Related Documents - CREW: Department of State: Regarding International Assistance Offers After Hurricane Katrina: MRE's

MREs for Georgia Page 1 o f 7
Norman, Alain G RELEASED.IN PART

From: Yu, Alan K
Sent: Friday, January 27.2006 12:11 PM
To: Norman, Alain G 1
Subject: FW: MREs for Georgia
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE
REVIEW AUTHORITY: FRANK TUMMINIA
DATEICASE ID: 24 AUG 2006 200503991
From: Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-O/CMS)

Sent: Friday, January 27, 2006 11:32 AM
To: Prosen, Richard L; Bebeau, Rene L
Cc: Holtz, Greta C; Traub, Herbert S(Vienna); Yu, Alan K; Bass, John R (OPS); Fixher, Dean E
Subject: RE: MREs for Georgia
Thanks for continuing to explore this. If the OSCE can take more than 75,000 MREs, that would be great. EUWACE's
Dean Fischer is the best source for transportation cost estimates. It's costing OSCE $42,000 to ship the 75,000 MREs to
Georgia, so you can extrapolate from there. Does EUWRPM have a source of funding it can use to ship additional MREs
to OSCE?
Thanks,
Mike
From: Prosen, Richard L

Sent: Friday, January 27,2006 11:23 AM
To: Bebeau, Rene L; Morrow, Michael K
Cc: Holtz, Greta C; Trau b, Herbert S(Vienna)
Subject: RE: MUG for Georgia
If we are requested to provide additional funds, we need a request cable from USOSCE, w l concurrence
from EmbassyTblisi...
From: Bebeau, Rene L

To: Morrow, Michael K; Prosen, Richard L
Cc: Holtz, Greta C
Subject: MI: MREs for Georgia
Mike --
Any idea'of the cost if Georgia took rnore'(or all) of the MREs? OSCE has indicated it would probably be interested in
more, but they don't have the funds to ship.
Know you're swamped, but have we pinged the right people to see if there is any way the U.S. could fund these additional
MREs? Thanks.
Regards,
Rene
512612006
UNCLASSIFIED
MRES for Georgia UNCLASSIFIED Page 2 of 7
From: Traub, Herbert S
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2006 9:52 AM
To: Prosen, Richard L; Holtz, Greta C
Cc: &beau, Rene L(Main State); Slotta, Greg S; O'Connor, Burke; Billard, ~ristinaM
Subject. RE: MREs for Georgia
Greta,
Mike Morrow in S would have more of an idea of the right answer on cost, but if 75,000 cost 50;000 1would
guesstimate that 325,000 would cost.5-6 times as much, so 250,000 up.
-----Original Message-----
From: Prosen, Richard L
Sent: Wednesday, January 25,2006 2:18 PM
To: Holtz, Greta C
Cc: Bebeau, Rene L; Traub, Herbert S(Vienna); Slotta, Greg S(Vienna); onnor nor, Burke(Vienna); Billard, Kristina
I
M(Vienna)
Not sure, would have to consult PM and the earliest we could release PKO funds would be late March. If USOSCE
requires funds for the MREs, a front channel request from USOSCE coordinated with EmbTblisi would be needed.
From: Holtz, Greta C

Sent: Wednesday, January 25,2006 7:19 AM
To: Prosen, Richard L
Cc: Bebeau, Rene L; Traub, Herbert S(Vienna)
Richard,
Can we use PKO?
Kit,
What's the cost estimate7

Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2006 5:09 AM
To: Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-OICMS); Norman, Alain G(Main State)
Cc: Bebeau, Rene L(Main State); Yu, Alan K(Main State); Holtz, Greta C; Slotta, Greg S; Brink, Bridget A(Tbilisi);
Sibilla, Christopher A
Importance: High
OSCE's latest note follows. Here are the issues:
1. They would welcome the additional MREs but have no funds to ship4hem. DO WE? If we can't pay,
theycan't play. Has anyone given consideration to asking the EU to help? What about 10,since UNHCR
could be involved in using some of them?
LJNCLASSIFIED
MRES for Georgia UNCLASSIFIED Page 3 of 7
2. For the original 75K units, they want to use our shipper since it seems cheaper. Do we have a fixed
tender on our side? Is it cheaper? If so, please give bank info so OSCE can transfer the monies.
3. What is the ex~irationdate on the MREs being offered? It is critical for OSCE that they be good
through June-July 2007.
4. Will there be any kind of MOU, letter, or other formal paper exchange on this? If so, is anyone
, working on it in the Dept?
5. What would be the expected delivery date at the Georgia port of Poti?
Thanks.
Kit
--
NOTE FROM OSCE:
J
First of all, thank you very much for your offer concerning additional MREs. I would be really great
opportunity to have some spare MREs here in Georgia for emergency situation and other relevant cases, ,
i.e. last year we had flood in Western Georgia and lots of international humanitarian assistance was
offered to Georgia. We could have storage capacity (including some possibilities in conjunction with
UNHCR), but unfortunately we do not have additional finds (120-200k USD) to cover additional
shipment costs. January is too early to look for 2006 savings, and obviously this costs were
neither foreseen nor budgeted.
With regards to the shipment of 75k. .

I received an offer fiom our contractor concerning transport of 75k MREs fiom Little Rock, Arkansas, to
TbilisiRoti in Georgia. i
Your offer (50.000 USD) is better, so we would be thankfil if you organize the shipment at your end and
I
we will transfer money to the given bank account; I
One additional point of concern. The above 75k MREs will be used within following 12-13 months, so
please make sure that expiry date is not shorten than June-July 2007.
Final question is when could we expect those MREs in Poti?
Sent: Monday, January 23,2006 10:52 PM
To: Sibilla, Christopher A(Vienna); Norman, Alain G
Cc: Traub, Herbert S(Vienna); Bebeau, Rene L; Yu, Alan K
All:
I
I appreciate your efforts to push OSCE forward on this. In the meantime, another one of our NGO options
I
I
has fallen through (Convoy of Hope). This means that, of our 340,000 MREs, we can potentially make
325.000 available to the OSCE (the other 15.000 are going to an NGO called ACTS, for use with Georgian
schoolkids).
'
What is the possibility of OSCE being willing and able to absorb up t 325.000 MREs?
Thanks,
Mike
From: Sibilla, Christopher A(Vienna)

Sent: Monday, January 23, 2006 1l:OO AM
UNCLASSIFIED
. .
MREs for Georgia . . UNCLASSIFIED
.. ,
- Page. 4 of
. 7
To: Norman, Alain G
Cc: Traub, Herbert S(Vienna); Bebeau, Rene L; Morrow, Michael K; Yu, Alan K
Should be in a day.
-----Original Message----
From: Norman, Alain G
To: Sibilla, Christopher A(Vienna)
Thanks much, Chris. OK, good to know.
I'm cc'ing Mike Morrow of CMS so he'll know of the concern re: additional amounts.
Meantime, do you have a sense of how long it will take OSCE to get the estimate (do you mean
tender?) done?
(As far as I know, the leasehold in Little Rock still expires in about a week.)
Keep up the gdod work.
Atain
From: Sibilla, Christopher A

Sent: Monday, January 23,2006 10:26 AM
To: Norman, Alain G(Main State); Bebeau, Rene L(Main State)
Cc: Traub, Herbert S
I spoke with the person at the Sect. this morning and they were putting together an estimate. I also
told them about the possiblity of getting up to 250,000- he said that would make it more difficult,
since then you would have to deal with storage as you wouldn't want to dump them all at once (they
would end up sold illegally on the local economy)
-----Original Message----- I
To:. Sibilla, Christopher A(Vienna)
Cc: Traub, Herbert %Vienna)
Greetings Chris 8 Kit,
Any news you can share on how the OSCE is proceeding?
Many thanks.
Alain

To: Norman, Alaln G(Ma1n State)
UNCLASSIFIED
MREs for Georgia UNCLASSIFIED Page 5 of 7
!
OK, so he said they will study the information they just got over the weekend and then get
back to us on Mon. He also said that Kit just raised this,issue in Tbilisi. I
To: Sibilla, Christopher,A(Vienna)
Importance: High
Hi Chris.
please do what you can to let Kit know of these questions. asap.
Many thanks.
Alain

Sent: Thursday, January 19,2006 6:26 PM
: To: Traub, Herbert S(Vienna); Obemdorfer, Gerald 3
Cc: Morrow, Michael K; Brink, Bridget A; Bass, John R (OPS); Kasanof, Alexander; I
Gutherie, Peter A; Cook, B6

Subject: RE: MRESfor Georgia
Importance: High
Kit,
I wanted to check in with you to see if, given the technical info in the email of Jan. 17,
below, the OSCE has a better idea of how and how quickly they want to move on I
moving the MREs. II
More specifically, I suppose that would break down to 2 main questions: . i
-- Are they working on letting a contract already?

- How long would it take for themlltheir contractor to off-load the 75,000 MREs in Little
Rock?' I
.Also, is there any particular sort of paper work you think our friends in L will have to
haveluse (andlor the OSCE).
Many thanks for an update.

I
Alain
*I had the impression, from prior emails, that it was looking like the favored option was
OSCE letting a contract, etc. Do correct me if that's not so.

Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2006 11:51 AM
I
To: Horne, Todd; Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-O/CMS) I
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alain G(Main State); ~berndorfer,Gerald ](Main
State); Yu, Alan K(Main State); Brink, Bridget A(Tbilisi); Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0); I
Kasanof, Alexander(Main State); Bebeau, Rene ~ ( ~ aState);

Sibilla, Christopher A; Hanish, Patrick
i n Stavropoulos, Daphne 2;
i
Subject: RE: MREs for Georgia I
UNCLASSIFIED
. , . . .
.
.
.
I'll pass the gist of this information to OSCE Vienna and Tbilisi.
' Kit
From: Horne, Todd
Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2006 5:34 PM
To: Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-O/CMS); Traub, Herbert S(Vienna)
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alain G(Main State); Oberndorfer, Gerald J
'
(Main State); Yu, Alan K(Main State); Brink, Bridget Aubilisi); Bass, John R
(OPS)(S/ES-0); Kasanof, Alexander(Main State); Bebeau, Rene L(Main State);
Stavropoulos, Daphne 2; Sibllla, Christopher A(Vienna); Hanish, Patrick
Subject: RE: MREs for Georgia I
I
Hello Mike,
Based on the information we have, 75,000 MREs would require approximately l l x 40'
containers.
Each skid holds approximately 340 Meals and you should be able to stow 20 skids (or
pal.lets) on 1 x 40' container.
I
Each skid measures approximately 48" x 40" x 80".
Each skid weighs approximately 930 kilograms.
20 x 340 meals = 6,800 per container - - - 6,800 meals per container x l l containers =
74,800 meals. Please note that every skidlpallet isn't uniform so.these numbers could I
vary a bit, but they should be pretty close. !
I
The transport shouldn't cost more than $50,000. We called a few carriers last week and
the average price we received fell in the $4,000 to $4,500 range per 40' container. This 1
included pickup in Little Rock, Arkansas, container drayage to East Cost USA and ocean
freight to Poti, Georgia. Please note that this doesn't include customs clearance in
Georgia or any inland freight from Poti.
Please let me know if you andfor your colleagues need anything else.
Regards,
Todd
Todd Home
Logistics Officer
United States Agency for International Development
Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Ronald Reagan Building - Room 8.7.69
Washington, D.C. 20523.
Tel # (202) 712-0234
Fax # (202) 216-3399
Email: thomeOusaid.gov
-----Original Message----- I
From: Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-O/CMS) I

To: Horne, Todd; Traub, Herbert S(Vienna)
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alain G(Main State); Oberndorfer,
Gerald J(Main State); Yu, Alan K(Main State); Brink, Bridget A(Tbilisi);
UNCLASSIFIED
. *
MRESfor Georgia UNCLASSIFIED Page 7 of 7

Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0); Kasanof, Alexander(Main State); Bebeau,
Rene L(Main State); Stavropoulos, Daphne 2; Sibilla, Christopher A
(Vienna); Hanish, Patrick
Subject: MREs for Georgia
Todd:
Kit Traub of USOSCE Vienna (cc'd above) is working with OSCE officials
on logistics for getting a portion of the MREs (75,000) from Little Rock to
I
Georgia. To set the price with their carrier, OSCE needs to know the
size and weight of the shipment (for 75,000 MREs) and where it is
coming from.
Please reply to all.
Thanks,
Mike
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
RELEASED IN PART
Norman, Alain G B6, B5
From: ' Yu, Alan K
Sent: Friday, January 27,2006 12:23 PM
To: Norman, Alain G
Subject: FW: MoU between OSCE Mission to Georgia and US
----- Original Message-----

From: Fischer, Dean E
Sent: Friday, January 27, 2006 11:ll AM
To: Gutherie, Peter A; Visek, Richard C
Cc: Morrow. Michael K; Yu, Alan K
Subject: FW: MoU between OSCE Mission to Georgia and US
Richard,
Ms. Tamm resuonded to my email with a recruest for a few refinements to the MOA. Her
email is below. M ~ quick
- take-on her request is as follows:
1. She would like the agreement to be between OSCE Georgia and the ~ehartmentof
instead of the U.S. Government.
2. She would like us to include more specific information about both signing parties - ie
name, title, address, phone fax etc.
other language would require signature of the OSCE headwuarters in Vienna.

4. She would like for OSCE to take possession of the MRE's only upon arrival in Georgia.
?
3. She would like the MOA 'to call only for distributidn of the MREs within Georgia, as any /
Tkc
OSCE would fund the transport but DOS would have responsibility for the cargo until it is
in Georgia. I don't think this will be a problem as long as we'include a sentence B5
financial responsibility for possible unforeseen additional costs. I
I
Uwhere responsibility is handed over to OSCE~I

5. She would like to have the final delivery location (warehouse tbilisi)
6. She would like the liability waiver ,to be limited.

I will give you.a call to discuss next steps.
Thanks,
Dean Fischer
Operations and Budget Officer
United States Department of State (EUR/ACE)
'1
202-647-5874
fischerdeQstate.gov

From: Rita Tamm [mailto.
Sent,:Friday, January 24, 2006 9:02 AM
To: FischerDE@state.gov
Cc: Kris Czekalowski i
Subject : MoU between OSCE Mission to ~eorgiaand US

Dear Mr. Dean Fischer,
First of all, thanks a lot for the draft proposed Memorandum for MRE's.
Unfortunately we cannot sign and send it back to you in this format, because there are
some issues that need to be clarified before the authorized persons can sign. Hopefully we
can manage with all of these ASAP.
1
U.NITED STATES DEPARTMENT.OF STATE
- .. . DATEICASE I D : l 3 SEP 2006 200503991 UNC.LASSIFIED .-
..
-
UNCLASSIFIED
Parties of the MoU
On behalf of you: We cannot sign an agreement directly with the US Government, otherwise
it will.be considered as an international treaty and the 'procedure for signing it will be
different, according to the Protocol rules. But there has to be the relevant governmental
agency who is authorized to be a party of this kind of agreements.
My question is : who will be the agency, whether it will be the Department of the State of
the Government of the US or somebody else ?
And definitely the appropriate requisites such as address, phone and fax nr, e-mail, full
name and title of the authorized person to sign should be included in the MoU.
On behalf of us:
The OSCE Mission to Georgia as'the actual recipient of' the MRE1s is not entitled to sign
on behalf of the OSCE, the headquarters of which is located in Vienna. In that case the
agreement has to be made between You and the OSCE Headquarters who will take care of the
shipment and distribution of MRE's Europe-wide. We can sign MoU on behalf of our Mission
within our mandate which just enables us to receive these MRE's and distribute them within
our programme, based on the mandate, and only in Georgia, we definitely cannot distribute
MRE's to other countries
(Art.3 1
Roles and Responsibjlities
The whole MOU is drafted in the spirit that we, the Mission, should take over the
posession of the MRE-s in Little Rock (Art.1) and afterwards take all the necessary steps
for shipping the goods to Georgia and be liable for the whole process. The US agency will
only assist us in that (Art.10) We cannot do that in this way.
My question: is this according to the US Laws (or is it the law of
Arkansas) that we first have to take over the goods and then we can only agree on
transportation ? In this case we should conclude a donation agreement between your agency
and the Mission first and agree that the shipping agency will act on behalf of us until
the MRE's are shipped to Georgia - but this agreement has to be signed by all three .
parties ( International Service Corporation- which one exactly, we need to specify it with
all necessary contact details in the contract) Or if it is not the case, we can take over
the goods in Georgia after they are shipped here. In this case the MoU should be drafted
differently.
Otherwise and in the current draft, the Mission will be liable for the whole journey of
the MRE's without being able to be involved in this at all. As we are.not planning to come
to Arkansas ourselves, we cannot be responsible for taking over the possession of the
goods in the US territory and maintain any control over the shipping agent company without
having any agreement in writing with them (and Your agency).
As the OSCE Mission to Georgia is considered as a specia1,mission according to the 1969
Vienna Convention on Special Missions with its diplomatic privileges and immunities, the
limited liability instead of the full liability should also be a part of the MoU.
I fully agree with your suggestions in the e-mail you sent afew days ago that the OSCE
should finance the piocess - this should be the main role'and responsibility for us ( = for
the Mission) as well as receiving the donated MRE's in Georgia (the point of delivery
should be also agreed in the MoU) and distribution according to our mandate and the
distribution plan.
Sorry for this inconvenience, but we cannot sign these articles, contradicting our
authority based on the OSCE legal framework.
My best regards,
Rita Tamm
OSCE Mission to Georgia
Lesal A d v i s e r
UNCLASSIFIED
RELEASED IN PART
B6 007737
0 2 FE0 2006 pd
MEMORANDUM OF UNDEWTANDING BETWEEN
THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND.
-13
THE ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN
EUROPE MISSION TO GEORGIA
I. Introduction
In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, several foreign

governments ("foreign donors") generously donated "Meals Ready to Eat"
("MREs") to support relief and recovery efforts. The United States
Govement ("USG") is not in a position to distribute certain hdREs that
arrived in the United States due to U.S. legal requirements. See e-g.,21
U.S.C. 5 620. The MREs are now being stored in USG-leased warehouse
space in Little Rock, Arkansas. The donors have advised the USG that they
would support a USG initiative to redirect the MREs to organizations that
can distribute them abroad. Accordingly, the Department of State ("DOS")
has undertaken such an initiative on behalf of the USG, and in this regard the
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Mission to Georgia
("OSCE")agree as foIlows:
11. Roles and Responsibilities
1. DOS will coordinate the shipping of approximately 75,000 MREs to the

OSCE warehouse at 3 1a Moscow Avenue, Samgori District, 0 120 Tbilisi, I
the Republic of Georgia as soon as possible. DOS will keep the OSCE I
notified of the approximate arrival date of the MREs in the Republic of
Georgia. DOS, through the shipping agent, will provide the documentation
needed to ship the goods, including bills of lading, a manifest, and pro forma I
invoice. DOS, upon request, will also provide to the OSCE a certificateof
origin as well as a limited statement of quality.
2. The OSCE will be responsible for all costs of shipping, including any
applicable customs or border fees, a s agreed upon between the OSCE and
DOS.
3. The OSCE will be the re~ipient~consignee of the MREs and will make the
necessary arrangements to secure entry of the MREs into the Republic of
Georgia. Upon delivery to the OSCE warehouse in Tbilisi, the Republic of
Georgia, referred to in Article 1, title to those MREs will vest in the OSCE.
I
REVIEW AUTHORITY: FRANK TUMMlNlA
d
i
-. ........... -. .. LNCLAS SIFIED ..........
UNCLASSIFIED
4.The OSCE will seek to distribute the MREs in support of its operations I
and activities in Georgia, commensurate with its mandate.
5: The MREs shall not be distributed within the United States or its
temtories.
-
6. The DOS on behalf of the USG does not assume liability for any third-
party claims for damages arising out of this Agreement. !
i
7. For all communications related to this Memorandum of Understanding !
the following points of contact are established:
For the U.S. De~artmentof State For the OSCE
Dean Fischer (EUR/ACE) Knysztof Czekalowski
2201 C Street, NW,WDC 20520
202-647-5874, B6
Fax:202-647-8765
fischerde6Ostate.nov
For shipment-related issues:

For the International Services Corp.: For the OSCE:
Mr.Stephen Dmhot
1629 K Street,NW,Suite 700
Washington, DC 20009 .
202-785-3400
Fax 202-296-1 160
email mailaisc-pci.com
Signatures:
For the U.S. Department of State
* Mr. ~ r z ~ s z t o ~ z e k a l o w s k i
ym Dent
Head, Administration & Finance
Krtsanisi Governmental '
U.S.Department of State Residence, 01 14, Tbilisi,

220 1 C Street, NW Republic of Georgia
Washington, DC 20520
UNCLASSIFIED
.-i" -- #* UNCLASSIFIED Page I of 2
RELEASED IN FULL
,-.f
O'Herron, Petra C
From: Stitt, Tony [tstitt@ofda.net]

Sent: Tuesday, September 20,2005 5:44 PM
To: cockrelljd@state.gov; OFDALogistics
Cc: katrinaworkinggroup@state.gov; rmtkatrina-rm; nntkatrina-dmr
Subject: FW: onward distro of NATO provided cargo?
John -
OFDA's Logistics Unit prepares regular reports on the receipt and distribution of commodities. These reports
would probably meet the need you describe below. They are shared with the Katrina Working Group email list. If
you would like us to include another email address as well, please let us know.
I am attaching the most recent version for your information.
Tony
Tony Stitt
Deputy Manager for Operations
USAlD Katrina Operations Center
(703) 526-2210
tstitt@ofda.net
- - \
From: Cockrell, John D(Brusseis NATO)

Sent: Monday, September 19,2005 11:48 PM
To:.Katrina Baton Rouge Collective
Cc: Katrina Working Group
Subject: onward distro of NATO provided cargo?
As you know, NATO is in the process of either delivering, or coordinating the delivery of nearly 200
tons of aid cargo fiom European nations.' The U.S. Ambassador to NATO, Victoria Nuland, is seeking
to brief the North Atlantic Council on Wednesday, September 21.
It will not be the end of the world if, given workload, you cannot track this info down, but would it be
possible to obtain from USAID, FEMA, or other sources on the ground in the disaster area any info on.
onward distribution of European aid that NATO delivered to Little Rock?
For example, see p r a , i of the below attachment that NATO's EADRCC produces. They note that some
of the Austrian and ~lovakianaid has been forwarded from Little Rock to Katrina victims.
ii
The countries we are: ilnterested in are: Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, inland, Greece, Norway,
Romania, Slovak ~ h u b l i cand
, Slovenia.
I f
I /
Please let me know if you need any additional info. Thanks for anything you can provide.
/
t;
'
John 1'

D A T H ~ ~ 08 SEP
~ D : 2006 200503991 UNCLASSIFIED
Page 2 of 2
John D. Cockl.el.l
U.S. Department of State
Political O.fficer, USNATO
32-2-724-3 136
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Norman. Alain G RELEASED IN PART
From: Mrozinski, Lawrence G B6
Sent: Friday, December 02, 2005 8:15 PM
To: Bass, John R (OPS)
Cc : Yu, Alan K; Imhoff, Gary(E&E/POlPPPD)(RRB, 5.06-045); Morrow, Michael K; Norman, Alain
G; Walker, Welford(MIOAAITC)(RRB, 7.08-081)
Subject: 350,COO British Donated MREs for Katrina Relief
John,
Just getting down to write summary as you requested on latest MRE Update.
I
Reference the your Chaired "operations Center for Crisis Management" meeting on MRE disposition held Wednesday, I
NOV 30 05 at 10:OO am in Room 7516, Main State. With the prospect of destruction of the MRE's and an articulated cost
of $1 Million to destroy MREs, you approved me contacting the NGO, Food for the Poor, by phone, to ensure they were
now unwilling to assume responsibility for the MREs.
I
I spoke to Mr. Cliff ~ e l d m a n 1
~ o o for
d the Poor (NGO), DEC 02 05 at Approx. 0900, reference accepting B6,
the 350,000 MREs (non-FDA approved) to distribute overseas. USAID, as you are aware, knows and has worked over
many years with this vettedlregistered and eligible NGO intent on distributing MREs in Haiti.
Mr. Cliff Seldman, informed me that He must have misunderstood the OFDA phone call because he stated to me that it
was not mentioned to him that they were from Europe. He said it was stressed that he would assume full responsibility
'
for the Non-FDA food products and any liability associated with distribution. He felt advised and "waved off' from taking the
MRE's. He was confused that the MREs were a U.S. product not approved by FDA rather then a European donation that
was not subject to U.S. product standards. He informed me that this was not the first time he has accepted and distributed
non U.S. donations to the hungry in Haiti etc. I
I
However, as I informed you in your office today, Mr. Cliff Seldman asked me if he could contact the Smart Choice Delivery
Warehouse and request a FEDEX of one box meal so his privately contracted Laboratory can examine the product. I I
informed him that he had their Business number and I suggested he make the request personnally. I requested that he
contact me if the business required verification (I do not believe this will be necessary but he has your name and office #).
Anticipate a response on acceptance of MREs by Fridav of next Week, DEC 09. ,
I
John, As you recall, there are 1100 pallets that reside at the Smart Choice Delivery Warehouse. It is estimated to take
50 Semi Trailers to move and over a week plus to load. Each trailer can hold 24-26 pallets. Will take two weeks to move
the MREs out of the warehouse. Mr. Cliff Seldman understands this fact and is prepared to move soonest.
John, Iam on TDY in Ottawa with the Director 05-06 DEC. I am back in the office 07 DEC. However. You can contact ine
for info etc. at the Hotel Westin: 613-560-7000 Fax: 613-234-5396.
Thank you John!
I
I
Best, Larry

REVIEW AUTHORITY: FRANK TUMMINIA 1
I!-
. .
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED Pa e 1 o f 2
RELEASED IN PAR?
Norman, Alain G B6
From: Yu, Alan K
Sent: Thursday, December 01,2005 12:42 PM
To: Cook, Nerissa J; Norman, Alain G
Subject: RE: MREs: Georgia option
Yes. It's now Georgia or nothing. DeHart was very positive.
From: Cook, Nerissa 3 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE

, Sent: Thursday, December 01,2005 12:36 PM REVIEW AUTHORITY: FRANK TUMMINIA I,
To: Yu, Alan K; Norman, Alain G D'ATEICASE ID: 13 SEP 2006 200503991
Alan: Take it from John's message that Mercy Corps is off the table now?
From: Yu, Alan K

To: Cook, Nerissa 3; Norman, Alain G
Subjed: FW: MREs: Georgia option
We come back around to ACE.

-- .- - - - -- -
From: Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0)

To: Yu, Alan K
great. may be only outlet we have. central america dry well blc of phytosanitary restrictions. no juice in southern africa.
we are replumbing southern sudan but after that out of options.
will call Fema this afternoon, aboiut to dive into Al planning For a couple hours
From: Yu, Alan K
Sent: Thursday, December 01,2005 11:51 AM
Subject: MREs: Georgia option
Kurt supports. We're working this. We'll ask Embassy Tbilisi overnight to speak to Georgian officials. 1'11 keep you
posted.
people hewvery much agree with yourslmy inclination on warehouse lease extension. Spoken to FEMA?

Sent: Wednesday, November 30,2005 4:51 PM
To: Yu, Alan K
Cc: Bryza, Matthew 3
Subject: FW: (no subject)
fyi -- a potential good news story, albeit one that would take only a fraction of our wayward MREs -- but this would
appear to be one that EUR could drive, since looks like ACE willing to cover transport. Always happy to help the
georgians. cheers, JB
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED Page 2 of 2
From: Oberndorfer, Gerald J
Dean E; Post, John 8; Bass, John R (OPS)
Hi Trish,
!
Nicole in her e-mail has mostly answered your inquiry on disaster assistance. Whatever e-mail you read does not
pertain to the Coordinator's office (EURIACE). Also Embassy Tbilisi has not made any requests relevative to the
situation that you described.
For food commodiiies you could contact Mr. John Bass (Head of State Department's Ops Center) as he has
some MREs from Katrina that have not been used. You can tell him that you received his name from me. His e-
mail is: bassir@state.gov . The MREs are currently located in Little Rock - perhaps close enough for you to have
a look. If you believe that they are appropriate for the situation in Georgia then we would be happy to arrange
transportation for one or two containers for ACTS to a final destination in Georgia for distribution. Iwould like to
see some description of intended use before approving this transportation. Also it would probably be neccessary to
have somebody in Little Rock to coordinate and arrange for the loading if this occurs. Let me know.
Jerry 0
,"--
From: ~ ~ 1 a i r ~ ~ l - q
Sent: Wednesday, November'30, 2005 10:02 AM
To: OberndorferGJ@state.gov
i Cc:
Sudject; (no subject)
In October there werer devasting floods and mudslides in western georiga around the area of dozergeti in the
region of guria, foreign response has been meager . do you have a official US report f rom the embassy that acts
could request.
According to our information , there are at least three villages e that have been washed away and hundreds
displaced
food and medication and shelter are major unmeet needs as winter approaches.
Does EurlACE have any food commodities available that acts could request..
I
Last week I read an email indicating that your office and the coordinator will be assuming responsbiliy for disaster
aid. Congratulations your's is the best team to do the work
Is there any funding from your office to help with this current
natural disaster in Georgia.?
I am traveling to Georgia and would ask that you reply to the acts georgia office
actsggt@access.sanet.ge
Thanks for your help.
\ With best regards,
\ trish
UNCLASSIFIED
. .
Message UNCLASSIFIED Page 1 of 2
Norman, Alain G
, *
RELEASED IN PART
From: Yu. Alan K 6
Sent: Wednesday, November 30,2005 4 5 4 PM
To: Cook, Nerissa J; Norman, Alain G
Subject: MREs: A different ACE option UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE
DATEICASE ID: 24 AUC 2006 200503991
How did Matt react to MREs at this AM'S staff meeting?

