SECRETARY RICE-FOREIGN MINISTER CANNON LETTER

UNCLAS OTTAWA 001523 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL OPDC KN CA SUBJECT: SECRETARY RICE-FOREIGN MINISTER CANNON LETTER DELIVERED REF: STATE 127557 ¶1. (SBU) Post delivered text of reftel letter to the office of Foreign Minister Cannon on December 5. ¶2. (SBU) Charge followed up with a phone call the same day to Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) Assistant Deputy Minister for Asia and Africa Ken Sundquist (U/S equivalent) to reinforce the Secretary's request for Canadian contributions to purchase heavy fuel oil (HFO). Acting Political Counselor called on North Asia Director General Phil Calvert, as well. Both Sundquist and Calvert are on official travel in Vancouver until December 8, according to North Asia Deputy Director Karen Foss. She also told Acting Political Counselor that Canadian embassy officials in Washington had briefed she and Calvert on their recent discussions with Department officials on the need for additional HFO contributions. Foss said Sundquist, Calvert, and Assistant Deputy Minister for International Security Colleen Swords, who is also away on official travel, will study the Secretary's letter and confer among themselves to prepare a recommendation for Minister Cannon. Foss suggested that phone calls from the Charge to both Assistant Deputy Ministers would be "important" to securing an expeditious response from Canada. The Charge and Political Counselor will continue to press for a Canadian contribution when the Assistant Deputy Minister and Director General return to Ottawa next week. Visit Canada,s Economy and Environment Forum at http://www.intelink.gov/communities/state/can ada BREESE