.org <http://www.swissemb.org > .
This e-mail may contain trade secrets or privileged undisclosed or otherwise confidential
information. If you have received this e-mail in error, you are hereby notified that any
review, copying or distribution of it is strictly prohibited. Please inform us -immediately
and destroy the original transmittal. Thank you for your cooperation
UNCLASSIFIED
,." J--- ~ UNCLASSIFIED'
Williams, Devin M
From: Flachsbart, Kathryn L
Sent: Friday, September 09, 2005 1:09 PM RELEASED IN PART
To: eMS TaskForce1F
Cc: TaskForce-1
B6
Subject: RE: EUR REP - SWISS OFFER
No. This is additional information on the qualification/technical skills of the Dead

Victim Identification Team already offered, as requested by the TF yesterday.
In other news, I have a call in from post that FEMA contacted DEZA (Swiss AID) directly
today to tell them that they want their pumps, but failed to provide any information on
the logistics',of getting them to the disaster area. The initial Swiss offer made clear
that the swiss could not provide transport. Also, the pumps come with 100 Swiss troops to
set up and operate them. Do you have any further details on this? I have not connected
with post to get the specifics of the FEMA call; I will let you know as I hear more.
Kate
Kathryn L. Flachsbart
switzerland arid Liechtenstein Desk
U.S. Department of State
>=--------=:-:-=--=--;-:::-----::-:=-:-::-;:::-:::---:......-:::=-;------
>From: CMS TaskForce1F(S!ES-O/TF)
>Sent: Friday, September 09, 2005 9:54 AM
>To: Flachsbart, Kathryn L
>Cc: TaskForce-l
>Subject: EUR REP - SWISS OFFER
>
>
>Kathryn, is this an addition offer from the Swiss govt is addition to the forensic
experts in "Dead Victims Identification" teams that we already have in record as part of
their offer?
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
>From: eMS TaskForce1P
>To: TaskForce-1
>Subject: FW: Info re Swiss Forensic teams -- Attn EUR rep
>
>
>
>----------
>From: Flachsbart, Kathryn L
>Sent: Friday, 'September 09, 2005 7:39:15 AM
>To: CMS TaskForcelP
>Subject: Info re Swiss Forensic teams -- Attn EUR rep
>Auto forwarded by a Rule
>
>D'avid:
>This came in from post this morning. Please let me know if we should be asking for
anything more at this point.
>Kate
>
>Kathryn L. Flachsbart
>Switzerland and Liechtenstein Desk
>U.5. Department of State
>
1JNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE

REVIEW AUTHORITY: FRANK TUMMINIA 36
DATE/CASE 10: 20 NOV 2006 200503991
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
>
>=-----------=--:-:-------:---,---,...---------
>From: Sandberg, Eric(Bern)
>To: Flachsbart, Kathryn L
>Subject: Swiss Forensic teams
>
>Here is what I received from the Swiss thus far. Could you please pass to the Task
Force, making sure that someone looks at it? The forensic experts would all come from the
Swiss police ranks, and it appears that they have lots of international experience.
>
> Thanks, Eric
>
>
>
> Franklin Thevenaz
>
» Swiss Agency for Dev~lopment and Cooperation SDC
» Department of Humanitarian Aid and SHA (Swiss Humanitarian Aid
» unit)
> Head of Division / Multilateral Affairs and Special Assignments
> Swiss Foreign Ministry
~I
B6
»
»
»
» To whom it may concern
»
» We refer to the request of the US Authorities for assistance
» regarding the identification of victims and inform you that the Swiss
» authorities can offer assistance in the following fi~lds:
»
»0 Crisis Management, Forensic Medicine, Odontology and Criminal
» Science. All personnel are specially trained to Interpol standards in
» Disaster Victim Identification.
»
»0 All specialists have national experience (aviation accidents,
» canyoning accident in Saxetbach, amok killing in zug, Gotthard Tunnel
» fire
» etc.) and international experience (Tsunami Thailand, UNO Mission in
» Kosovo by the excavation of mass graves, mass suicide of the Sun
» Temple Sect, Terror attack in Luxor, SR III aviation accident in
» Halifax etc.)
»
» Switzerland would supply a team of 4-6 specialists over a time frame
» of 4 to a maximum of B weeks. Due to the federal system in
» Switzerland, the specialists must be recruited from the cantonal
» police authorities and from the Institute of Forensic Medicine in
» Switzerland. Switzerland disposes over more than 120 DVI-experts. The
» detailed Curriculum Vitae of any designated specialists may only be
» supplied when the US authorities have informed in which fields aid will be requested.,
»
» Many thanks for your efforts and comprehension
»
» Kindest regards
»
» Beat Winiger
»
»
» « •.• OLE_Obj ... »
»
» Federal Office of Police
» Federal Department of Justice and Police Beat Winiger Expert for
37
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
» crises management Staff for International· Development and Crisis
» Management (SINDEC)
»
>
>
38
UNCLASSIFIED
»Message 'Page 1 of2
>'.
...
Q'Herron, Petra C
From: eMS TaskForce'l F

Sent: Friday. September 09.20054:13 PM
To: TaskForce-3
Cc: TaskForce·1
Subject: FW: Offer from Switzerland: Swiss environmental expert I TOR
-----Origlnal Message-----
from: rrntkatrina_state2 [mailto:RMTKATRINA_STATE2@ofda.net]
Sent: Friday, September 09,20053:45 PM
To: TaskForce-!
Cc: rmtkatrina_state
SUbject: Offer from Switzer1an9: SWiss environmental expert / TOR
State Task Force
This is a message from the OFDA RMT.
One of our colleagues from the EU (working here at OFDA) received this offer from the Swiss government (Swiss
Disater Relief). I said I would pass it on to the State Task Force which receives and responds to all such offers.
Thanks
Tom Targos
From: Ricardo Mena [mailto:menar@un.org]

Sent: Friday, September 09,20053:36 PM
To: rmtkatrina_state2
SUbject: Fw: Hurricane Katrina / Swiss environmental expert / TOR
-----Forwarded by Ricardo Mena/OCHA/GE on 09/09/2005 03:31PM -----
To: rmtkatrina_DMC@ofda.net
From: Ricardo Mena/OCHA/GE
Date: 09/09/2005 03:11PM
cc: lasker@un.org, Carlos Monteiro-Pereira/OCHA/NY@OCHA, Kevin Kennedy/OCHA/NY@OCHA,
Vladimir Sakharov/OCHA/GE@OCHA, Dusan Zupka/OCHA/GE@OCHA, Katarlna
Toll/OCHA/GE@OCHA .
Subject: Fw: Hurricane Katrina / Swiss environmental expert / TOR
Dear Miriam,
Further to this morning's conversation on the subject matter, as requested, please find attached
the draft TORs for the environmental expert offered by the Swiss Government. Kindly let me
know if this offer is of interest to the US Government.
Best regards,
Ricardo Mena
-----Forwarded by Ricardo Mena/OCHA/GE on 09/09/2005 03:00PM -----
I To: Ricardo Mena/OCHA/GE@OCHA

From: Vladimir Sakharov/OCHA/GE
7/7/2006
~ Message Page 2 of2
.,.. .
Date: 09/09/2005 12:37PM

cc: Carlos Monteiro-Pereira/OCHA/NY@OCHA, Romano Lasker/OCHA/NY@OCHA, Hansjoerg
Strohmeyer/OCHNNY@OCHA, Katarina Toll/OCHA/GE@OCHA, Dusan Zupka/OCHNGE@OCHA,
Rene Nijenhuis/OCHA/GE@OCHA, Roy Brooke/OCHA/GE@OCHA, Marie Mure/OCHNGE@OCHA,
KATRINA.UN@GMAIL.C0M
Subject: Hurricane Katrina / Swiss environmental expert / TOR
Dear Ricardo,
As requested, please find attached draft terms of reference for Swiss environmental expert,
.- , I also attach .oordlnates. '
This draft is agreed upon between the Joint UNEP/OCHA Environment Unit, Swiss Disaster Relief
and. It goes without saying that the draft is fully open for discussion. American
colleagues should feel free to make any comments/suggestions.
Please keep in mind that would be deployed (if so agreed) not by OCHA, but by the Swiss.
In case of a positive decision later today or during the weekend (and if~ hould be sent to
US quickly), you can contact Franklin Thevenaz directly on Otherwise, Swiss
Disaster Relief Duty phone number is: +4179 211 61 35. If you need my ~/ b) Leo)
assistance/involvement, you can call me on my mobile: ~ L
If US authorities would like to invite also experts from some other countries, we can always
arrange it.
Please keep in mind that If EPA would like to Invite one of us (from the Joint UNEP/OCHA
Environment Unit), such a decision should be made practically immediately. Our schedule Is
very tight, and changes (if any) should be done very qUickly.
Kindly keep us informed on progress.
Thank you for your support.
With best regards,
Vladimir
7/7/2006
_. Williams, Devin M
From: Stitt, Tony [tstitl@ofda.netJ-