Sent: Wednesday, November 30,2005 4:51 PM
To: Yu, Alan K
Cc: Bryza, Matthew J
Subject: FW: (no subject)
fyi -- a potential good news story, albeit one that would take only a fraction of our wayward MREs -- but this would appear
to be one that EUR could drive, since looks like ACE willing to cover transport. Always happy to help the georgians.
cheers, JB
Sent: Wednesda November 30 2005 1:17 PM
To: 7 B l a i r A C T S w .
Cc: actsggt@access.sanet.ge;Shank, Nicole; Fischer, Dean E; Post, John 0; Bass, John R (OPS)
Subject: RE: (no subject)
Hi Trish,
Nicole in her e-mail has mostly answered your inquiry on disaster assistance. Whatever e-mail you read does not
pertain to the Coordinator's office (EURIACE). Also Embassy Tbilisi has not made any requests relevative to the situation
that you described.
For food commodities you could contact Mr. John Bass (Head'of State Department's Ops Center) as he has some
MREs from Katrina that have not been used. You can tell him that you received his name from me. His e-mail is:
-
bassir@state.gov . The MREs are currently located in Little Rock perhaps close enough for you to have a look. If you
believe that they are appropriate for the situation in Georgia then we would be happy to arrange transportation for one or
two containers for ACTS to a final destination in Georgia for distribution. I would like to see some description of intended
use before approving this transportation. Also it would probably be neccessary to have somebody in Little Rock to
coordinate and arrange for the loading if this occurs. Let me know.
Jerry 0
From: T B I ~ ~ ~ A C T S ~ I
Sent: Wednesday, November 30, ZOO5 10:02 AM
.To: OberndorferGJ@state.gov
Cc: actsggt@access.sanet.ge
Subject: (no subject)
Dear Jerry,
In October there werer devasting floods and mudslides in western georiga around the area of dozergeti in the region of
guria, foreign response has been meager. do you have a official US report from the embassy that acts could request.
According to our information , there are at least three villages e that have been washed away and hundreds displaced
5/26/2006
UNCLASSIFIED -
.. . 7

.
food and medication and shelter are major unmeet needs as winter approaches.
Does EurIACE have any food commodities available that acts could request..
Last week I read an email indicating that your office and the coordinator will be assuming responsbiliy for disaster aid.
Congratulations your's is the best team to do the work
Is there any funding from your office to help with this current
natural disaster in Georgia.?
I am traveling to Georgia and would ask that you reply to the acts georgia office
actsggt@access.sanet.ge
Thanks for your help.
With best regards,
trish
UNCLASSIFIED
Norman, Alain G RELEASED IN PART

B6
From:
Sent:
To:
Norman, Alain G
Monday, October 31, 2005 4:14 PM
Yu, Alan K
161F-
Cc: Cook, Nerissa J
Subject: MREs for AU - High level decision needed
Importance: High
Alan, REVIEW AUTHORITY: FRANK TUMMINIA
Here's my inputldraft. Please tweak as you wish:
Dear -
This is to request that you go meet with the African Union at the highest possible level IChairman Kunari, to discuss the
USG's offer of hundreds of thousands of MREs for use by AU peacekeepers in Darfur or otherwise.
As indicated to AF DAS Yamamoto, below, the basic facts are:
1. These MREs were given to the U.S., upon our request, during the Hurricane Katrina crisis.
2. Most of the MREs given were not used. though some were, and we are now looking to put those remaining to good
Use. Nobody wants to see them go to waste.
3. Specifically, we believe they could help the AU fulfill its humanitarian mission in Darfur (or elsewhere) by serving as
meals for AU peacekeepers.
4. 10,000 such MREs were delivered last week to Pakistan for use by relief workers of the World Food Program
(not Pakistanis).
-
5. The MREs contain beef and lamb (no known porkj mostly from S. America and New Zealand - but are not "halal" as
far
as we know. This fact was made known to the AU via Post. (See details, below, if needed)
6. Given that many AU personnel are not Muslim, the MRE's appropriate use would simply involve providing these meals
to
those for whom "halal" food is not an issue.
7. The State Department is currently looking into a number of options for covering the cost of transporting the MREs to
Africa.
(See OFDA-based cost estimates, below, if needed)
8. The AU (Partners Liaison Group) has already been approached about this matter, and initially there appeared to be
some
interest. There is now a need for a high-level decision to accept the MREs soon/tomorrow, as our lease on the
warehouse
in Little Rock, where the MREs currently are stored, expires November 12.
Additional (if asked) background:
1. There are about 343,006 MRESstored in Little Rock Arkansas (since delivery of 10.000 to the WFP), grouped in
pallets.
(Of which approx. 330.000 are from the UK, 9,000 Russia, 7.000 Spain, 3,000 Germany, 800 France)
2. 'The majority of the pallets measure 48" x 40" x 80" and the average weight is 930 kilograms (2,050 Ibs) per pallet.
3. Based on an OFDA estimate of the transportation costs, these would be:

a) airlift to Addis or Darfur: $3,000,000
b) sealift to Addis: $ 250,000-$300,000
c) sealift to Darfur: $ 500,000 or more
4. The British provided us with the following summary of the contents of the MREs (or
note the lack of the word "pork":
! , S
. . .. , I ... .. , .. ,. . , , , . UNCLASSIFIED Page 2 of 3 .

, .. .
In Gegards to the question concerning the country of origin of our products. In strictly legal terms all the food
, components in the ORP are o f EU origin as they have been manufactured in EU approved ,processing plants
within the EU. However, we have received c o n f i a t i o n from the c o m p v y that is our main source of
manufactured meat products and they have confirmed that the raw Beef and Lamb used b y their processing
plant i s predominately non-EU. The Beef is sourced from South America and the Lamb from New Zealand
with small amounts from Spain. O u r supplier of pate has confirmed that some o f the beef used In the
production o f the Beef Pate supplied to u s was sourced from the EU (UK and Ireland). The third supplier of
manufactured meat products has yet to reply formally but has also, informally. indicated that some of their
products could contain EU sourced beef. C~I-tlflcation from the manufacturers has been sought but i s still
awaited.
5. Addis has been aware of this outstanding offer, as early as Oct. 21, as indicated by the following messages:

Sent: Friday, October 21,2005 6:14 PM
To: Yamamoto, Donald Y(AF/FO)
Cc: Volker, Kurt D; Martinelli, Joseph Q; Small, Jason A(AF/SPG); Wong, Eric M; Horne, Todd; G r a m Colleen P;
Campbell, William N(AF/M); McCarthy, Deborah A; Yu, Alan K; Kwok, Valerie; Kotok, Sharon B; 'Marmaud, Karen'; Cook,
Nerissa J; Behrend, Richard W; Gottlieb, Greg; Visek, Richard C; Gutherie, Peter A; Bittrick, Michael J(AF/RSA); Harpole,
J. Marinda(AF/RSA); Heflin, Donald L(AF/RSA); Hankins, Dennis 8; Pilcher, William 8
Subject: (SBU) MREs for AU - State of Play
Importance: High
Donald,
I understand from EUWDAS Colleen Graffy that you may be tapped to help ensure coordination of an effort to provide
hundreds of thousands of MREs to the African Union.
Those MREs were donated by various European countries (mainly the UK) in the midst of the Hurricane Katrina crisis. .
(NB: In State 163366 we called for cefiain.assistance, based on input from emergency management officials, including
MREs.) Many were distributed, but as events unfolded many more were warehoused in Little Rock.
In order to make good use of the remaining 300,000 + MREs, EUR has been exploring various options. One, which I
I
seems to have generated great interest (see email chain recopied below*), is to provide most of these MREs to the I
African Union, probably for use in Darfur. (Some 10,000 will likely be sent to Pakistan to help feed World Food Program
personnel, but not Pakistanis, as the MREs are not "halal.")
Throughout today, I have been checking with relevant people here in D.C. and elsewhere to determine how the possibility 1
I
of distributing MREs to the AU would be viewed and what the logistical issues are. I have also forwarded many of the
emails generated today to AF-Katrina Working Group POC William Campbell. Thus far, 10, EUWUBI (UK
desk), Embassy London, OFDA and a DHS contact seem to be in favor of this option.
-
Indeed, OFDA has been engaged and has raised a couple of technical questions (where should they go direct to Darfur
or to Addis, for later distribution by AU; how soon are they needed /whether to use sea or air freight).
So, your assistance would be appreciated in determining how to navigate'any remaining issues (diplomatic, bureaucratic
or logistical).
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Alain Norman
EURIPGI
'FYI, below is part of the email chain indicating AUIDITF interest: [Not included on this email]
-- -.
From: 1 -
Sent: Friday, October 21, 2005 7:04 AM
To: Wong, Eric M; Harpole, J. Marinda(AF/RSA)
Cc: Bittrick, Michael J(AF/RSA); Heflin, Donald L(AF/RSA); Norman, Alain G; YU, Alan K; Sullivan, Kevin K;
UNCLASSIFIED
. ,, .
.. r
, UNCLASSIFIED Page 3 of 3
McGeary, Catherine E; Graham, Glen C. LtCol; Hamilton, Larry M. LTC; Ewing, Hoa V. MAJ; May, Lany W
Subject: RE: 300K+ MRE proposed donation to AU
DlTFlAU looks as if they are willing to move forward quickly on this ...as soon as Iget the details on the offer I can
bring back to the DlTF for a final ...this is most I have seen them get excited about such a type of offer; and I have
already received a call on mobile today in regards to the details...a little unusual for the AU, so this is being taken
very positively by the DITFIAU.
Thanks, Vtr, Joe
From: Wong, Eric M

Sent: Friday, October 21, 2005 1:45 PM
To: Harpole, J. Marinda(AF/RSA)
Cc: Bittrick, Michael J(AF/RSA); Heflin, Donald L(AF/RSA); Norman, Alain G; Yu, Alan K; Martinelli, Joseph Q;
Sullivan, Kevin K; McGeary, Catherine E
Subject. FW: 30DK+ MRE proposed donation to AU
Marinda et al:
In response to your Oct. 19 e m a i l , l o u r military LNO to the AU, discussed the offer of the MREs
with the AU's Partners Liaison Group, and received a positive response (see his ernail below).
B61
Eric Wong
PoliticallEconomic Section
U.S. Embassy, Addis Ababa
cell: B6
From: Martinelli, Joseph Q

Sent: Friday, October 21,2005 1:35 PM
To: Wong, Eric M; Nelson, Brian K(AF/SPG); Drake, Joshua A(AF/SPG); Small, Jason A(AF/SPG); Bittrick, Michael
I
J(AF/RSA); Jovin, Rebecca A(AF/SE); ~ l r d Jennlfer
, L(AF/SPG); Cockrell, John D; Whitaker, Eric P; Sullivan, Kevin I
K; Goclbout, William J; Vernon, Daniel A; Learned, George E (Kigali-Rwanda); 'Graham, Glen C. LtCol'; Hamilton,
Larry M. LTC; May, Larry W; Ewing, Hoa V. MAJ
Cc: McGeary, Catherine E
I
Subject: 300K+ MRE proposed donation to AU
Note: the AU is very interested in receiving the 300,000+ MREs and would like the details on type (pork products
was mentioned as well as transport and location of delivery) at the LG meeting yesterday. We will deal with
storage with AU. The feeling was the MREs are best t o go directly to field and the AUlDlTFlJLOC will deal with
distribution and storage.
'
Please provide POC for me t o contact and any details you may have. The AU would like to get the full details as
soon as possible so the AU can respon'd officially.
Thanks all, Joe Martinelli
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED Pa e l o f l
RELEASED INP A ~ T
Norman, Alain G B6
From: Martinez, Eduardo J(WHA1EPSC)
Sent: Wednesday, October 26,2005 3:13 PM
To : Norman, Alain G
Subject: RE: Help to Cozurnel - MRE request
do if file this email under katrina or wilma assistance?

. .
From: Norman, ~ l a i n
G
To:
Cc: horne, Todd; ~rad.~air@dhs.~ob;Yu, Alan K; Martinez, Eduardo J
p Cozumel - MRE request
Subject: ~ e l to
Ms. Velarde-Jones,
Have you received'any details on who needs the MREs mentioned in an ernail, that you forwarded yesterday from a Mr.
Bob Dickinson, relative to helping people inlnear Cozumel?
-
We in the State Department were hoping to get a sense of whether the meals would - in your view go to Carnival
personnel, trapped tourists, or others.
Please note we have heard the Government of Mexico is now saying it does not need MREs. However, it is unclear to me'
whether somebody else does and, if so, how many.
I
Please advise.
. . I
Alain Norman
EURiPGI
U.S. Department of State

DATEICASE ID: 13 SEP 2006 200503991
UNCLASSIFIED
Norman. Alain G
RELEASED IN FULL
From: Yu, Alan K
Sent: Wednesday, October 26,2005 1 1:58 AM
To: Norman, Alain G
Subject: FW: Cost breakdowns for MREs
I
For 12:45.
----- OriginalMessage----- REVIEW AUTHORITY: FRANK TUMMlNlA
From: Yu, Alan K DATEICASE ID: 23 AUG 2006 200503991
Sent: Tuesday, October 25, 2005 6:05 PM
To: Cook, Nerissa J
Subject: Cost breakdowns for MREs
Nerissa--
I think we should discuss with Kurt on how to proceed. Both the AU and destroy options I
require resources, and it seems this now becomes an issue beyond EURts purview -- and one
for 7th floor or interagency attention.
I think PGI still plays a critical role in keeping the momentum going, particularly in
face of 11/12 warehouse lease deadline, but cost issues need to be put before other
decision-makers -- and probably pretty soon.
Alan
From: Horne, Todd
To: Nieuwejaar, Sonja; Norman, Alain G(Main State)
CC: OFDALogistics; Gottlieb, Greg; Chan, Carol; Stitt, Tony; Fleming, James; Marmaud,
Karen; Long, Casey; Katchka, Elizabeth; Yu, Alan K(Main State)
Subject: RE: MRE's for Pakistan
Hello All,
Yes, the AU is still a possibility and Alain Norman and his colleagues at State are still
working this issue. I've copied Alain in on this email.
........................................................................
I wanted to let everyone know that we received a quotation to dispose,of the MREts if that
turns out to be our only option.
Basically, the breakdown is $ .45 per pound + 3% for EIS surcharge (energy tax)
The weight of the MRE's is approximately 2.2 million pounds.
So, to quickly review that's over one million dollars to properly dispose of the MRE'S.
...........................................................................
If we were to airlift the MREts to Addis and/or Darfur it would likely be in the $
3,000,000 dollar range.
If we were to sealift the MRE's to Addis it would be in the $ 250,000 - $ 300,0'00range.
If we were to sealift to ~arfur,'it would probably be closer to $500,000 or more. As you
may be aware, the infrastructure from Port Sudan to the Darfur region is very poor and
transport rates are extremely expensive. They also tend to fluctuate a great deal.
The other option that has come up recently is for Cozumel, Mexico. Some additional
UNCLASSIFIED
details need to be investigated, but hopefully something positive will come out of this.
I just wanted to lay everything out there for everyone.
Let me know if you have any questions or need clarification on anything.
Regards,
Todd
........................................................................ i
Todd Horne
Logistics Officer
United States Agency for ~nternationalDevelopment Office of ~oreignDisaster ~ssistance I
Washington, D . C . 20523
B
Tel # (202) 712-0234
Fax # (202) 216-3399
Email: thorne@usaid:gov
UNCLASSIFIED
Norman, Alain G
RELEASED IN FULL
From: Yu, Alan K
Sent: Wednesday, October 26,2005 11 :58 AM
To: Norman, Alain G
Subject: FW: Cost breakdowns for MREs

For 12 : 4 5 . REVIEW AUTHORITY: FRANK TUMMINIA
-----Original Message----- DATEICASE ID: 23 AUG 2006 200503991
From: Yu, Alan K
Sent: Tuesday, October 2 5 , 2 0 0 5 6 : 0 5 PM
To: Cook, Nerissa J
Subject: Cost breakdowns for MREs
Nerissa--
I think we should discuss with Kurt on how to proceed. Both the AU and destroy options
require resources, and it seems this now becomes an issue beyond EUR's purview -- and one
for 7th floor or interagency attention.
I think PGI still plays a critical role in keeping the momentum going, particularly in
face of 11/12 warehouse lease deadline, but cost issues need to be put before other
decision-makers - - and probably pretty soon.
Alan
From: Horne, Todd
Sent: Tuesday, October 2 5 , 2 0 0 5 2 : 4 5 PM
TO: Nieuwejaar, Sonja; Norman, Alain G(Main State)
Cc: OFDALogistics; Gottlieb, Greg; Chan, Carol; Stitt, Tony; Fleming, James; Marmaud,
Karen; Long, Casey; Katchka, Elizabeth; Yu, Alan K(Main State)
Subject: RE: M R E 1 s for Pakistan
\
Hello All,
Yes, the AU is still a possibility and Alain Norman and his colleagues at State are still
working this issue. 1've copied Alain in on this email.
I wanted to let everyone know tha.t-%receiue

t.0--be'-o~on2yoption.
.--A-
the breakdown is $ .45 per pound +

/ The weight of the MREqs is approximately 2.2 million pounds.
Z
\ So, to quickly review that's over one million dollars to properly dispose of the
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * - - * * * * * * * * * * * * 4 - /
If we were to airlift the MRE's to Addis and/or Darfur it would likely be in the $
3 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 dollar range.
If we were to sealift the MRE1s to Addis it would be in the $ 2 5 0 , 0 0 0 - $ 3 0 0 , 0 0 0 range.

If we were to sealift to Darfur, it would probably be closer to $ 5 0 0 , 0 0 0 or more. . As you
may be aware, the infrastructure from Port Sudan to the Darfur region is very poor and
transport rates are extremely expensive. They also tend to fluctuate a great deal.
The other option that has come up recently is for Cozumel, Mexico. Some additional
1
UNCLASSIFIED
* . .: 1.
UNCLASSIFIED
Norman. Alain G
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
McCarty. Susan L
Thursday, October 27, 2005 3:45 PM
Harpole, J. Marinda; Norman, Alain G(Main State)
Martinelli, Joseph Q; Bittrick, Michael J; Kenny, Kevin B
-
FW: MREs for the AU ACTOA funds for costs & logistics?
RELEASED IN FULL
' 8/58 ,
Hi All-
Bob Houston forwarded the emails to me.
'To answer your question about ACOTA, no that would not be the right mechanism to fund the transport of the MREs. We
might be able use our contract that provides assistance to the AU mission in Sudan, but funds are really tight. If we could
find a way get the MREs to Addis, we might be able to use NATO lift to get them to Sudan.
Mike Bittrick might have other ideas when he returns from Addis.
-----Original Menage-----
From: Houston, Robert B
Sent: Thursday, October 27, 2005 153 PM
To: McCarty, Susan L
Cc: Kenny, Kevin B
Subjed: FW: MREs for the AU - ACTOA funds for costs & logistics?
----0riglnal Message-----
From: . Norman, Alain G
Sent: Thursday, October 27, 2005 1:51 PM
To: Harpole, 3. Marinda(AF/RSA); Houston, Robert B(AF/RSA); Biltrlck, Michael J(AF/RSA)
Cc: Yu, Alan K; Heflin, Donald L(AF/RSA)
Subject: RE: MREs for the AU - costs & logistics
Marinda, Bob, Mike,
I understand that Don and Alan spoke with each other about this issue and wanted me to flip this email to all of you.
Perhaps you would be kind'enough to look into whether ACODA might be a possibility to address this need.
Many thanks for your input.
Alain Norman
EURIPGI
Fhm: Norman, Alain G

To: Harpole, 3. Marlnda(AF/RSA); Heflin, Donald L(AF/RSA)
Cc: Yu, Alan K
Subject: MREs for the AU - costs & logistics
* .
Marinda.
Thanks again for the email below. It is a big step fonnrard.
W.e briefed EUR PDAS Volker today, laying out the cost estimates (below) from OFDA
1) Airlift to Addis or Darhr: $ 3,000,000
'
DATEJCASE 1D: 23 AUG 2006 200503991
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLAS S,IFIED Page 1 of 2
Norman, Alain G RELEASED IN FULL

From: Horne, Todd
Sent: Tuesday, October 25,2005 8:33 AM
To: Yu, Alan K(Main State); Fagin, Steven H (SAIPB)(SAIPB); Norman, Alain G(Main state); Kotok, Sharon B 1
(Main State Rm 5328)

Cc: Cook. Nerissa J(Main State)
Subject: RE: MREs for WFP in Pakistan
All - this may be old news, but I received the following ernail from my colleague (Alan Johnson) at WFP this morning.
Panama- not good-we discussed this yesterday with the regional bureau and below is an extract:
'...The desire to keep non-american foodstuffs out of Central America is unifom in the sub-region. Ifthese MREs contain
EU beef, they will not be accepted in any Central American country, even to save lives. Moreover to get them stored into
ELS they would still need to go through that country's Customs and Agro-Ministry.
From what Isee below, however, some MREs containing Kiwi 8 LAC meat would be acceptable..regrettably Ido not think
we can be selective.
Hence, thankyou to everybody's good effort, but, given these developments, we would have to reluctantly decline this very
timely offer. ...'
Let me know'ifyou have any &estions or require additional information. .
Regards,
Todd
From: YU, Alan ~ ( ~ aState)
i n
Sent: Monday, October 24, 2005 6:20 PM
To: Horne, ~ d d Fagin,
; Steven H (SA/PB)(SA/PB); Norman, Alain G(Main State); Kotok, Sharon B(Main State Rm
. 5328) a
Cc: cook, Nerissa J(Main State)
Todd and others-

Thanks very, very much for this. This is an excellent first step to a solution to challenges we face on both ends.
We fully support OFDA's actions to move the 1OK MREs from Little Rock to Pakistan.
Alan Yu
-
From: Home, Todd

Sent: Monday, October 24,2005 3:49 PM
To: Fagin, Steven H (SA/PB)(SA/PB); Norman, Alain G(Maln State); Kotok, Sharon B(Main State Rrn 5328)
Cc: Yu, Alan K(Main State)
Yes,that is correct.
From: Fagin, Steven H (SA/PB)(SA/PB)
To: Horne, Todd; Norman, Alain G[Main State); Kotok, Sharon B(Main State Rm 5328)
Subject: RE: MREs for WFP in ~akistan
Are those figures correct. It costs $114,964 to ship 10,000 MRE's - over $1 1 per MRE?
UNCLAS-SIFIED
From: Horne, Todd
To: Norman, Alain G(Main State); Kotok, Sharon B(Main State Rrn 5328); Fagin, Steven H (SAIPB)
(SA/PB)
Subject: RE: MREs for WFP in Pakistan 1
Alain,
-
The cargo is scheduled to be picked up tomorrow in Little Rock tomorrow morning and will be shipped
ru
commercially to Dubai.
In Dubai, the cargo will be loaded onto an IL76 cargo plane with an ETA ISB of 31 October. The total cost
will be $ 114,964.00.
------,
We'll coordinate with the Embassy on landing slots Iairspace issues. We've sent in about a dozen charter
flights already and the system has been working pretty well thus far. We liaise with Arnie Hamovitz at the
Embassy in ISB and we'realso working with CENTCOM.
As long as State is okay with us moving forward we can take care of transport, flight clearances, etc....
Let me know if anyone has any questions.
Regards,
Todd
From: Norman, Alain G(Main State)
Sent: Monday, October 24,2005 11:18 AM
To: Horne, Todd; Kotok, Sharon B(Main State Rm 5328); Fagin, Steven H (SA/PB)(SA/PB)
Subject: MREs for WFP in Pakistan
Just checking in, per my Dep. Dits request, on the status of arrangements for getting
10,000 MREs to Pakistan for use by World Food Program personnel.
' 1 haven't been following too closely. but I wonder if you could each confirm the following:
Todd:
Status of arranging pick up of MREs at Little Rock by a plane that would then head to
Pakistan
Sharon:
Putting the right OFDA and WFP people in touch so that the dayltimelplace of arrival can
be sorted out (and the WFP people can be on hand to off-load right when the aircraft
arrives).
Steve:
Is there anything we need to do re: Pakistani (airspace) authorities?
Many thanks:
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Norman, Alain G -
' , RELEASED IN FULL
From: Scheurer, Rebecca [rscheurer@ofda.net]
Sent: Wednesday, October 05,2005 9:25 AM
To: Yu, Alan K
Cc: Bass, John R (OPS); McCarthy, Deborah A; Harris, Michelle F; Cook, Nerissa J; Norman,
I
Alain G; Stitt, Tony'.
Subject: RE: Katrina: MREs and warehouse lease request
I
Hi Alan,
Thanks for this. I'll go ahead and do so as the OFDA liaison here at FEMA HQs
I
Thanks, . .
rs
From: Yu, Alan K [mailto:YuAK@state.gov]

Sent: Wed 10/5/2005 8:16 AM
To : Stitt , Tony; Scheurer, Rebecca
Cc: Bass, John R (OPS); McCarthy, Deborah A; Harris, Michelle F; Cook, Nerissa J; Norman,
Alain G
Subject: Katrina: MREs and warehouse lease request
Tony-
Please'pass along to appropriate FEMA counterparts this official State Department
request that FEMA authorize funding to extend the MRE warehouse lease for another five
weeks (until November 12). The State Department's Katrina Working Group and the Bureau
for European Affairs have disposition of the MREs as a front and center action item.
We have several extremely promising options, including one that could result in the
Department taking all the MREs and transporting them from Little Rock and distributing,
them in several Central Asian countries that participate in,ourregular humanitarian
assistance programs.
Our humanitarian assistance colleagues'have some technical, due diligence questions on

the MREs, but they hope and expect those questions will .be non-issues and that they would
be able to accept the MREs for the program. We cannot, .however,bring all this together
by October 8. The humanitarian aid team is in the midst of a large project, which it will
complete at the end of October. The team will then be able to turn full attention to
moving the MREs.
We believe this is the best solution: A month's lease fees would enable us to avoid the
potential foreign policy and public relations problems of destroying/disposing of
assistance we received from some of our closest allies, because of US domestic regulations
and through no fault of the donors. Instead, we can turn it around to a situation where
the USG and foreign governments work together to deliver no-longer-needed food assistance
to countries that have a similar need.
We request that FEMA authorize funding to extend.thewarehouse lease to enable us to

execute the above plan.
DATEJCASE ID: 23 AUG 2006 200503991
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Thanks,
Alan Yu

From: Kasanof, Alexander
Sent: Thursday, December 08.2005 11:46 AM
To: Norman, Alain G
Subject: RE: MRE points for ~ e o r g i a UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Thanks much for the reply, Alain! -Sasha DATEICASE 1D: 24 AUG 2006 200503991
From: Norman, Alain G i

Sent: Thursday, December 08,2005 8 5 9 AM
To: Kasanof, Alexander; Yu, Alan K; Brink, Bridget A
Cc: Catipon, Lauren W; Bass, John R (OPS); Fox, John (EUR); Perry, Mark X; Hester, Alan W; Cook, Nerissa J
Subject: RE: MRE points for Georgla
Sasha, Bridget,
As far as I know, the answers are:

1) Health concerns
2) As you stated: We'll seek to have other USG agencies help defray the costs.
FYI, a number of us are meeting at 10:30 this morning to discuss the MRE situation (under the chairmanship of John
Bass).
Alain
.From: Kasanof, Alexander

To: Yu, Alan K; Brink, Bridget A .
Cc: Catipon, Lauren W; Norman, Alain G; Bass, John R (OPS); Fox, John (EUR); Perry, Mark X; Hester, Alan W; Cook,
Nerissa J . .
Sutiject: RE: MRE points for Georgia
Alan, Alain: Post had two questions, which I was hoping your shop could help answer. This might help us get a quick
reply from the Georgians.
1) Post has asked whether trade or health (or both) concerns were behind the USDA regs. that prevented us from using
the MREs.
2) Does anyone have cost estimates for moving approximately 200.000 MREs to Georgia? Bridget, just so you know. the
Dept. has looked into ways we can help. This might include asking other USG agencies for assistance, e.g. DOD. I think
we can tell the Georgians that we will try to help get the MREs there and minimize the costs to the Georgia.
Thanks,
Sasha
From: Yu, Alan K

To: Bririk, Bridget A; Kasanof, Alexander
Cc: Catipon, Lauren W; Norman, Alain G; Bass, John R (OPS); Fox, John (EUR); Perry, Mark X; Hester, Alan W; Cook,
Nerissa J
Subject: RE: MRE points for Georgla
UNCLASSIFIED
Bridgetkauren-
Thanks very much for your help on this. S/ES is pulling together a State-only meeting on MREs at 10:30 this AM to
review things (not just Georgia). It'd be great to get a status report from your end (even if there's nothing yet to report)
prior to.
Thanks,
Alan Yu
x77334
From: Brink, Bridget A(Tbilisi)

, Sent: Wednesday, December 07, ZOOS 11:36 PM
To: Kasanof, Alexander
Cc: Catipon, Lauren W; Norman, Alain G; Yu, Alan K; Bass, John R (OPS); Fox, John (EUR); Peny, Mark X; Hester, Alan
W
Subject: RE: MRE points for Georgia
Thanks Sasha. We'll make the demarche to the OSCE and MOD ASAP.
Only problem might be payment. I do not know if the GOG COUI~/WOUI~ be able to pay but we'll use your points as
directed and get back to you. Any idea how much it would cost the GOG?
All the best, Bridget

To: Brink, Bridget A
Cc: Catipon, Lauren W; Norman, Alain G; Yu, Alan K; Bass, John R (OPS); Fox, John (EUR)
Subject: FW: MRE points for Georgia
Importance: High
Bridget, Lauren: Per my message in the 01, the Department is very interested in moving these MREs as soon as
possible. Just FYI: they are in a warehouse right now, and we face a deadline of 12/12 for making a decision on
what to do with them next. That deadline is not set in stone, but the decision we face is: start proceedings to give
MREs to Georgia or destroy the MREs. So with that in mind...
We would like to see if you are comfortable with the attached document (which provides a little more detailed ,
background). If so, we would like to ask you to demarche the Georgian MFA and/or MOD (as appropriate) as soon
as possible. We want to officially ask if they will take the MREs. You can leave the paper with the Georgians to
consider, if you think that would be useful. However, PLEASE NOTE, if you leave this as a paper, please do
notlnot include the bottom "if asked" section on our regulations (i.e.. the reason we could not accept the MREs).
One other note. I may earlier have said that we could pay for the transport of the MREs to Georgia. We are not
certain that is still the case, so you may want to caveat that we can help the Georgians get the MREs to Georgia.
but it may involve some cost to them.
We are interested in hearing a response as soon as possible from the Georgians, but we understand that you all
have a tremendous amount on your plate! In a perfect world, we would love to hear by 12/12, but you all know best
how and when to approach your interlocutors. Apologies for the short timeframe.
Please let me know if you have ANY questions, especially about the backgrounder.
Thank you VERY MUCH!!
Sasha .

Sent: Wednesday, December 07, ZOOS 6:17 PM
Cc: Yu, Alan K
Subject: MRE points for Georgia
Importance: High
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED Page 3 o f 3
Sasha,
Many thanks for you patience on this.
Here's the "final answer" although Nerissa recommends that if this must be left as some kind of non-paper, that the,
"if asked" section not be included in such a non-paper (i.e., just use the first 2 sections).
i
Best regards,
Alain
UNCLASSIFIED
LTNCLASSIFIED
. RELEASED IN FULL
Norman, Alain G
From: Volker. Kurt D

Sent: Friday, December 30.2005 2.31 PM
To: Yu, Alan K
Cc: Cook, Nerissa J; Norman, Aain G
Subject: RE: MRE options
Thanks. Nerissa and I discussed this morning relative merits of spreading them around vs. going to a single
recipient. To my mind, the objective is to get them out of usg hands wl assurance they will be'put to good use, at
minimum cost. Spreading the 'health", so to speak, is not as important. - vk
' ~ r o mYu,
: Alan K ,
Sent: Friday, December 30,2005 11352 AM
To: Volker, Kurt D .
Cc: Cook, Nerissa J; Norman, Alain G
Subject: MRE options
Kurt-
Per request for options rundown (drawn from an email Isent to Bridget this AM). Sasha will ask Bridget next
'
week for Tbilisi assessment on impact of drawing from Georgia security assistance to cover MREs shipment. AID
is trying to run better numbers, but expect ballpark to be somewhere between $30K-$loOK. Alain takes the baton
on this next week.
1
Alan
-
Five options (not necessarily mutually exdusive) three involving Georgia; two with broader international
scope
Georgia 1 -'OSCE border (75K units): Ibriefed on OSCE willingness to cover transpod. All agreed this
should be easiest piece.
Georgia 2 - MOD (160K units): Bass will continue to push recalcitrant OSD on picking up transport.
Bass and we are getting separate channel dissonance from TbilisilODC - great if you guys could stitch up
with them.
Georgla 3 -ACE humanitarian (14K, with possibility of much more): ACE will cover transport costs
for two 40-foot containers of MREs to go to A Call to Serve (ACTS), an American NGO doing ACE-funded
school feeding program in Kutaisi. ACTS is willing to gin up own funds to ship more.
-
NGO 1 Food for the Poor (up to entire 340K units): American NGO willing to cover transport to take
all or portion of all MREs to Haiti. Conflicting info on whetherlnot Haiti customs would accept ELI beef. AID
asking NGO for document from Haiti saying it would clear MREs for import.
NGO 2 - Convoy of Hope (up to entire 340K units): Another American NGO willing to cover transport to
take all or portion to 10 different countries.

