    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [May 3, 1991]
    [Page 463]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on Disaster Assistance to
    Bangladesh
    May 3, 1991

        The President has sent a message to Prime Minister Zia of Bangladesh
    expressing his condolences and those of the American people on the
    horrible devastation caused by the recent cyclone. Our hearts go out in
    particular to the families of the numerous victims of this terrible
    tragedy.
        We also have assured the government of Bangladesh that the United
    States stands ready to assist in the tasks of relief and reconstruction.
    The U.S. Government already has provided $2.1 million in disaster
    assistance for medical supplies, water purification tablets, and funds
    to support the procurement and distribution of other high priority
    relief items by nongovernment agencies.
        We are looking into other means to help Bangladesh obtain its
    highest priority needs for clean water, dry food, helicopter transport,
    clothing, and temporary shelter.
        We will be providing additional U.S. Government assistance and we
    call upon individual Americans and indeed all members of the
    international community to be as generous in providing aid and comfort
    to the people of this disaster-stricken nation.