3. - usaid

warnings should be sent with the tents stating that they are not fireproof
and that necessary fire prevention precautions must be taken by those
using them. Also, governments and relief organizations should be made
aware of the availability of fire-proofing liquids and sprays that could
be purchased in advance and stored in the country for this purpose.
Other Recommendat ions (Based on report f'rm Mr. Ryan on Improvement in
USG Disaster Response)
1. That AID/DRC consider disaster relief training and orientation programs
under AID sponsorship, with the GO1 bearing part of training/observation
costs.
2. That some form of U. S. Government marking be stenciled on the do:nated
items prior to shipment overseas. Placing an AID erriblem on the shipping
box is not enough. Once the item is removed from the box, the identity as
an American relief contribution is lost. (AID/DRC comment : Orten, as in
the case of tents, the product becomes hown as an American donated item
anyway. This recommendation has been made previously. It has been a
matter of concern for AID/DRC as to how this can be done when ordering
f'rom comercial sources on an emergency basis for emergency shipment.
AID/DRC does not maintain stockpiles or reserve stocks, except for ceiotain
items stored at Panama.)
3. That consideration be given to problems created for the massy
resulting from the influx of many scientists, technicians, observers,
and students (both USG and under private sponsorship) into the earthquake
area. (Comnent: AID/DRC recognizes that seismic phenomena create
extensive interest in scientific investigations and provide an opportunity
for study. It is also recognized that when too many observers arrive,, the
ability of the American Ehbassy staff to provide transport and logistj-cal
support is overextended, and this may slow down other disaster relief
activities. On the scientific side, major benefits can accrue .. Several
private groups sponsored scientists to go to Iran without cost to the USG.
In addition, the United Nations sponsored scientific studies. AID/DRC
cannot say that these multiple efforts should be discouraged, but reccrnrnends
that more needs to be done on coordination to avoid overlap and to obtain
maximum benefits. )
4. That regional disaster response capabilities by the USG be strengthened
by establishing a regional depot similar to the Latin American disaster
operation located in Panama. Speed and consequent effectiveness of response
and the economies gained would be significant. (AID/DRC coment: This will
be worked on with the NESA Region of AID.)
Letters of Appreciation
The following is quoted from a letter sent to the American Red Cross by the
Vice President and Secretary-General of the Iran Red Lion and Sun Society
on the donation of tents by the U. S. Govemient: "We take this opportunity
to express our most gratitude for such a humanitarian effort which has been
shown by American people."