UNCLASSIFIED
RELEASED IN FULL
Norman, Alain G
From: Kasanof, Alexander I

Sent: Wednesday, January 04,2006 3:36 PM
To: Norman, Alain G
Subject: MRE Saga - Georgia MOD funding
Alain: Alan Yu told me to get in touch with you on this subject while he is out this week. We never seem to be.
able to leave this one behind, do we? Please see below for the latest from Emb. Tbilisi. It sounds like they do
noVdo not think a call from Volker to Edelman is worth the cost to security assistance funding. This may mean we
have to forget about the MOD portion and focus on the NGO and OSCE portions. A pity. Happy to talk about this
more in tomorrow's meeting at 2 p.m.
Thanks, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Sasha DATEICASE ID: 24 AUG 2006 200503991
From: Brink, Bridget A

'
To: Kasanof, Alexander I
Cc: Perry, Mark X
Subject: RE: Georgia MOD funding
Hey Sasha! Thanks! Hope you had a wonderful holiday.
I checked again with our ODC person and our A I D A T who said that the funds currently allocated for Georgia -
IMET, FMF, PKO and two sets of CSF (CoalitionSupport Funds and Coalition Solidarity Funds) - have all been
already used or earmarked for use. So, bottom line: we do not recommend using existing security assistance
funding for Georgia.
On creative ideas: Our ODC, person had not heard of Denton Act funds for Georgia but thought it would be fine if
they could be used for this purpose. He said that the Defense Security Cooperation Agency might also be a
resource but noted that he had already been in touch with the DeskOff in DC who had said there were no DSCA
funds available for this purpose.
My take on this is we don't want to set up Kurt or John to make calls when we are not able to take it out of our
own assistance budget - unless something like Denton Act money could work (sorry, i n ' I not familiar with it
. either). But. if we can't ship the DOD portion, we'd still like to give them to OSCE if possible for the Georgian
border guards.
Hope this helps.
All the best, Bridget
From: Kasanof, Alexander I[mailto:KasanofAI@state.sgov.gov]

To: Brink, Bridget A
Subject: MI: Georgia MOD funding
Bridget: Welcome back! ~ o p e ' ~ otime

u r away was terrific!!
...
Please see below. More on the MRE issue Besides the question Alan and John Bass raise immediately below,
there is also the question of whether to use mil funds to transport the MREs (see highlighted question in bottom-
most e-mail). Basically, does Post feel it is worth it to pay for the transport of the MREs out of existing security
\
assistance funding for Georgia (you may have to consult with the DATT on this)? PDAS Volker wants to know
our priorities before he,places a call to DOD b a s k for U/S Edelman's help.
Sorry if this is a little unclear. Happy to elucidate (if I canl).
Thanks much, Bridget!
Sasha
From: Yu, Alan K

To: Kasanof, Alexander I
Cc: Norman, Alain G
Subject: FW: Georgia MOD funding
Sasha-
Could you raise John's suggestion on creativity with Bridget when you talk?
Thanks,
Alan
From: Bass, John R

To: Yu, Alan K(Main State); Morrow, Michael K
Cc: orm man,Alain G(Main State); Cook, Nerissa ](Main State)
Subject: RE: Georgia MOD funding
Alan -- thanks for all this. I suspected as much from ACE, but even if we only end up with the smaller portion to
OSCE and modest quantity to ACTS, that will help spread the risk, to extent there is any, of negative blow-back.
Re DoD funding, would help as well to urge them to think creatively about their various funding options,
something we've had trouble securing thus far. Are their other potential pots (ie. Denton Act for humanitarian
assistance or such) that they could fund this out of? Would appreciate a heads-up iflwhen Kurt plans to call, as 1
may reinforce myself.
enjoy your well-earned time off! cheers, JB
From: Yu, Alan K

Sent: Friday, December 30,2005 1:23 PM
To: Bass, John R(S/ES-0); Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-O/CMS)
Cc: Norman, Alain G; Cook, Nerissa 3
Subject: Georgia MOD funding
JohnlMikd
Jerry Oberndorfer is back and we spoke this AM. He corrected a Tom AdamsfDean Fischer misunderstanding.
ACE funds could be available for transport of the OSCE option, but not for the MOD request. He did reiterate that
if we find funds for the MOD move, ACE could handle negotiationwith shippers and assures it could drive down
transport costs compared to what AID may be hearing.
On MOD, Kurt does not mind asking Edelman for help. Before he does that, however, he's asked CACEN to
check with Embassy Tbilisi on whetherhot it views this as best use of limited Georgia security assistance funds.
If Tbilisi says this would not unduly impinge on other priorities then Kurt will ask Eric for help.
Finally, Kurt really appreciates all that you buys are doing to. move the ball on this, and likes all of the options on ,
the table. That said, if the Georgia options begin to bog down, he would strongly back going to the NGO options
(particularly the'convoy of Hope, multi-country option), which could lead to a quick, clean resolution of the
UNCLASSIFIED
problem. )
I'm out of the office next week. Alain will take this over and will attend the 115 meeting. I'm in town, and
available.. ...thru Ops.
Alan
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED . .
Norman. Alain G RELEASED IN FULL

Sent: Friday, January 13,2006 4 2 6 PM
To: Yu, Alan K; Gutherie, Peter A
a
Cc: Visek, Richard C; McManus, Katherine D; Norman, Alain G; Morrow, Michael K
Subject: Re: Shipping for OSCE
We'll have to sort it out with them. Seem to recall mike saying there was plenty of
warehouse space at convoy of hope facility, but we'll ck.
From: Yu, Alan K <YuAK@state.g~v>
TO: Gutherie, Peter A <gutheriepa@state.gov>; Bass, John R (OPS) <BassJR@state.gov>
CC: Visek, Richard C <VisekRC@state.gov>; McManus, Katherine D <McManusKD@state.gov>;
Norman, Alain G <NormanAG@state.gov>; Morrow, Michael K <MorrowMK@state.gov>
Sent: Fri Jan 13 16:23:29 2006 I
Subject: RE: Shipping for OSCE

John/Peter--
Alain has spoken with Gerry Oberndorfer and has much info to share. He's going to call
and brief you. Key question to John is whether/not we can negotiate with Convey of Hope i
and/or DLA to remove the OSCE-destined MREs and temporarily store until OSCE can let
contract and have.companypick up? I don't think there's enough time between M sign-off
and 1/17 or 1/31 for OSCE to bring it all together.
Alan
From: Gutherie, Peter A

Sent: Friday, January 13, 2006 3:11 PM
To: ,Bass,John R (OPS)
Cc: Yu, Alan K; Visek, Richard C; McManus, Katherine D
,
John,
Just keep in mind that there will need to be some paper pushed through the Department
before this flexibility is available. L/PM will need to review the draft determination
from EUR to T, which will need to relate the end use (OSCE border guards) back to part I
of the FAA. L/PM's initial read on the determination was that it is a little tricky, but
may be possible. Once that's done, we can come up with a reimbursable agreement for OSCE
to sign.
Thanks.
Peter

To: Gutherie, Peter A
Cc: Yu, Alan K; Visek, Richard C; McManus, Katherine D
Peter -- very helpful to have this flexibility! OSCE has agreed to pay, but not sure
they've moved forward on details at all.
Alan - - can you pls explore with the ACE logistics experts? Strikes me that it makes
sense given tight timelines. Expect we'll be in a position early next week, once M has
approved distro, to tell OSCE to expect the quantity they requested (with them paying
transport, of course)
Thanks - JB
UNITED-STATESWBW ~IREW~F-STATE
5
REV1E W AUTHORITY: FRANK TUMMlNlA
DATEICASE ID:24 A U G 2006 200503991
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
From : Gutherie, Peter A
CC: Yu, Alan K; Visek, Richard C; McManus, Katherine D
Subject: Shipping for OSCE
John,
I don't know if anyone has been in contact with the OSCE yet to discuss particulars
of shipping. Given the short time table that we're operating under, I'm guessing that it
may be logistically easier if all of the MREs destined for Georgia were shipped together.
If so, it may be possible to have OSCE reimburse us for the transport costs in getting the
OSCE MREs to Georgia. We would have to utilize our authority under 'ection 607 of the
Foreign Assistance Act. I've discussed initially with our foreign assistance experts, and
there are certain procedures that would have to be followed to make this possible:
1.) There has to be a determination that furnishing services on a
reimbursable basis is consistent with and in furtherance of part I of the Foreign
'~ssistanceAct. As delegated, this determination would need to be made by T. EUR would
,need to draft the determination for T to sign. We have sample determinations.
2) There would need to be an agreement with OSCE to reimburse (or advance)
us the costs of shipping. Given that this is a one time service,.theterms of
reimbursement would be pretty straight forward. I
So there is some paperwork that would have to be completed before making this work.
But I wanted you to be aware of this option, and its requirements, as you consider the
logistics of moving the MREs out of the warehouse. Of course, this isall predicated on
the premise that OSCE is paying for transport. Nothing here should be taken as an
indication that we are able to prov2de transportation under the FAA if OSCE doesn't agree
to fund.
Thanks,
Peter
UNCLASSIFIED
RELEASED IN FULL
Norman, Alain G
From:
Sent:
Morrow, Michael K
Tuesday, January 17,2006 10:36 AM
B a/+
I
I
To : Obemdorfer, Gerald J(Main State); Traub, Herbert S(Vienna); ~ o r m a n , ' ~ l aG(Main
in State)
Cc: Yu, Alan K(Main State); Gutherie, Peter A(HST, Room 3422); Bass, John R; Brink, Bridget A
(Tbilisi); Kasanof, Alexander [(Main State); Bebeau, Rene L(Main State); Stephens, Ronald(Main
State); Anna, Erin P(Main State); Stavropoulos, Daphne 2;Sibilla, Christopher A(Vienna); Hanish,
Patrick N; Tefft, John F; Perry, Mark X(Tbilisi)
Subject: RE: (UN) MRE'S FOR GEORGIA
I
Kit: . .
Regarding size and weight of shipment, please see my email on the unclassified side - USAID logisitics officer
Todd Horne is the best POC for this info.
Regards,
Mike Morrow

Sent: Tuesday, January 17,2006 10:12 AM
To: Traub, Herbert S; Norman, Alain G
Cc: Yu, Alan K; Gutherie, Peter A; Bass, John R(S/ES-0); Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-O/CMS); Brink, Bridget A;
Kasanof, Alexander I;Bebeau, Rene L; Stephens, Ronald; Anna, Erin P; Stavropoulos, Daphne 2; Sibilla,
Christopher A; Hanish, Patrick N; Tefft, John F; Perry, Mark X
Alan -If OSCE has a contract carrier then they should use them - it is easier for everyone. Remember the
$50,000 is only an estimate and we don't want them to try to use that as an alternative if their contact carrier
quotes them a higher price. In other words, we don't them saying their contract carrier is too high we will go with
the $50.0001 In fact, we will only know price when we tender! Thanks,
Jerry 0
From: Traub, Herbert S .

To: Norman, Alain G
Cc: Yu, Alan K; Gutherie, Peter A; Bass, John R(S/ES-0); Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-O/CMS); Brink, Bridget A;
Kasanof, Alexander I;Bebeau, Rene L; Oberndorfer, Gerald J; Stephens, Ronald; Anna, Erin P; Stavropoulos,
Daphne Z; Sibilla, Christopher A; Hanish, Patrick N; Tefft, John F; Perry, Mark X
I spoke with Rory McCorley at the OSCE Mission 'in Tbilisi (after he'd spoken with Bridget
Brink). He called to confirm that OSCE would logically prefer whichever option is cheaper for
them. They have a contract carrier whom they would use in the first instance, unless the USG
price (approx $50,000) is better.
To set the price with their carrier,OSCE needs to know the size and weight of the shipment
and where it is coming from. (We understand we are talking about 75,000 MREs.)

DATEICASE ID: :24 AUG 2006 200503991
611 2;/2006 ?,
UNCLASSIFIED
I hope this info is sufficient for the purpose of your memo today.
Kit
Kit Traub
US Mission to the OSCE
Polltical Section
-
tel: (++43) (1) 31339 3214
traubhs@state.gov
-----Original Message-:---
From: Norman, Alain G [mailto:NormanAG@state.sgov.gov]
To: Traub, Herbert S
Cc: Yu, Alan K; Gutherie, Peter A; Bass, John R(S/ES-0); Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-O/CMS); Brink, Bridget
A; Kasanof, Alexander I;Bebeau, Rene L; Oberndorfer, Gerald J; Stephens, Ronald; Anna, Erin P;
Stavropoulos, Daphne 2; Sibilla, Christopher A; Hanish, Patrick N
Subject: FW: (UN) MRE'S FOR GEORGIA
Kit,
Since the emails below, we've been looking into the issue of how the OSCE might get its share of MREs.
I understand it, there are 2 main options:
1) OSCE issues a tender, makes the relevant contract(s) and generally arranges for the MREs to be
transported.
2) OSCE provides State the funds necessary to cover the costs, via our Foreign Assistance Act authority
sec. 607, of EUR(1ACE) arranging transport.
(In this case, we'd still need some sort of agreement with the OSCE + name & address of consignee, etc.
Latest est. cost: $50.000.)
As we expect a decision memo will go up to M on Tuesday, there doesn't seem to be much time to sort out
the mechanics of getting the OSCE "its" MREs. Can you please give us a sense of which of the two
options, if any, the OSCE would be best able to act upon rapidly?
Many thanks in advance.
Alain Norman
EURlPGl
From: Yu, Alan K

Sent: Friday, January 13, 2006 9 2 5 PM
To: Norman, Alain G
Subject: MI: (UN) MRE'S FOR GEORGIA
- - - -
From: Brink, Bridget A

To: Yu, Alan K; Traub, Herbert S; Bebeau, Rene L
Cc: Slotta, Gregory S; Sibilla, Christopher A; Stovall, Michele L; ~oltz;Greta C; Stephens, Ronald; Kasanof,
Alexander I;Stavropoulos, Daphne Z; Anna, Erin P; Norman, Alain G; Perry, Mark X
UNCLASSIFIED
Alan:
Just to note from Tbilisi: per Tbilisi 3300 with regard to the 160,000 Georgia 2 option: MOD could use
120,000 MREs for participants in U.S. training programs and the National Guard could use 40,000 for
training and disaster relief but neither the MOD nor.ODC here has money to pay for their transport. 1
checked again with our ODC person today, Brad Jones. He said the IMET, FMF, PKO and CSF funds
earmarked for Georgia are already committed. Cheers, Bridget
From: Yu, Alan K ~rnailto:YuAK@state.sgov.gov]

To: Traub, Herbert S; Bebeau, Rene L
Cc: Slotta, Gregory S; Sibilla, Christopher A; Stovall, ~ i c h e l eL; Holtz, Greta C; Stephens, Ronald; Brink,
Bridget A; Kasanof, Alexander I;Stavropoulos, Daphne 2; Anna, Erin P; Norman, Alain G
Kitlothers-
John Bass pulled together State and AID people yesterday to review where we are. Here are key points:
Decision timeline still late nextlearly following week
Five options (not necessarily mutually exclusive) - three involving ~ e o r ~ itwo

a ; with broader
international scope
-
Georgia I OSCE border (75K units): I briefed on OSCE willingness to cover transport. All
agreed this should be easiest piece.
-
4 Georgia 2 MOD (160K units): Bass will continue to push recalcitrant OSD on picking up
transport. Bass and we are getting separate channel dissonance from TbilisilODC - great if you
guys could stitch up with them.
Georgia 3 -ACE humanitarian (14K, with possibility of much more): ACE will cover transport
costs for two 40-foot containers of MREs to go to A Call to Serve (ACTS), an American NGO doing
- ACE-funded school feeding program in Kutaisi. ACTS is willing to gin up own funds to ship more.
-
NGO I Food for the Poor (up to entire 340K unlts): American NGO willing to cover transport to
take all or portion of all MREs to Haiti. Conflicting info on whetherlnot Haiti customs would accept
EU beef. AID asking NGO for document from Haiti saying it would clear MREs for import.
-
4 NGO 2 Convoy of Hope (up t o entire 340K units): Another American NGO willing to cover
transport to take all or portion to 10 different countries.
Some 7h floor desire to have MREs go to a number of destinations, through number of donor vehicles,
to avoid optic of dumping food in one place and to diffuse risk of snafus if we were to put all MREs in
one solution.
Participants recognized potential complications and time required to pursue multi-option approach -
many eyed Convoy of Hope option as quick, clean way to move MREs and spread contributions
among number of countries.
On Georgia, all also mindful that each of three warmly welcomedlanticipated receipt of MREs.
Participants agreed that if transport for MOD did not come thru, we could apportion 160K units among
three NGOs.
Action items: none for Tbilisi. AID will get clearer sense on number of containers and transport cost
estimates. EUR will ask UK again for certain MRE documentation to make customs clearance easier
in recipient countries. ' ,
Same group will reconvene on 115. Expect decisions then.
That's it.
UNCLASSIFIED
Alan

Sent: Friday, December 30,2005 4:55 AM
To: Bebeau, Rene L; Yu, Alan K
Cc: Slotta, Gregory S; Sibilla, Christopher A; Stovall, Michele L; Holtz, Greta C; Stephens, Ronald; Brink,
i
Bridget A; Kasanof, Alexander I; Stavropoulos, Daphne Z
Subject: RE: (UN) MRE'S FOR GEORGIA i
Rene, Alan, Bridget,
Is there anything new on this project on your ends?
Kit
, Kit Traub
Polilical Section
-
tel: (++43) (1) 31339 3214
traubhs@state.gov
From: Tmub, Herbert S
Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2005 4:48 PM
To: Bebeau, Rene L; Yu, Alan K
Cc: Slotta, Gregory S; Sibilla, Christopher A; Stovall, Michele L; Holtz, Greta C; Stephens, Ronald;
Brink, Bridget A; Kasanof, Alexander I;Stavropoulos, Daphne Z; Connuck, Bruce E
Kris Czekalowski (Dep Dir at the OSCE mission in Georgia) said the OSCE Mission
-
could cover all transport costs for their share 75,000 MREs - out of their new 2006
budget, meaning after January 1. They can also store them in Georgia in their
facilities.
They are flexible on costs: they can cover transport from Europe or CONUS.
We at the US Mission to OSCE would naturally prefer to limit the costs to the
OSCE Mission if possible. Is it cheaper to send the MREs to Georgia from Europe
or from CONUS, or is the price thesame?
Bottom line, we have a taker, and whatever USG can do to make it cost effective,
great.
Please advise next steps if any for USOSCE.
Happy holidays!
Klt Traub
UNCLASSIFIED
Political Section
-
tel: (+*43) (1 ) 31339 3214
traubhs@state.gov
From: Bebeau, Rene L [mailto:BebeauR@state.sgov.govj
To: Traub, Herbert S
'
Cc: Hol'iz, Greta C; Stephens, Ronald
, Subject: MI:(UN) MRE'S FOR GEORGIA
Looping in Kit.
. From: Yu, Alan K

To: Bebeau, Rene L; Stavropoulos, Daphne Z
Cc: Anna, Erin P; Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-O/CMS); Pilcher, William B(S/ES-0)
Subject: RE: (UN) MRFS FOR GEORGIA
Rene-
MREs are stored in Little Rock. I think we could separate out OSCE and MOD portions into
separate containers - I'm not as concerned about logistics of cost breakout.
Maybe SIES (Mike Morrow or Bill Pilcher) can answer question about shipment departure
point. For what it's worth, ACE estimates of shipping costs for all 235K MRES (MOD and
OSCE combined) from Little Rock-Tbilisi is in $32K range. Seems like the delta between
departure from CONUS and from Ramstein would be negligible, but should turn to MikeIBili
for their take.
Alan

To: Yu, Alan K; Stavropoulos, Daphne Z
Cc: Anna, Erin P
Alan. Erin -
Here's an update from USOSCE. Any info regarding Kit's questions much appreciated.
Thanks.
Rene

Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2005 9:16 AM
To: Bebeau, Rene L; Slotta, Gregory S; Anna, Erin P
Cc: Sibilla, ~hristopherA; Hanish, Patrick N; Brink, Bridget A
Subject: RE: (UN) MRPS FOR GEORGIA
Greg, I spoke with Hannah McGlue (hannah.mcalue@osce.orq) x 139 at the

OSCE who is checking with the Mission in GA today on an urgent basis to
find out what sort of financial support they have in mind being able to offer.
She should email you by Friday, 12/23.
UNCLASSIFIED
... - ..
UNCLASSIFIED
. .
Page 6 of 7.
Further questions:
Rene, Erin, OSCE can only talk about the 75,000 for the border guards, not
others that might go to the G MOD; I presume the entire lot would be shipped
together, so breaking out costs might be tricky.
Where are these MREs now stored? Would OSCE be asked to get them all
the way from stateside to G? That seems odd for a donation. Can't they be
flown to a base closer to G? Can you ask?
-fhanks. Please keep Greg Slotta in the loop on this; I will be out of the office
most of the Xmas break.
Kit
Kit Traub .
Political Section
-
tel: (++43) (1) 31339 3214
traubhs@stete.gov
From: Bebeau, Rene L [rnailto:BebeauR@state.sgov.gov~
Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2005 9:18 PM
To: Traub, Herbert S; Hanish, Patrick N
Cc: Sibilla, Christopher A; Brown, Diana F
Kit -
See below. Any thoughts on how to do this?
Rene
From: Anna, Erin P

To: Bebeau, Rene L; Yu, Alan K; Stavropoulos, Daphne Z
Subject: MI: (LIN) MRE'S FOR GEORGIA
Rene,
I wanted to flag the attached cable for you. We are possibly interested in
donating a large portion of the leftover MREs from Hunicane Katrina to the
Georgian military. As you'll see, they have requested.75,OOOfor the OSCE
contingent based in Georgia.
We are working with several offices in the building to arrange for this, if
possible. Our question for your office is, once we have a cost.estimate, how
would we pursue the OSCE angle if we want OSCE to take responsibility for
shipping the MREs? Is it necessary to go through Vienna, or is OSCE Tbilisi
equipped to make these sort of arrangements? Who can tell us what are
UNCLASSIFIED
OSCE's financial resources?
I've cc'd Alan Yu in PGI who is following this issue most closely. Also,
Daphne will be Georgia Thursday and Friday of this week, and then I'll be back
on the Georgia desk until the 2gth. Thanks in advance,
Erin
UNCLASSIFIED
. -- ..
. . UNCLASSIFIED
RELEASED IN FULL
SENSISTIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED
ACTION MEMO FOR UNDER SECRETARY FORJX
FROM: Executive Seeretary - Harry K. Thomas, Jr .

Operations Center - John R. Bass
I
SUBJECT: Disposition Plan for Foreign-Donated Humanitarian Rations
Issue for Decision
HOWto distribute the remaining humanitarian rations donated by

foreign governments for Hurrican Katrina relief.
Recommendations
1) That you agree with the recommended distribution of the rations tb the
Republic of Georgia, OSCE and NGOs as outlined at Tab 1.
Approve Disapprove
2) That you sign the letter to DHS Under Secretary Hale at Tab 2
, confirming that we expect to distribute the,rations and conclude the current
warehouse arrangement as planned by January 3 1.
Approve Disapprove
Discussion
The U.S. government currently retains possession of approximately

350,000 rations donated by foreign governments for post-Katrina relief
operations. The rations in question (commonly referred to as "MREs") .were
not cleared' for entry by USDA inspectors for consumption in the U.S.
because they were not produced in foreign facilities that meet U.S.
phytosanitary standards and are certified to export to the U.S.

REVIEW AUTHORITY: FRANK TUMMINlA
- -
UNCLASSIFIED
-
UNCLASSIFIED
Since USDA prevented their distribution in September, the rations

have been stored in a leased warehouse in Arkansas. The lease has been
managed by USAID but finded by FEMA. As you may recall, we had to
intervene twice last fall to ensure FEMA extended the lease and did not
attempt to destroy the rations outright before we could find worthy
organizations that could use them outside the U.S. In [MONTH TK], we
provided 10,000 rations to the World Food Program to feed their staff
deployed in Pakistan performing earthquake relief,
After canvassing a wide range of foreign governments, international

organizations and NGOs, we now have identified a mix of recipients for the
remaining rations. We propose to distribute the rations as follows:
0 Defense Logistics Agency 160,000

o Purpose: for onward shipment to the DominicanRepublic's
armed forces:
NGO "Convoy of Hope" 100,000

o Purpose: for incorporation into existing feeding programs in
Eurasia and the Middle East:
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe: 75,000

o Purpose: to feed Georgian border guards finded by an OSCE
monitoring mission
NGO "ACTS" 15,000

o Purpose: for incorporation into existing feeding programs in the
Republic of Georgia
We are proposing this mix of recipients because it best fulfills

informal criteria we established to guide our disposition planning:
I
We will minimize potential negative reactions and media stories by

spreading the rations across a range of recipients and target countries,
avoiding charges that we are "dumping food unsafe for U.S.
consumers" on a specific country or region.
All the recipients will be abIe to take possession or initiate shipping

on short notice, by the end of the current lease period - filfilling our
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
agreement with DHS/FEMA that we would not seek an additional

extension of the current lease.
o Should one or more of the intended recipients subsequently
indicate they cannot meet the tight deadline, we .would redirect
those rations to another recipient.
All the countries and organizations identified want the rations; we are
not twisting any arms.
o After WHA objected strongly to any of the rations being
distributed in humanitarian programs in the region (given the
wide distribution of the negative Washington Post story on the
'unsafe' rations last October), we removed from consideration
one NGO's proposal to distribute rations in Haiti.
The proposed distribution honors the wishes of the donors.

o The European bureau has confirmed with the donor
governments that they are comfortable with our proposed
disposition of their donations.
Once you have concurred with our proposed distribution, we will take
the following steps:
The NSC will circulate the proposed distribution list to DHS and a
limited number of additional agencies for cornrnent/concurrence.
o This step will ensure other agencies cannot subsequently assert
that a State-only decision on disposition implied the
department's "ownership," and potential exposure to liability,
of the rations.
L will execute a memorandum of agreement, on behalf of the U.S.

government, with the NGOs. The agreement will:
o confirm the NGOs' commitment to distribute the rations only in
agreed locations;
o secure their agreement to account for and s h p the rations in
accordance with USDA requirements; and
o absolve the USG of any liability for their subsequent
consumption.
UNCLASSIFIED
' , .. ,
, ,
. . UNCLASSIFIED
We will disseminate a public affairs package to other agencies and our

posts. The package will include background. information and standard
talking points for use by all parties.
We have informally apprised FEMA of our proposed disposition plans

pending your concurrence. Since we are closing in on the end of the lease
period, we believe it would be prudent to reassure DHSFEMA that we have
indentified a set of recipients who will take possession of the rations by the
end of January. The letter also asks FEMA to authorize USAID, as FEMA's
agent, to provide access and assistance to the recipents in finalizing
Iogistical details.
Attachments
Tab 1 Proposed distribution
Tab 2 Letter to DHS Under Secretary Janet Hale
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
RELEASED IN FULL
January 17,2006
Honorable Janet Hale

Under Secretary for (TK) '
Department of Homeland Security

Washington, DC
Dear Madame Under Secretary:
I am writing today to update you on the State Department's efforts to

identify recipients outside the United States for the humanitarian rations
donated by foreign governments in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The
Department has identified several recipients who can use the rations for their
intended purpose elsewhere in the world. These recipients will be able to
take possession of the rations prior to expiration of the current lease.
The State Department is executing, on behalf of the U.S. government,

memoranda of agreement with the recipients to ensure their compliance with
USDA requirements. The memoranda also will absolve the USG of any
liability in connection with the rations' subsequent'use and consumption.
Department experts will be in touch with their countrparts at

DHSAnternational Affairs and FEMA to convey the details regarding the
recipients. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or
concerns. We appreciate Homeland Security's assistance with this matter.
Sincerely,
Henrietta Fore
Under Secretary for.Management

DATEICASE ID: 24 AUC 2006 200503991 UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Norman, Alaln G RELEASED IN FULL

Sent: Thursday, January 19,2006 11:26 AM
To: Norman, Alain G
Subject: RE: MOAs for MRE recipients
The fax method is fine with me.
From:, Norman, Alain G

Subject: FW: MOAs for MRE recipients
Importance: High
Sounds reasonable to me; is it indeed acceptable (to have MOA faxed [and re-faxed back]) to move this all foward?
l'll'then give ACE the green light.
Many thanks.
Alain
To: Norman, Alaln G; Krystel, Noah B
Cc: McKane, John; Kasanof, Alexander; Fischer, Dean E
Subject: RE: MOAs for MRE recipients
Alain.
OK - Are we supposed to get the MOA signed by ACTS?
Guess, I agree with the contents of this MOA; but it seems like a real "CYA" exercise.to me - especially when an
organization is stepping up to help. Nontheless we can fade-mail a copy to them and have them sign and return.
Please work with Dean Fischer on this as I will be on travel from 21 Jan thru 4 Feb. Dean can get the MOA signed and
tender for and arrange the transportation for the MREs for ACTS.
Thanks,
Jerry 0
Sent: Thursday,January 19,2006 10:Ol AM
To: Krystel, Noah B; Oberndorfer, Gerald J
Cc: McKane, John; Kasanof, Alexander
Subject: MI: MOAs for MRE redpients ,
Importance: High
Noah, Gerry.
Looks like this is finally moving forward.
The attached is for your review, and assistance.
Many thanks.
Alain
I
DATEICASE ID: 24 AUC 2006 200503991
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2006 8:47 PM
To: Norman, Alain G
Subject: FW: MOAs for MRE recipients
Alain:
The second attachment is L's draft of the MOA we'd need to sign with ACTS for it to receive 15,000 MREs. Please ask
EUWACE to share this with ACTS so the NGO can have a heads up on what to expect -- with caveat that we still have no
official decision from M yet.
Thanks,
Mike

Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2006 12:37 PM
To: Bass, John R (0%);Morrow, Michael K
Subject: MOAs for MRE recipients
John & Mike,
I've revised the MOA (v.6) for Convoy of Hope to take into account USDA's requirements. I've also modified the MOA
I
(v.7) so that it can be used with ACTS. I'm still not sure what the transportation arrangements will be for OSCE. Once we
have a better sense of that we can amend the MOA accordingly.
Peter I
<< File: LEGAL-#20426-v7-Katrina-MREENGOOagreernent.DOC >>
UNCLASSIFIED
To: Yu, Alan K(Main State); Norman, Alain G(Main State); Visek, Richard C(Main State Room
3422); Gutherie, Peter A(HST, Room 3422); Singer, Marsha L(HST); McCarthy, Deborah A(MS
Rm 6912); Paschall, Richard C; Hironimus, Janelle S
Cc: Bass, John R
Subject: Urgent Clearance Request: MRE Disposition Action Memo
All:
Please clear by 3:30 today. I apologize for the short turnaround, but we need to get this to M
tonight, and I know you're all familiar with the issue.
Thanks,
Mike
UNCLASSIFIED
MREs for Georgia
, .
LNCLASSIFIED
.. .
, . . . .
Page 1 of 3

Sent: Friday, January 20,2006 9:27AM
To: Norman, Alain G(Main State)
Cc: Traub. Herbert?
good to hear. I spoke with the GG person at the OSCE Sect. He didn't know if he'd be able to get an answer by today but
he was working on it.
Cc: Traub, Herbert S(Vienna)
Oh, by the way, Chris, the decision memo on our plan has been signed by U/S Fore. So, we have a green light. S-
ES/O-CMS is urging everyone to move fast, now that we have an OK'd plan.