Sent: Monday, September 12,20059:02 PM
To: Nieuwejaar, Sonja; Gisvotd, Lisa C; TaskForce-1
Cc: rmtkatrina_dmr; rmtkatrina_rm; OFDALogistics
Subject: . Switzerland Offer
Please .deliver to Marci Michaud.
Lisa / Sonja: My understanding of the Switzerland ofter, from our Thursday night matrix
scrub, was that we would accept tarps, plastic, and tents, and get more informat{on on the
comfort kits. However, a Task Force chart faxed to us today indicates State is going to
accept plastic, bedding (not even on the version of the matrix we reviewed Thursday), and
comfort kits. Tarps and tents dropped off, and "more info" on comfort kits turned into an
acceptance. The removal of tents makes sense to me, however, I'm not clear on the reasons
for the other changes.
More importantly though, apparently some communication occurred between State and FEMA
directly on this offer. As such, the USAID Ops Center is no longer in a position to
comment on or clear the Switzerland acceptance cable. Please pass the final version to us
once sent, as per standard procedures, and we will assume FEMA clearance and acceptance of
whatever commodities are listed therein.
Thanks,
Tony
Tony Stitt
(703) 526-2210
tstitt@ofda.net
49
lJNCLASSIFIED
O'Herron, Petra C
From: eMS TaskForce1 F

Sent: Wednesday, September 14,20052:59 PM
To: TaskForce-1
Subject: FW: For Clearance: Decline-Cable - Swiss 9-14-05 RELEASED IN FULL
>
>----------
>From: Lyons, Anne L(PA/FO)
>Sent: Wednesday, September 14,2005 1:59:35 PM
>To: CMS TaskForce1F
>Subject: RE: For Clearance: Decline-Cable - Swiss 9-14-05
>
PA clears

> From: CMS TaskForce1F(S/ES~O/TF)
> Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2005 2:55 PM
> To: Yu, Alan K; Norman, Alain G; PA Clearances Mailbox(PA/FO);
> tstitt@ofda.net
. > Cc: TaskForce-1
> Subject: For Clearance: Decline-Cable - Swiss 9~14-05
>
> «File: Decline-Cable - Swiss 9-14-05.doc » For your clearance:
> this cable declines the Swiss offer of aid. - The Switzerland desk has
> already cleared.
>
> Ingrid Larson
> EUR Rep
> Task Force 1
>

DATE/CASE ID: 27 SEP 2006 200503991
UNCLASSIFIED
:'",J'
-1. ... , '\"
,?
UNCLASSIFIED DOZl
Oliva, Amber M
From: CMS TaskForce1-Director
Wednesday. September 14, 2005 11:30 AM
RELEASED IN FULL
Sent:
To: SES-O CMS '
Subject: , FW: URGENT: Swiss Offer of Assistance
From: Gisvold, Lisa C

Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2005 10:30:20 AM
To: CMS TaskForce1-Director
Cc: Bass, John R (OPS); SES-O CMS
Subject: FW: URGENT: Swiss Offer-of Assistance
Auto forwarded by a Rule
Deborah: FYI - I called Bill Duff (pol/econ officer) and he confirmed that the Ambassador
is okay with turning off the shipment. He.reassured me that this won't create a public
relations fiasco and has sufficient talking points. It does seem odd that the Ambassador
was okay with this given all the pressure you received yesterday.
Lisa
Lisa Gisvold
Program Officer
Crisis Management Support
Operations Center
US Department of State
Tel: 202-647-7640
-----Original Message-----
From: CMS TaskForcelE '
To: Gisvold, Lisa C
Importance: High
From: Stitt, Tony [mailto:tstitt@ofda.net]
To: TaskForce-I; Nieuwejaar, Sonja
CC,: Scheurer, Rebecca; rmtkatrirta_dmr; rmtkatrina_rm; OFDALogistics; Boyle, John; Boyle,
John
Subject: URGENT: Swiss Offer of Assistance
Importance: High
Task Force: Please pass to Sherry Hazelhurst or Marci Michaud
I just spoke with Bill Duff at the US Embassy in Switzerland. The embassy is perfectly
willing to politely decline the entire Swiss offer based on our current assessment of
needs. I would advise us to do so. Bill is standing by for a decision. State TF / FEMA:
Please let me know if you concur with declining the Swiss offer.
Thanks,
Tony

DATE/CASE 10: 28 MAR 2007 200503991 UNCLASSIFIED
... ~.. .
Tony Stitt
UNCLASSIFIED
(703) 526-2210
tstitt@ofda.net
z
UNCLASSIFIED
Williams. Devin M
From: . Stitt, Tony [tstitt@ofda.net] .
Sent: Wednesday, September 14,20052:03 PM
To: TaskForce-1 .
Importance: High
Please pass to Sherry Hazelhurst.
sherry - could you please confirm that the entire Swiss offer has been turned off?
Thanks,
Tony
Tony Stitt
(703) 526-2210
t.stitt@ofda.net
From: Stitt, Tony

Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 200S 10:00 AM
To: TaskForce-I; 'Nieuwejaar, Sonja'
Cc: Scheurer, Rebecca; rmtkatrina dmr; rmtkatrina rm; OFDALogistics; Boyle, John; Boyle,
John - -
Importance: High
I just spoke with Bill Duff at the us Embassy in Switzerland. The embassy is perfectly
willing to politely decline tne entire swiss offer based on our current assessment of
needs. I would advise us to do so. Bill is standing by for a decision. state TF / FEMA:
Thanks,
Tony
Tony Stitt
(703) 526-2210
tstitt@ofda.net
132
Williams. Devin M
From: Stitt, Tony [tstitt@ofda.net)
To: Taskforce-t: Nieuwejaar, Sonja
Cc: Scheurer, Rebecca: rmtkatrina_dmr; rmtkatrina_rm; OFDALogistics; Boyle, John; Boyle, John
Importance: High
Task Force: Please pass to Sherry Hazelhurst or Marti Michaud
I just spoke with Bill Duff at the US Embassy in Switzerland. The embassy fs perfectly
willing to politely decline the entire Swiss offer based on our current assessment of
Thanks,
Tony
Tony Stitt
Deputy Manager for operations
(703) 526-2210
tstitt@ofda.net
77
-----------
lJNCLASSIFIED
O'Herron, Petra C
From: CMS TaskForce1 F

Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2005 2:59 PM RELEASED IN FULL
To: TaskForce-1
Subject: FW: For Clearance: Decline-Cable - Swiss 9-14-05
>
>----------
>From: Lyons, Anne L(PA/FO)
>Sent: wednesday, September 14,2005 1:59:35 PM
>To: CMS TaskForce1F
>Subject: RE: For Clearance: Decline-Cable - Swiss 9-14-05
>
PA clears

> From: CMS TaskForce1F(S/ES-O/TF)
> Sent: Wednesday, September. 14, 2005 2:55 PM
> To: Yu, Alan Kj Norman, Alain Gj PA Clearances Mailbox(PA/FO)j
> tstitt@ofda.net
> Cc: TaskForce-1
> Subject: For Clearance: Decline-Cable - Swiss 9-14-05
>
> «File: Decline-Cable - Swiss 9-14-05.doc » For your clearance:"
> this cable declines the Swiss offer of aid. " The Switzerland desk has
> already cleared.
>
>. Ingrid Larson
> EUR Rep
> Task Force 1
>

DATE/CASE ID: 26 SEP2006 200503991 UNCLASSIFIED
Page 3 of3
UNCLASSIFIED
Best regards,
Bill
William Duff
U.S. Embassy Bern, Switzerland

Economic Officer
Jubilaumsstrasse 93
3005 Bem CH
(T) 41-31-357-7418
(F) 41-31-357-7394
e-mail: Duffwe@state.gov
7/6/2006 UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Choi, Martino I
From: eMS TaskForce1 K RELEASED IN FULL

To: Blackshaw, Brett(Tokyo)
Cc: TaskForce-1
Subject: GoJ H20 pum p offer
Brett-
Per our conversation, I'm attaching a cable (STATE 169094) which we sent out to Bern earlier today regarding water
pumps. Apparently we don't need them anymore. The cable has some talking points as well. I realize that this isn't fully
responsive since you asked about a list of things we needed, so let me know if you still need that list (probably best to call
the TF number rather than email).
Alex
SUBJECT: TFUS01: UPDATE ON ACCEPTANCE OF HURRICANE KATRINA ASSISTANCE FROM SWITZERLAND
REF: A) STATE 163461
1. (sau) This is an action request -- see paras 2, and S.
2. (SBU) This cable contains an update to the official USG reaction to Swiss Government's
generous assistance offers for Hurricane Katrina. Embassy Bern should deliver the points
in para 4 at the highest appropriate level on Wednesday, September 14.
3. (SBU) Background: OFDA has informed State that some of the proposed items previously
accepted (ref) are no longer needed due to,the tremendous flow of assistance into the
country. specifically, relief officials have sufficient tents, crutches, bedding and
comfort kits. In addition we are not currently in need of pumps or pump operators. Via
Septel we are also indicating that we appreciate but do not need the aid of forensic
assistance teams.
4. (U) OFDA has, however, indicated that tarps and plastic sheeting would be very useful.
5. (U) Please note that USG acceptance of an offer does not mean immediate transport of
the assistance. Post and host government should work with USAIDjOFDA Logistics team.
The U.S. Government is extremely grateful for the generous offer of assistance from
the Government of Switzerland in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
The s~tuation on the ground has evolved considerably, resulting in a change in the
determination by U.S.
Government emergency response authorities regarding urgent needs.
An analysis of our specific needs indicates that the plastic sheeting and tarps would
be extremely useful to us. However, we do not currently have a need for additional tents,
crutches, bedding, comfort kits, or forensic assistance teams.
We repeat our gratitude for the prompt and kind offer and delivery of humanitarian
End points.
7. Action request for Post: Please provide the Hurricane Katrina Task Force, preferably
via front-channel cable,
. with:
-- Name and contact information of host government point of contact - preferably English-
1
DATE/CASE 10: 11 SEP 2006 200503991 UNCLASSIFIED
-------- ------ - ----
UNCLASSIFIED
speaking.
-- We encourage your Government to identify an English- speaking point of contact for your
offer of tarps and plastic sheeting, and to have that individual contact the USAID/Office
of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OIFDA Logistics Team; as well as NATO's Euro-Atlantic
Disaster Response Coordination Center (EADRCC) to begin the necessary procedures for
prompt acceptance of your shipment. USAID/OFDA logistics contact information, available
24/7, is FLIGHTMOVEMENTREQ [at] OFDA.NET and
(703) 526-2206/2207.
RICE -
UNCLASSIFIED
-PAGE 01 STATE 169094 140606Z
@INFO: C(OO) CA(Ol) D(OO) E(OO) -EAOX(Ol)

