TFUS01: TAIWAN OFFERS MEDICAL TEAM, SUPPLIES

UNCLAS TAIPEI 003664 SIPDIS STATE PASS AIT/W E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL ECON AEMR ASEC CASC MARR AMGT US ESTH SUBJECT: TFUS01: TAIWAN OFFERS MEDICAL TEAM, SUPPLIES REF: SECSTATE 163366 ¶1. (U) AIT Acting Director David J. Keegan on September 4 delivered reftel list of priority needs to the Taiwan government through Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Division of North American Affairs Secretary General Victor Chin. SecGen Chin delivered that information to Taiwan Minister of Foreign Affairs Mark Chen the same day. ¶2. (U) In addition to an offer of US $2 million, which has been directed to AIT/Washington per EAP instructions, SecGen Chin advised that Taiwan is prepared to send two medical doctors, Dr. LO Chong-jeh and Dr. TSAI, Ming-che. Both doctors have previously responded to natural disaster medical emergencies, including the South Asia tsunami. Both doctors speak English. Dr. Lo graduated from Tulane University and knows the New Orleans area well. Both doctors are prepared to depart for New Orleans immediately. ¶3. (U) SecGen Chin also advised that the Taiwan Department of Health is able to donate two WHO-standard packages of medical supplies, each weighing one metric ton. The Taiwan government is working with UPS Taiwan to arrange for shipment. ¶4. (U) The Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Executive Yuan will be holding meetings on Monday, September 5 to determine how Taiwan can be of further assistance. ¶5. (U) As directed in STATE 163278, AIT Acting Director accepted Taiwan's contribution in principle, promised to convey their of assistance to Washington, and promised to keep the Taiwan government informed on how and whether to move forward in implementing their offer. KEEGAN