[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.