EDIT(OO) L(OO) MA(OO) NSCE(OO) OCS(Ol)
P (00) PA (00) PM (00) R (00) S (00)
SCT(OO) SP(OO) SS(OO) SSO(OO) SSS(OO)
T{OO) TF1(00) TFMGT(OO)TFPDPA(OO)
==================== 140211L SEP 05 RM (TOTAL COPIES:003)
@INFO: A{OO) CMS (00) DSCC(OO) G(OO) IRM(OO)

M(00) R (00) SESIRM(OO)SSEX(OO)
SSO(OO) SS(OO)
SSEX(OO) SS(OO)
SWCI(OO)
WO(OO)
ORIGIN SS-OO
INFO LOG-OO MFA-OO NP-OO AID-OO A-OO ClAE-OO DNI-OO

DODE-OO DS-OO EAP-OO EUR-OO UTED-OO FDRE-01 FEMA-01
FOE-OO VC-OO H-OO TEDE-OO .INR-OO 10-00 LAB-01
VCE-OO DCP-OO NSAE-OO NlMA-OO IRM-OO SSO-OO FMP-OO
SCRS-OO DSCC-OO PRM-OO DRL-OO G-OO ALM-OO SAS-OO
SWCI-OO /003R
169094
SOURCE: DISKETTE.042970
DRAFTED BY: TFUS01: DMCCARTHY 09/14/05 7-6611 APPROVED BY: TFUS01: NSHANK
S/ES-O:CRTRIBBLE MTOLLIVER TF:DHENIFIN EUR:AYU
OFDA:TSTITT PA:AHARPER
------------------388EA1 140607Z /38
o 140604Z SEP 05
FM SECSTATE WASHDC .
UNCLAS STATE 169094
SENSITIVE
E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: AEMR, ASEC, EAID, AMGT, PREL, US, SZ
2
UNCLASSIFIED
Clearance for swiss aid cable Page 1 of 1
UNCLASSIFIED
O'Herron, Petra C

Sent: Tuesday. September 13, 2005 8:27 PM RELEASED IN PART
To: TaskForce-1 B6
Subject: FW: Clearance for swiss aid cable
I
From: Amanda Harper[SMTr/

Sent: 13, ~~~----J
Tuesday, September ':;";-- 2005 7:26:52 PM
I B6 .
To: CMS TaskForce1 F

Subject: RE: Clearance for swiss aid cable
Hi Nicole.
This looks fine to me. Just a couple comments/questions: 1) Numbering on paragraphs is off - following
Paragraph 6 is another Paragraph 5; and 2) Should the second point under the second Paragraph 5 be included
with .the talking points in Paragraph 6? I also tracked a minor spelling error in the second Paragraph 5 (contact
vice ocntact).
Thanks,
Amanda Rogers-Harper
From: CMS TaskForcelF [mailto:1TFF@state.gov]

sent: Tuesday, September 13,20058:15 PM
To: Amanda Harper
Cc: TaskForce-l
SUbject: Clearance for swiss aid cable
Here it is - thanks!
«Acceptance Cable - Swiss 9-13-05.doc»
Respectfully Yours,
Nicole Shank
EUR Representative
Task-Force 1
PLEASE SLUG RESPONSES TO EUR REP.
*.. TASK-FORCE 1 - HURRICANE KATRINA - TA~K-FORCE 1 ***
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE"

DA1i9&,Q~ 10: 04 OCT 2006 200503991· UNCLASSIFIED
Page 2 of3
'UNCLASSIFIED
Switzerland and Liechtenstein Desk
U.S. Department ofState
From: Lundberg, Eric K{Bem)

sent: Thursday, September 15, 2005 9:07 AM
To: Flachsbart, Kathryn L
Cc: sandberg, Eric
SUbject: FW: Turning Off the Swiss Offers
Kate: Below is the message Bill sent. Eric

I
From: Duff, William E
sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2005 5:26 PM
To: Stitt, Tony; Gisvold, Lisa C • .
Cc: rmtkatrinaJm; rmtkatrina_dmr; OFDALogistics; 'rmtkatrina_lc'
Subject: Turning Off the Swiss Offers
Dear Lisa and Tony:
This e-mail is a'confirmation ofour conversations of September 14, 2005.
As requested, the Swiss offers of assistance, and in this instance, the offers included in State 169094,
will be turned ofIby the Embassy. The Ambassador and
the DCM approved this decision and understand that Washington made efforts during a very busy
and hectic period to get the Swiss a flight time in Little Rock to
deliver the supplies. " ': r
The Embassy will contact the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs and other offices to inform them
that the tarps and plastic sheeting are no longer needed. We
will draw upon the points in State 169094 and reftels in thanking the Swiss for their generous and
timely offers..
I will contact Ms. Jean McCray about letters to President Schmid and Foreign Minister Calmy-Rey
thanking the Swiss for their offers.
A summary of the Swiss Offers is:

100 Soldiers to manage the following equipment
10 heavy duty water pumps
Heavy lighting for 24-hour pumping activities
Pontoon boats for S&R
Forensic Experts
Tents
Bedding
Tarps
Plastic Sheeting
Comfort Kits
If you need any additional information from the Embassy on the Swiss offers or follow up
correspondence, please contact me.
7/612006 UNCLASSIFIED
'~T
r .: \ '
\ "UNCLASSIFIED INITIALS
\ APPR:
DRAFT:
DM
NS
...
ok
.
RELEASED IN FULL CLR 1: MT

CLR 2: AY ok
UNCLASSIFIED CLR 3': TS ok
CLR 4: AH ok
CLR 5: DH ok
TFUSOl: DMCCARTHY
06/28/06 7-6611 . ,J)ffl&1
TFUSOl: NSHANK
S/ES-O: MTOLLlVER TF:DHENIFIN EUR:AYU OFDA:TSTITT

PA:AHARPER
IMMEDIATE BERN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AEMR, ASEe, EAID, AMGT, PREL, US, SZ I I
SUBJECT: TFUS01: UPDATE ON ACCEPTANCE OF HURRICANE KATRINA

/
ASSISTANCE FROM SWITZERLAND
REFS: A) STATE 163461
1. (SBU) This is an action request -- see paras 2, and 5.
2. (SBU) This cable contains an update to the official

USG reaction to swiss Government's generous assistance
offers for Hurricane Katrina. Embassy Bern should deliver
the points in para 4 at the highest appropriate level on
Wednesday, .September 14.
3. (SBU) Background: OFDA has informed State that some of

the proposed items previously accepted (ref) are no longer'
needed due to the tremendous flow of assistance into the
. country. Specifically, relief officials have sufficient
tents, crutches, bedding·and comfort kits. In addition we
are not currently in need of pumps or pump operators. Via
Septel we are also indicating that we appreciate but do
not need the aid of forensic assistance teams.
4. (U) OFDA has, however, indicated that tarps and plastic

sheeting would be very useful.
5. (U) Please note that USG acceptance of an offer does

not mean immediate transport of the assistance. Post and
UNCLASSIFIED

.. , - - - - -
'f'
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED 2
host government should work with USAID/OFDA Logistics

team.
The U.S. Government is extremely grateful for the

generous offer of assistance from the Government of
Switzerland in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
The situation on the ground has evolved considerably,

resulting in a change in the determination by U.S.
Government emergency response authorities regarding urgent
needs.
An analysis of our specific needs indicates·that the

plastic sheeting and tarps would be extremely useful to
,us. However, we do not currently have a need for
additional tents, crutches, bedding, comfort kits, or
forensic assistance teams.
We repeat our gratitude for the prompt and kind offer

and delivery of humanitarian supplies already sent.
End points.
7. Ac~ion request for Post: ~lease provide the Hurricane:

Katrina Task Force, preferably via front-channel .cable,
with:
Name and contact information of host government point

of contact - preferably English-speaking.
We encourage your Government to identify an English-

speaking point of contact for your offer of tarps and
plastic sheeting, and to have that individual contact the
USAID/Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance {OIFDA
LogisticS Team, as well as NATO's Euro-Atlantic Disaster
Response Coordination Center (EADRCC) to begin the
necessary procedures for prompt acceptance of your
shipment. USAID/OFDA logistics contact information,
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
,
i'
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED 3
available 24/7, is FLIGHTMOVEMENTREQ· [at] OFDA.NET and

