DONOR SUPPORT FOR TSUNAMI RELIEF: FRANCE

C O N F I D E N T I A L PARIS 000081

SIPDIS

STATE FOR EUR, EAP, SA, AND EB
STATE ALSO FOR S/ES-O (TF-1)
STATE PASS USAID

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/30/2005
TAGS: AEMR EAID EFIN PREL FR
SUBJECT: DONOR SUPPORT FOR TSUNAMI RELIEF: FRANCE

REF: STATE 959

Classified By: ECON Kenneth Merten as confidential for reasons 1.5 (b)
and (d).


1. (SBU) Summary. Working level French officials dealing
with the tsunami are very pleased with and thankful for the
excellent cooperation with the USG. France will be
represented "most likely at the ministerial level" at the 11
January Geneva donors' conference, however the GOF has not
decided who will attend. The French are still considering
what they may be in a position to pledge at the conference,
but our contact noted real budgetary constraints could limit
further financial support. End Summary.


2. (C) On 5 December, Econ Chief discussed reftel points
with Deputy Director for Southeast Asia, Christian Lechervy.
Along with the points, Econ Chief had also shared the USAID
fact sheet with Lechervy. Lechervy commented immediately
that the coordination between U.S. and French officials both
in the region and elsewhere was superb. He made particular
note of the help French military officials had received from
PACOM on an airlift on 5 January. He singled out the
Pentagon's help as noteworthy and much appreciated.


3. (C) Regarding GOF representation at the 11 January Geneva
donors' conference, Lechervy noted that France will certainly
be represented, "most likely at the ministerial level."
However, whether it would be a minister from the Finance
Ministry or from the Foreign Ministry (each ministry has a
senior minister and several junior ministers) was still being
thrashed out between the relevant agencies. Separately, the
on 5 January the MFA spokesman announced that Cooperation
Minister Xavier Darcos would represent France at the 6
January Jakarta meeting, adding that he had left for
Indonesia the evening of 4 January. The MFA had originally
said France would be represented at the meeting by the EU.


4. (C) On a possible contribution, Lechervy said it was
still too early for him to comment. He said the GOF was
watching to see how events developed and needs materialized
over the coming days on the ground. He also said the GOF
would be watching closely the results of the 6 January
Jakarta meeting. In addition, the outcome of the General
Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on 7 January will also
determine the GOF's position in Geneva. Lechervy cautioned
that France currently faces some real budgetary concerns. He
opined that France would look closely at any further
financial support and may prefer to take measures such as
relieving countries' international debt or establishing
reconstruction-related programs. He added quickly, that the
subject was still being widely discussed within the GOF and
cautioned against our drawing any early conclusions about
what the GOF might pledge in Geneva. Lechervy said that he
would have a clearer picture by 7 January.

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