Sent: Frlday, January 20, 2006 8:39 AM
To: Sibilla, Christopher A(Vlenna)
Thanks. Very kind.
Good luck.
Alain

I'm checking with them now. I will get back to you when I hear something, hopefully before COB
Importance: High
Hi Chris.
Please do what you can to let Kit know of these questions, asap.
5/26/2006 DATEICASE ID: 24 AUG 2006 200503991
... .. .- .. ... ' LINCLASSIFIED
. .
Many thanks.
Alain

I
To: Traub, Herbert S(Vienna); Oberndorfer, Gerald J I
Cc: Morrow, Michael K; Brink, Bridget A; Bass, John R (OPS); Kasanof, Alexander; Gutherie, Peter A; Cook,
Neris~
J; 'alankyu@yahoo.com' ,
Importance: High
Kit,
I wanted to check in with you tosee if, given the technical info in the email of Jan. 17, below. the OSCE has
a better idea of how and how quickly they want to move on moving the MREs.
More specifically, I suppose that would break down to 2 main questions:

-- How long would it take for themlltheir contractor to off-load the 75,000 MREs in Little Rock?
Also, is there any particular sort of paper work you think our friends in L will have to haveluse (andlor the
OSCE).
Alain
'I had the impression, from prior emails, that it was looking like the favored option was OSCE letting a
contract, etc. Do correct me if that's not so.
. .
To: Horne, Todd; Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-O/CMS)
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alaln G(Main State); ~berndorfer;Gerald J(Maln state); Yu, Alan K I
(Main State); Brink, Bridget A(Tbilisi); Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0); Kasanof, Alexander(Main State);
Bebeau, Rene L(Main State); Stavropoulos, Daphne 2; Sibilla, Christopher A; Hanish, Patrick
Kit
From: Horne, Todd
To: Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-OICMS); Traub, Herbert S(Vienna)
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alain G(Main State); Oberndorfer, Gerald ](Main State); Yu,
Alan K(Main State); Brink, Bridget A(Tbilisi); Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0); Kasanof, Alexander(Main
State); Bebeau, Rene L(Main State); Stavropoulos, Daphne 2; Sibilla, Christopher A(Vienna); Hanish,
Patrick
Hello M~ke,
Based on the information we have 75 000 MREs would re uire approximately l l x 40' containers.
5/26/2006 UNCLASSIFIAD
. . I
,
MREs for Georgia Page 3 of 3
. . . ... . . . , . . . . . .. UNCLASSIFIED
. . . . , . . , .. . . ,
Each skid holds approximately 340 Meals.and you should be able to stow 20 skids (or pallets) on 1 x 40'
container.
Each skid measures approximately 48" x 40" x80".

I
20 x 340 meals = 6,800 per container - - - 6,800 meals per container x 1 1 containers = 74,800 meals. Please
note that every skid/pallet isn't uniform so these numbers could vary a bit, but they should be pretty close.
The transport shouldn't cost more than $ 50,000. We called a few carriers last week and the average price we
received fell in the $4,000 to $4,500 range per 40' container. This included pickup in Little Rock, Arkansas,
container drayage to East Cost USA and ocean freight to Poti, Georgia. Please note that this doesn't include
customs clearance in Georgia or any inland freight from Poti.
Please let me know if you andlor.your colleagues need anything else.
Regards,
Todd
****+*+***+****+***************************v***********n***************
Todd H o m e
Logistics Officer
United states Agency for International Development
Ronald Reagan Building Room 8.7.69-
Washington, D.C. 20523
Tel # (202) 712-0234
Fax # (202) 216-3399
Email: t h o r n e Q u s a i d . 5 ~
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alain G(Main State); Obemdorfer, Gerald J(Main .
State); Yu, Alan K(Main State); Brink, Bridget Arrbilisi); Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0);
Kasanof, Alexander(Main State); Bebeau, Rene L(Main State); Stavropoulos, Daphne Z;
Sibilla, Christopher A(Vienna); Hanish, Patrick
Todd:
Kit Traub of USOSCE Vienna (cc'd above) is working with OSCE officials on logistics for
getting a portion of the MREs (75,000) from Little Rock to Georgia. To set the price with their
carrier, OSCE needs to know the size and weight of the shipment (for 75.000 MREs) and
where it is coming from.
Thanks,
Mike
UNCLASSIFIED
Norman, Alain G 'RELEASED IN FULL

From: Cohen, Harold(GC1DCHA)
To: Chan. Carol; Bebeau, Rene L(Main State); Traub, Herbert Swienna); Home, Todd; Morrow, Michael K
(SIES-OICMS) ,
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Norman, Alain G(Main State); Oberndorfer. Gerald J(Main State); Yu, Alan K(Main State); Brink,
Bridget Acrbilisi); Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0); Kasanof, Alexander(Main State); Stavropoulos, Daphne Z;
Sibilla, Christopher Awienna); Hanish, Patrick; Gutherie. Peter A(3422 Main State)
If I recall correctly, today is the day that we are to receive disposition instructions from FEMA. If State does want to
extend the lease, it will be necessary to extend the current arrangement. Specifically, State will need (1) to have FEMA
issue instructions to USAlD under the mission assignment to extend lease and (2) to amend the current reimbursement
with USAlD for the extended period. Have there been any discussions with FEMA about this?
Hal
-----Original Message----- DATEICASE ID: 24 AUG 2006 200503991
From: Chan, Carol
To: Bebeau, Rene L(Main State); Traub, Herbert S(V1enna); Horne, Todd; Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-OICMS)
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Norman, Alain G(Main State); Oberndorfer, Gerald J(Main State); Yu, Alan K(Main State); Brink,
Bridget Aubilisi); Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0); Kasanof, Alexander(Main State); Stavropoulos, Daphne Z; Sibilla,
Christopher A(Vienna); Hanish, Patrick; Cohen, Harold(GC/DCHA)
Hi Folks, Given decisions are still being made, does State want to extend the warehouse lease again? Just
wondering.
Hal, Do you have any thoughts for the group?
From: Bebeau, Rene ~(~ain'state)
To: Traub, Herbert S(Vienna); Horne, Todd; Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-O/CMS)
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alain G(Main State); Oberndorfer, Gerald ;](Main State); Yu, Alan K(Main
State); Brink, Bridget A(Tbilisi); Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0); Kasanof, Alexander(Main State); Stavropoulos,
Daphne Z; Sibilla, Christopher A(Vienna); Hanish, ~a'trick
I have just been told by the NATO side of RPM that the Dominican Republic, which was going to take the
other MREs, has dropped the ball. We would now like Georgia and OSCE to take more of them, even' all
(approximately 250.000). Is there interest in this (and funding?).
Rene
ReneBeBeau
Deputy OSCE Coordinator
EURIRPM
202-736-7291

UNCLASSIFIED
Message Page 2 of 3
., . , UNCLASSIFIED
. ,
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alain G(Main State); Oberndorfer, Gerald J(Main State); Yu, Alan K
(Main State); Brink, Bridget A(Tbilisi); Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ESzO); Kasanof, Alexander(Main State);
Bebeau, Rene L(Main State); Stavropoulos, Daphne Z; Sibilla, Christopher A; Hanish, Patrick
I'll pass the gist o f this information to OSCE Vienna and ~ b i l i s i .
Kit
From: Horne, Todd
Sent: Tuesday, January 17,2006 5:34 PM
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alain G(Main State); Oberndorfer, Gerald J(Maln State); Yu,
Alan K(Main State); Brink, Bridget Aubilisi); Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0); Kasanof, Alexander(Main
State); Bebeau, Rene L(Maln State); Stavropoulos, Daphne Z; Sibilla, Christopher A(Vienna); Hanish,
Patrick I
Hello Mike,
Based on the information we have, 75,000 MREs would require approximately 11 x 40' containers.
Each skid holds approximately 340 Meals and you should be able to stow 20 skids (or pallets) on 1 x 40'
container.
/
Each skid measures approximately 48".x 40" x 80".
20 x 340 meals = 6,800 per container - - - 6,800 meals per container x 11 containers = 74,800 meals. Please
note that every skidlpallet isn't uniform so these numbers could vary a bit, but they should be pretty close.
The transport shouldn't cost more than $50,000. We called a few camers last week and the average price we
received fell in the $4,000 to $4,500 range per 40' container. This included pickup in Little Rock, Arkansas.
customs clearance in Georgia or any inland fieight from Poti.
. Please let me know if you and/or you1 colleagues need anything else.
. Regards,
Todd
Todd H o m e
Logistics Officer
Tel # (202) 712-0234
Fax # (202) 216-3399
Email: thomeOusaid.pov
Sent: Tuesday, January 17,2006 10:43 AM.
To: Horne, odd; Traub, Herbert S(Vienna)
LTNCLASSIFIED
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alain G(Main State); Oberndorfer, Gerald ](Main
State); Yu, Alan K(Main State); Brink, Bridget A(Tbilisi); Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0);
Kasanof, Alexander(Main State); Bebeau, Rene L(Maln State); Stavropoulos, Daphne Z;
Todd:
Kit Traub of USOSCE Vienna (cc'd above) is working with OSCE officials on logistics for
getting a portion of the MREs (75,000) from Little Rock to Georgia. To set the price with their
carrier, OSCE needs to know the size and weight of the shipment (for 75,000 MREs) and
Thanks,
Mike
UNCLASSIFIED
MREs UNCLASSIFIED Page 1 of 3 I
Norman, Alain G
.. .. . .. RELEASED IN FULL
From: Singer, Marsha L(HST)
To: Morrow, Michael K; Horne, Todd
Cc: Yu, Alan K;.
Fleming, James; Chan, Carol; Pilcher, William B; Gutherie. Peter A; Bass, John R (OPS);
Norman, Alain G
Subject: RE: MREs ,
If a pickup is sheduled, we need to provide the details to FSlS and Customs. Customs has said that as long as it is
provided with details of all movenments of the MREs, including pickup at the warehouse, receipt at and shipment from any
intermediate location, and shipment from port, all it will need is usual customs forms to be submitted.
Marsha L. Singer
~conomic/Commercia~ Officer UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE I
State Dept., Economics Bureau REVIEW AUTHORITY: FRANK TUMMINIA
Office of Agriculture Trade Policy DATEICASE ID: 24 AUG 2006 200503991
(202) 647-3424
From: Morrow, Michael K

Sent: Monday, .lanuary 23, 2006 8:25 AM
To: Horne, Todd
Cc: Fleming, James; Chan, Carol; Pilcher, William 6; Singer, Marsha L; Gutherie, Peter A; Bass, John R (OPS); Singer,
Marsha L; Yu, Alan K; Norman, Alain G
Subject: RE: MREs
Todd:
Thariks for this info.
Provisionally, the ACTS Weds. pick-up is authorized. I will confirm this up the chain and then get back,to you (and Dean
Fischer) later today.
Mike
From: Horne, Todd

To: Morrow, Michael K
Cc: Fleming, James; Chan, Carol; Pilcher, William 8; Singer, Marsha L; Gutherie, Peter A
Subject: RE: MREs
Mike,
The cost to dispose of all.the MRE's would be approximately $40,000.00.

It would be 30K for the disposal and perhaps another 10K for ancillary charges such as trucking and handling.
If we were to destroy half the MRE's, the cost would most likely be reduced by half. The name of the disposal company is Waste
Management (very catchy) and they are located in Jacksonville, Arkansas. They gave us the quote over the phone but haven't put
anything in writing. Looking though the file, it appears that the quoted a similar price to FEMA.
We didn't talk specifics, but I imagine that the process would take at least two weeks and it could be sort of tricky. I believe that the
only type of conveyance we'd be able to use is a dump truck since we would basically be dumping the MRE's into a hole in the
ground. When loading dump trucks you're normally using a front end loader. As you know, the MRE's are stored in a warehouse, so
the dump truck will need to back up to the cargo door of the warehouse for loading. It's really not the ideal way dump trucks are
UNCLASSIFIED
MREs Page 2 of 3
. .. . . UNCLASSIFIED
loaded (see picture below) and it could become time consuming. Their may be a better way of doing which I can discuss with the
waste management company and the warehouse but I can't think of a better way off the topof my head. I hope this helps everyone
visualize the process a little better.
I also wanted to get back to you & Mr. Pilcher on a few questions you had earlier this week.
1) What are the expiration dates? I spoke with the warehouse manager and he said that the majority of the ~ ~ ~ ' s ' wbei expiring
ll in
200612007, He also stated that USDA had a few dozen people at the warehouse a few months back and he believes that they put their
hands on every carton of MRE's and that probably have expiration dates on all of them. The point of contact for USDA in Little Rock
was Robert Bane and I believe he's normally based in Dallas. I haven't been able to reach him but his cellular phone number is 214-
55 1-5877
1
2) Do you have any pictures of the MRE's? Yes, the warehouse sent me some pictures today and.I'm attaching ten of them. I hope
this is what you're looking for.
If not, please let me know and I'll do what I can.
Finally, I spoke with Dean Fisher at SINIS about an hour ago and it appears that they've agreed to take two containers for Georgia.
They'd like to load tGo containers worth of MRE's which will be approximately 14,000next Wednesday. Can you c o n f m that this
is authorized? I believe their implementing partner is ACTS (A Call to Serve) International. If so, we should notify FSIS
accordingly. I'll also make sure Dean is familiar with USDA's requirements regarding record keeping and documentation review per
Marsha's email earlier this week.
I think that's it from here. Let me know if you have any questions or need anything else.
Regards,
Todd
..............................................................
Todd H o m e
Logistics Officer
United States Agency for ~ntemationalDevelopment
Tel # (202)712-0234
Fax # (202)216-3399
Email: thome8usaid.gov
-----0riglnal Message-----
To: Horne, Todd
. Cc: Fleming, James; Chan, Carol; Pilcher, Wllliam B(S/ES-0); Singer, Marsha L(HST); Gutherie, Peter A(3422
I Main State)
Subject: MREs
Todd:
I i'
Not that I'm a pessimist or anything, but please remind m e of the information you had developed awhile back on .'
I the cost of destruction of the MREs. How much would it cost to destroy all the MREs (and would it cost 50% of
that to destroy only 50% of the MREs): what vendor would be able to carry out the destruction. and how long
would the process take?
UNCLASSIFIED
' 3 , '
MREs UNCLASSIFIED Page 3 of 3

. .
Many thanks.
Mike
UNCLASSIFIED
MREs for Georgia Page 1 o f 3 .

From: Morrow, Michael K(SIES-OICMS)
To: Bebeau, Rene L; Traub, ~ e r b e S(Vienna);
h Horne, Todd
Cc:' Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alain G; Oberndorfer, Gerald J; Yu, Alan K; Brink, Bridget A; Bass, John
, R (OPS); Kasanof, Alexander; Stavropoulos, Daphne 2;Sibilla, Christopher A(Vienna); Hanish, Patrick;
Fischer, Dean E ,
Rene:
Further to our telcon, we (SIES) would be interested in steering 250,000 MREs toward Georgia and OSCE (or possibly all
350,000 if our other NGO partner falls through). Our thinking is that some portion of that could simply be stockpiled in the
I
region for futurelother OSCE missions in the region (Kosovo? Nagomo-Karabakh?). OSCE would still have to pick up
the entire transportation bill.
i
Cari OSCE absorb that many? If the OSCE Georgia mission absorbs 75,000 (and the NGO "ACTS takes 15,000 for use
in Georgia), how would OSCE absorbluse an additional 160,000? Or an additiona1260,000?
Please explore.
Thanks,
Mike

Sent: Friday, January 20, 2006 11:22 AM I
To: Traub, Herbert S(Vienna); Horne, Todd; Morrow, Michael K
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alain G; Oberndorfer, Gerald J; Yu, Alan K; Brink, Bridget A; Bass, John R (OPS);
Kasanof, Alexander; Stavropoulos, Daphne Z; Sibilla, Christopher A(Vienna); Hanish, Patrick
I have just been told by the NATO side of RPM that the Dominican Republic, which was going to take the other MREs,
has dropped the ball. We would now l ~ k eGeorgia and OSCE to take more of them, even all (approximately 250,000). Is
there interest in this (and funding?).
Rene
Rene BeSeau .
ELIRIRPM
202-736-7291

Cc: Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alain G(Main State); Oberndorfer, Gerald ](Main State); Yu, Alan K(Main State);
Brink, Bridget A(Tbi1isi); Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0); Kasanof, Alexander(Main State); Bebeau, Rene L(Main State);
Stavropoulos, Daphne 2; Sibilla, Christopher A; Hanish, Patrick
i I'll pass the gist of this information to OSCE Vienna and Tbilisi.
REVIEW AUTHORITY: .FRANK TUMMINJA
5/26/2006 DATEICASE ID: 24 AUG 2006 200503991
UNCLASSIFIED . ..
Kit
From: Horne, Todd
Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2006 5 3 4 PM
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; I\lorman, Alain G(Main State); Oberndorfer, Gerald ](Main State); Yu, Alan K(Main
Slate); Brink, Bridget A(Tbilisi); Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0); Kasanof, Alexander(Main State); Bebeau, Rene L
(Main State); Stavropoulos, Daphne 2; Sibilla, Christopher A(Vienna); Hanish, Patrick
Subject: RE: MREs for Georgia C
Hello Mike,
Each skid holds approximately 340 Meals and you should be able to stow 20 skids (or pallets) on 1 x 40' container.

20 x 340 meals = 6,800 per container - - - 6,800 meals per container x l l containers = 74,800 meals. Please note that every
skidpallet isn't uniform so these numbers could vary a bit, but they should be pretty close.
The transport shouldn't cost more than $ 50,000. We called a few carriers last week and the average price we received fell in
the % 4,000 to $4,500 range per 40' container. This included pickup in Little Rock, Arkansas, container drayage to East Cost
USA and ocean freight to Poti, Georgia. Please note that this doesn't include customs clearance in Georgia or any inland
freight from Poti.
Please let me know if you andor yo& colleagues need anythhg else.
Regards,
Todd
........................................................................
Todd H o m e
'
Logistics Officer
Tel # (202) 712-0234
Fax # (202) 216-3399
Email: thorne8usaid.gov
----Original Message-----
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alain G(Main State); Oberndorfer, Gerald 3(Main State); Yu, Alan K
(Main State); Brink, Brldget A(Tbilisi); Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0); Kasanof, Alexander(Main State);
Bebeau, Rene L(Main State); Stavropoulos, Daphne 2; Sibilla, Christopher A(Vienna); Hanish, Patrick
Todd:
Kit Traub of USOSCE Vienna (cc'd above) is working with OSCE officials on logistics for getting a portion
of the MREs (75.000) from Little Rock to Geor ia. To set the price with their carrier. OSCE needs to know
5/26/2006 ,UNCLASSIFIED
MREs for Georgia
, .
the size and weight of the shipment (for 75,000 MREs) and where it is coming from.
Thanks,
Mike
LTNCLASSIFIED
Norman, Alain G RELEASED I

N FULL
From: Cook, Nerissa J
Sent: Friday, ~anuary20,2006 11:28 AM
. .
To: ~orrnan,Alain G I
Subject: RE: MREs for Georgia UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE
ugh.

To: Cook, Nerissa 3; 'alankyu@yahoo.com'; Fischer, Dean E; Gutherie, Peter A
FYI

To: Traub, Herbert S(Vienna); Horne, Todd; Morrow, Mlchaei K I
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alain G; Oberndorfer, Gerald 3; Yu, Alan K; Brink, Bridget A; Bass, John R (OPS);
Kasanof, Alexander; Stavropoulos, Daphne 2; Sibilla, Christopher A(Vienna); Hanish, Patrick I
I have just been told by the NATO side of RPM that the Dominican Republic, which was going to take the other MREs,
has dropped the ball. We would now like Georgia and OSCE to take more of them, even all (approximately 250,000). Is I
there interest in this (and funding?).
Rene
Rene BeBeau
EURIRPM
202-736-7291

To: Horne, Todd; Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-OJCMS)
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alain G(Main State); Oberndorfer, Gerald ](Main State); Yu, Alan K(Main State);
Brink, Brldget A(Tbilisi); Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0); Kasanof, ~lexander(~ainState); Bebeau, Rene L(Main State);
Stavropoulos, Daphne 2; Sibilla, Christopher A; Hanish, Patrick
Subject: RE: MREs for Georgla
1'11 pass the gist of this information to OSCE Vienna and Tbilisi.
Kit
From: Horne, Todd
To: Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-OJCMS); Traub, Herbert S(V1enna)
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alain G(Main State); Oberndorfer, Gerald J(Main State); Yu, Alan K(Maln
State); Brink, Bridget A(Tbilisi); Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0); Kasanof, Alexander(Main State); Bebeau, Rene L
UNCLASSIFIED
(Main State); Stavropoulos, Daphne 2; Sibilla, Christopher A(Vienna); Hanish, Patrick
Hello Mike,
x
.Based on the information we have, 75,000 MREs would require approximately 11 40' containers.
Each skid.holds approximately 340 Meals and you should be able to stow 20 skids (or pallets) on 1 x 40' container.

20 x 340 meals = 6,800 per container - - - 6,800 meals per container x l 1 containers = 74,800 meals. Please note that every
skidlpallet isn't uniform so these numbers could vary a bit, but they should be pretty close.
The transport shouldn't cost more than $50,000. We,called a few carriers last week and the average price we received fell in
the $4,000 to $4,500 range per 40' container. This included pickup in Little Rock, Arkansas, container drayage to East Cost
USA,and ocean freight to Poti, Georgia. Please note that this doesn't include customs clearance in Georgia or any inland
freight from Poti.
Please let me know if you andlor your colleagues need anything else.
Regards,
Todd
Todd Home
Logistics Officer
Tel # (202) 712-0234
Fax # (202) 216-3399
Email: thomeOusaid.aov
7
From: Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-OICMS)
To: Horne, Todd; Traub, Herbert S(Vienna) ,
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alain G(Main State); Oberndorfer, Gerald J(Main State); Yu, Alan K
(Main State); Brink, Bridget Amilisi); Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-O); Kasanof, Alexander(Main State);
Bebeau, Rene L(Main State); Stavropoulos, Daphne 2; Sibilla, Christopher A(Vienna); Hanlsh, Patrick .
Subject. MREs for Georgia
Todd:
. -
of the MREs (75,000) from Little Rock to Georgia. To set the price with their carrier, OSCE needs to know
Thanks,
Mike
UNCLASSIFIED
MRES for ~ e o r ~ i a UNCLASSIFIED Page 1 of 4
Norman, Alain G - ,
RELEASED IN FULL
From: Yu, Alan K
Sent: Monday, January 23,2006 i0:37 AM
To: Norman, Alain G ,
subject: RE: MREs for Georgia
Yes. In addition, I'd ask what does "estimate" mean? Is that leading to a tender? When? What kind of timeline can
OSCE move on, as OSCE and USG all eye the 1/31 deadline?
~ h m Norman.
: Alain G
Sent: Monday, January 23,2006 10127AM
To: Yu, Alan K STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE
REVlEW AUTHORITY: FRANK TUMMINlA
Subject: FW:MREs for Georgia
Importance: High
FYI.
I
I feel like writing back saying: OK, good to know. Thanks. CC'ing Mike Morrow of CMS so he'll know of the concern;
Thoughts?
Alain

Ispoke with the person at the Sect. this morning and they were putting together an estimate. I also told them about the
possiblity of getting up to 250,000-- he said that would make it more difficult, since then you would have to deal with
storage as you wouldn't want to dump them all at once (they would end up sold illegally on the local economy)
I
. Subject: RE: MREs for Georgia
Greetings Chris & Kit.
Any news you can share,on how the OSCE is proceeding?
Many thanks.
i
I Alain
I From: Sibilla, Christopher A

i
-- - - UNCLASSIFIED
MREs for Georgia UNCLASSIFIED Page 2 o f 4
.
OK. so he said they will study the infdrmation they just got over the weekend and then get back to us on Mon. He
also said that Kit just raised this issue in Tbilisi.
Importance: High
Hi Chris.
Please do what you can to let Kit know of these questions. asap.
Many thanks.
Alain
I
From: Norman, Alaln G

Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2006 6:26 PM
To: Traub, Herbert S(Vienna); Oberndorfer, Gerald 3
, Cc: Morrow, Michael K; Brink, Bridget A; ass, John R (OPS); Kasanof, Alexander; ~utherie,Peter A; Cook,
Nerissa J; 'alankyu@yahoo.com'
Importance: High
Kit,
I wanted to check in with you to see if, given the technical info in the email of Jan. 17, below, the OSCE has
a better idea of how and how quickly they want to move on moving the MREs.

- How long would it take for themlltheir contractor to off-load the 75,000 MREs in Little Rock?'
Also, is there any particular sort of paper work you think our friends in L will have to havetuse (andlor the
OSCE).
Alain
'I had the impression, from prior emails, that it was looking like the favored option was OSCE letting a
contract, etc. Do correct me if that's not so.

Cc: Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alain G(Main statej; Oberndorfer, Gerald J(Main State); Yu, Alan K
(Main State); Brink, Bridget A(Tbilisi); Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0); Kasanof, Alexander(Main State);
Bebeau, Rene L(Main State); Stavropoulos, Daphne 2; Sib~lla,Christopher A; Hanish, Patrick
i
UNCLASSIFIED
I I
1'11 pass the gist of this information to OSCE Vienna and Tbilisi.
Kit
From: Horne, Todd
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alain G(Main State); Oberndorfer, Gerald ](Main State); Yu,
Alan K(Main State); Brink, Bridget A(Tbi1isi); Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0); Kasanof, Alexander(Main !
State); Bebeau, Rene L(Main State); Stavropoulos, Daphne 2; Sibilla, Christopher A(Vienna); Hanish,
Patrick
Hello Mike,
Each skid holds approximately 340 Meals and you should be able to stow 20 skids (or pallets) on 1 x 40'
container.

. 20 x 340 meals = 6,800 per container - - - 6,800 meals per container x 11 containers = 74,800 meals. Please
note that every skidtpallet isn't uniform so these numbers could vary a bit, but they should be pretty close.
The transport shouldn't cost more than $50,000. We called a few camers last week and the average price we
received fell in the % 4,000 to $4,500 range per 40' container. This included pickup in Little Rock,Arkansas,
Regards,
Todd
Todd Home
Logistics Officer
Tel # (202) 712-0234
Fax # (202) 216-3399
Email: thorne@usaid.~ov
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alain G(Main State); Oberndorfer, Gerald ](Main
State); Yu, Alan K(Main State); Brink, Bridget A(Tbi1isi); Bass, John R (OPSXS/ES-0);.
Sib~lla,Christopher A(Vienna); Hanish, Patrick
UNCLASSIFIED
4 - -
MREs for Georgia
. . . . . . .. .
Todd:
I
Kit Traub of USOSCE Vienna (cc'd above) is working with OSCE officials on logistics for I
getting a portion of the MREs (75,000) from Little Rock to Georgia. To set the price with their I
carrier, OSCE needs to know the size and weight of the shipment (for 75,000 MREs) and
Thanks,
Mike
UNCLASSIFIED
Norman, Alain G RELEASED I

N FULL
From: Yu, Alan K
Sent: Monday, January 23,2006' 12:48 PM
To: Norman, Alain G
Subject: FW: MRE TPs - v3
-
Attachments: MRE points (for donor countries Jan 06) - v3.doc
Looks good -- a few small tweaks. Let's try to get a country breakdown for Convoy of Hope. If you can't get it soon, then
let's send this on to desks and continue to try to get the list. If donors want to know, then desks can tell them we're
working on getting a list.
Your message looks good, but I'd make the second para declarative:
The NGO "ACTS" will pick up its MREs on 1/25. EUR should contact embassies with attached points before COB
tomorrow. Please advise who will deliver TPs to your respective counterpart embassies.
Finally, I'd send it to the appropriate deskoffs, and cc the respective directors, Nerissa and me.
Thanks,
Alan

To: Yu, Alan K
Subject: MRE TPs - v3
Alan,
OK, I've made a few alterations to the MRE TPs. Do they work for you?
Second, do you want to use this for an accompanying email message:
"Attached please find TPs that have been vetted by the desks, L, ACE, CMS and EURIPPD. (Note: The DLA option now
seems unlikely; CMS working hard to develop options.)
As we now expect the NGO "ACTS" to start picking up their MREs by Weds., we'll need to deploy these points to
embassies before COB tomorrow. Please advise who will be delivering TPs to embassy interlocutors."
Alain

1/23/2006 /UZw*
7
/
UNCLA -SIFIED
5 @ &
*ipsly*rlU~(*7~
f&-hyw?CI,
--
.
. .
MREs UNCLASSIFIED Page 1 o f 3

From:
Sent:
Morrow, Michael K(S1ES-OICMS)
Monday, January 23,2006 11:21 AM
q-2~5
To: Yu, Alan K; Bass, John R (OPS)
Cc: Pilcher. William 8 ; Norman, Alain G; Fischer, Dean E
Subject: RE: MREs
Alan:
Best to say that we're working on other options. The Dominican Republic option via DLA looks increasingly unlikely.
Mike
From: Yu, Alan K [mailto:YuAK@state.gov]

To: Morrow, Michael K; Bass, John R (OPS)
Cc: Pilcher, William B; Norman, Alain G; Fischer, Dean E
Subject: RE: MREs
MikeIJohn--
That's great news. EUR will want to speak to donor governments before wedriesday pick up.
If we have greater clarity on how we plan to handle the DLA MREs it'd be great to integrate that into the TPs. If we don't
we can tell donors we're working other options. Can you update?
Alan

Sent: Monday, January 23, 2006 l l : 0 2 AM
Cc: Fleming, James; Chan, Carol; Pilcher, William 8; Singer, Marsha L; ~"therie, Peter A; Bass, John R (OPS); Singer,
Marsha L; Yu, Alan K; Norman, Alain G; Fischer, Dean E
Subject: RE: MREs
Todd:
I Just to confirm, the ACTS Weds. pick-up if indeed authorized. I'm just waiting on the signed MOA. ,
i
Marsha -- please notify FSIS.
Thanks,
Mike
From: Morrow, Michael K '

Sent: Monday, January 23, 2006 8:25 AM
To: Horne, Todd
Cc: Fleming, James; Chan, Carol; Pilcher, William B; Singer, Marsha L; Gutherie, Peter A; Bass, John R (0%); Singer,
Subject: RE: MREs
Todd:
1
I
Thanks for ttj&lTf@D STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE
5/26/2006 DATEICASE ID: 24 AUG 2006 200503991
UFNCLASSIFIED - . . .. . .
Provisionally, the ACTS Weds. pickup is authorized. I will confirm this up the chain and then get back to you (and Dean
Mike
From: Horne, Todd

Cc: Fleming, James; Chan, Carol; Pilcher, William 0; Singer, Marsha L; Gutherie, Peter A
Subject: RE: MREs
Mike,
The cost to dispose of all the MRE's would be approximately $40,000.00.