(703) 526-2206/2207.
yy
.....
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Message
,,',
Page 1 of2
UNCLASSIFIED
O'Herron, Petra C

Sent: Wednesday. September 14. 2005 12:50 PM
To: TaskForce-1 RELEASED IN FULL
SUbject: FW: Turning Off the Swiss Offers
For EUR rep on Task Force -
Lisa Gisvold
Program Officer
Operations Center
Tel: 202-647-7640
-----Original Message----~ I
.i
From: Glsvold, Lisa C
sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2005 11:36 AM
To: SES-O_CMS; CMS TaskForcel-Director; Bass, John R (OPS)
Subject: FW: Turning Off the Swiss Offers
I·
I
FYI.
lisa Gisvold
Program Officer
Operations Center
Tel: 202-647-7640
----Original Message-----
From: Duff, Willia·m E
sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2005 11:26 AM
To: Stitt, Tony; Gisvold, Usa C
Cc: rmtkatrina_rm; rrntkatrlnadrnr; OFDALogisticsi rmtkatrina_lc
Dear Lisa and Tony:
This e-mail is a confmnation of our conversations of September 14,2005.
As requested, the Swiss offers of assistance, and in this instance, the offers included in State 169094,
will be turned off by the Embassy. The Ambassador and
the DCM approved this decision and understand that Washington made efforts during a very busy and
hectic period to get the Swiss a flight time in Little Rock to .
. deliver the supplies.
DAW/~Q.~j: 10: 25 SEP 2006 200503991
UNCLASSIFIED
Message. Page 2 of2
UNCLASSIFIED
The Embassy will contact the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs and other offices to inform them that
the tarps and plastic sheeting are no longer needed. We
will draw upon the points in State 169094 and reftels in thanking the Swiss for their generous and timely
offers.
I will contact Ms. Jean McCray about letters to President Schmid and Foreign Minister Calmy-Rey
thanking the Swiss for their offers.

10 heavy duty water pumps .
Forensic Experts'
Tents
Bedding
Tarps
Plastic Sheeting
. Comfort Kits
Best regards,
Bill
William Duff

Economic Officer
Jubilaumsslrasse 93
3005 Bern CH
(T) 41-31-357-7418
(F) 41-31-357-7394
7/712006
UNCLASSIFIED
Page 1 of3
,I.
llNCLASSIFIED
O'Herron, Petra C

Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2005 3:28 PM
To: TaskForce-1 RELEASED IN FULL
Subject: FW.: For EUR Rep re Swiss Offers

Sent: Thursday. September 15, 2005 2:27:07 PM
Subject: For EUR Rep re Swiss Offers
Sandy. Eric:
As discussed ...
Kate
Switzerland and Liechtenstein Desk /
U.S. Department of State ~
From: FJachsbart, Kathryn L

sent: Thursday, September 15, 2005 9:25 AM
To: CMSTaskForcelP; CMS TaskForcel-Director
SUbject: For EUR Rep re Swiss Offers
Eric:
As per our call. I had an email this am sent by the taskforce at 8:20 last night indicating that the decline cable on
the Swiss offer should not go out as the taskforce was still awaiting a response to the "first" cable. Post has been
engaged in a lengthy series of conversations with the taskforce and OFDA on the issue of turning off the Swiss
offer. was anticipating the decline cable, and is not aware of any outstanding responses needed on their part.
The below email wasseritbyposttoOFDA.at OFDA request, confirming post's understanding that the Swiss
offer was to be turned off. Tony Stitt confirmed receipt of this email electronically last night. I note that the TF has
not been cced on this message; perhaps this is the reply being sought?
Let me know what I can do to help get what is needed to that we can close this loop once and for all.
Thanks, .
Kate
Kathryn L Flachsbart

RE.¥}.¥tW ~PTHORITY: FRANK TUMMINIA
DAfE'ftR'S)t 10: 25 SEP 2006 200503991 UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Oliva, Amber M
From: PATH Telegram Delivery ,
RELEAsED IN PART
Sent: Saturday, September 17, 20051:02 PM B6,
To: , Agar, Christina J; Aidekman, David S; Anthony, Tanya M; Archer, Louise V; Areias, Allison V;
Barks-Ruggles, Erica; Beecroft, Robert S; Beecroft, Robert S; Bockner, Matthew A; Boluda,
Gladys; Brewer, Maria E; Brose, Christian D; Buangan, Richard L; Chacon, Arnold A; ,
Chagnon, Natalie L; Cohen, James A; Davidson, Lynne A; Deatherage, B. Todd; Dilworth,
Alison E; D-NEA Duty; Donovan, Jason A; Dunne, Charles W; Elliott, Susan M; Erath, Tara F;
E Telegrams; Feeley, John D; Fitzsimmons, Elizabeth N; Fritz, Jonathan D; Gisvold, Lisa C;
Gunderson, Brian; Hambrick, Barbara K; Hardy, Elsie; Harris, Michelle F; Horton, Brenda D;
Hughes, Inez I; !rey, Kelley K; Jackson, Charlie G; Jackson, Charlie G; Johnson,Jennifer L;
Kilroy, Bernadette A; Lacey, Edward J;Levy, Philip I; Lineberry, Laura E (Liz): t.owenkron,
Barry F; Manning, Robert A; Markey, Daniel S; Martinez, Elizabeth L; Matera, Michael A;
McCray, I Jean; McCray, I Jean; Meyer, Susan M; Mills, Richard; Oldham, linda; Oldham,
Linda; Padilla, Chris; PATH D; PATH M; PATH SP; PATH SS; PATH SWO; PATH T; Perez,
Carol Z; Perina, Rudolf V; I IPlowden. Marisa L; Raphael, Lois; B6
Rasamimanana, Jennifer l; Roberton, Craig L; Schneider, Caroline M; SE5-Line Officer2
TOY; SES-Une Officer3 TOY; SESO Telegrams; Smith, Taiya M; Snyder, April C; Sokolsky,
Richard D; Spratlen, Pamela l; SES-Line Assistant TOY; SES-Line Officer TOY; TF1 -
Telegrams; TF2 • Telegrams; TF-MGT - Telegrams; TF-PDPA - Telegrams; Tomlinson,
Christina; Waller, Robert P; Ward, Celeste J; Watzlavick, Paul S; Wicks, Daniel H; Wilkinson,
James R; Winter, Roger P
SUbject: SECRETARY'S REPLY TO CONDOLENCE MESSAGE REGARDING HURRICANE
KATRINA FROM FOREIGN MINISTER CALMY-REY
SUBJECT: SECRETARY'S REPLY TO CONDOLENCE MESSAGE REGARDING HURRICANE KATRINA FROM, FOREIGN
MINISTER CALMY-REY
1. PLEASE DELIVER FOLLOWING MESSAGE FROM SECRETARY RICE TO FM CALMY-REY. THE DEPARTMENT
~'DOES NOT PLAN TO RELEASE THE TEXT OF THE SECRETARY'S MESSAGE BUT HAS~9,OBJECTION IF THE
'. GOVERNMENT OF SWITZERLAND WISHES TO DO SO. THERE WILL BE NO SIGNED ORIGINAL.
2. BEGIN TEXT:
DEAR MADAM FEDERAL COUNCILLOR:
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GOVERNMENT'S THOUGHTFUL MESSAGE OF SYMPATHY REGARDING THE DEVASTATION
CAUSED BY HURRICANE KATRINA, ONE OF THE MOST DESTRUCTIVE HURRICANES IN U.S.
HISTORY. IT IS COMFORTING TO HAVE SUCH CARING PEOPLE FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE REACHING OUT
TO US AT THIS TRAGIC TIME.
I DEEPLY APPRECIATE SWITZERLAND'S OFFER OF ASSISTANCE. WE

ARE PLEASED TO KNOW THAT SWITZERLAND IS WILLING TO HELP IN THE RELIEF EFFORT.
I AM GRATEFUL FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND CONCERN.
SINCERELY,
CONDOLEEZZA RICE
END TEXT.
RICE
UNCLASSIFIED
-PAGE 01 STATE 172144 171644Z
@INFO: A(OO) C(OO) CArOl) D(OO), E (00)

EAOX(Ol) EDIT(OO) EUR(OO) L(OO) M (00)
MA(OO) NSCE(OO) OCS(Ol) S(OO) SP(OO)
S8(00) 880(00) 8S8(00) T(OO) TF1(00)
DATE/CASE ID: 23 JAN 2007 200503991
UNCLASSIFIED
- ·TFMGT (00) TFPDPA (00)
UNCLASSIFIED
============"'======= 171302L SEP 05 DNG (TOTAI;COPIES:003)
@INFO: CMS(OO) DSCC(OO) G(OO) IRM(OO) P(OO)

Pl(OO) PA(OO) PRS(OO) R(OO) R(OO)
SESIRM (00) sse (00) 5S (00)
5S(00) SWCI(OO) WO(OO)
ORIGIN SS-OO
INFO LOG-OO . NP-OO AF-OO AID-OO AMAD-OO ClAE-OO CPR-OO

