Cablegate: Uk Seeks Flood Relief Assistance From Us

VZCZCXYZ0002
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHLO #2907 2081840
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 271840Z JUL 07
FM AMEMBASSY LONDON
TO RHEFHLC/HOMELAND SECURITY CENTER WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4679

UNCLAS LONDON 002907

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

HSC ALSO FOR FEMA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID PREL UK
SUBJECT: UK SEEKS FLOOD RELIEF ASSISTANCE FROM US

1. This is an action request.

2. Andy Shields of the UK Civil Contingencies Secretariat
within the Cabinet Office informed Embassy July 27 that the
UK Government will shortly issue a formal request to the USG
for portable toilet chemicals, known as WAG Bags, in response
to this week's floods in the UK. Logistical details and
quantities are still to be determined. The request will be
issued Friday night, July 27, and will be sent to FEMA as
well as the Embassy. There is an expectation that the US
would provide this emergency assistance on a
"non-reimbursable basis" (i.e., gratis), particularly in
light of British generosity on the same terms to the U.S.
following Hurricane Katrina.

3. The Ambassador strongly supports providing this
assistance on a non-reimbursable basis. Post urges
Washington agencies to respond in a timely manner, so that
issue is resolved before the President meets with PM Brown
and Secretary Rice with Foreign Secretary Miliband on Sunday
and Monday, July 29 and 30.

4. Point of contact at post is Sandra Clark, Acting
Economic Minister-Counselor who can be reached at
44-20-7894-0482 (office) or 44-771-516-7463 (cell).

Visit London's Classified Website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/london/index. cfm
JOHNSON

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