It would be 30K for the disposal.and perhaps another 10K for ancillary charges such as trucking and handling.
Management (very catchy) and they are located in Jacksonville. Arkansas. They gave us the quote over the phone but haven't put
anything in writing. Looking through the file, it appears that the quoted a similar price to FEMA.
We didn't talk specifics, but I imagine that the process would take at least two weeks and it could be sort of tricky. I believe that the
ground. When loading dump trucks you're normally using a front end loader. As you know, the M F ' s are stored in a warehouse, so
waste management company and the warehouse but I can't think of a better way off the top of my head. I hope this helps everyone
1) What are the expiration dates? I spoke with the warehouse manager-and he said that the majority of the MRE's will be expiring in
200612007. He also stated that USDA had a few dozen people at the warehouse a few months back and he believes that they put their
hands on every carton of MRE's and that probably have expiration dates on all of them. The point ogcontact for USDA in Little Rock
was Robert Bane and 1believe he's normally based in Dallas. I haven't been able to reach him but his cellular phone number is 214-
55 1-5877
2) Do you have any pictures of the MRE's? Yes, the warehouse sent me some pictures today and I'm attaching ten of them. I hope
this is what you're looking for.
If not, please let me h o w and I'll do what I can.
Finally, I spoke with Dean Fisher at S/NIS about an hour ago and it appeam that they've agreed to take two containers for Georgia.
They'd like to load two containers worth of MRE's which will be approximately 14,000 next Wednesday. Can you c o n f h that this
is authorized? I believe their implementing partner is ACTS (A Call to Serve) International. If so, we should notify FSIS
accordingly. 1'11 also make sure Dean is familiar with USDA's requirements regarding record keeping and documentation review per
Regards,
Todd
........................................................................
Todd Horne
MRES UNCLASSIFIED Page 3 of 3
Logistics Officer
Tel # (202) 712-0234
Fax # (202) 216-3399
mail: thome@usaid.gov
From: Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-O/ CMS)
Sent: Frlday, January 20, 2006 4:00 PM I
To: Horne, odd

Cc: Fleming, James; Chan, Carol; Pilcher, William B(S/ES-0); Singer, Marsha L(HST); Gutherie, Peter A(3422
Main State)
Subject: MREs
Todd: '
Not that I'm a pessimist or anything, but please remind me of the information you had developed awhile back on
the cost of destruction of the MREs. How much would it cost to destroy all the MREs (and would it cost 50% of
that to destroy only 50% of the MREs); what vendor would be able to carry out the destruction, and how long
Many thanks,
Mike
UNCLASSIFIED
.- ..
. ,.I .

To: : Yu, Alan K
Cc: Norman, Alain G REVIEW AUTHORITY: FRANK TUMMINIA
Subject: RE: MREs: MOA with ACTS Signed by Both Parties DATEICASE ID: 24 AUG 2006 200503991
I
Alan: Many thanks. Any word on arrangements for the 75,000 OSCE MREs? I had seen something indicating the DR- I
bound MREs were also up for grabs now.
From: Yu, Alan K

Sent: Tuesday, ~anuary24, 2006 9: 14 AM
Cc: Norman, Alaln G
Subject: MI: MREs: MOA with ACTS Signed by Both Parties
I
Heads up to Tbilisi on below. We're also discussing with ACE the possibility of giving ACTS more. That's still work in
progress.
Alain will work this AM with AID logisticians to have them speak directly to OSCE logistics people to figure out what each
side needs to know to clear the bottlenecks.

Cc: Fleming, James; Chan, Carol; Pikher, William 0; Singer, Marsha L; Gutherle, Peter A; Bass, John R (OPS); Singer,
Marsha L; Yu, Alan K; Norman, Alain G; Fischer, Dean E; Visek, Richard C; Dent, Lynwood M II
Subject: MREs: MOA with ACTS Signed by Both Parties
The MOA with "A Call to Serve" has now been signed by both payties. Lyn Dent, the Executive Assistant to the UIS for
Management. has signed for the USG. He and I will both keep copies on file. If anyone else needs a copy. please let me
know.
!
Thus we may proceed with the Jan. 25 pick-up at the warehouse of the 15,000 MREs for ACTS.
I understand that USDAIFSIS has been notified.
ToddlDean - please keep us posted on how things go Weds. at the warehouse.
Thanks,
Mike

Sent: Monday, January 23, 2006 l l : 0 2 AM
Cc: Fleming, James; Chan, Carol; Pilcher, William B; Singer, Marsha L; Guthene, Peter A; Bass, John R (OPS); Singer,
Marsha L; Yu, Alan K; Norman, Alain G; Fischer, Dean E
Subject: RE: MREs
UNCLASSIFIED
MRES UNCLASSIFIED Page 2 of 3
Todd:
Just to confirm, the ACTS Weds. pick-up if indeed authorized. I'm just waiting on the signed MOA.
Marsha -- please notify FSIS.
Thanks,
Mike .
,
To: Horne, Todd
Cc: Fleming, James; Chan, Carol; Pilcher, William B; Singer, Marsha L; Gutherie, Peter A; Bass, John R (OPS); Singer,
Subject: RE: MREs
Todd:
Thanks for this info.
Provisionally, the ACTS Weds. pick-up is authorized. I will confirm this up the chain and then get back to you (and Dean
Mike
I
From: Horne, Todd I
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2006 5:36 PM I
Cc: Fleming, James; Chan, Carol; Pilcher, William B; Singer, Marsha L; Gutherie, Peter A
Subject: RE: MREs
Mike,
The cost to dispose of all the MRE's would be approximately $40,000.00.

It would be 30K for the disposal and perhaps another 10K for ancillary charges such as trucking and handling.
Management (very catchy) and they are located in Jacksonville, Arkansas. They gave us the quote over the phone but haven't put
anything in writing. Looking through the file, it appears that the quoted a similar price to FEMA.
We didn't talk specifics, but I imagine that the process would take at least two weeks and it could be sort of kicky. I believe that the
ground. When loading dump trucks you're normally using a front end loader. As you know, the MRE's are stored in a warehouse, so
waste management company and the warehouse but I can't think of a better way off the top of my head. I hope this helps everyone
1) What are the expiration dates? I spoke with the warehouse manager and he said that the majority of the MRE's will be expiring in
UNCLASSIFIED
' . ..r
. .
200612007. He also stated that USDA had a few dozen people at the warehouse a few months back and he believes that they put their
hands on every carton of MRE's and that probably have expiration dates on all of them. The point of contact for USDA in Little Rock
was Robert Bane and I believe he's normally based in Dallas. I haven't been able to reach him but his cellular phone number is 214-
551-5877
2) Do you have any pictures of the MRE's? Yes, the warehouse sent me some pictures today and I'm attaching ten of them. I hope
this is what you're looking for. I
If not, please let me know and I'll do what I can. i
Finally, I spoke with ~ e Fisher

& at SMIS about an hour ago and it appears that they've agreed to take two containers for Georgia.
They'd like to load two containers worth of MRE's which will be approximately' 14,000 next Wednesday. Can you c o d m that this
is authorized? I believe their implementing partner is ACTS (A Call to Serve) International. If so, we should n o w FSIS
accordingly. I'll also make sure Dean is familiar with USDA's requirements regarding record keeping and documentation review per !
Regards,
odd
........................................................................
Todd H o m e
Logistics Officer
Ronald, Reagan Building - Room 8.7.69
Tel # (202) 712-0234
Fax # (202) 216-3399
Email: thorne@usaid.gov
To: Horne, Todd
Cc: Fleming, James; Chan, Carol; Pitcher, William B(S1ES-O); Singer, Marsha L(HST); Gutherie, Peter A(3422
Main State)
Subject: MREs
Todd:
Not that I'm a pessimist or anything, but please.remind me of the information you had developed awhile back on
the cost of destruction of the MREs. How much would it cost to destroy all the MREs (and would it cost 50% of
that to destroy only 50% of the MREs); what vendor would be able to carry out the destruction, and how long
Many thanks,
Mike
UNCLASSIFIED
MREs for Georgia Page 1 of 2

To: Norman, Alain G(Main State); Traub, Herbert S
Cc: Yu, Alan K(Main State); Morrow. Michael K(SIES-OICMS)
-
Subject: RE: MREs for Georgia getting logistical experts in touch
. .
Kit, all yours. Alain wanted you to contact Todd (info below). thx
UNITE^ STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE
-----Original Message----- REVIEW AUTHORITY: FRANK TUMMINIA
From: Norman, Alain G DATEICASE ID: 24 AUG 2006 200503991
To: Traub, Herbert S(Vienna); Sibilla, Christopher A(Vienna)
Cc: Yu, Alan K; Morrow, Michael K
Subject: FW: MREs for Georgia - getting logistical experts in touch
Kit, Chris,
Please have the relevant OSCE logistics person call Ireach out to Todd at 9 am D.C. time.
I spoke with Todd today, and he kindly indicated he'd like to have the name 8 contact info of his counterpart at the
OSCE.
That way, we get the logistics people in direct touch so the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Many thanks.
Alain
From: Horne, Todd

Sent:Tuesday, January 17, 2006 11:33 AM
To: Morrow, Michael K{S/ES-OICMS); Traub, Herbert S(Vienna)
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alain G(Main State); Oberndorfer, Gerald ~ { ~ aState);
in Yu, Alan K(Main
State); Brink, Bridget Arrbilisi); Bass, John R (OPS){S/ES-0); Kasanof, Alexander(Main State); Bebeau, Rene L
(Main State); Stavropoulos, Daphne Z; Sibilla, Christopher A(Vienna); Hanish, Patrick
Hello Mike,
Each skid holds approximately 340 Meals and you should.be able to stow 20 skids (or pallets) on I x 40' container.

20 x 340 meals = 6,800 per container - - - 6,800 meals per container x 1 1 containers = 74,800 meals. Please note that every
skidfpallet isn't uniform so these numbers could vary a bit, but they should be pretty close.
The transport shouldn't cost more than $ 50,000. We called a few carriers last week and the average price we received fell in
the $4,000 to $4,500 range per 40' container. This included pickup in Little Rock, Arkansas, container drayage to East Cost
USA and ocean freight to Poti, Georgia. Please note that this doesn't include customs clearance in Georgia or any inland
freight from Poti.
Please let me know if you andlor your colleagues need anythmg else.
- UNCLAS S1FE.D
. . .
M R E ~for Georgia UNCLASSIFIED Page 2 of 2
Regards,
Todd
Todd Home
Logistics Officer
Tel # (202) 712-0234
Fax # (202) 216-3399
Email: thomeOusaid.nov
Cc: Stilt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alain G(Main State); Oberndorfer, Gerald J(Main State); Yu, Alan K
(Main State); Brink, Bridget Amilisi); Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0); Kasanof, Alexander(Main State);
Bebeau, Rene L(Main State); Stavropoulos, Daphne Z; Sibilla, Christopher A(Vienna); Hanish, Patrick
Todd:
of the MREs (75,000) from Little Rock to Georgia. To set the price with their carrier, OSCE needs to know
Thanks,
Mike
UNCLASSIFIED
T

Sent: Wednesday, January 25.2006 3:59 PM
To: Visek, Richard C
I
Cc: Peter Gutherie; McManus, Katherine D; Fischer, Dean E; Yu, Alan K; Norman, Alain G
Subject: RE: MREs: OSCE
Richard:
I've cc'd EUWACE's Dean Fischer, who can answer your questions. Basically, EUWACE will arrange the shipment, but
OSCE will pay the shipping agent directly. So we won't be getting into reimbursement and 607 issues.
Mike
From: Visek, Richard C

Sent: Wednesday, January 25,2006 3:52 PM UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE
REVIEW AUTHORITY: FRANK TLMMINIA
To: Visek, Richard C; Morrow, Michael K
DATE/CASE ID: 24 AUG 2006 200503991
Cc: 'Peter Gutherie'; McManus, Katherine D
Subject: RE: MRES OSCE ~ o ~ ~ l i c a t i o n s
Mike:- I discussed with Peter and we agree that an MOA similar to ACTsIConvoy of Hope models is in order. What is the
proposed arrangement for transport? Will OSCE contract with the shipper, which would seem to be the cleanest
approach? Or, do we anticipate having OSCE reimburse us for the costs of shipping, which I understand would require a
607 agreement approved by T. Thnx, Rich
From: Visek, Richard C

Sent: Wednesday, January 25,2006 10:lO AM
Cc: 'Peter Gutherie'
Subject: RE: MREs: OSCE complications
We likely will have an MOA very similar to what we did with the NGOs. I will confirm with Peter (who is out today but
reachable - albeit very hoarse). ,

Cc: Visek, Richard C
Subject: FW: MREs: OSCE complications
Importance: High
Peter:
.
See below. Can we do an MOA with OSCE?
Mike
---
From: Yu, Alan K

>
To: Fischer, Dean E
Cc: Rosenblum, Daniel N; Norman, Alain G; Morrow, Michael K; Bass, John R (OPS)
UNCLASSIFIED
MREs for Georgia '
Subject: MREs: OSCE complications
Importance: High
Dean--
I'm going to refrain from the expletives.
Could you check on two things:
1) ACE abilitylwillingnessto work with freight company on behalf of OSCE. PGI can work with 7th floor on iflwhere we
can secure funding. Let PGI take the con on working the expiry concerns.
2) Anything more from Jerry on whether we can do more with ACTS?
Thanks, J
Alan

To: Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-O/CMS); Norman, Alain G(Main State)
Cc: Bebeau, Rene L(Main State); Yu, Alan K(Main State); Holh, Greta C; Slotta, Greg S; Brink, Bridget A(Tbilisi); Sibilla,
Christopher A
Subject: RE: MREs for Georgia !
Importance: High
OSCE's Iatest note follows. Here are the issues:
1. They would welcome the additional MREs but have no funds to ship them. DO WE? If we can't pay, they
can't play. Has anyone given consideration to asking the EU to help? What about 10, since UNHCR could be
involved in using some of them?
2. For the original 75K units, they want to use our shipper since it seems cheaper. Do we have a fixed tender on
our side? Is it cheaper? If so, please give bank info so OSCE can transfer the monies. I
3. What is the expiration date on the MREs being offered? It is critical for OSCE that they be good through I
'June-July 2007. I
4. Will there be any kind of MOU, letter, or other formal paper exchange on this? If so, is anyone working on it
in the Dept?
I
5. What would be the expected delivery date at the Georgia port of Poti?
Thanks.
Kit
- - I
NOTE FROM OSCE:
First of all, thank you very much for your offer concerning additional MREs. I wouId be really great
opportunity to have some spare MREs here in Georgia for emergency situation and other relevant cases, i.e. last
year we had flood in Western Georgia and lots of international humanitarian assistance was offered to Georgia.
We could have storage capacity (including some possibilities in conjunction with UNHCR), but unfortunately
we do not have additional funds (120-200k USD) to cover additional shipment costs. January is too early to
look for 2006 savings, and obviously this costs were neither foreseen nor budgeted.
With regards to the shipment of 75k.

I received an offer from our contractor concerning transport of 75k MREs from Little Rock, Arkansas, to
TbiljsiPoti in Georgia.
UNCLASSIFIED
Your offer (50.000 USD) is better, so we would be thankful if you organize the shipment at your end and we
will transfer money to the given bank account.
One additional point of concern. The above 75k MREs will be used within following 12-13 months, so please
make sure that expiry date is not shorten than June-July 2007.
Final question is when could we expect those MREs in Poti?
To: Sibilla, Christopher A(Vienna); Norman, Alain G
Cc: Traub, Herbert S(Vienna); Bebeau, Rene L; Yu, Alan K
All:
1 appreciate your efforts to push OSCE foward on this. In the meantime, another one of our NGO options has
fallen through (Convoy of Hope). This means that, of our 340,000 MREs, we can potentially make 325,000
available to the OSCE (the other 15,000 are going to an NGO called ACTS, for use with Georgian schoolkids).
What is the possibility of OSCE being willing and able to absorb up t 3'25.000 MREs?
Thanks.
Mike'
-- - - -- - -- -
From: Sibilla, Christopher A(Vienna)

Sent: Monday, January 23,2006 11:W AM
To: Norman, Alain G
Should be in a day.
Cc: Tmub, Herbert S(Vienna); Bebeau, Rene L; Morrow, Michael K; Yu, Alan K
Thanks much, Chris. OK, good to know.
I'm cc'ing Mike Morrow of CMS so he'll know of the concern re: additional amounts.
Meantime, do you have a sense of how long it will take OSCE to get the estimate (do you mean tender?)
done?
(As far as I know, the leasehold in Little Rock still expires in about a week.)
Keep up the good work.
Alain

UNCLASSIFIED
I
MREs for Georgia UNCLASSIFIED Page 4 o f 6

Subject: RE:' MREs for Georgia
!
I spoke with the person at the Sect. this morning and they were putting together an estimate. I also told
them about the possiblity of getting up to 250,000-- he said that would make it more difficult, since then you
would have to deal with storage as you wouldn't want to dump them all at once (they would end up sold
illegally on the local economy)
I
Greetings Chris & Kit,
Any news you can share on how the OSCE is proceeding?
Many thanks.
Alain

To: Norman, Alaln G(Main State)
OK, so he said they will study the information they just got over the weekend and then get back to us
on Mon. He also said that Kit just raised this issue in Tbilisi.
-----Original Message--
Importance: High
Hi Chris.
Please do what you can to let Kit know of these questions, asap.
Many thanks.
Alain

To: Traub, Herbert S(Vienna); Oberndorfer, Gerald J
Cc: Morrow, Michael K; Brink, Bridget A; Bass, John R (OPS); Kasanof, Alexander; Gutherie,
Peter A; Cook, IUerissa J; 'alankyu@yahoo.coml
Importance: High
Kit,
UNCLASSIFIED
. , . 7
I wanted to check in with you to see if, given the'technical info in the email of Jan. 17, below,
the OSCE has a better idea of how and how quickly they want to move on moving the MREs.

- Are they working on letting a contract already?
- How long would it take for themlltheir contractor to off-load the 75,000 MREs in Little Rock?' I
Also, is there any particular sort of paper work you think our friends in L will have to haveluse
(andlor the OSCE).
Alain
*I had the impression, from prior emails, that it was looking like the favored option was OSCE
letting a contract, etc. Do correct me if that's not so.
From: Traub, Herbert S f I

Cc: Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alaln G(Main State); Obemdorfer, Gerald J(Main State);
Yu, Alan K(Main State); Brink, Bridget A(Tbilisi); Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0); Kasanof,
Alexander(Main State); Bebeau, Rene L(Main State); Stavropwlos, Daphne 2; Sibilla,
Christopher A; Hanish, Patrick
Kit
From: Horne, Todd
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alain G(Main State); Oberndorfer, Gerald J(Main
State); Yu, Alan K(Main State); Brink, Bridget A(Tbilisi); Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0);
Hello Mike,
Based on the information we have, 75,000 MREs would require approximately 11 x 40'
containers.
Each skid holds approximately 340 Meals and you should be able to stow 20 skids (or pallets) on
1 x 40' container.

20 x 340 meals = 6,800 per container - - - 6,800 meals per container x 1 1 containers = 74,800
meals. Please note that every skid/pallet isn't uniform so these numbers could vary a bit, but they
should be pretty close.
The transport shouldn't cost more than $ 50,000. We called a few camers last week and the I
UNCLASSIFIED
average price we received fell in the $4,000 to $4,500 range per 40' container. This included
pickup in Little Rock, Arkansas, contaiher drayage to East Cost USA and ocean freight to Poti,
Georgia. Please note that this doesn't include customs clearance in Georgia or any inland freight
from Poti.
Regards,
Todd
Todd Home
Logistics Officer t

1360Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Tel # (202) 712-0234
Fax # (202) 216-3399
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alain G(Main State); Oberndorfer, Gerald
](Main State); Yu, Alan K(Main State); Brink, Bridget Amilisi); Bass, John R I
(OPS)(S/ES-0); Kasanof, Alexander(Main State); Bebeau, Rene L(Main State);
Stavropoulos, Daphne 2; Sibilla, Christopher A(Vienna); Hanish, Patrick
Todd:
Kit Traub of USOSCE Vienna (cc'd above) is working with OSCE officials on
logistics for getting a portion of the MREs (75,000) from Little Rock to Georgia.
To set the price with their carrier, OSCE needs to know the size and weight of
the shipment (for 75,000 MREs) and where it is coming from. .
Thanks,
Mike
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN

THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND
THE ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN
EUROPE
I. Introduction
In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, several foreign

governments ("foreign donors") generously donated "Meals Ready to Eat"
("MREs") to support relief and recovery efforts. The United States
Government ("USG") is not in a position to distribute certain MREs that
'
amved in the United States due to U.S. legal requirements. See e.g., 21
U.S.C. 9 620. The MREs are now being stored in USG-leased warehouse
space in Little Rock, Arkansas. The donors have advised the USG that they
would support a USG initiative to redirect the MREs to organizations that
can distribute them abroad. Accordingly, the USG and the Organization for
Security and Co-operation in Europe ("OSCE") agree as follows:
11. Roles and Responsibilities
1. The USG shall provide the OSCE, through the OSCE's shipping agent,
with access to the warehouse in Little Rock, Arkansas in order that the
OSCE can take possession of approximately 75,000 MREs. Upon taking
possession, title to those MREs will vest in the OSCE and the OSCE will
ship such MREs to the Republic of Georgia. Such MREs will be shipped
I - - - - - - -The
from the Little Rock warehouse no later than February 30,2006. - - - -USG
---- _ - .{ Deleted: xx 1,
will assist in coordinating shipping arrangements.
2. The OSCE, through its shipping agent, will maintain a control system for
the MREs which will permit their ready identification and location
throughout the shipment from the warehouse in Little Rock, Arkansas to the
Republic of Georgia. OSCE's shipping agent will comply with the attached
. shipping and receiving requirements..
3. The OSCE will seek toidistribute the MREs in support of its operations
I and activities in Georgia or in other countries where the import,
C - - - - - - - - - - - - ----------- _--
- - - -distribution 4Delded:i 1
and consumption of such MREs are lawhl. The MREs shall not be
distributed within the United States or its territories.

UNCLASSIFIED
.
.-..-
., UNCLASSIFIED
Deleted: DRAFT 1126R006 1
4: The USG does not assume liability for any third-party claims for
damages arising out of this Agreement. The OSCE will hold the USG and
the foreign donors harmless for any claims for damages arising out of this
Agreement.
Signature:
For the U.S. Government For the OSCE
I DATE: DATE: --- - ,[Deleted: J
UNCLASSIFIED
. . . -
Deleted: DRAFT 11262006 1
Shippine: Requirements
1. Recordkeeping and documentation review- Records documenting all

product movements will be generated. These records will specify:
the facility from where the products were shipped;
quantity of products shipped;
countries of origin for the products;
exact destination;
receiving party;
transporter name and address; and
trailer numbers.
A responsible official will sign each document with the date and time at .
shipping. Copies of these records will be provided to FSIS.
2. Trailer seals- Each shipment of MRE's will be sealed prior to leaving

their point of departure. Seal numbers will be documented on the shipping
paperwork.
Receivin~Requirements
1. Recordkeeping and documentation review- Records documenting all

products received will be generated. These records will specify:
the facility from where the products were shipped;
quantity of products received;
countries of origin for the products;
exact destination;
transporter name and address; and
trailer numbers.
A responsible official will signeach document with the date and time at
receipt. Copies of these records will be provided to FSIS.
2. Trailer seals-Upon arrival of each trailer at a point of entry outside the

United States or its territories, the seal number will be verified by the
receiving official responsible for signing for the shipment. The receiving
official's signature will indicate that the seal was intact and that its numbers
matched those documented on the shipping paperwork. , .
LJNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED

From: Yu, Alan K
Sent: Friday, February 17, 2006 8:38 AM
Subject: FW: MREs: Update
- I .
Fmm: Prosen, Richard L
Sent: Friday, February 17, 2006 838 AM
TO: Gutherie, Peter A; Fischer, Dean E; Morrow, Michael K; Yu, Alan K; Traub, Herbert S(Vienna)
Cc: Oberndorfer, Gerald 3; Visek, Richard C
SubjeEt. RE: MREs: Update
Looks fine to me.

Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2006 5:27 PM
To: Fixher, Dean E; Morrow, Mlchael K; Yu, Alan K; Prosen, Richard L; Traub, Herbert Swlenna)
Cc: Oberndorfer, Gerald J; Visek, Richard C -
Subject: RE: MREs: Update
If the shipping arrangements will be the same as last time (i.e. we're actually coordinating the shipment. but they're paying
the shipper directly), then I think all we need to add to the MOU is a provision that we'll provide up to $80K of funding to
OSCE. I don't know the mechanics of foreign assistance funding, so I'm not entirely sure what to include in terms of
payment provisions, documentation requirements, etc. Ordinarily, we would reimburse the actual costs of shipping after .
we were provided an invoice. Is that how we want to proceed here? If the payment provisions would ordinarily be worked
out via other documents/procedures, we can just reference whatever procedures we would normally use with funding
OSCE projects.
Otherwise, does anyone see a need to modify the MOU arrangements from what we agreed to last time? ' .
<< File: OSCE MOA round 2.doc >>
,'
From: Fischer, Dean E
Sent: Thursday, February 16,2006 4:59 PM
To: Morrow, Michael K; Horne, Todd; OFDALogistics; ; Gutherie, Peter A; Yu, Alan K
Cc: Bass, John R (OPS); Offutt, Denison K; Oberndorfer, Gerald J
Mike,
FYI, I already have ISC lining things up for the pickup of these 19 containers. Of course they are are making only
preliminary arrangements that need to be made if we want to have trucks arrive on or about the 27th. All can be easily
called off if OSCE wants to do things differently or if there is some sort of delay.
Dean Fischer
United States Department of State (EURIACE)
T:202-647-5874, F:202-647-8765
fischerde@state.gov
Dean Fischer
United States Department of State (EUWACE)'
T:202-647-5874, F:202-647-8765
fischerde state. ov
uNITEDqTAT#s DEPARTMENT OF STATE
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
From: Morrow, M ~ C ~ ~ ~ ~ E S - O ~ C M S ) ~
Sent: Thursday, February 16,2006 4:05 PM
To: Morrow, Michael K; Home, Todd; OFDALogistics; Demeranville, Robert; Gutherie, Peter A; Yu, Alan K
Cc: Bass, John R (OPS); Offutt, Denison K; Fischer, Dean E; Obemdorfer, Gerald J
OFDA colleagues:
In addition to my message below, State is in the final stages of concluding an arrangement under which the OSCE will take
the last 132,000 of the MREs. Details are still forthcoming, ,but basically we'll handle the logistics exactly like we did for the
75,000 MREs that went to the OSCE previously. using the same U.S. shipping agent. We hope. but can't yet confirm, that
we can begin loading these MREs from the Little Rock warehouse on Monday, Feb. 27.
I should have more info for you on Tuesday.
Regards,
Mike

Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2006 4:00 PM
To: Home, Todd; OFDALogistics; 'Demeranvllle, Roberr; Gutherle, Peter A; Yu, Alan K; Mudge, Jonathan E
Cc: Bass, John R (OPS); Mutt, Denlson K
Subject: MREs; Update
All:
Regarding shipment of the 77,000 MREs referenced in the attached MOA signed with Globus Relief:
70.000 will be distributed by Feed the Children as follows:
-- 14,000 to Tajikistan
-- 28,000 to Moldova
-- 14.000 to Romania
-- 14,000 to Georgia
The other 7,000 will be distributed by World in Need to Romania (thus Romania gets 21,000 in total).
Kazakhstan is out of the picture.
The NG,O "Convoy of Hope" will handle transportation of the MREs. and will pick up the MREs at the Little Rock
warehouse beginning Feb. 21 and ending Feb. 24.
I'll be out of the office Friday through Monday, but reachable via State Ops at any time at 202-647-1512. Back on
Tuesday.
Regards,
Mike
From: Morrow, Mlchael K

Sent: Tuesday, February 14,2006 2:29 PM
To: Hwne, Todd; OFDALogistics; 'Demeranville, Robert'; Gutherie, Peter A; Yu, Alan K; Fox, John (EUR)
Subject: . MREs: Signed MOA with' Globus Relief
All: '
Attached for your records is the MOA signed by State and our NGO partner. Globus Relief (our point of contact in working
with the other NGOs -- Convoy of Hope. Feed the Children, and World in Need), providing for delivery of 77,000 MREs to
Romania, Moldova. Georgia. Tajikistan and Kazakhstan.
Thanks, II
UNCLAS SIFTED
UNCLASSIFIED
Mike
<< File: MRE.pdf >>
. UNCLASSIFIED
...
UNCLASSIFIED RELEASED IN FULL
MRE Issue: State of Play

(1 1130105)
Background:
Shortly after firticane Katrina, the U.S. sought assistance, receiving and distribu& &k
&,d,,,
some MREs, but later concerns about food safety caused a.halt in distributions. E I
then spearheaded efforts to put European-donated MREs to good use until early
November. Options explored include those listed below. At an inter-agency meeting on
November 30, CMS announced that the NGO "MercyCorps" indicated some kterest in fTl 4
taking the MREs for use parts of Central America hit by hurricanes this year. ?&rently,
some 340,000 MRE portions are warehoused in Little Rock. The following summarizes & P,,.V
the status of several possible options:
Live Options:
1. Guatemala/Central America:
Pro: International humanitarian NGO MercyCorps may be willing to take and dellver
MREs to areas affected by storms and mudslides; countries near U.S.
Con: USAIDIothers concerned about perception U.S. is re-gifting unacceptable food
To Do: WHA to assess possible local importation restrictions; USAID to review whether
it can make "ocean-freight" program funding available to defray transportation costs.
2. Destruction of MREs:
Pro: None, other than putting an end to the need to rent warehouse space in Little Rock
Con: Donors 1 press may see this as insult or shame that food was wasted; timing bad
Previously Explored Options:
1. International Humanitarian NGOs --.

Pro: NGOs could use for locals or NGO personnel as needed anywhere in the world;
USG renting warehouse ends; MREs put to good use. I
Con: CMS "cold-called" 10 such NGOs -- only MercyCorps now shows interest; other
- NGOs were contacted (by EURlPGI or other offices) but all have declined (except World
Food Program which took 10,000; see: Pakistan*) I
I
*2. Pakistan: I
Pro: Apparent need following severe earthquake; 10,000 MREs went to feed WFP
personnel (but no more were requested/accepted by the World Food Program)
Con: MREs may contain porklmay not be "hallal" (prepared in accordance with Muslim
rules)
3. ACE (to Central Asia / former USSR**):

Pro,: Existing hurnahitarian program (since 1992) with logistics and hnding in place
Con: No clear immediate need; possible perception problem 1 hallal issue
.UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE

UNCLASSIFIED
LPNCLASSIFIED RELEASED IN FULL
. MREs: In the final stretch (again)
UIS Fore signed off this week on a memo setting forth what we intend to do with the
MREs (75,000 to the OSCE and 15,000 to an NGO ["ACTS"] in the Republic of
Georgia, and 100,000 to an NGO with worldwide operations ["Convoy of Hope"]). We
planned to transfer another 160,000 to the Defense Logistics Agency, but this now
appears less likely. At the same, talking points for use with donor nations are being
circulated for clearance, and logistical aspects for transfering the MREs are being
arranged as needed by CMS and ACE.