DODE-OO DS-OO EAP-OO EUR-OO UTED-OO FDRE-01 FEMA-Ol
VC-OO H-OO TEDE-OO INR-OO 10-00 VCE-OO MFLO-OO
NEA-OO NSAE-OO OIC-OO OIG-OO PA-OO PM-OO PRS-OO
P-OO IRM-OO SSC-OO SSO-OO FMP-OO BBG-OO R-OO
UP-OO PMB-DO Dsec-oo PRM-OO DRL-OO G-OO SAS-DO
SWCI-OO /OO2R
172144
SOURCE: KODAKD.017073
DRAFTED BY: TEXT RECEIVED FROM S -- 09/14/05, 202-647-0425 APPROVED BY: S/ES:ACHACON
S:SBEECROFT(DRAFT) EUR:NCOOK E~/AGS:KFLACHSBART
EUR/AGS:DSHEMANSKI S/ES-CR:NLCHAGNON S/ES-O:CELDER
TFUSOl:MHARRIS
------------------3B6SCF 171645Z /38
o 171642Z SEP 05
FM SECSTATE WASHOC
UNCLAS STATE 172144
E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: OPDC, PREL, SZ
UNCLASSIFIED
-"
UNCLASSIFIED
O'Herron, Petra C
From: CMS TaskForce1 P

Sent: Friday, September 09,20058:40 AM
To: TaskForce-1 RELEASED IN PART
Subject: FW: Info re Swiss Forensic teams - Attn EUR rep BC-- -

, Sent: Friday, September 09, 2005 7:39:15 AM
\
To: eMS TaskForce1P
\
SUbject: Info re Swiss Forensic teams - Attn EUR rep \
,------
\
David:
This came in from post this morning. Please let me know if we should be asking for anything more at this point.
Kate
U.S. Department ofState
From: Sandberg, Eric(Bem)

sent': Fridav, September 09, 2005 8:04 AM
To: Rachsbart, Kathryn L
SUbject: Swiss Forensic teams
Here is what I received from the Swiss thus far. Could you please pass to the Task Force. making sure that someone
looks at it? The forensic experts would all come from the Swiss police ranks, and it appears that they have lots of
international experience.
Thanks, Eric'
Franklin Thevenaz
> Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC

> Department of Humanitarian Aid and SRA (Swiss Humanitarian
> Aid Unit)
Head of Division I Multilateral Affairs and Special
Assignments
Swiss
FOreiqncMiniStj:,::".
.
'," .
.. ",'~~~ '
~
B6
>
>
> To whom it may concern
> We refer to the request of the us Authorities for assistance regarding the
> identification of victims and inform you that the Swiss authorities can
> offer assistance in the following fields:
>

DATE/CASE ID: 03 OCT 2006 200503991 UNCLASSIFIED
>
•
0
f~ ~cr i
.J • • UNCT;Ad::'..,sBTFIED
d
e i s Management, Por-ena i c Me ac rne , ..a....etg.tm~otogy an d Criminal
> Science. All' personnel are specially trained to Interpol standards in
> Disaster Victim Identification.
>
> 0 All specialists have national experience (aviation accidents,
> canyoning accident in Saxetbach, amok killing in Zug, Gotthard Tunnel fire
> etc.) and international experience (Tsunami Thailand, UNO Mission in
> Kosovo by the excavation of mass graves, mass suicide of the Sun Temple
> Sect, Terror attack in Luxor, SR 111 aviation accident in Halifax etc.)
>
> Switzerland would'supply a team of 4-6 specialists over a time frame of· 4
> to a maximum ofB weeks. Due to the federal system in Switzerland, the
> specialists must be recruited from the cantonal police authorities and
> from the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Switzerland. Switzerland
> disposes over more than 120 DVI-experts. The detailed Curriculum Vitae of
> any designated specialists may only be supplied when the US authorities
> have informed in which fields aid will be requested.
>
> Many thanks for your efforts and comprehension
>
> Kindest regards
>
> Beat Winiger
>
>
> « ... OLE_Obj ... »
>.
> Federal Office of Police
> Federal Department of Justice and Police
> Beat winiger
> Expert for crises management
> Staff for International Development and Crisis Management (SINDEC)
>
UNCLASSIFIED
lTNCLASSIFIED
Oliva, Amber M
From: CMS TaskForce1-Director

Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2005 12:54 PM
To: Glsvold, Lisa C; TaskForce-1
Cc: SES-O_CMS
SUbject: RE: Turning Off the Swiss Offers
Need to complete loop and finalize cable. NOTE FOR EUR REP. CABLE IS IN YOUR IN BOX
SOMEWHERE. REVISE CABLE PER GUIDANCE AND TAKING NOTE OF NON USE OF THE WORD REFUSAL AND
PRESIDENT. TAKE TO COORDINATOR FOR CHOP.
Sent: wednesday, september 14, 2005 12:50 PM
To: TaskForce-l
For EUR rep on Task Force -
Lisa Gisvold
Program Officer
Operations Center
us Department of State
Tel: 202-647-7640
-----Original Message----- _,
From: Gisvold, Lisa C -. '.. -' ._{ ,<.<',
Sent: wednesday, September 14, 2005 11': 3'6· AM
To: SES-O CMS; CMS TaskForcel-Director; Bass, John R (OPS)
Subject: Fw: Turning Off the Swiss Offers
FYI.
Lisa Gisvold
Program Officer
Operations Center
Tel: 202-647-7640
From: Duff, william E
To: Stitt, Tony; Gisvold, LisaC
Cc: rmtkatrina rm; rmtkatrina dmr; OFDALogistics; rmtkatrina lc
SUbject: Turning Off the Swiss Offers
Dear Lisa and Tony:
This e-mail' is a confirmation of our conversations of September 14, 2005.
AS requested, the Swiss offers of assistance, and in this instance, the offers
included in State 169094, will be turned off by the Embassy. The Ambassador and
the DeM approved this decision and understand that washington made efforts during a
REVIEW AUTHORJTV: FRANK TUMMINIA
DATE/CASE ID: 09 NOV 2006 200503991 UNCLASSIFIED
.~\
UNCLASSIFIED
very busy and hectic period to get the Swiss .a flight time in Little Rock to
deliver the supplies.
The Embassy will contact the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs and other offices
to inform them that the tarps and plastic sheeting are no longer needed. We
will draw upon the points in State 169094 and reftels in thanking the Swiss for
their generous and timely offers.
I will contact Ms. Jean McCray about letters to President Schmid and Foreign
Minister Calmy-Rey thanking the Swiss for their offers.
A summary of the Swiss .Offers is:

100 Soldiers to manage the following eq~ipment
Forensic Experts
Tents
Bedding
Tarps
Plastic Sheeting
Comfort Kits
If you need any additional information from the Embassy on the Swiss offers or
follow up correspondence, please contact me.
Best regards,
Bill
William Duff
u.s . Embassy Bern, Switzerland'''' .....:i.;: f ';;".~: .

Economic Officer
Jubilaumsstrasse 93
3005 Bern CH
(T) 41-31-357-7418
IF) 41-31-357-7394
2
UNCLASSIFIED
'" ' _~. t UNCLASSIFIED
Oliva, Amber M RELEASED IN pAl[ 2-L.-
From: Cockrell, John 0 B 6, NR
Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 200512:20 PM
Cc: Flachsbart, Kathryn L; Oppenheim, Jeffrey T; Stephens, Ronald; TaskForce-1
Subject: RE: Switzerland (+ EADRCC Situation Report NO.10 - Hurricane Katrina)
. Ingrid, thanks. CanTF-1 notify NATO's EADRCC of this? I more info in I B6

USNATO 538). (I don't believe USNATO was info'd on that State cable, I don't have it.)
That way all the necessary coordination will be taken care of and NATO can learn of any
potential extra work. It is, of course, a Swiss decision how they want to get the stuff
to the U.S., but NATO transport is flowing. It's already helped to get equipment over
from nations that don't have independent lift capacity, such as the Czech Republic, and
soon offers from Slovenia, Slovak Republic, and Austria will be on their way, with more to
follow. Not all that bad considering the NAC only authorized NATO to help on September 9.
John
John D. Cockrell
Political Officer, USNATO
32-2-724-3136
From: CMS TaskForce1F

Sent: wednesday, September 14,2005 6:11 PM
To: Cockrell", .John D ;. ,;'.<.,:(.. ,~,>.
;C~~ 'Flcichsbart':~ 'Kathryn L; Oppenheim, Jeffrey T; Stephens, Ronald; ~Ta'skForce~:l; <' '.
"Subject:RE:Switzerland (+ EADRCC Situation Report No.10 - Hurricane 'Katrina)"'
John: STATE 169094 accepts the Swiss donation. Our FEMA coordinator on the Task Force
says that NATO transport is very backed up and they may not have the capacity to move the
Swiss offer. If they have alternate transport, that is probably the best alternative.
Ingrid Larson
EUR Rep
Task Force 1
From: Cockrell, John D
To: TaskForce-1
Cc: Flachsbart, Kathryn L; Oppenheim, Jeffrey T; Stephens, Ronald
Subject: Switzerland (+ EADRCC Situation Report No.lO - Hurricane Katrina)
TaskForce: I understand from Sitreps that an offer of assistance from Switzerland

has been accepted. In talks with NATO's EADRCC, however, they indicate the Swiss appear
unaware of this. Switzerland has notified theEADRCC of its offer to the U.S., and could
potentially utilize it as well as NATO transport to transport its assistance to the U.S.
Could someone forward this notification to the EADRCC? USNATO 538 has more details.

