BARBADOS PM SENDS CONDOLENCE LETTER FOR PRESIDENT

UNCLAS BRIDGETOWN 000045 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR WHA/CAR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC PREL AC SUBJECT: BARBADOS PM SENDS CONDOLENCE LETTER FOR PRESIDENT FORD'S PASSING ¶1. The following message was received 9 January 2007. Begin Text: No. 20/2007 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Barbados presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America and has the honour to forward the enclosed letter from the Rt. Hon Owen S. Arthur, M.P., Prime Minister of Barbados for the President of the White House, Washington D.C. conveying his sympathy for the former President Mr. Gerald R. Ford. (A copy of the letter is attached). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Barbados avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of the United States of America the assurances of its highest consideration. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Barbados January 8, 2007 Enc. Text of Letter: January 4, 2007 The President The White House Washington D.C. 20500 United States of America Dear Mr. President The Government and people of Barbados join me in conveying our deepest sympathy to the Government and people of the United States of America at the passing of former President Gerald R. Ford. President Ford took the reins of power at a difficult and unprecedented moment in American history but, armed with integrity, frankness and commonsense, he managed to heal American society while working to achieve peace in the Middle East and maintaining US power and prestige during the Cold War. He will be remembered for his sterling contribution to American politics. I wish to take this opportunity to extend sincere condolences to President Ford's family who will be in our thoughts and prayers in their period of sorrow. Accept, Dear Mr. President, the assurances of my highest consideration. Owen S. Arthur Prime Minister End Text. ¶2. The Diplomatic Note and letter will be faxed and the original letter will be mailed to WHA/CAR. OURISMAN