UNCLASSIFIED
. . .. -.. . . .
UNCLASSIFIED
RELEASED IN FULL .
PGI
- I
I
I
MRE Status Report
(U) An inter-agency meeting on November 30 reviewed the remaining two

options concerning disposition of the MREs: Donation to international
humanitarian NGO MercyCorps or destruction. The lease where the MREs
are warehoused ends December 12. SESICMS will talk to FEMA about
extending lease a short time to ensure no final decision is made while S is on
'
travel. Interest by MercyCorps will also be checked by SESICMS. EUR .
' - .
'..-
made clear its priority that MREs be put to good use, but if destruction must
take place, 7'h Floor should work closely with EUR on coordinating
approach to donors and PA issues. (A. Norman, x7-5965)

UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
DraA
PGI
MREs Issue: Memo on Final Disposition In Progress

.
(U) SIES-OICMS has drafted, and is circulating for clearances, a
memorandum for UIS Fore laying out the three main uses to which the
MREs will be put, if approved. Specifically, the pIan calls for distributing
the MREs to the OSCE (75,000) and an NGO (15,000 for "ACTS") in the
Republic of Georgia, to an NGO with worldwide operations (100,000 for
"Convoy of Hope") and to the Defense Logistics Agency (1 60,000) for use
by Dominican Republic troops in an overseas deployment. Donor
governments have previously confirmed to EUR that they have no objection
to our distributing the MREs to third parties, but we will provide the MRE
donors additional details upon approval of the memo. (A. Norman, x7-5965;
cleared CMS M. Morrow)
I

REVlEW AUTHORITY: FRANK TUMMINLA
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Draft
RELEASED IN FULL CDk
kc
-
PGI
MREs: All's well that ends well
(U) The last four containers of MREs are being shipped out of the
warehouse in Little Rock today and Friday, March 17. Loading of these
final 132
4.000 MREs (for
......... Georgia)
. . . . . .......... ... began
. .. March .2.
. . ....To recap, of.....the
. .......... . .350
. .. 1000 ....-,,
a surplus,MREs the U.S. received: 10,000 were sent to support World Food ....-..
Program personnel in Pakistan, 56,000 went to the NGO "A Call to Serve"
t o help survivors of flooding in Georgia, 75,000 went to the OSCE mission
in Georgia, and 77,000 went to four other NGOs for use in Moldova (28K), .
Romania (21K), Georgia (l4K) and Tajikistan (1 4K).(A. Norman, x7-5965;
cleared CMS M. Morrow)

REVlEW AUTHORITY: FRANK TUMMINIA
.
UNCLASSIFIED
-
UNCLASSIFIED
&
I
&LEASED m FULL
If asked Points on the MREs F&
(Feb., 2006)
. How did the U.S. wind up with so many unused MREs?
Thanks to the generosity of our many friends around the world, the United States
received a large amount of assistance in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, including over
400,000 "meals ready to eat" (or "MREs").
We wanted to put the MREs to good use, and USG has spent much time and energy to
identify recipients ready and willing to benefit h m the MREs immediately.
date, we have distributed the following;
-- 10,000 MREs to the World Food Program in October 2005 to feed its personnel doing
humanitarian work in Pakistan. We did not offer MREs to Pakistan or other
predominantly Muslim countries because we could not assufe the meat products were
halal.
-- 15,000 [CMS: To update number] to the American NGO "ACTS" ("A Call to Serve")
for on-goizUSG sponsorex-feedla programs in the Republic of Georgia
Republic of Georgia.
-
-- 75,000 will go February XX [CMS: To fill in date] to the OSCE border mission in the
..- ..- - .--
: .
We will continue working to identify additional recipients who could put any remaining
MREs to good use. [The MREs have a shelf-life until December 2006, if not longer.]
Why weren't all the MREs used in the U.S.?
There were two reasons: 1) field kitchens were established and o

and 2) USDA regulations prevent the import of meat products processed
machinery. I
Does the USG believe these MREs are safe for consumption in the third countries
that have received them?
MRE-recipient countries have well-established and clear laws and regulations governing
the importation of foodstuffs of this type, and the USG respects the sovereign right of
these countriest o make that determination for their populations.
I UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE

I
, UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Why not just give the unused MREs back to the donors?
I
The hundreds of thousands of MREs from different countries were all stored together in
Little Rock. It would be impossible to separate MREs by country of origin. We have
been in touch with donor countries on our disposition plan. Most of the donors, including
the country which donated the overwhelming majority of MRE units do not object to
disposition plan.
. .w&v* 4
w~FIlf&p
(Note: Of the 340,000 left before the current distribution operation began, at least 9 w
320,000 MRE rations were from the UK alone; Spain provided over 7,000; Russia over
9,000; Germany around 3,000, and France some 800.)
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
RELEASED IN FULL
Ambassador Huddleston--
Don Yamamoto suggested I contact you directly for your help on driving a i
decision (hopehlly positive) from Chairman Konare to request the USG
donate to the AU approximately 350K meals-ready-to-eat (MREs) that we
received from European donors for Hurricane Katrina.
Eric Wong and Joe Martinelli have done outstanding work in briefing their
AU counterparts and urging them to issue an official request for these MREs
for AMIS peacekeepers and staff in Darfix. The AU staff seems to be 1
strongly interested, but it appears to be having a difficult time getting
attention and action from the AU policy level.
We face an urgent time line - the 350K MREs are stored in a Little Rock
warehouse whose lease expires on November 12. In order to move all the
MREs from the warehouse by 11/12 -either to go to the AU or to destroy
(see below) - we need a decision from the AU by November 2.
The AU is now our only viable option for a productive use for the MREs.
The alternative is to destroy - with the obvious diplomatic and public affairs
fallout.
We are working with PM on resources for sea lift to the region (i-e., Addis,
Djibouti, Port Sudan) and then on to Darfur. Our need now is simply a fiont
channel cable reporting an official AU request.
The Executive Secretariat, EUR and AF all support the AU option, .and all
support your approach to Chairman Konare. I am including fixher
background below. If you have questions, please feel £ice to contact me at
home through the Ops Center.
I
Thank you in advance,
Alan Y u
Deputy Director, EUR Office of Policy and Global Issues

DATEICASE ID: 24 AUG 2006 200503991 .UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
- -.
RELEASED IN FULL 1, my-
EUR/PGI efforts to put MREs to good use:
During the Hurricane Katrina crisis, several counties donated their

equivalents of "meals ready to eat" (MREs), upon the request of emergency
management officials (see: State 163366). The distribution of those meals to
needy Americans was halted not long after the MREs' arrival in the United
States largely because the capacity to serve hot meals restarted and because
of USDA concerns about the content of the European-sourced MREs. (NB:
The vast majority comes from the UK, and contains beef from South
America and lamb from New Zealand.) At present, some 350,000 MRE
rations remain warehoused by OFDA in Little Rock Arkansas, but the lease
expires November 12.
Since early October, EUWPGI has spear-headed the effort to put the MREs
. to good use, as nobody wishes to see them go to waste or be destroyed.
Specifically, EURIPGI has sought the following solutions:
1. Donation to victims of the earthquake in Pakistan:
The MREs, while containing no pork, are not "halal" and therefore
not appropriate for Muslims concerned about consuming only "halal" foods.
2. Donation to the World Food Program:
10,000 MREs were sent the week of October 24 to Pakistan for use by
WFP personnel providing humanitarian relief there. WFP declined to take
the remaining MREs.
3. Donation to victims in Central America of recent disasters:
Parts of Central America, especially Guatemala, were recently hit by

Hurricane Wilma and suffered from mudslides. Mexico too has been hit by
storms in recent weeks. EUWPGI contacted the relevant WHA office and
DAS but received word that the country team in Guatemala was reluctant to
accept the MREs. ELrR/PGI was informed Mexico did not wish this
assistance either, despite a message from the Carnival [cruise] company that
they appeared to need MREs and would pay for the transport of same.
4. Donation to Haiti:

UNCLASSIFIED
EUWPGI discussed Director of WHAICAR the possibility of delivering the
MREs to Haiti, either for elements of the population, which are still in dire
circumstances, or to the international peacekeepers (MINUSTAH) operating
there. While European and Brazilian forces participate in MINUSTAH,
reluctance on the part of WHA ended this option.
5. Donation to Ukraine:
Given the poverty and needs of many people in Eastern Ukraine the idea of
providing MREs toUkraine was raised within EUR. However, AfS Fried (?)
declined to pursue this option.
6. Donation to the U.S. Military: I

EURPGI raised the possibility of having the U.S. military take the MREs
for use during deployments anywhere they might be needed. The State
Department was given to understand that the U.S. military does not believe
these European produced MREs have as high a caloric content level as that
required by the U.S. military. Accordingly, this option was closed.
7. Returning MREs to the UK
Notwithstanding efforts to get the MREs to third countries where they could
be put to good use, EUR/PGI explored the option of having the MREs
returned to the UK, with many thanks. EURPGI learned that UK MREs (or
"ORPs") are kept by in MOD warehouses until sent to the desired
destination and British bio-security policy is not to allow their return, given
the possibility of contamination once out of MOD controlled storage. In
addition, the cost of returning them to the UK was estimated at $5 million.
8. Donation to Darfur / African Union [live option]:
EUWPGI, in the course of discussing the possibility of providing MREs to

the needy in Darfir with AF/RSA, raised the idea of providing the MREs to
the AU. By providing the MREs to the AU7they would help support AU's
humanitarian and peacekeeping missions in Darfur or elsewhere. Moreover,
as not all AU personnel are Muslim, the AU could ensure that the meals
went to those without "halal" concerns. This option is still under
consideration (as at Nov. 2) and ELTWPGI has simultaneously been
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
exploring options for the transport of the MREs to the DarfudEthiopia

region. From OFDA, EURIPGI has obtained preliminary cost estimates for
shipment by air and sea.
9. Donation to NATO Allies in Afghanistan (or elsewhere) [live option]:
Given that the MREs in question are of European origin, EURIPGI believes
there is no reason the MREs could not be supplied to NATO allies currently
deployed in Afghanistan (or perhaps elsewhere). This was suggested to
PMAT. A final response is pending.
I
I
10. Donation to the UN Peacekeeping Operation [live option]:
PM is currently taking the lead in trying to determine whether UNDPKO I
would be willing to accept the MREs and use them as it sees fit in the future.
A final response is pending.
1 1. Destruction of MREs [live option]:
Should all else fail, the MREs would have to be destroyed. Unfortunately, i
' !
the cost of doing so will run over $1 million and there may be bad publicity,
particularly in the countries which donated MREs such as the UK, Russia,
Germany, France and Spain.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
RELEASED IN FULL
Points on the MREs
for Donor Countries
Begin Points:
received a large amount of assistance in the wake of Humcane Katrina, including more
"meals ready to eat" (or "MREs") than proved necessary.
While many MREs donated to the U.S. were distributed during the height of the
hurricane crisis, most MREs were warehoused as the feeding needs of hurricane victims
began to be met through the establishment of field kitchens, shelf-ready meals and MREs
from U.S. domestic supplies.
We are currently warehousing some 340,000 rations donated by European governments

to our country during the Hurricane Katrina crisis.
We all have wanted to put the MREs to good use, and USG has spent much time and
effort to identify recipients ready and willing to benefit from the MREs immediately.
We now wish to share with you the next steps. We intend to distribute the MREs to two
NGOs, the OSCE mission in the Republic of Georgia and to the Defense Logistics
Agency.
Specifically: '
- 15,000 to the NGO "ACTS" ("A Call to Serve") in the Republic of Georgia
- 75,000 to the OSCE in the Republic of Georgia
- 100,000 to the NGO "Convoy of Hope" (to support any of their feeding programs in
Eurasia and the Middle East)
- 160,000 to the Defense Logistics Agency (which will then be used by Dominican
Republic unitslarmed forces [in an overseas deployment])
All of these recipients want the rations, and can take possession, or initiate shipping, on
short notice -by the end of the current lease period (January 3 1).
Thank you again for your generosity, your patience and your understanding as we bring
this matter to a practical and helpful solution.
If asked:
1. Yes, at one point we had a total of some 350,000 MREs in the warehouse in Little
Rock, but in late 2005, the World Food Program took 10,000 MREs to feed its personnel
doing'huinanitarian work in Pakistan, and so the current total figure is about 340,000.

UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
2. The shelf-life of the MREs is until approximately mid-2006. Accordingly, now is the
time to put them to good use.
3. (If donor wishes to have something else done with "their" MREs): As hundreds of
thousands of MREs are stored together in Little Rock, it would be impossible to separate
out MREs by country of origin. If you object to the plan we intend to follow, we could try
to set aside a number of MREs corresponding to the number of MREs our records show
remain that came from your country. You would have to arrange for pick up of these
MREs before January 3 1.
(Note: At least 320,000 are from the UK alone; Spain somewhat over 7,000,
Russia over 9,000, German around 3,000, and France some 800)
4. (If asked about US regulations, again): USDA regulations permit the import into the
United States of meat products from South America and New Zealand, but prevent the
import of any such meat products processed in European Union machinery.
LTNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
RELEASED IN FULL
Points on the MREs

for the Republic of Georgia and OSCE
received a large amount of assistance in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, including more
"meals ready to eat" (or "MREs") than proved necessary. We are currently warehousing
some 330,000 rations donated by European governments to our country during the
Hurricane Katrina crisis. We would like to put those meals to good use, and understand
that both the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Georgia and the OSCE are
considering how they might benefit from taking a large number of these MREs.
Details concerning the MREs are as follows:
Most of the MREs in question are from the UK (over 300,000 of some 350,000, until the
World Food Program took 10,000 MREs to feed their personnel doing humanitarian work
in Pakistan last month).
Other sources of the MREs included France, Germany, Russia and Spain.
The MREs contain beef, lamb and pork. There were vegetarian MREs but many, ifnot
all, were distributed during the height of the hurricane crisis.
While many MREs donated to the U.S. were distributed during the height of the
hurricane crisis, most MREs were warehoused as the feeding needs of hurricane victims
began to be met through the establishment of field kitchens, shelf ready meals and MREs
fm US. domesric supplies. ~ o i e o v e rthe
, use of U.S, domestic supplies better met
U.S. regulations. (NB: U.S. law tends to restrict the importation of beef from Europe, but
this does not mean the MREs are not fit for human consumption.)
The shelf-life of the MREs is until approximately mid-2006. Accordingly, now is the
time to put them to good use.

REVIEW AUTHORITY: FRANK TUMMINIA .
UNCLASSIFIED
;1%
. ..
UNCLASSIFIED
Background . .
There are about 343K MREs stored in Little Rock, of which approximately
330K are from UK, 9K - Russia; 7K - Spain, 3K - Germany, 800 - France.
USG received nearly 500K MREs, and approximately 1OOK were
distributed.
JVFP has taken 1OK to distribute to its non-Muslim staff operating in

Pakistan. We offered for broader Pakistan relief operations, but we could
not assure the meals were prepared halal.
Eric and Joe have informed the AU that the M W s contain beef and lamb
(no known pork). Virtually all of the meat is fiom South America and New
Zealand (small amounts of beef pate are fiom UK). Meat was fiom outside
EU, but meals were manufactured in EU-approved processing machinery
within the EU. USDA regulations prevent import of any such meat (BSE
concerns).
We understand AU had questions about halal, but we would urge it to

consider making the MREs available to those AU personnel for whom halal
is not an issue.
The USG is currently looking into a number of options to cover transport

costs. OFDA estimates:
Sealift to Addis: $ 250,000-$300,000

Sealift to Darhr: $ 500,000 or more
Airlift to Addis or Darfur: $3,000,000
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED.
L ) R ~ ~ ' ~ E DELIVERED
COPIES TO:
~ ~ E R TO DHS S / E S 200601047 $p
1
S
UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE RELEASED IN FULL
D
P FOR MANAGEMENT
E
T
M
WASHINGTON
i
I
G January 19, 2006

R I
C
S/P 23% Ji,H 14 P 11:?O
PA
PASM ~ e a r w
EUR
L I wish to update you on the State Department's efforts to identify
EB
WHA recipients outside the United States for the remaining humanitarian rations
S/ES that foreign governments donated in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
S/ES-S The Department has identified several recipients who can use the rations
S/ES-CR
IPS/ - appropriately elsewhere in the world. These recipients will be able to take
DLM possession of the rations prior to expiration of the current lease of the
warehouse where the rations are being stored.
The State Department is facilitating arrangements with these.

recipients to take possession of the remaining rations. We are asking
recipients to comply with all.USDA requirements and to ensure that the
rations will only be used in countries where the import, distribution and
consumption of the rations are l a w ' h l ~
State Department officials will be in touch with their counterparts at

DHSAnternational Affairs and F E W to convey detailed information '
regarding the recipients. We request that FEMA authorize USAID, as
FEMA's agent, to provide access and.assistance to the recipients in
completing logistical details. I appreciate Homeland Security's assistance in
this matter.
Cordially,
The Honorable
Janet Hale,
/'
- Under Secretary for Management,
Department of Homeland Security.

REVlEW AUTHORITY: FRANK TUMMlNIA
UNCLASSIFIED
) .t
UNCLASSIFIED RELEASED IN FULL !
.. + .
k
-2'
200601047 . I
I
I
I
United States Department of State I
- I .-;.;.i, .;. :
. .; - .; . , a,
Seen by the Under ~ecietary

for Management
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED
ACTION MEMO FOR UNDER SECRETARY FORE (&
FROM: Executive Secretary - Harry K.,Thomas, Jr. #'

SUBJECT: Disposition Plan for Foreign-Donated Humanitarian Rations
I
Recommendations
.-...
That you agree with the recommended distribution of the r&ons to
the Republic of Georqa, OSCE and NGOs as outlined at Tab 1. -3 - ..
J34
!
.,
Approve I- 19-a' Disapprove t..,!

L4J
0
That you sign the fetter to DHS Under Secretary Hale at Tab 2
confirming that we expect to distribute the rations and conclude the current
warehouse arrangem t as planned by January 3 1.
Z
Approve JYq, - q~d Disapprove
Background I
The U.S. government currently retains possession of approximately

350,000 rations donated by foreign governments for post-Katrina relief 1
operations. The rations in question (commonly referred to as "MREs") were I
not cleared fo; entry by USDA inspectors for consumption in the U.S.
because they were produced in foreign facilities that do not meet U.S. I
.phytosanitary standards and are not certified to export to the U.S.
Since USDA prevented their.distribution in September, the rations

have been stored in a leased warehouse in Arkansas. The lease has been
managed by USAID to a FEMA Mission Assignment. The
Department intervened twice last fall to ensure FEMA extended the lease
and did not attempt to destroy the rations outright before we could find
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STA 1E
'
DATEICASE ID: 24 AUG 2006 200503991 LTNCLASSIFIED -. .
UNCLASSIFIED
Drafted: SIES-0:JBass
Clearance:
EURIPGI:AY~/ANO~~~
L:JThessin
L/LM:PGutherie
M:CPaschall
P:DBame
EB/TPP:MSinger
WHA/FO:DMcCarthy
PA/PRS:JHironimus
PA1FO:ALyons
SIES-CR:BHambrick
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
RELEASED IN FULL
Proposed Distribution Plan
AAer canvassing a wide range of foreign governments, international

-
Defense Logistics Agency 160,000

o Purpose: for onward shipment to the Dominican Republic's
armed forces:

o Purpose: for incorporation into existing USG-sponsored feeding
programs in Eurasia and the Middle East:
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe: 75,000 .

o.Purpose: to feed Georgian border guards.fundedby an OSCE
monitoring mission
NGO"ACTSm 15,000
o Purpose: for incorporation into existing feeding programs in the
Republic of Georgia

REVIEW AUTHCbRITY: FRANK TUMMINIA
UNCLASSIFIED
-
UNCLASSIFIED
worthy organizations that could use them outside the U.S. In October, we
provided 10,000 rations to the World Food Program to feed their staff
deployed in Pakistan performing earthquake relief.
After canvassing a wide range of foreign governments, international

Defense Logistics Agency 160,000

o Purpose: for onward shipment to the Dominican Republic's
armed forces

o Purpose: for incorporation into existing humanitarian feeding
programs in Eurasia and the Middle East
Organization for Security'and Cooperation in Europe: 75,000

o Purpose: to feed Georgian border guards fbnded by an OSCE
monitoring mission
NGO "ACTS" 15,000

o Purpose: for incorporation into existing humanitarian feeding
programs in the Republic of Georgia
We are proposing'this mix of recipients because it best fulfills

informal criteria we established to guide our disposition planning:
We will minimize potential negative reactions and media stories by

spreading the rations across a range of recipients and target countries, .
avoiding charges that we are "dumping food unsafe for U.S.
consumers" on a specific country or region.
All the recipients will be able to take possession or inkate shipping

on short notice, by the end of the current lease period - ensuring that
we would not need to seek an additional extension of the current
lease.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED .
o Should one or more of the intended recipients subsequently

indicate they cannot meet the tight deadline, we would redirect
those rations to one of the other recipients listed above.
.All the.countries and organizations identified want the rations; we are

not twisting any arms.
o After WHA objected strongly to any of the rations being
distributed in humanitarian programs in the region (given the
wide distribution of the negative Washington Post story on the
'unsafe' rations last October), we removed from consideration
. and
one NGO's proposal to distribute rations in Haiti, .
that of
another to distribute to Honduras.
, The proposed distribution honors the wishes of the donors.

o Donor governments have confirmed to EUR that they have no
objection to our distributing the MREs to third countries.
Pending your agreement to this course of action, the
Department will inform donor governments of the specific
disposition plan.
Once you have concurred with our proposed distribution, we will take /
the following steps:
TheNSC will
The Department will execute a memorandum of agreement, on behalf

of the U.S.government, with the NGOs. The agreement will:
o confirm the NGOs' commitment to distribute the rations only in
locations where the'import and consumption of these rations is
lawful;
o secure their agreement to account for and ship the rations in
accordance with USDA requirements; and
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
o absolve the USG of any liability for their subsequent

consumption.
We will disseminate a public affairs package to other agencies and our

..
posts. The package will include background information and standard
talking points to use on an "if asked" basis by all parties.
We have informally apprised FEMA of our proposed disposition pl&s

pending your concurrence. Since we are closing in on the end of the lease .
period, we believe it would be prudent to reassure DHSIFEMA that we have
identified a set of recipients who will take possession of the rations by the
, end of January. The letter also asks FEMA to authorize USAID, as FEMA's
agent, to provide access and assistance to the recipients in finalizing
logistical details.
Attachments:
Tab 1 - Proposed distribution

Tab 2 - Letter to DHS Under Secretary Janet Hate
UNCLASSIFIED
,.
I . !., UNCLASSIFIED Page 1 of 2
RELEASED IN PART
Norman, Alain G
From: . Graffy, Colleen P

Sent: Friday. October 21,2005 6:39PM
Subject: RE: (SBU) MREs for AU - State of Play .
Great. FYI, I emailed Michael Ranneberger with a copy of this. He is the PDAS who indicated that he would likely pass
something like this on to Don.
Best of luck!!
Keep me posted.
Regards,
Colleen
From: Norman, Alaln G

Cc: Volker, Kurt D; Martinelll, Joseph Q; Small, Jason A(AF/SPG); Wong, Eric M; Horne, Todd; Graffy, Colleen P;
Campbell, William N(AF/M); McCarthy, Deborah A; Yu, Alan K; Kwok, Valerie; Kotok, Sharon B; 'Marmaud, Karen'; Cook,
Nerissa 1; Behrend, Richard W; Gottlieb, Greg; Visek, Richard C; Gutherie, Peter A; Bittrick, Michael J(AF/RSA); Harpole,
J. Marinda(AF/RSA); Heflin, Donald L(AF/RSA); Hankins, Dennis B; Pilcher, William B
Subjeet: (SBU) MREs for AU - State of Play
Impottance: High
Donald,
I understand from EURlDAS Colleen GraQ that you may be tapped to help ensure coordination of an effort to provide
, hundreds of thousands of MREs to the African Union.
Those MREs were donated by various European countries (mainly the UK) in the midst of the Hurricane Katrina crisis.
(NB: In State 163366 we called for certain assistance, based on input from emergency management officials, including
MREs.) Many were distributed, but as events unfolded many more were warehoused in Little Rock.
In order to make good use of the remaining 300,000 + MREs, EUR has been exploring various options. One, which
seems to have generated great interest (see email chain recopied below'), is to provide most of these MREs to the
African Union, probably for use in Darfur. (Some 10.000 w~lllikely be sent to Pakistan to help feed World Food Program
personnel, but not Pakistanis, as the MREs are not "halal.")
I
Throughout today, I have been checking with relevant people here in D.C. and elsewhere to determine how the possibility
of distributing MREs to the AU would be viewed and what the logistical issues are. I have also forwarded many of the i
emails generated today to AF-Katnna Working Group POC W~lliamCampbell. Thus far, 10, EURlUBl (UK
desk), Embassy London, OFDA and a DHS contact seem to be in favor of this option.
-
Indeed, OFDA has been engaged and has raised a couple of technical questions (where should they go direct to Darfur
or to Addis, for later distribution by AU; how soon are they needed Iwhether to use sea or air freight).
So, your assistance would be appreciated in determining how to navigate any remaining issues (diplomatic, bureaucratic
, or logistical).
Alain Norman \UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE

ELIRIPGI REVIEW AUTHORITY: FRANK TUMMINIA
'FYI, below is part of the email chain indicating AUIDI'TF interest:
UNCLASSIFIED
From: B6,
, To: Wong, Eric M; Harpole, J. Marinda(AF/RSA)

Cc: Bittrick, Michael J(AF/RSA); Heflin, Donald L(AF/RSA); Norinan, Alain G; Yu, Alan K; Sullivan, Kevin K;
McGeary, Catherine E; Graham, Glen C. LtCol; Hamilton, Larry M. LTC; Ewing, Hoa V. MA]; May, Larry W
DITFIAU looks as if they are willing to move forward quickly on this...as soon as I get the'details on the offer I can I
bring back to the DlTF for a final...this is most I have seen them get excited about such a type of offer, and I have
already received a call on mobile today in regards to the details...a little unusual for the AU, so this is being taken
very positively by the DITFIAU. I
Thanks, Vlr, 1-
From: Wong, Eric M
I
To: Harpole, 3. Marinda(AF/RSA)
Cc: Bittrick, Michael J(AF/RSA); Heflin, Donald ,L(AF/RSA); Norman, Alain G; Yu, Alan K; Martinelli, Joseph Q;
Sullivan, Kevin K; McGeary, Catherine.E
Subject: MI: 300K+ MRE proposed donation to AU
Marinda et al:
In response to your Oct. 19 e m a i l , l o u r military LNO to the AU, discussed the offer of the MREs
with the AU's Partners Liaison Group, and received a positive response (see his email below).
Eric Wong
U.S. Embassv.
~ ~ .Addis
~ . Ababa
office: +251 (01 1) 517-4289
cell: I I
From: 1 (
To: Wong, Eric M; Nelson, Brian K(AF/SPG); Drake, Joshua A(AF/SPG); Small, Jason A(AF/SPG); Bittrick, Michael
J(AF/RSA); Jovin, Rebecca A(AF/SE); Hird, Jennifer L(AF/SPG); Cockrell, John D; Whitaker, Eric P; ~ullivan,Kevin
K; Godbout, William 3; Vernon, Daniel A; Learned, George E (Kigali-Rwanda); 'Graham, Glen C. LtCol'; Hamilton,
Larry M. LTC; May, Larry W; Ewing, Hoa V. MA3
Note: the AU is very interested in receiving the 300,000+ MREs and would like the details on type (pork products
was mentloned as well as transport and location of delivery) at the LG meeting yesterday. We will deal with
storage with AU. The feeling was the MREs are best to go directly t o field and the AUIDITFIJLOC will deal with
distribution and storage. I
I
I
I
Please provide POC for me to contact and any details you may have. The AU would like to get the full details as I
soon as possible so the AU can respond officially. II
Thanks all,
UNCLASSIFIED
RELEASED IN PART
Norman, Alain G B6
From: Yarnarnoto, Donald Y
To: Norman, Alain G(Main State); Snyder, Charles R; Nay, John R; Heflin, Donald L; Bittrick, Michael J; Kenny,
Kevin B
, Cc: Volker, Kurt D(Main State); Ranneberger, Michael E; Small, Jason A; McCarty, Susan L
Subject: RE: (SBU) MREs for AU - ~tat'eof Play
Alain: our RSA office (John Nay, Don Heflin) a.nd our Sudan office
(Charlie Snyder) will handle. But RSA has the lead. My best to
you.
don UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE
---Original Message-----
sent: Friday, October 21,2005 6:14 PM
Cc: Volker, Kurt D; Martinelli, Joseph Q; Small, Jason A(AF/SPG); Wong, Eric M; Horne, Todd; Graffy, Colleen P;
Campbell, William N(AF/EX); McCarthy, Deborah A; Yu, Alan K; Kwo~,Valerie; Kotok, Sharon B; 'Mannaud, Karen';
Cook, Nerissa J; Behrend, Richard W; Gottlieb, Greg; Visek, Richard C; Gutherie, Peter A; Bittrick, Michael J
(AFIRSA); Harpole, J. Marinda(AF/RSA); Heflin, Donald L(AF/RSA); Hankins, Dennls B; Pilcher, William B
Subject: (SBU) MREs for AU - State of Play
Importance: High
I
Donald,
I
I understand from EUWDAS Colleen Graffy that you may be tapped to help ensure coordination of an effort to I
provide hundreds of thousands of MREs to the African Union.
I
Those MREs were donated by various European countries (mainly the UK) in the midst of the Hurricane Katrina
crisis. (NB: In State 163366 we called for certain assistance, based on input from emergency management
I
officials, including MREs.) Many were distributed, but as events unfolded many more were warehoused in Little
Rock.
In order to make good use of the remaining 300,000 + MREs, ELlR has been exploring various options. One,
which seems to have generated great interest (see email chain recopied below'), is to provide most of these MREs
to the African Union, probably for use in Darfur. (Some 10,000 will likely be sent to Pakistan to help feed World
Food Program personnel, but not. Pakistanis. as the MREs are not "halal.") I
Throughout today, I have been checking with relevant people here in D.C. and elsewhere to determine how the
possibility of distributing MREs to the AU would be viewed and what the logistical issues are. 1 have also forwarded
many of the emails generated today to AF-Katrina Working Group POC William Campbell. Thus far. 10, EUWUBI
(UK desk), Embassy London, OFDA and a DHS contact seem to be in favor of this option.
-
Indeed, OFDA has been engaged and has raised a couple of technical questions (where should they go direct to
Darfur or to Addis, for later distribution by AU; how soon are they needed /whether to use sea or air freight).
So, your assistance would be appreciated in determining how to navigate any remaining issues (diplomatic,
.bureaucratic or logistical).
I
..- .. .. UNCLASSIFIED I
Alain Norman
EURlPGl
'FYI, below is part of t i e email chain indicating AUlDlTF interest:
From: 7 B6 .
Sent: Friday, October 21, 2005 7:04 AM
To: Wong, Eric M; Harpole, 3. Marinda(AF1RSA)
Cc: Bittrick, Michael J(AF/RSA); Heflin, Donald L(AF/RSA); Norman, Alain G; Yu, Alan K; Sullivan, Kevin K;
McGeary, Catherine E; Graham, Glen C. LtCol; Hamilton, Larry M. LTC; Ewing, Hoa V. MAI; May, Larry W
DITFIAU looks as if they are willing to move forward quickly on this...as soon as I get the details on the
offer I can bring back to the DlTF for a final ...this is most I have seen them get excited about such a type of
offer, and I have already received a call on mobile today in regards to the details...a little unusual for the
AU, so this is being taken very positively by the DITFIAU.
!
Thanks, Vlr, Joe
I
From: Wong, Eric M
Cc: Bittrick, Michael J(AF/RSA); Heflin, Donald L(AF/RSA); Norman, Alain G; Yu, Alan K; Martinelli, Joseph
Q; Sullivan, Kevin K; McGeary, Catherine E
Subject: FW: 300K+ MRE proposed donation to AU
Marinda et al:
In response to your Oct. 19 e m a i ~ , r b u military

r LNO to the AU. discussed the offer of the 136
MREs with the AU's Partners Liaison Group, and received a positive response (see his email below). i
Eric Wong
office: +251 011 517-4289
"":h734
Sent: Fri ay, cto r 21, 2005 1:35 PM
To: Wong, Eric M; els son, Brian K(AF/SPG); Drake, Joshua A(AF/SPG); Small, Jason A(AF/SPG); Bittrick,
Michael J(AF1RSA); Jovin, Rebecca A(AF/SE); Hird, Jennifer L(AF/SPG); Cockrell, John D; Whitaker, Eric P;
Sullivan, Kevin K; Godbout, William 3; Vernon, Daniel A; Learned, George E (Kigali-Rwanda); 'Graham,
Glen C. LtCol'; Hamilton, Larry M. LTC; May, Larry W; Ewing, Hoa V. MAJ
Note: the AU i s very interested in receiving the 300,000+MREs and would like the details on type (pork
products was mentioned as well as transport and location of delivery) at the LG meeting yesterday. We
will deal with storage with AU. The feeling was the MREs are best t o go directly to field and the
AUlDlTFlJLOC will deal with distribution and storage.
UNCLASSIFIED
* a , ,
I
' . I
UNCLASSIFIED Page 3 .of 3