DATE/CASE 10: 09 NOV 2006 200503991 lTNCLASSIFIED
,.. ,-" . UNCLASSIFIED
I have also attached the latest EADRCC sitrep, so you can see that the EADRCC was
tracking the Swiss offer.
If Swiss have arranged alternate transport, fine; but I just want to make sure this
opportunity doesn't fall through the cracks.
Thanks,
John
John D. Cockrell
Political Officer., USNATO
32":2-724-3136
NR
I
,f. " '," ;:' :: . ':~ f

"~ ~:' ;'';' \w • \ .-,1~
Subject: EADRCC Situation Report No.lO - Hurricane Katrina
2
UNCLASSIFIED
. ., . i - .. --r~
UNCLASSIFIED DMto9
Oliva, Amber M.
RELEASED lH FULL
Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2005 9:25 AM
To: CMS TaskForce1P; CMS TaskForce1-Director
Subject: For EUR Rep re Swiss Offers
Eric:
As per our call, I had an email this am sent by the taskforce at 8:20 last night
indicating that the decline cable on the Swiss off e r should not go out as the taskforce
was still awaiting a response to the "first" cable. Post has been engaged in a lengthy
series of conversations with the taskforce and OFDA on the issue of turning off the Swiss
offer, was anticipating the decline cable, and is not aware of any outstanding responses
needed on their part.
The below email wassentbyposttoOFDA.at OFDA request, confirming post's understanding

that the Swiss offer was to be turned off. Tony Stitt confirmed receipt of this email
electronically last night. I note that the TF has. not been cced on this message; perhaps
this is the reply being sought?
Let me know what I can do to help get what is needed to that we can close this loop once
and for all.
Thanks,
Kate
From: Lundberg, Eric K(Bern)

Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2005 9:07 AM
To: Flachsbart, Kathryn L
Cc: Sandberg; Eric
Subject: FW, Turning Off the Swiss Offers
Kate: Below is the message Bill sent. Eric

Sent: wednesday, September 14, 2005 5:26 PM
To: Stitt, Tony; Gisvold, Lisa C
Cc: rmtkatrina_rm; rmtkatrina_dmr; OFDALogistics; 'rmtkatrina lc'
Dear Lisa and Tony:
This e-mail is a confirmation of our conversations of September 14, 2005.
As requested, the Swiss offers of assistance, and in this instance, the offers included in
State 169094, will be turned off by the Embassy. The Ambassador and
the DCM approved this decision and understand that Washington made efforts during a very
busy and hectic period to get the Swiss a flight time in Little Rock to
The Embassy will contact the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs and other offices to
inform them that the tarps and plastic sheeting are no longer needed. We
will draw upon the points in State 169094 and reftels in thanking the Swiss for their
DATE/CASE 10: 19 OCT 2006 200503991 UNCLASSIFIED
genero~s and timely offers.
UNCLASSIFIED
I will contact Ms. Jean McCray about letters to President Schmid and Foreign Minister
Calmy-Rey thanking the Swiss for their offers.

Forensic Experts
Tents
Bedding
Tarps
Plastic Sheeting
Comfort Kits
Best regards,
Bill
William Duff

Economic Officer
Jubilaumsstrasse 93
3005 Bern CH
(T) 41-31-357-7418
(F) 41-31-357-7394
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Choi, Martino I
ILF lL0
From: CMS TaskForce1Q
trnn:ASrn-rnl'Un
Sent: Monday, September 05. 2005 1;59 PM
To: EUR-Directors; Flachsbart, Kathryn L; Vikmanis Keller, Valda M
Cc: Buckneberg, Jody L; TaskForce-1
Subject: FWT: ACCEPTANCE OF OFFER FOR ASSISTANCE FROM SWITZERLAND FOR
HURRICANE KATRINA RELIEF
From: PATH Telegram Delivery
Sent: Monday, September OS, 2005 1:42 PM
To: Agor, Christina Jj Aguilar, Karen; Aidekman, David Sj Almodovar, Cindy Trodden;
Almodovar, Cindy Trodden; Amadeo, Stefanie; Anthony, Tanya M; Archer, Louise V; Areias,
Allison V; Andrews, Constance Cj Bame, David Jj Barks-Ruggles, Erica; Barnes, Susan Dj
Beecroft, Robert S; Beecroft, Robert Sj Beeton, Amy Ej Bell, Susan J (S/CT); Block, Marc
David; Bockner, Matthew A; Boluda, Gladysj Bradley, Tobin J; Brewer, Maria Ej Brose,
Christian Dj Buangan, Richard L; Burk, Susan Fj Chacon, 'Arnold Aj Chagnon, Natalie Lj
Chambers, Patricia J; Chandler, Karen Rj Cheatwood, Jon Pj Cohen, James A; Davidson, Lynne
Aj Deatherage, B. Todd; Dees, Peter M; Dewan, Linda L; Diascro, Matthew N; Dilworth,
Alison E; D-NEA Duty; Donovan, Jason A; Dunne, Charles W; Echeverria, Cynthia C; Elliott,
Susan M; Erath, Tara F; E Telegrams; Feeley, John D; Fitzsimmons, Elizabeth N; Foster,
Timberlake; Franz, David w; Fuhrer, Mary Jo; Garcia, Vera; Gisvold, Lisa C; Gordon, Angela
J; Gunderson, Brian; Hardy, Elsie; Harley, Caroline E; Harris, Michelle F; Hartley, Brent
R; Hart, Shirley M; Hawthorne, Margaret D; Hayden, Caitlin M; Heffern, John A; Helton-
Floyd, Kathleen L; Holinka, Ann M; Horton, Brenda D; Hughes, Inez I; Irey, Kelley K;
Jablonsky, Michele; Jackson, Charlie G; Jackson, Charlie G; Jakub, Michael A; Kilroy,
Bernadette A; Kushner, Todd A; Lacey, Edward J; Levy, Philip I; Lineberry, Laura E (Liz);
Lowenkron, Barry F; Manning, Robert A; Markey, Daniel S; Marshall, Campbell B; Martinez,
Elizabeth L; Matera, Michael Ai McCray, I Jean; McCray, I Jeanj Meyer, Susan M; Miller,
Michael F; Mills, Richard; Nakian, Elizabeth A; Norman, Marc Ej Noyes, Nicholas; Oldham,
Linda; Oldham, Linda; Padilla, Chris; Palmer, Virginia E; PATH D; PATH Pj PATH PA; PATH
PAPLIGA; PATHSCT Operations; PATH SP; PATH SS; PATH SWO; PATH Tj Patterson, Rex Mj Perez,
Carol Zj Perina, Rudolf V; Perry, Margaret A; P-EUR Duty; Phelps, Sandy L; pierce, Patrice
C; pilcher, William B; Plowden, Marisa L; P-WHA Duty; Raphael, Lois; Rasamimanana,
Jennifer L; Realuyo, Celina B; Roberton, Craig L; Salazar, Edward J; Schlegel, Sally A;
Schneider, Caroline M; SES-Line Officer2 TDY; SES-Line Officer3 TDY; SESO Telegrams; Shaw,
Andrew; Shore, Rhonda Hj sidereas, Eugenia M; Slaven, William A; Smith, Taiya M; Snyder,
April C; Sokolsky, Richard D; SES-Line Assistant TDYj SES-Line Officer TDY; TF1 -
Telegrams; TF2 - Telegrams; TF-MGT - Telegrams; TF-PDPA - Telegrams; Tomlinson, Christina;
Van de Velde, James R; Waller, Robert P; Ward, Celeste J; Watzlavick, Paul S; Wicks,
Daniel H; wilkinson, James R; Winter, Roger P; zawitkowski, Andre J
Subject: ACCEPTANCE OF OFFER FOR ASSISTANCE FROM SWITZERLAND FOR HURRICANE KATRINA RELIEF
Importance: High
SUBJECT: ACCEPTANCE OF OFFER FOR ASSISTANCE FROM SWITZERLAND FOR HURRICANE KATRINA RELIEF
REF: SECSTATE: 163366, BERN 1549
1. NIACT precedence due to need for weekend action. Please notify immediately. This is
an action request.
2. SUMMARY and INTRODUCTION: State 163366 (ALDAC) listed specific areas of need identified
by USG emergency management officials for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Some or all
of the assistance offered by host government appears to match these needs. Using the
talking points below, posts are instructed to convey to host government officials:
--We have identified a match;

--we accept host government's offer; and --we will be back in touch with host government
regarding logistical details for delivery of this assistance.
1JNrfiOWhi§i>WAafmfdf s1lA~ind of this cable. END SUMMARY.

DATE/CASE In: 11 SEP 2006 200503991
lTNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
3. Talking points for use with host government:
Thank you for your generous offer of assistance for the Hurricane Katrina relief
effort.
-- Your offer includes material and/or equipment that the u.s.

Govern~ent has identified as a critical need. "
-- We accept your offer for tarps and plastic sheeting, bedding, crutches, comfort kits,
and tents.
-- u.s. Government assessment teams are currently analyzing the specifics of our critical
needs and how your offer can meet these needs.
-- Once our experts make a precise determination of how we can specifically utilize the
material and/or equipment your government has offered, we will be in touch with you
regarding logistical details for delivery of your assistance.
End points.
4. Action request for Post: Please provide the Hurricane Katrina Task Force, preferably
via front-channel cable, with:
-- name and contact information of host government point of contact - preferably English-
speaking - who has the technical expertise to address follow up technical and logistical"
details with u.s. emergency management officials;
name and contact info of Post's point of contact on this matter; and
as much specific information as possible regarding the material and/or equipment being
offered by host government (e.g., if tents are being offered, how many and what size they
are; if generators are being offered, how many and what capacity they are, etc.) RICE
UNCLASSIFIED
Additional Addresees:
INFO JOINT STAFF WAS~INGTON DC PRIORITY

SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY 7942
HOMELAND SECURITY CENTER WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY 2532 HQ USNORTHCOM PRIORITY
-PAGE 01 STATE 163461 051720Z
@INFO: A(OO) C(OO) CA(Ol) D (00) DODE (00)

E(OO) EAOX(Ol) EDIT(OO) FEMA(OO)
ro(oo) MA(OO) NSCE(OO) OCS (O~) P(DD)
PA(OO) PM(OO) S(OO) SCT (00) SP(OO)
SS (00) SSO (00) SSS (00) T (00) TF1(00)
TFMGT(OO)TFPDPA(OO)
==================== 051341L SEP 05 TRW (TOTAL COPIES:003)
@INFO: CMS(OO) DSCC(OO) G(OO) IRM (00) M(00 )

R(OO) R (00) SS (00) S8 (00)
SWCI (00) WO(OO)
==================== 051720Z SEP OS STePS (TOTAL COPIES:OOO)
ORIGIN 88-00
INFO LOG-OO NP-OO AID-OO AMAD-OO CCO-OO CIAE-OO DS-OO

EAP-OO EUR-OO UTED-OO VC-OO H-OO TEDE-OO INR-OO
LAB-01 L-OO VCE-OO M-OO DCP-OO NSAE-OO NlMA-OO
IRM-OO SSO-OO FMP-OO R-OO DSCC-OO PRM-OO DRL-OO
G-OO SAS-OO SWCI-OO j001R
2
UNCLASSIFIED
· UNCLASSIFIED
163461
SOURCE: DISKETTE.042693
DRAFTED BY: TF01: JBUCKNEBERG -~ 09/05/05 X7-6611 APPROVED BY: S/ES: DOFFUTT
EUR: NCOOK S)ES: EMALLOY
L: PGUTHRIE H: RGONZALES R: JCURTAIN
S/ES/O: CTRIBBLE
DESIRED DISTRIBUTION:
S/ES, EUR
------------------333D2C OS1720Z /38
o P 051718Z SEP 05 ZFF4
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO AMEMBASSY BERN NIACT IMMEDIATE
INFO JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY 7942
HOMELAND SECLffiITY CENTER WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY 2532 HQ USNORTHCOM PRIORITY
UNCLAS STATE 163461
FOR AMBASSADOR OR PRINCIPAL OFFICER; STATE PASS USAID/OFDA HQ USNORTHCOM PASS J-3
E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: AEMR, E:AID, PREL, US, SZ
UNCLASSIFIED
Page 1 of 1
UNCLASSIFIED
Choi, Martino I }'lFI~l

From: CMS TaskForce1- LogA
Sent: Wednesday, September 07,20059:32 AM
RELEASED IN FlJLL
To: Buckneberg, Jody L
Cc: TaskForce-1
Subject: RE: For Marianne Stanley, EUR Rep
Jody,
I've logged this -- thanks. Have a nice day!
John G. Robinson
From: Buckneberg, Jody L

sent: Wednesday, September 07,20059:17 AM
To: TaskForce-l
Cc: Cook, Nerissa J; Flachsbart, Kathryn L; Norman, Alain G
Subject: For Marianne Stanley, EUR Rep
Marianne,·I've been unable to get through to you by phone (on hold for fifteen minutes, you must be busy!) so I
am replying to your voicemail byemail. You asked about the Switzerland reply sent on Monday in State 163461.
This reply accepted Swiss offers of tarps and plastic sheeting, bedding, crutches, comfort kits, and large tents as
per Bern 1549. These otters were an exact match to FEMA's requirements as listed in State 163366. I guess
then I don't understand what problem with this FEMA could possibly have had! Could you please clarify what
FEMA's concerns were? For the record, the cable was a fully cleared and considered Task Force response.
Please also feel free to call back for further details. on x7-7117.
Thanks much,
Jody
,ady Buckneberg
EUR/PGI .'
HST12A44
202-647-n17

DA'W2<tM16&D: 11 SEP 2006 200503991 UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Choi, Martino I

Sent: Wednesday, september 14, 2005 11:36 AM
To: SES-O eMS; CMS TaskForce1-Director; Bass, John R (OPS)
FYI. RELEASED IN FULL
Lisa Gisvold
Program Officer
Crisis Management support
Operations Center
Tel: 202-647-7640
To: Stitt, TonYi Gisvold, Lisa C
Cc: rmtkatrina rmi rmtkatrina dmrj OFDALogisticsi rmtkatrina lc
Dear Lisa and TO~y:
This e-mail is a confirmation of our conversations of September 14, 2005.
As requested, the Swiss offers of assistance, and in this instance, the offers included in
State 169094, will be turned off by the Embassy. The Ambassador and
the'DCM approved this decision and understand that Washington made efforts during a very
busy and hectic period to get the Swiss a flight time in Little Rock to
The Embassy will contact the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs and other offices to
inform them that the tarps and plastic sheeting are no longer needed. We
will draw upon the points in State 169094 and reftels in thanking the Swiss for their
generous and timely offers. .
I will contact Ms. Jean McCray about letters to President Schmid and Foreign Minister
Calmy-Rey thanking the Swiss for their offers.
A summary of the Swiss Offers is: \

Forensic Experts
Tents .
Bedding
Tarps
Plastic Sheeting
Comfort Kits
Best regards,
Bill
DATE/CASE In: 24 OCT 2006 200503991
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLAsSIFIED
william Duff

Economic Officer
Jubilaumsstrasse 93
3005 Bern eH
(T) 41-31-357-7418
(F) 41-31-357-7394
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Choi, Martino I
From:
Sent:
Gisvold, Lisa C
Wednesday, September 14, 2005 11:30 AM
RELEASED IN FULL
To: eMS TaskForce1-Director
Cc: Bass, John R (OPS); SES-O_CMS
Deborah: FYI - I called Bill Duff (pol/econ officer) and he confirmed that the Ambassador
is okay with turning off the shipment. -He reassured me that this won't create a public
relations fiasco and has sufficient talking points. It does seem odd that the Ambassador
was okay with this given all the pressure you received yesterday.
Lisa
Lisa Gisvold
Program officer
Operations Center
Tel: 202-647-7640
From: CMS TaskForce1E
Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2005.10:03 AM
To: Gisvold, Lisa C
Importance: High
-----original Message-----
From: Stitt, Tony [mailto:tstitt@ofda.net]
To: TaskForce-1; Nieuwejaar, Sonja
Cc: Scheurer, Rebecca; rmtkatrina_dmr; rmtkatrina_rm; OFDALogistics; Boyle, John; Boyle,
John
Importance: High
I just spoke with Bill Duff at the US Embassy in Switzerland. The embassy is perfectly
willing to politely decline the entire swiss offer based on our current assessment of
Thanks,
Tony
Tony Stitt
(703) 526-2210
tstitt@ofda.net

DATE/CASE ID: 24 OCT 2006 200503991
UNCLASSIFIED
---- _ . - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
UNCLASSIFIED
Choi, Martino I
From: eMS TaskForce1 F
Sent: Tuesday. September 13. 2005 2:49 PM RELEASED IN PART
To: TaskForce-1
Cc: TaskForce-1 B5
Subject: September 13: EUR End of Shift Report, 3PM
EUR - End of Shift II R(!j)ort

S(!j)ternber 13. 3PM
DEVELOPMENTS
I) Greek offers ofships: DoD has in principle accepted offer of2 cruise ships. No USG acceptance on further offer of
cargo ship, yet it appears ship departed for U.S. on/around 9/8.
2) Ukraine: Have accepted offer for Antonov-planes to send pumps from the Netherlands. No acceptance of other offers.
Would be ready to accept more transport capacities.
3) Luxembourg: DCM Dan Piccuta reports Luxembourg offer of 1000 camp beds and 2000 blankets, formally accepted
by STATE 16697 I, will be shipped on Wed 9/14 to Huntsville via CargoJux as coordinated with USAID/OFDA and
NATO logistics. No action necessary.
4)Georgia has given a check of 550,000: Georgian embassy supposed to hand it over today. Desk Officer has prepared a
draft dip note to thank Georgians. Will clear with Task Force.
ourSTANDING ISSUES
I)Norway: Prepared cable to decline additional offer (first offer already accepted); check on clearance
2) Swiss offer of assistance: FEMA and TF apparently approved some items wlo the knowledge of OFDA. The original
Jist ofapproved items has now changed. As a result, OFDA has removed themselves from the approval process (see
email from Tony Stitt 9:02PM 9/12). FEMA and TF must collaborate to confirm commodities.
Need to find closure on comfort kits. Open question: is the writing in English (if not, must be translated)? Desk
will find out and urges that we should then accept without delay! Got confmnation that there are no food items, but
did not get info on other aspects.
Obtain CMS, OFDA and FEMA agreement on what to accept - circumstances have changed since last agreement
on 9/8. Current OFDA "green light" matrix shows "plastic sheets, bedding and comfort kits (no food)."
OFDA OPS thought that agreement covered tarps, not plastic sheeting (Swiss offered both). Do we need tarps over
plastic sheeting? Should we accept the tents too? As Swiss have alread packed everything it would be advisable not
to separate further,
See below for draft acceptance cable language.
Other offers: pumps and appox. 100 people to operate them - FEMA said "yes" to offer, but it is outstanding, no
action; forensic experts - this is on "standby."
~TEDSTATESDEPARTMENTOFSTATE
UNCLASSIFIED
O"Herron, Petra C .
From: Harris. Michelle F
Sent: Thursday, October 06,20057:53 PM
To: McCarthy, Deborah A RELEASED IN FULL
Cc: Tucker, Kelly J
Subject: Katrina Snapshot
Hi Deborah-
I finished the reconciliation between the State website, the Executive Summary, the Cash Summary, and the internal
status report below. .
Here's a snapshot of where we stand:
150 countries, political entities and international organizations made offers of assistance
108 countries, political entities and international organizations from whom USG has accepted offers and/or acknowledged
offers to NGOs (i.e., Red Cross, Bush-Clinton Hurricane Relief Fund)
25 countries, political entities and international organizations USG is declining 100% of offer
18 acceptance cables, decisions, or other actions pending
?? 100% decline cables pending
Will poll KWG regional bureau reps tomorrow for status of their 100% no cables.
Also, l'rn pulling together a summary of the odd cases (l.e., SWitzerland, Lithuania,.Oman, Algeria, others) that cause the
numbers to not add up perfectly. Will have ready before hand off to new Spec Asst.
Thanks.
Michelle Harris
Special Assistant
Katrina Working Group