Please provide'POC for me to contact and any details you may have. The AU would like to,get the full .
details as soon as possible so the AU can respond officially.
Thanks all. 7
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED Page 1 of 6 !
RELEASED IN PART
Norman, Alain G B6, NR
From: Harpole, J. Marinda
Sent: Tuesday, October 25,20056:08PM
To: Deane, Benita M; Small, Jason A 1
Cc: Norman, Alain G(Main State); Heflin. Donald L; Bittrick, Michael J
I
Jason & Benita: DATEICASE ID: 13 SEP 2006 200503991
Alain Norman (ECIRIPGI) and I think is that the transport issue might be easier to resolve if we'were to receive an official
request from Addis on behalf of the AU.
Suggested language might be:
Subject: African Union would Welcome Donation of MREs for Sudan Forces
I
1. It has come to the attention of post that officials at the Department are seeking suggestions for
disposition of a large number of MREs that were donated to the USG as humanitarian relief in the wake of
Hurricane Katrina. It i s our understanding that some 300,000 or more meals may be available.
2. Post believes that the delivery of a substantial number of these MREs would both support the
humanitarian mission of AU forces in Darfur and strengthen the developlng relatlonshlp between the AU
andthe United States. The U.S. military liaison officer to the AU Partners Liaison Group has broached the
possibility of obtaining these meals for the forces now sewing in Sudan and the response from the AU has
been very positive.
3. Post therefore requests that the Department take such steps as may be necessary to effect the
allocation of the referenced MREs to the AU peacekeeping forces In Darfur. We suggest that the ,
MREs might best to go directly to the field (i.e. Sudan) and that the AUlDlTFlJLOC be relied upon to deal I
I
with storage and distribution. I
4. On behalf of the AU Partners Liaison Group, post requests delivery of the subject MREs on as expedited
a basis as possible.
(Post may want to inject other information, as seems appropriate from their end. I don't personally have knowledge of
data on need, for example, which would certainly be retevant.)
,!I
I
Please respond with your commentslclearance.
Marinda Harpole
Democracy and ~ u m a n k i ~ hOfficer
ts
Office of Regional and Security Affairs
Bureau of African Affairs
UNCLASSIFIED
From: Martinelli, Joseph Q
Sent: Tuesday, October 25,2005 9:44 AM
To: Harpole, J. Marinda(AF/RSA); Wong, Eric M
Cc: Bittrick, Michael J(AF/RSA); Heflin, Donald L(AF/RSA); Norman, Alain G; Yu, Alan K; Sullivan, Kevin K; McGeary,
Catherine E; Graham, Glen C. LtCol; Hamilton, Larry M. LTC; Ewing, Hoa V. MAJ; May, Larry W
Hello and thank you for the quick response...here are some additional questions for DITF. I can now see
the Muslim q is already answered by your email...
Transport.:.any thoughts out there? I will talk to Mike B and group today ...and carry back what I know to
the DITF.
I think transport is the long pole...
Thanks, sorry for the shortness of this message...I have to run back to the AU and I will be out all day
tomorrow...can you pass info to Eric Wong and Eric can you call me on my cell with answers.. .
Thanks all, Joe
From: Jacques BODIUS [mailto[-

Sent: Sunday, October 23,2005 6:48 1
To: II 1 I
Subject: MRE
hi Joseph,
I hope that you have a good week end.
you have announced that USA are giving 350000 MRE to AMIS.
I need some information such as : are they available for muslirns? what is the part of MRE available for
muslims? when AMIS is going to receive these MRE? how? I don't know the US rnRE so i wonder if one
MRE is for one meal or one day?
Do you expect a note verbal form AU or AU is going to receive an officiel mail?
thank you for the answer.
regards
Col Bodilis
deputy chief ACMC
From: Harpole, J. Marinda(AF/RSA)

Sent: Frida October 21 2005 5:19 PM
To: b o n g , Eric M
Cc: Bittric ,Mic ae J AF/RSA); Heflin, Donald L(AF/RSA); Norman, Alain G; Yu, Alan K; Sullivan, Kevin K;
Bc
McGeary, Catherine E; 'Graham, Glen C. LtCol'; 'Hamilton, Larry M. LTC'; 'Ewing, Hoa V. MAI'; May, Larry W
Subject: RE: 300K+ MRE proposed donation to AU .
Joe,
5/26/2006 UNCLASSIFIED
I am so glad that this idea has been well received. Yes, there are some pork meals and none of the food is Halal
(tit for devout Muslims). But I understand that many of the AU troops are non-Muslims.
The MREs are currently in a storage facility in Little Rock, AR, where the lease will expire Nov. 12. 1 believe they
are under control of USAIDIOFDA. Transport is the big issue, and we could use military assistance here. Any
prospects?
Thanks for helping.
Marinda Harpole
~rom:l I
Sent: Friday. October 21. 2005 7:04 AM
To: Wong, ~ h M;
c ~ a r ~ o i J.
e ,Marinda(AF/RSA)
Cc: Bittrick, Michael J(AF/RSA); Heflln, Donald L(AF/RSA); Norman, Alain G; Yu, Alan K; Sullivan, Kevin K;
McGeary, Catherine E; Graham, Glen C. LtCol; Hamilton, Larry M. LTC; Ewing, Hoa V. MAJ; May, Larry W
DITFIAU looks as if they are willing to move forward quickly on this ...as soon as I get the details on the offer
Ican bring back to the DlTF for a final...this is most I have seen them get excited about such a typ.e of offer,
and I have already received a call on mobile today in regards to the details...a little unusual for the AU, so
this is beirlg taken very positively by the DI'TFIAU. .
Thanks. Vlr, Joe
From: Wong, Eric M

Cc: Bittrick, Michael J(AF/RSA); Heflin, Donald L(AF/RSA); Norman, Alain G; Yu, Alan K; Martinelli, Joseph
Q; Sullivan, Kevin K; McGeary, Catherine E
Subject: RN: 300K+ MRE proposed donation lo AU
Marinda et al:
In response to your Oct. 19 email. m u r military LNO to the AU, discussed the offer of the
MREs with the AU's Partners Liaison roup, an received a positive response (see his email below).
Eric Wong
PoliticalIEconomic Section
office: +251 (011) 517-4289
cell: I I
wongem2@state.gov
~ r o m : m
To: Wong, Erlc M; Nelson, Brian K(AF/SPG); Drake, Joshua A(AF/SPG); Small, Jason A(AF/SPG);
Bitbick, Michael J(AF/RSA); Jovin, Rebecca A(AF/SE); Hird, Jennifer L(AF/SPG); Cockrell, John D;
Whitaker, Eric P; Sullivan, Kevin K; Godbout, William J; Vernon, daniel A; Learned, George E (Kigali:
Rwanda); 'Graham, Glen C. LtCol'; Hamilton, Larry M. LTC; May, Larry W; Ewlng, Hoa V. MAJ
Subject:' 300K+ MRE proposed donation to AU
Note: the AU is very interested i n receiving the 300,000+ MREs and would like the details on type
(pork products was mentioned as well as transport and location of delivery) at the LG meeting
yesterday. We will deal with storage with AU. The feellng was the MREs are best to go directly to
field and the AUIDITFIJLOC will deal with distribution and storage.
UNCLASSIFIED
Please provide POC fo; me to contact and any details you may have. The AU would like to get the
full details as soon as possible so the AU can respond officially.
Thanks all. B6
From: Wong, Eric M

Sent: Friday, October 21,2005 1:15 PM ,
To: Nelson, Brian K(AF/SPG); Drake, Joshua A(AF/SPG); Small, Jason A(AF/SPG); Bittrick, Michael J
i
(AFIRSA); Jovin, Rebecca A(AF/SE); Hird, Jennifer L(AF/SPG); Cockrell, John D; Whitaker, Eric P; Sullivan,
Kevin K; Martinelli, Joseph Q; Godbout, William J; Vernon, Daniel A; Learned, George E (Kigali-Rwanda)
Subject: MI: Minutes of the LG of Oct 20
FYI. Notes on Oct. 20 AU Darfur Integrated Task Force (DITF) briefing. I

From: ~ f c h a r d . ~ e ~ a r s l B6
I
B61
Sublea: MlnUteS or the ~ c orj wct LO

Please find here below minutes of the Liaison Group meeting of October 20,2005. In the absence of Amb.
Ki Doulaye, Brigadier General Anydoho, Joint Chief of Staff, chaired the meeting.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED Page 6 of6
Cc: Bithick. Michael J(AFIRSA);Heflin, Donald L(AF/RSA): Yu, Alan K
SubJect:RE: M a s for AU Tmops
Thank you both for looking into this.
I might add that Alan Yu, EURIPGI Deputy Director, ought to be cc'd, please.
Alain
From: Harpole, I. Marinda
Sent: Wednesday, October 19,2005 4:36PM
To: Wong, Eric M
Cc: Bithick, Michael J; Heflin. Donald L; Norman, Alain G(Main Sple)
Subjeck MREs for AU Troops
Eric,
Alain Norman, who'is in EURIPG, called me to determine whether the AU troops might have a need for
MREs. It seems there are between 300,000and 350,000MREs that were donated to the USG by European
countries for the Katrina emergency but are not needed here. AlainlEUR thought passing them along as
support for AU's forces in DARFUR (or perhaps MONUC or ECOWAS) would be putting them to good use.
Michael Bittrick seems to think this might work, but cautions that arrangements would need to be made for
transport (I'm not clear on where they all are at present). Main mentioned the need for adequate storage.
But this is a great deal of high quality food, so it should be worth working out these kinks.
What do you think?
Please respond both to Alain Norman and to me.
Marinda Harpole
Democracy and Human Rights Officer
UNCLASSIFIED
/ I . . i\
MREs for Georgia

Sent: . Wednesday, January 25,2006 3:44 AM
To: 'Kris Czekalowski'; Traub. Herbert S; Norman, Alain G(Main State); Bebeau. Rene L(Main State)
Cc: 'Rexane Rasmussen'; 'Rory McCorley'; ' ~ t i j nSchrooten'
Subject: RE: FW: MREs for Georgia
Thanks for the response. Kit is now back. We will consult with the Dept and get back to you.
Chris.
From: Kris Czekalowski [ m a i l t o l p
To: Christopher Sibilla
Cc: Rexane Rasmussen; Rory McCorley; Stijn Schrooten
Subject: Re: FW: MREs for Georgia
Dear Chris,
.
First of all, thank you very much for your offer concerning additional MRG. I would be really great opportunity to
have some spare MREs here In Georgia for emergency situation and other relevant cases, i.e. last year we
had flood in Western Georgia and lots of international humanitarian assistance was offered to Georgia. We could I
have storage capacity (including some possibilities in conjunction with UNHCR), but unfortunately we do not have
additional funds (120-200k USD) to cover additional shipment costs. January is too early to look for 2006 savings,
and obviously this costs were neither foreseen nor budgeted. I
With regards to the shipment of 75k.
Ireceived an offer from our contractor concerning transport of 75k MREs from Little Rock, Arkansas, to
Tbilisi/Poti in Georgia.
Your offer (50.000 USD) is better, so we would be thankful if you organize the shipment at your end and we
will transfer money to the given bank account.
One additional point of concern. The above 7Sk MREs will be used within following 12-13 months, so please make
sure that expiry date is not shorten than June-July 2007. I
I
Final question Is when could we expect those MREs in Poti?
I
Regards,
Kris UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Knysztof Gekalowski
Head of Adm'inistration and Finance

OSCE Mission to Georgia
Tbilisi, Krtsanisl Government Residence
UNCLASSIFIED -
: , .,c. *
MREs for Georgia UNCLASSIFIED Page 2'of 2
~6
>>> "Sibllla, Christopher A" <SibillaCX@state.gov> 01/23/06 1:56 PM >>>

Sent: Monday, Januar, 23,2006 8:15 AM
TO: 1
QWe just got this on Friday. Could the OSCE take even more MREs?
Thanks,
Chris
. I
PS Kit will be returning to Vienna on Tues afternoon
i
Further to our telcon, we would be interested in steering 250,000 MREs toward Georgia and OSCE (or possibly
all 350,000 if our other NGO partner falls through). Our thinking is that some portion of that could simply be
stockpiled in the region for futurelother OSCE missions in the region (Kosovo? Nagorno-Karabakh?). OSCE
*wouldstill have to pick up the entire transportation bill.
!
Can OSCE absorb that many? If the OSCE Georgia mission absorbs 75,000 (and the NGO "ACTS" takes 15,000
for use in Georgia), how would OSCE absorbluse an additional 160,000? Or an additional 260,0001
Please explore.
LJNCLASSIFIED
OSCE MREs to Georgia UNCLASSIFIED Page 1 of 3
Cc: Bass, John R (OPS); Gutherie, Peter A; Morrow. Michael K; Norman, Alain G; Singer, Marsha L;
Traub, Herbert S(Vienna); Yu, Alan K; Horne, Todd; 'ISC-PCI'; 'Kris Czekalowski'
Subject: MOA for MREs to OSCE Georgia
Attachments: OSCE MRE MOA 2006.DOC
Ms. Tarnm,
Ihave attached the proposed memorandum of agreement between the Government of the United States and OSCE
Georgia for your review and for appropriate signature. The MOA Is contained on the flrst two pages and the reporting
requirements are contained on the second two pages. Since we are on a relatively tight schedule it would be best if you
could fax or email a copy of the signed document back to us before the end of the week. You can fax the document to
-
my fax 202-647-8765 or email it to fischerde@state.uov.
Just M, with regard to the transport arrangements. The Department of State has already contacted our regular
shipping agent and requested their assistance on this shipment. We will, upon completion of the MOA, provide to you
a cost quote for shipment of 75000 MREs (whlch we estimate at this polnt to be $44000 USD door to door), then upon
your agreement to the offered cost, arrange for pickup and transport of the MREs to your warehouse in Tbilisi. OSCE'will
need to pay directly to our shipping agent.
I n reference to the reporting requirements, the Department of State will coordinate tracking and reporting of the
'
location and routing of the container. The only thing we wilt need from OSCE is a letter confirming receipt of the MRE's
upon arrival.
Of course, please let me know if you have any concerns or questions about the document, its contents or any of the
other arrangments.
Very Respectfully,
Dean Fischer REVIEW AUTHORITY: FRANK TUMMINIA
Operations and Budget Officer DATEICASE ID: 24 AUG 2006 200503991
202-647-5874
fischerde@state.gov
From: Kris Czekalowskl [mailtoj

Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2006 8:53 AM
To: Dean ~ischer
Cc: Besarlon Tegerashviii; Rita Tamm; Rory McCorley; John R (OPS) Bass; Peter A Gutherie; Michael K Morrow; Alain G
Norman; Marsha L Singer; Herbert S(Vienna) Traub; Alan K Yu; Todd Horne
Subject: Re: OSCE MREs to Georgia
Dear Dean,
First of all, thank you very much for your e-mail. It was quite relief for me. With your guarantee that expiry date are at
least December 2006, we can proceed with the project implementation. Of course the later expiry date the better, at
least part of the shipment. We will prepare distribution plan based on our training needs and possibilities given by expiry
dates.
Iwill send you address of our warehouse tomorrow, but the warehouse is in Tbilisi.
Besarion Tegarashvili g o u r Mission Support National Officer, will be point of contact for
OSCE MREs to Georgia UNCLASSIFIED Page 2 o f 3
proceeding with the GEO customs and his name should be place in the shipment. Rita Tamrn (rita.tammbosce.org), our i
Legal Advisor, will be your point of contact in relation to MoA.
We can make payment though the bank transfer. Our bank works quite efficiently, and we have not had problems with
any transfers, including USA. We would need bank details and invoice from ISC.
Planned arrival date (midllate March) is very suitable for us.' I
Warm Regards,
. .
Kris
>>> "Fischer, Dean E" <FischerDE@state,gov> 01/25/06 10:29 PM >>>
Mr. Czekalowski,
My name is Dean Fischer, I work for the U.S. Department of State and I will be processing the transport of 75000
MREs (11 forty foot containers) from Little Rock to your organization in Georgia. We will contract for shipment of the I
MREs from the warehouse in Little Rock to your warehouse in Georgia, in other words door to door. I expect this project
to cost approximately $42,000 USD, we will have an exact cost later in the week. 1 would like to begin a d~aloguethat will
get us both the information we need to get these meals moved quickly and efficiently.
First, 1 know you were concerned about expiration dates for the meals. At this point we can guarantee that expiration
dates for the MREs will be December 2006 or later. Please let me know as soon as possible if Dec 2006 expiration dates
I
are unacceptable.
Second, I need an address'and a point ofcontact for the consignee (where +hipping documents will be sent) and a point
of contact and address for the warehouse where the meals will dropped off and stored.
I
Third, we need to work out payment for the transport. I understand OSCE will be funding this movement. Iwill tender for I
this shipment today and have an exact cost by the end of the week. Payment will be made to our shipping agent
1' International Services Corporation. If and when we go forward with this shipment I will put them directly in touch with you
or your finance people to work out the best method of payment. FYI point of contact at lntl Services Corp is Mr. Stephen I
Druhot - 202-785-3400 Fax 202-296-1160 email mail@isc-pci.com.

!
Fourth, we will need to sign a very basic memorandum of agreement that clarifies responsibilities and other facets of our
cooperative relationship. If you could suggest the best person to work with in your organization for this agreement I will
forward a draft to them later this week. I expect the MOA to be no more than to pages including signature area.
I believe, if we get the containers moving next week we can expect them to arrive at your warehouse the latest Mid to
late March, without any unforeseen delays.
Please let me know if you require additional information or have any questions. I will make sure to keep you and
your organization informed of the progress of this shipment.
Very Respectfully,
Dean Fischer
202-647-5874 - F 202-647-8765
fischerde@state.gov
UNCLASSIFIED
OSCE MREs to Georgia UNCLASSIFIED Page 3 of 3

To: &ss, John R (OPS)
.
Cc. Yu, Alan K; Norman, Alain G; F i e r , Dean E; Gutherie, Peter A; Singer, Marsha L
Subjed: MREs: ACTS Pick-up
John:
OFDA called to report that the contracted,shipping company is currently at the Little Rock warehouse picking up the
MREs for delivery to ACTS in Tbilisi. USDA Inspector Robert Bone is there to observe. All appears to be well. The
warehouse manager called OFDA to confirm the number of MREs to be picked up -- apparently the skids are not uniform
, in size, which caused some confusion.' OFDA called me and Iconfirmed, p'er the MOA signed with ACTS, that the
operable number is 15.000 MREs for ACTS, regardless of the number of skids that involves.
Mike I
LJNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
2) Sealift to Addis: $250,000 - $300,000 range.
3) Sealift to Darfur: $500,000 or more.
Kurt asked us to check with AF on possible sources for transport costs. He would be willing to engage with your FO, but
asked for some background info:
1. Does the Department have any funding for the AU peacekeeping operations generally?
I
2. Is there a DoD lift capacity that we could tap? Who in DoD could the Department contact?
Please advise. Many thanks.
Alain
From: Harpole, J. Marinda

To: Wong, Eric M; Martinelll, Joseph Q
Cc: Yu, Alan K(Main State); Norman, Alain G(Main State); Heflin, Donald L; Bithick, Michael J; Small, Jason A; Deane, Benlta M; Nay,
John R; Yamamoto, Donald Y
Subject: 300K + MREs for the AU '
Importance: High
Eric and Joe:
(EURIPGI) and AFlRSA think that this matter might best be expedited with a front channel message from post requesting
the meals. Essentially, what is needed is a cable that incorporates the substance of the AU's response to our overture
(through Joe), but we need to have a request. A dip note would be ideal, but if it would require significant time to get one
I
we can settle for a front channel cable stating that OFFICIAL X of the AU has asked our AU Liaison Offlcer to
arrange for expedited delivery of the MREs for consumptlon by AU forces In Sudan.
-\
Suggested language might be as follows:
Subject: Afrlcan Union Would Welcome Donation of MREs for Sudan Forces
I.It has come to the attention of post that officials at the Department are seeking suggestions for
dlsposition of a large number of MREs that were donated t o the USG as humanitarian relief In the wake of
Hurricane Katrina. It is our understanding that some 300,000 or more meals may be available. ,
2. Post believes that the delivery of a substantial number of these MREs would both support the
humanitarian mission of AU forces in Darfur and strengthen the developing relationship between the AU
and the United States. The U.S. Military Liaison Officer to the AU Partners Lialson Group has broached the
possibility of obtaining these meals for the forces now serving in Sudan and the response from the AU
has been very positive. [[name of officialJJ of the AU has asked our AU Liaison Officer to arrange for
expedited delivery of the MREs for consumption by AU forces i n Sudan.
3. Post therefore requests that the Department take such steps as may be necessary to effect the
allocation of the referenced MREs to the AU peacekeeplng forces i n Darfur. We suggest that the MREs
might best to go dlrectly to the field (i.e. Sudan) and that the AUlDlTFlJLOC be relied upon t o deal with
storage and distribution .
4. On behalf of the AU Partners Liaison Group, post requests delivery of the subject MREs on as
expedited a basis as possible.
(Post may want to inject other information, as seems appropriate from their end. I don't personally have knowledge of data
on need, for example, which would certainly be relevant.)
This language was drafted with input from EURIPGI and clearance from Sudan Programs Group (Jason Small). !
Time is of the essence, since the storage contract for the goods is due to expire in roughly two weeks.
I
I will be on travel beginning Monday. Although I will try to check in remotely, communication after Friday i
\ ,
UNCLASSIFIED
should be sent to Donald Heflin for AFRSA.
Marinda Harpole
Democracy and Human Rights Officer

From: Yu, Alan K '
To:
Cc:
Huddleston, Vicki J
Yamamoto, Donald Y(AFlF0); Reddick, Eunice S(AF1E); Volker, Kurt D; Graffy, Colleen P; Cook, Nerissa J;
Norman, Alain G; Heflin, Donald L(AF1RSA); Houston, Robert B(AF/RSA); Wong, Eric M; Martinelli, Joseph
I
I
Q
Subject: Action request: Speaking to Konare about Katrina MREs
Ambassador Huddleston-
Don Yamamoto suggested I contact you directly for your help on driving a decision (hopefully positive) from Chairman
Konare to request the USG donate to the AU approximately 350K meals-ready-to-eat (MREs) that we received from
European donors for Hurricane Katrina. I
I
Eric Wong and Joe Martinelli have done outstanding work in briefing their AU counterparts and urging them to issue an
official request for these MREs for AMlS peacekeepers and staff in Darfur. There is a critical need for MREs for the
1
military observers and troops conducting patrols who often go for a full day without any meals. 'The AU staff seems to be
strongly interested. but it appears to be having a difficult time getting attention and action from the AU policy level.
We face an urgent time line -the 350K MREs are stored in a Little Rock warehouse whose lease expires on November 1
12. In order to move all the MREs from the warehouse by 11/12 -either to go to the AU or to destroy (see below) - we
need a decision from the AU by November 2.
The AU is now our only viable option for a productive use for the MREs. The alternative is to destroy -with the obvious
diplomatic and public affairs fallout. I
I
We are working with PM on resources for sea lift to the region (i,e., Addis, Djibouti, Port Sudan) and then on to Darfur.
I
Our need now is simply a front channel cable reporting an official AU request. I
I
The Executive Secretariat, EClR and AF all support the AU option, and all support your approach to Chairman Konare. I
am including further background below. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me at home through the Ops I
Center.
Thank you in advance,

Alan Yu
Deputy Director, EUR Omce of Policy and Global Issues

12/7/2005
- - ... .. ... . .. . . . UNCLASSIFIED --
Page 2 of 2
Backqround
-
There are about 343K MREs stored in Little Rock, of which approximately 330K are from UK, 9K - Russia, 7K Spain, 3K
- Germany, 800 - France. USG received nearly 500K MREs, and approximately 100K were distributed. - ..
WFP has taken 10K to distribute to its non-Muslim staff operating in Pakistan. We offered for broader Pakistan relief
operations, but we could not assure the meals were prepared halal.
I
Eric and Joe have informed the AU that the MRES contain beef and lamb (no known pork). Virtually all of the meat is from I
South America and New Zealand (small amounts of beef pate are from UK). Meat was from outside EU, but meals were
manufactured in EU-approved processing machinery within the EU. USDA regulations prevent import of any such meat
(BSE concerns).
We understand ALI had questions about halal, but we would urge it to consider making the MREs available to those AU
personnel for whom halal is not an issue.
The USG is currently looking into a number of options to cover transport costs. OFDA estimates:
Sealifl to Addis: ' $ 250,000-$300,000

Sealift to Darfur: $ 500,000 or more
Airlifl to Addis or Darfur: $3,000,000
UNCLASSIFIED
Norman, Alain G RELEASED IN FULL '
From: Yu, Alan K

Sent: Thursday, November 03,2005 7:28 AM
To: Wong, Eric M(Addis Ababa); Gonzales, Michael C
Cc: . Yamamoto, Donald Y; Reddick, Eunice S; Huddleston, Vicki J(Addis Ababa); Moran, Brian
R(ADDIS ABABA); Sullivan, Kevin K(Addis Ababa); McGeary, Catherine E(ADDIS ABABA);
Kenny, Kevin B; Cook, Nerissa J; Norman, Alain G
Subject: RE: MREs for AMlS
Eric-
No objection to civilian humanitarian relief, from the EUR perspective. Donor countries have given us the green light to
find the best good use. Cognizant of halal sensitivities -support whatever distribution decision makes sense on that end.
Can't recall if you saw separate email from Taiya earlier this week in which General Okonkwo affirmed his troops could
;
use MREs. i
We're working with PM and 10 on the UNPKO angle, but AMlS is option with best legs now.
Alan
From: Wong, Eric M

Sent: Thursday, November 03,2005 7:22 AM
To: Gonzales, Michael C(Main State Room 5240); Yu, Alan K(Main State)
Cc: Yamamoto, Donald Y(Main State Room 6234A); Reddick, Eunice S(Main State Room 5240); Huddleston, Vicki J;
Moran, Brian R; Sullivan, Kevin K; McGeary, Catherine E; Kenny, Kevin B( Room)
Subject: MREs for AMIS .I
AU has notlnot provlded a definltlve answer yet, but AU Peace and Security Commission Said Djinnit (contacted
this morning per STATE 202225) i s aware of our need for a response by COB today. Djinnit said he would follow up
I
today with AU Darfur Integrated Task Force (AUIDITF) Head Amb. Ki Doulaye and with AUIDITF's Commodore Mesfin.
with whom post has previously raised this issue.
Mesfin later contacted our AU-watcher Kate McGeary to note:

-- AU is concerned about its capacity to store 300,000+ MREs, as it does not want to "throw them away" either.
-- AU is considering using said MREs for "humanitarian relief' (i.e., for Christian Sudanese, vs. Muslim AU peace-
keepers). [NOTE: AU officials have previously voiced concern about providing non-halal MREs to Muslim AMlS troops in
a Muslim country.]
- Mesfin is seeking input from AMlS staff in the field (i.e., Darfur) on the feasibility of using these MREs as proposed.
Please let us know whether there i s anv USG obiection to AMlS using these MREs for "humanitarian relief' (vs.
consumption by AMlS troops). . .
A cultural note: While AU officials have stated they will follow up on our request today (they have been saying this for
days), note that today is Id Al Fetir (end of Ramadan), and that all AU principals involved (except Mesfin) are Muslim. Post
is therefore contacting Muslim AU principals on a key Muslim holiday to insist that the AU accept non-halal food for Muslim
troops in a Muslim country (Sudan).
Post would also like to suggest that If the AUlAMlS optlon does not work, Washington explore the possibility of
providing the MREs to either another UN PKO (e.g., MONUC, ONUB, in countries that are not Muslim, and for whom
non-halal food is therefore not an issue), or for famine relief in the Horn (e.g., Ethiopia itself).
From: Yamamoto, Donald Y