DATE/CASE ID: 08 FEB 2007 200503991 .
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED Dl-<\3B
Oliva, Amber M ~
From: eMS TaskForce1F

Sent: Wednesday, September 14. 2005 3:02 PM
To: TaskForce-1 . RELEASED IN FULL
Cc: TaskForce-1
Subject: End of shift report - EUR Rep
End of shift report -- EUR Rep
1. Pending cable declining the Swiss offer of help. The Switzerland desk is clearing it,
and then it must go through the rest of the clearances. Draft cable is a modification of
STATE 169094. The Switzerland desk has cleared. Sent to PA, EUR/PGI, OFDA'for clearance.
PENDING CLEARANCES.
2. Pending: modification of cable accepting Danish donation. FEMA now wants Denmark to
arrange for the shipment of the blankets they plan to donate. NATO transport aircraft are
too swamped to transport the blankets. Also, FEMA wants Denmark to reduce the number of
blankets from 40K to 10K. Cable 166970 needs to be modified. Spoke with backup Denmark
Desk officer, but he didn't want to take action. Said Task Force should draft cable.
AWAITING ACTION.
3. Ukraine: very much wants to be of help. Want to.send in-kind donations via airplane,
but FEMA does not want the stuff_. They do, however, need the airplane to transport NATO-
countries donations currently on the tarmac in Ramand.en -af-i-r-for-ce---.4::lase-.--'I'he-Deputy-in---
UMB is going to work with the Embassy in Kiev to see if we can maybe push the Ukrainians
to send their airplane, empty, to pick up the NATO material. Follow up with UMS Deputy
Marcus Micheli x7-9049.
~ ~.,: .
. 4. Georgia: Donated $50K directly to the Red Cross. i The' Georgia desk is working on a
cable to thank the GOG.
5. Greece: Desk is drafting a cable declining the Greek offer of 'a cruise ship. The
offer had been accepted previously, but FEMA re-assessed the needs and no longer need the
ship. We are waiting final word from FEMA, but Greece desk is already working on a cable
to decline offer. Call Jqe Parente when we have final word from OFDA representative.
6. John Cockrell at US NATO is very interested in following the status of transportation

for the NATO countries donations. Please copy him when relevant.
7. Germany: David Chin (240) 476-4914 is the State'. Department Detail to the National
Communications System. He needs to find out more information about 2 Germany telecom
offers -- one a private donation from New Skies and the other a containerized cell phone
equipment offer. He needs technical details and dollar amount of the New Skies offer of
help. NO ACTION'TAKEN YET.
8. Captian Dave Gordner, Liaison to State Dept from U.S. Coast Guard (x6-8554) wants to
follow up with Malta's offer of help. (Listed in Matrix) He will check what mater~el
Malta was offering, and OFDA rep needs to check with FEMA. Please contact OFDA rep and
Dave Gordner to check status.

DATE/CASE ID: 19 OCT 2006 200503991 UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
O'Herron, Petra C
From: CMS TaskForce1G

Wednesday, September 14,20051:14 PM .
RELEASED IN FULL
Sent:
To: Cockrell, John 0
Cc: TaskForce-1
Subject; FW: Switzerland and Norway: Temporary Stand Down on Offers of Assistance for Hurricane
Katrina .
FYI
-Original Message--
From: eMS TaskForce1P
Sent: Wednesday, September 07,20059:41 AM
To: TaskForce-1
Subject:FW: Switzer1and and Norway: Temporary Stand Do~n on Offers of Assistance for HUrricane Kabina

Sent: Wednesday, September 07,20058:40:38 AM
To: eMS TaskForce 1P
Subject: FW: Switzerland and Norway: Temporary Stand Down on Offers of Assistance for Hurricane Katrina
u.s. Department ofState .
From: CMS TaskForce1 P(S/ES..()(TF)

Sent: Monday,' September 05,200511:17 PM
To: Webster, Christopher W; Urban, carol
Cc: Dalland, Raymond 5; Navratil, Thomas J; Shemanski, DonaldR; Rachsbart, Kathryn l; TaskForce-1; TaskForce-1
SUbject: Switzer1and and Norway: Temporary Stand Down on Offers of Assistance for Hurricane Kabina
Your posts were earlier notified via cable of USG acceptance of offers of assistance. However, FEMA has asked that the
Swiss and Norwegian governments stand down temporarily on that assistance, until FEMA can coordinate how they will
accept the assistance. Please convey our appreciation of the "offers of assistance, and that we will be in touch regarding
further coordination. Please send all responses to the TaskForce-1 address. Thanks, Jennifer Spence

DATE/CASE ID: 25 SEP 2006 200503991
·UNCLASSIFIED

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UNCLASSIFIED

End of shift report - EUR Rep

8. r· . ILIaison to State Dept from U.S. Coast Guard I I

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE . 1

SUBJECT: TFuS01: UPDATE ON ACCEPTANCE OF HURRICANE KATRINA ASSISTANCE FROM SWITZERLAND

REF: A) STATE 163461

1. (SaU) This is an action request -- see paras 2, and 5.

6. (SBUI Talking points for use with host government:

-PAGE 01 STATE 169094 140606Z

@INFO: C(OO) CA(Ol) D(OO) E(OO) EAOX(Ol)

VCE-OO DCP-OO NSAE-OO NlMA-OO IRM-OO 'SSO-OO FMP-OO I,'·

SCRS-OO DSCC-OO PRM-OO DRL-OO G-OO ALM-OO SAS-OO

UNCLAS STATE 169094

E.O. 12958: N/A

From: Stitt, Tony [tstitt@ofda.net]

Please pass to Sherry Hazelhurst.

From: Stitt, Tony

Task Force: Please pass to Sherry Hazelhurst-or Marci Michaud

S/ES-O: MTOLLIVER TF:DHENIFIN EUR:AYU OFDA:TSTITT

E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: AEMR, ASEC I EAID, AMGT I PRELl US I SZ

SUBJECT: TFUS01: UPDATE ON ACCEPTANCE OF HURRICANE KATRINA

REFS: A) STATE 163461

1. (SBU) This is an action request -- see paras 2, and 5.

2. (SBU) This cable contains an update, to the official

3. (SBU) Background: OFDA has informed State that some of

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE

host government should work with USAID/OFDA Logistics I

6. (SBU) Talking points for use with host government:

The U.S. Government is extremely grateful for the

The situation on the ground has evolved considerably,

An analysis of our specific needs indicates that the

We repeat our gratitude for the prompt and kind offer

7'. Action request for Post: Please provide the Hurricane

Name and contact infqrmation of host government point

We encourage your Government to identify an English-

available 24/7, is FLIGHTMOVEMENTREQ" [atJ' OFDA.NET and

• No requests for flight clearance have been denied.

• Diplomatic clearances for aircraft carrying Katrina-related assistance

• U.S. Embassy Stockholm has contacted the Government of Sweden

• We thank the Government and people of Sweden for their assistance.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE

To the concerned competent authorities

Waiting for your reply.

(Signing in the name of Mr Toni Frisch, SDC vice-Director)

Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC

J::mcassy s webs1te: WWW.sw1ssemc.org <http://www.swissemb.org > .

No. This is additional information on the qualification/technical skills of the Dead

1JNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE

From: eMS TaskForce'l F

State Task Force

This is a message from the OFDA RMT.

From: Ricardo Mena [mailto:menar@un.org]

-----Forwarded by Ricardo Mena/OCHA/GE on 09/09/2005 03:31PM -----

I To: Ricardo Mena/OCHA/GE@OCHA

Date: 09/09/2005 12:37PM

Kindly keep us informed on progress.

Thank you for your support.

With best regards,

From: Stitt, Tony [tstitl@ofda.netJ-

Please .deliver to Marci Michaud.

From: eMS TaskForce1 F

> -----Original Message-----

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE 1