Sent: Wednesday, November 02, 2005 8:22 PM
To: Wong, Eric M(Addis Ababa); Sullivan, Kevin K(Addis Ababa); Gonzales, Michael C; Reddick, Eunice S
Cc: Garey, Nole H; Ofcansky, Thomas P; Bruno, Emily K (USUN); Meyer, Robin D; Huddleston, Vicki J(Addis Ababa);
Moran, Brian R(ADD1S ABABA); Becker, Daniel C(Addis Ababa); Kenny, Kevin 8; Yu, Alan K; Ranneberger, Michael E;
Snyder, Charles R
Subject: RE: Update on the situation in Addis
- .. UNCLASSIFIED
- -
UNCLASSIFIED ~
~ r i c thank
: you for update. Please note that the MRE issue is very pressing
and has the interest of everyone. Vicki is seekinglcalling Konare 'pecifically
on getting the storage facility available beyond the Nov 12 deadline. It is
cheaper to ship the MREs than destroy. We need AU decision quickly.
From: Wong, Er~cM
Sent: Wednesday, November 02, 2005 11:20 AM
To: Sullivan, Kev~nK; Gonzales, Michael C(Main State Room 5240); Yamamoto, Donald Y(Main State Room 6234A); Reddlck,
Eunice S(Maln State Room 5240)
Cc: Garey, Note H(Maln State Room 5240); Ofcansky, Thomas P(MS Rm 4534); Bruno, Em~lyK (USUN)(New York); Meyer, Robin
D(Main State Rm 6334); Huddleston, Vicki 3; Moran, Bnan R; Becker, Daniel C; Kenny, Kevin B( Room); Yu, Alan K(Maln State)
Subject: RE: Update on the s~tuationn Addis
(SBU) All regularly scheduled meetings on AMISIDarfur were cancelled today, due to reports of automatic weapons
fire near AUIDarfur Integrated Task Force (DITF) headquarters. We did notlnot get the opportunity to raise MREs
for AMlS with Konare, but have been promised a response by head of AUIDITF. Note, however, that tomorrow is a
national holiday (end of Ramadan), and civil unrest may continue. We understand that AUIDITF officials are awaiting
input from the field, and have therefore asked Embassy Khartoum to raise the MRE issue with AMlS officials there.
, \
- \'
h\ I LNCLASSIFIED
Oliva, Amber M z~d/a/
From:
I
Cliff Feldman [CFeldman@FoodforthePoor.com]
RELEASED IN PART
Sent:
To :
Saturday, December 17,2005 2:07 PM
Sinqer. Marsha L
B6
Cc: IioGe, Todd; Chan, Carol; Morrow, Michael K; Offutt, Denison K; Bass, John R (OPS);
McCarthy, Deborah A; Cohen, Harold(GC/DCHA)(RRB. 6.06-051);
Elizabeth.Katchka@dhs.gov;Gutherie, Peter A; Sonja.Nieuwejaar@dhs.gov;Mrozinski,
Lawrence G; Norman, Alain G
Subject: RE: MREs -Shipping plan
Hello to all,
Food For The Poor ship ove 5,000 containers a year and the process is a simple one. Of
course I have no product yet to ship but the detail of a shipment is a simple one. I have
two scenarios.
1- FFTP will send ocean going containers to the warehouse as many as can be loaded per
day. These containers are sealed at the warehouse and trucked tothe port (probably
Houston until I book I'm not certain) and await the vessel. They are loaded on the vessel
and then gone.
FFTP will-need someone involved in the loading to verify inventory, container and seal
numbers.
This is how FFTP usually moves cargo.
2- If there are no objections FFTP trucks the MREs to West Palm Terminal where they are
loaded into a smaller vessel holding approximately 1000 pallets. This vessel costs FFTP
much less then standard container cargo ships.
With the sensitivity of this donation the most secure form of shipping is scenario one and
I am certain that customs will prefer that method. Although the cost of scenario1 is more
then double FFTP will move the shipment in the method that customs feels most secure.
Thanks,
Any questions just call or email.
- - - - - Original Message-----
From: Singer, Marsha L [mailto:SingerML@state.gov]
Sent: Fri 12/16/2005 10:42 AM
To: Cliff Feldman
CC: Horne, Todd; Chan, Carol; Morrow, Michael K; Offutt, Denison K; Bass, John R
(OPS); McCarthy, Deborah A; Cohen, Harold(GC/DCHA) (RRB, 6.06-051);
Elizabeth.Katchka@dhs.gov; Gutherie, Peter A; Sonja.Nieuwejaar@dhs.gov; Mrozinski,
Lawrence G; Norman, Alain G
Subject: RE: MREs -summary of this mornings discussion
Cliff ,
I presume this means that you have verified with Haitian authorities
that they will permit the MREs into the country.
Just want to remind you that you need to advise on details of your plans
with regard to how the MREs will be picked up at the warehouse, and then
transported to a port and shipped out of the country. m e n though you
may not have dates, if you have a good idea of how the process will
work, that may be sufficient to relate to FSIS and Customs, to get their
processes rolling, so that the MREs can be released.
Marsha L. Singer
Economic/Commercial Officer
State Dept., Economics Bureau
Office of Agriculture Trade Policy
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT O F STATE 1
DATEICASE ID: 18 MAY 2007 200503991 UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
From: Cliff Feldman [mailto:CFeldmanOFoodforthe~oor.com]
Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2005 3:49 PM
To: Norman, Alain G
Cc: Singer, Marsha L; Horne, Todd; Chan, Carol; Morrow, Michael K;
Offutt, Denison K; Bass, John R (OPS); McCarthy, Deborah A; Cohen,
Harold(Gc/~CHA) (RRB, 6.06-051); Elizabeth.Katchka@dhs.gov; Gutherie,
Peter A; Sonja.NieuwejaarBdhs.gov; Mrozinski, Lawrence G
Hello to all,
I am ready to book the MREs for Haiti and perhaps some containers to one
or two other countries (depending on answers later today). What do I
need to do to begin this process.
1-How do we get them released and get Food For The Poor a donation ,
letter or paperwork with quantity, value, etc.
2-Haiti should NOT need phytos as the MREBs are processed and Haiti is a
non Phyto country.
3-I've been asked to ship them in three shipments if possible.
4- Any other questions that anyone has just let me know.
Let's get these.to hungry people.
Cliff
From: Norman, Alain G [mailto:NormanAG@state.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 3:27 PM
To: Cliff Feldman
Offutt,Denison K; Bass, John R (OPS); McCarthy, Deborah A; Cohen,
Harold(Gc/DCHA) (RRB, 6.06-051); Elizabeth.Katchka@dhs.gov; Gutherie,
Peter A; Sonja.Nieuwejaar@dhs.gov; Mrozinski, Lawrence G
Cliff,
Further to our conversation and your inquiry, please find attached two
docs which I trust will be helpful.
The first one summarizes our understanding of the situation regarding

the MREs and their contents. The second is a list of countries that
apparently do not ban UK beef (84 countries do, however), thanks to some
fast EB research.
I would add that, per OFDA, the following technical details regarding
the pallets of MREs might.be of interest:
- - The majority of the pallets measure 48" x 40" x 80".
- - The average weight is 930 kilograms (2,050 lbs) per pallet.
There were about 1,000 pallets left in Little Rock, before the WFP took
10,000 rations last month.
Best regards,
Alain
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
From: Cliff Feldman [mailto:CFeldman@FoodforthePoor.com]
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2005 1:18 PM
To: Singer, Marsha L; Horne, Todd; Chan, Carol; Morrow, Michael K;
Offutt, Denison K; Bass, John R (OPS)
Cc: Cohen, Harold(GC/DCHA) (RRB, 6.06-051); Katchka, Elizabeth; Gutherie,
Peter A; ~ieuwejaar,Sonja; normanag@state.gov
Everyone,
After speaking to Mr. Norman at State I await the MRE specs and a list
of countries that officially banned UK meat. If anyone has these items
it would be of great help in the movement of the MREs.
I cannot give you shipping info until I verify the country but I can
tell you that the MREs SHOULD all go out of the same port:I111 be in DC
if anyone needs me Tuesday and Wednesday. -cliff
- - - - -Original Message-----
Sent: Wed 12/7/2005 3 : 2 7 PM
To: Horne, Todd; Chan, Carol; Morrow, Michael K; Offutt, Denison
K; Bass, John R (OPS); Cliff Feldman
Cc: Cohen, Harold (GC/DCHA)(RRB, 6.06-051); Katchka, Elizabeth;
Gutherie , Peter A; Nieuwejaar , Sonja
I have received an update from USDA8s FSIS about inspection.

Unfortunately, Collazo now advises that he checked up his chain, but
because of the "sensitive" nature of the question, they don't want to
let anything out for inspection, even just one box.
With regard to the disposition question, Cliff will need to
' provide information to FSIS and to Customs as to Food for the Poor's
plans so that they can respond. From Todd's description, air shipment
seems unfeasible, but if everything is shipped out of one port, Customs
may feel more comfortable.
Marsha Singer 1
~conomic/ComrnercialOfficer
Agricultural Trade Policy
Economic Bureau/State Dept.
202-647-3424
From: Horne, Todd
Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2005 2:27,PM
To: Singer, Marsha L; Chan, Carol; Morrow, Michael K;
Offutt, Denison K; Bass, John R (OPS); cfeldman@foodforthepoor.com
Cc: Cohen, Harold (GC/DCHA) (RRB, 6.06-051); Katchka,
Elizabeth; Gutherie, Peter A; Nieuwejaar, Sonja
Hello,
I just wanted comment on one point in this email which

I've highlighted below.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCHAS SIFIED
Sushil advised that t e est case scenario would be one
plane out of Arkansas bound for Haiti, which would probably just require
filing of a shipper's export document in Arkansas.
The quantity of MREfs comes to approximately 1,000

pallets weighing 930 metric tons (over two million pounds).
To move this cargo from Little Rock to Haiti via air

would
probably require 7 x 747 freighters!
I would estimate that each 747 would cost approximately

$ 200,000 each, for a total of 1.4 million.
If the cargo were to move via surface, it would probably

require 50 x 40 foot containers. The cost per container would probably
fall in the $ 2,500 to $ 3,000 range for a total cost in the $ 125,000 -
$ 150,000 range.
Please note that the transport charges are estimates but

they should be in the ballpark.
I just want to make sure everyone is on the same page

and that everyone realizes the scope of the project.
Thanks,
Todd Horne
uSAID/OFDA Logistics
From: Singer, Marsha L (HST)
To: Chan, Carol; Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-O/CMS); Offutt,
Denison K(S/ES-O/CMS); Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0);
cfeldman@foodforthepoor.com
Cc: Cohen, Harold(GC/DCHA); Katchka, Elizabeth;
Gutherie, Peter A(3422 Main State); Horne, Todd; Nieuwejaar, Sonja
I have spoken with the FSIS officer, Robert Collazo and

the Customs Officer, Tim Sushil. They advise as follows:
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
FSIS: We need to send ~ o b e r tCollazo an e-mail (to
roberto.collazoBfsis.usda.gov) explaining what we intend to do with the
MREs, both in terms of needing to take out a box for inspection and in
terms of the ultimate goal of turning the MREs over to Food for the
Poor, more
specifically:
Inspection: Our information should include how much

product would be taken out, when it would be taken out, what laboratory
it would go to, and what would be done with the food that had not been
tested.
Ultimate disposal: Explain the details of what will

ultimately be done with the MREs, i.e., that State will assume ownership
of the MREs, which would then be given to Food for the Poor, which
intends to take all of them to Haiti for distribution. Include details
on how and when Food for the Poor would take possession and transport to
Haiti, incl time frames, if known.
He will send the info up his chain so that he can

approve release of the MREs. Carol, can you work on this?
CUSTOMS: Customs would like more details on how Food

for the Poor intends to transport the MREs to Haiti. Sushil advised
that the best case scenario would be one plane out of Arkansas bound for
Haiti, which would probably just require filing of a shipper's export
document in Arkansas. However,,if the shipment is to be broken up and
sent out of different ports, other requirements, such as use of bonded
shippers, may be
imposed. Tim had no problem with taking a box out for inspection, so
long
as FSIS approves it.
Cliff, please send an e-mail with more detailed plans

for shipment of the MREs and I will forward to Sushil for a response.
.Let me know if you have .any questions.
Marsha
From: Singer, Marsha L
To: Chan, Carol; Morrow, Michael K; Offutt,
Denison K; Bass, John R (OPS); cfeldman@foodforthepoor.com
Cc: Cohen, Harold(GC/DCHA) (RRB, 6.06-051);
Katchka, Elizabeth; Gutherie, Peter A;. Horne, Todd; Nieuwejaar, Sonja
Subject: RE: MREs -summary of this mornings
5
UNCLASSIFIED
discussion
UNCLASSIFIED
Just want to clarify that I leave following up
on whether Haiti will or will not allow importation of the MREs due to
BSE or other food safety concerns, to Cliff Feldman. I had previously
researched the issue, received a response that it would not, and
attached the e-mail received from the USDA officer in Haiti in my prior
e-mail, so that Cliff
can pursue this issue himself. I will followup with FSIS, which has
,detained the MREs, and Customs as to procedures for release.
Marsha
From: Chan, Carol
To: Morrow, Michael K; Singer, Marsha L;
Cc : Cohen, ~arold (Gc/DCHA)(RRB,
6.06-051); Katchka, Elizabeth; Gutherie, Peter A; Horne, Todd;
Nieuwejaar , Sonja
Subject: MREs -summary of this mornings
discussion
Telcon 9:00 a.m.
Attendees: Denny Offutt, Cliff Seldman,

Marsha Singer and Carol Chan
The purpose of the meeting were:
1. Clear up any misunderstandings
2. Articulate concerns related to the
3. Next steps
Essentially, it is understood the

concerns associated with the MREs which were donated by the UK. The meat
products were deemed impermissible by USDA and some of the MREs will
begin to expire in March of '06.
Food for the Poor stated they are

willing to accept the MREs.
The following actions need to be done in

order to finalize the movement of the MREs.
1. Denny Offutt will talk to John Bass

regarding diplomatic protocols for the MREs to enter Haiti.
6
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
2 . Marsha will follow up on importation

of the meat products. Pls see email attached
3. Carol will find out the following: a)

Are the MREs separated by date, answer no. When the MREs arrived they
were offloaded as is, no separation was performed since it was
envisioned they would be quickly redeployed; b) provide weight and
volume of the MREs, pls see attach email from Logistics Officer; c ) Will
the contractor extend the lease by about 2 weeks, answer, the office
assistant said it would not be a problem however the big boss will be in
tomorrow and he can provide the final decision.
4 . Transfer of the ownership of the

MREs, from FEMA to State to Food for the Poor. State and FEMA legal will
need to work this out. Hal Cohen reminded me that there were two
options that were discussed earlier: a) F E transfers
~ ownership to
State who issues an in-kind grant to Food for the Poor, or b FEMA
rescinds (not sure if this is the correct term) their custody/ownership,
State takes custody and issues an in-kind grant.
Recent developments: I have an ernail

from FEMA indicating State will take over the lease. Does this mean that
State will also take custody of the MRES too? Who has the authority to
allow an MRE package to be tested by Food for the Poor so they can prove
due diligence?
Pls provide
'
comrnents/corrections/additions if necessary. Thanks to all that

participated. Regards, Carol
UNCLASSIFIED
- I UNCLASSIFIED
Oliva, Amber M
From: Gutherie,Peter A
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2006 2:03PM RELEASED IN PART
To: , or row, l Bass, John R (OPS)
~ i c h a eK;
B5
From: Cohen, Harold (GC/DCHA)

Sent: Friday, January 20, 2006'12:27 PM I
To: Chan, Carol; Bebeau, Rene L(Main State); ~ r a u b ,Herbert S(Vienna); Horne, Todd;
Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-O/CMS)
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Norman, Alain G (Main State) ; Oberndorfer, Gerald J (Main State); Yu, Alan
K(Main State); Brink, Bridget A(Tbi1isi) ; Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0); Kasanof,
Alexander(Main State); Stavropoulos, Daphne Z; Sibilla, ~hristopherA(Vienna); Hanish,
Patrick; Gutherie, Peter A(3422 Main State)
If I recallcorrectly, today is the day that we are to receive disposition instructions

from FEMA. If State does want to extend the lease, it will be necessary to extend the
current arrangement. Specifically, State will need (1) to have FEMA issue instructions to
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE 1
UNC&+SSIFI&P
USAID under the mission assignment to exten ease an ) to amend the current
reimbursement with USAID for the extended period. Have there been any discussions with
FEMA about this?
From: Chan, Carol
State); Traub, Herbert S (Vienna); Horne, odd; Morrow,
TO : Bebeau, Rene L ( ~ a i n
Michael K (S/ES-O/CMS)
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Norman, lain G(Main State); Oberndorfer, Gerald main State); Yu,
Alan K(Main state); Brink, ~ridgetA(Tbi1isi); Bass, John R (oPS)(S/ES-0); as an of,
~lexander(~ain State); Stavropoulos, Daphne Z; Sibilla, ~hristopherA(~ienna);~anish,
Patrick; Cohen, Harold (GC/DCHA)
Hi Folks, Given decisions are still being made, does State want to extend the
warehouse lease again? Just wondering.
Hal, Do you have any thoughts for the.group?
From: Bebeau, Rene L(Main State)
To : Traub, Herbert S (Vienna); Horne, Todd;, Morrow, Michael K (S/ES-O/CMS)
J(Main State); Yu, Alan main State); Brink, rid get A(~bi1isi);Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-
0); Kasanof, Alexander(Main State); Stavropoulos, Daphne Z; sibilla, Christopher
A (Vienna); Hanish, Patrick
I have just been told by the NATO side of RPM that the Dominican Republic,
which was going to take the other MREs, has dropped the ball. We would now like Georgia
and OSCE to take more of them, even all (approximately 250,000). Is there interest in
this (and funding?).
Rene
Rene BeBeau
EUR/RPM
202-736-7291

2
UNCLASSIFIED
To: Horne, Todd; Morrow,
J(Main State); Yu, Alan K(Main State); Brink, Bridget A(Tbi1isi); Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-
0); Kasanof, Alexander (Main State); Bebeau, Rene L(Main State) ; Stavropoulos, Daphne 2 ;
Sibilla, Christopher A; Hanish, Patrick
Kit
From: Horne, Todd
To : Morrow, Michael K (S/ES-O/CMS); Traub, ~erbert.S(Vienna)
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alain G(Main state); Oberndorfer,
Gerald J(Main State); Yu, Alan K(Main State); Brink, Bridget ~ ( ~ b i l i s i )Bass,
; John R
(OPS)(S/ES-0);Kasanof, ~lexander(~ain State); Bebeau, Rene L(Main State); Stavropoulos,
Daphne 2 ; Sibilla, Christopher A(Vienna); ~anish,patrick
Hello Mike,
Based on the information we have, 75,000 MREs would require

approximately 11 x 40' containers.
Each skid holds approximately 340 Meals and you should be able to stow
20 skids (or pallets) on 1 x 40' container.
Each skid measures approximately 48" ,x 40" x 80".
20 x 340 meals = 6,800 per container - - - 6,800 meals per container x I

11 containers = 74,800 meals. Please note that every skid/pallet isn't uniform so these I
numbers could vary a bit, but they should be pretty close.
The transport shouldn't cost more than $ 50,000. We called a few

carriers last weekand the average price we received fell in the $ 4,000 to $ 4,500 range
per 40' container. This included pickup in Little Rock, Arkansas, container drayage to
East Cost USA and ocean freight to Poti, Georgia. Please note that this doesn't include
Please let me know if you and/or your colleagues need anything else.
Regards,
Todd
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Todd Horne
Logistics Officer

Tel # (202) 712-0234
Fax # (202) 216-3399
From: Morrow, Michael K (S/ES-O/CMS)
Cc: Stitt, Tony; Chan, Carol; Norman, Alain G(Main State); Oberndorfer,
Gerald J(Main State); Yu, Alan K(Main State); Brink, Bridget A(Tbi1isi); Bass, John R
(OPS) (S/ES-0); Kasanof, Alexander (Main State); Bebeau, Rene L (Main State) ; Stavropoulos,
Daphne Z; Sibilla, Christopher A(Vienna); Hanish, Patrick
Todd :
Kit Traub of USOSCE Vienna (cc'd above) is working with OSCE officials
on logistics for getting a portion of the MREs (75,000) from ~itt'leRock to Georgia. To
set the price with their carrier, OSCE needs to know the size and weight of the shipment
(for 75,000 MREs) and where it is coming from.
Thanks,
Mike
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
O'Herron, Petra C @g%
From: CMS TaskForcel LoggerA
Sent: Friday, September 09.2005 12:47 PM RELEASED IN FULL
To: Davidson, Terry R; Keefe, Lisbeth; Cekuta, Robert F
Cc: EUR-AGS-DL; TaskForce-I
Subject: FW: EuropeanlNATO MREs inspection completed and released from LR
Importance: High
The latest we have on the MRE issue is below. 1.e.. that all MREs already in the USA have been
inspectedlclearedlreleased. FEMA has decided that'there is no further need for MREs - what we have received to date is
sufficient for our needs. Therefore, at this time, FEMA is noVnot accepting further donations of MREs, although that could
,change in the weeks ahead if the situation warrants.
Taskforce just took a call from Embassy Berlin indicating that local media had picked up on the earlier version of this story,
i.e., that the MREswere "quarantined." It is incorrect to characterize this earlier situation as a "quarantine" - it was just a
routine inspection and now it is solved.
David Fisher
Tas kforce (and EURIAGS)
4 g i n a l Message---
From: (MS TaskForcelE
Sent: Friday, September 09,2005 11:05 AM
To: TaskForce-1; Bass, John R (OPS)
Subject: EuropeanfNATO MREs inspecth completed and released from LR
Good Newsl
The MREs from EuropeanlNATO partners have been inspected, cleared and released for distribution, per.Michael Kelly at
USDA Operations. (Phone message from Todd Horne OFDA Logistics 1100 090905)

DATEICASE ID: 22 SEP 2006 200503991 . UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Oliva, Amber M ----. -
KELCN3ElJ 1
1
- 1
From:. Cliff Feldman [CFeldman@FoodforthePoor.com]
Sent: Saturdav. December 17.2005 2:14 PM B6
To: Chan. Carol; Singer, ~ a r s h aL
Cc: Horne, Todd; Morrow, Michael K; Offutt, Denison K; Bass, John R (OPS); McCarthy, Deborah
A; Cohen, Harold(GC/DCHA)(RRB, 6.06-051); Elizabeth.Katchka@dhs.gov;Gutherie, Peter
A; Sonja.Nieuwejaar@dhs.gov;Mrozinski, Lawrence G; Norman, Alain G
Hi all again,
You may need this info for your conversation FSIS ... I am hearing from all of my friends
at Interaction that the MREs may be split between many NGOs and so real numbers are
difficult at this time. Hopefully Monday we'll have a better idea of,who is taking how
many. I cannot promise countries product until I have it. You all understand that I do not
want to dissapoint any government officials. My best guess is below.
Food For The Poor plans to distribute the.MREs as follows:

350,000 MREs = 1100 pallets or 50 containers.
At this time FFTP plans on sending 350,000 MREs to Cap Haitien, Haiti.
I await feedback communications with Grenada, Guatemala and Honduras.
-
If those countries request some product then FFTP would send approximately 50,000 MREs to
each country leaving 200,000 for Haiti.
If FFTP receives less then expected say 120,000 then all will be sent into Haiti.
Thank you and best regards,

Cliff ~eldman
- - - - -original Message--:--
From: Chan, Carol [mailto:cchan@USAID.GOV]
Sent: Fri 12/16/2005 12:24 PM
To: Singer, Marsha L (HST); Cliff Peldman
Cc: Horne, Todd; Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-O/CMS); Offutt, Denison K(S/ES-0/CMS); Bass,
John R (OPS)(S/ES-0); McCarthy, Deborah A(WHA/FO) ; Cohen, Harold(GC/DCHA);
Elizabeth.Katchka@dhs.gov; Gutherie, Peter A(3422 Main State); Sonja.Nieuwejaar@dhs.gov;
Mrozinski, Lawrence G(Main State Rm 5323); Norman, Alain G(Main State)
Subject: RE: MREs -summary of this mornings discussion,
Hi Marsha and Cliff,

To underscore Marsha's points below, Todd Horne our logistics officer
said that FSIS, Robert Bane called and they are going to require some
detail about the shipment. This needs to come from the Agency who is
brokering this deal with the NGO in the form of a memorandum and sent to
William C. Smith who works at USDA Washington. Specifically, this memo
should be addressed to Mr. William C. Smith who is the Assistant
Administrator for FSIS' Office of Program Evaluation, Enforcement, and
Review. The memo should include all details concerning the exact
destination of the product, how the product will be shipped and
controlled during shipment, the proposed date of shipment, amount of
product to be shipped, and any other information you can provide. Mr.
Smith can be reached at 202-720-8803 or e-mailed at
~mailto:William.Smith@fsis.usda.gov> William.Srnith@fsis.usda.gov. If
you have any problems contacting Mr. Smith, please contact Robert Q.
Bane, USDA/FSIS/OPEER/CID Tel. (501) 324-5887.
Happy ~olidays,Carol
UNCLASSIFIED
Sent: ~ r i d a ~December
, 16, 2005 10:43 AM
To: Cliff Feldman
Cc: Horne, Todd; Chan, Carol; Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-0/CMS); Offutt,
Denison K(S/ES-O/CMS); Bass, John R (OPS)(s/ES-0); McCarthy, Deborah
A(wHA/Fo); Cohen, Harold(Gc/DCH~);Elizabeth.Katchka@dhs.gov; Gutherie,
Peter A(3422 Main State); Sonja.Nieuwejaar@dhs.gov; Mrozinski, Lawrence
G(Main State Rm 5323); Norman, Alain G(Main State)
Cliff,
I presume this means that you have verified with Haitian authorities
that they will permit the MREs into the country.
Just want to remind you that you need to advise on details of your plans
with regard to how the MREs will be picked up at the warehouse, and then
transported to a port and shipped out of the country. Even though you
may not have dates, if you have a good idea of how the process will
work, that may be sufficient to relate to FSIS and Customs, to get their
processes rolling, so that the MREs can be released.'
Marsha L. Singer
State Dept., Economics Bureau
Office of Agriculture Trade Policy
(202) 647-3424
-'

Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2005 3 : 4 9 PM
To: Norman, Alain G
CC: Singer, Marsha L; Horne, Todd; Chan, Carol; Morrow, Michael K;
Harold(GC/DCHA) (RRB, 6.06-051); Elizabeth.Katchka@dhs.gov; Gutherie,
Hello to all,
I am ready to book the MREs for Haiti and perhaps some containers to one
or two other countries (depending on answers later today). What do I
need to do to begin this process.
1-How do we get them released and get Food For The Poor a donation
letter or paperwork with quantity, value, etc. 2-Haiti should NOT need
phytos as the MRE1s are processed and Haiti is a non Phyto country.
3-I've been asked to ship them in three shipments if possible.
4- Any other questions that anyone has just let me know.
Let's get these to hungry people.
Cliff
From: Norman, Alain G [mailto:NormanAG@state.gov]
To: Cliff Feldman .
Harold(GC/DCHA) (RRB, 6.06-051); Elizabeth.KatchkaOdhs.gov; Gutherie,
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Cliff,
Further to our conversation and your inquiry, please find attached two
docs which I trust will be helpful.
The first one summarizes our understanding of the situation regarding

the MREs and their contents. The second is a list of countries that
apparently do not ban UK beef (84 countries do, however) , thanks to some
fast EB research.
I would add that, per OFDA, the following technical details regarding
the pallets of MREs might be of interest:
- - The majority of the pallets measure 48" x 40" x 80".
-- The average weight is 930 kilograms (2,050 lbs) per pallet.
Best regards,
Alain
From: Cliff Feldman [mailto:CFeldmanBFoodforthePoor.com]
Sent: on day, December 12, 2005 1:18 PM
To:' Singer, Marsha L; Horne, Todd; Chan, ~arol;Morrow,Michael K;
Offutt, Denison K; Bass, John R (OPS)
Peter A; Nieuwejaar, Sonja; normanagG3state.gov
Subject: RE: MREs -summary ofthis mornings discussion
Everyone,
After speaking to Mr. Norman at State I await the MRE specs and a list
of countries that officially banned UK meat. If anyone has these items
it would be of great help in the movement of the MREs. I cannot give you
shipping info until I verify the country but I can tell you that the
MREs SHOULD all go out of the same port. 1111be in DC if anyone needs
me Tuesday and Wednesday. -cliff
- - - - - Original Message-- - - -
Sent: Wed 12/7/2005 3:27 PM
To: Horne, Todd; Chan, Carol; Morrow, Michael K; Offutt, Denison
K; Bass, John R (OPS); Cliff Feldman
Cc: Cohen, Harold(GC/DCHA)(RRB, 6.06-051); Katchka, Elizabeth;
Gutherie, Peter A; Nieuwejaar, Sonja
I have received an update from USDA1s FSIS about inspection.

Unfortunately, Collazo now advises that he checked up his chain, but
because of the llsensitivell
nature of the question, they don't want to
let anything out for inspection, even just one box.
With regard to the disposition question, Cliff will need to
provide information to FSIS and to Customs as to Food for the Poor's
plans so that they can respond. From Todd's description, air shipment
seems unfeasible, but if everything is shipped out of one port, Customs
may feel more comfortable.
Marsha Singer
3
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Economic/~omrnercialOfficer
Economic Bureau/State Dept-
202-647-3424
-----OriginalMessage-----
From: Horne, Todd
Offutt, Denison K; Bass, John R (bps); cfeldman@foodforthepoor~com
Cc: Cohen, Harold (GC/DCHA)(RRB, 6.06-051) ; Katchka,
~lizabeth;Gutherie, Peter A; -~ieuwejaar,Sonja
Hello,
I just wanted comment on one point in this email which

I've highlighted below.
Sushi1 advised that the best case scenario would be one

plane out of Arkansas bound for Haiti, which would probably just require
filing of a shipper6s export document in Arkansas.
The quantity of MRE6s comes to approximately 1,000

pallets weighing 930 metric tons (over two million pounds).
To move this cargo from Little Rock to Haiti via air

would
I would estimate that each 747 would cost approximately
$ 200,000 each, for a total of 1.4 million.

require 50 x 40 foot containers. The cost per container would probably
fall in the $ 2,500 to $ 3,000 range for a total cost in the $ 125,000 -
$ 150,000 range.

they should be in the ballpark. .
I just want to make sure everyone is on the same page

and that everyone realizes the scope of the project.
Thanks,
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Todd Horne
USAID/OFDA Logistics
To: Chan, Carol; Morrow, Michael K(s/ES-o/CMS); Offutt,
Denison K(S/ES-O/CMS) ; Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0);
Cc: Cohen, ~ a r o l d ( G c / ~ c ~Katchka,
~); Elizabeth;
Gutherie, Peter A(3422 Main State); Horne, Todd; Nieuwejaar, Sonja
I have spoken with the FSIS officer, Robert Collazo and

the Customs Officer, Tim Sushil. They advise as follows:
FSIS: We need to send Robert Collazo an e-mail (to

roberto.collazo.@fsis.usda.gov) explaining what we intend to do with the
MREs, both in terms of needing to take out a box for inspection and in
terms of the ultimate goal of turning the MREs over to Food for the
Poor, more
specifically:
Inspection: Our information should include how much

product would be taken out, when it would be taken out, what laboratory
it would go to, and what would be done with the food that had not been
tested.
Ultimate disposal: ~ x ~ l a ithe

n details of what will
ultimately be done with the MREs, i.e., that State will assume ownership
of the MREs, which would then be given to Food for the Poor, which '
intends to take all of them to Haiti for distribution. Include details
on how and when Food for the Poor would take possession and transport to
Haiti, incl time frames, if known.
He will send the info up his chain so that he can

approve release of the MREs. Carol, can you work on this?
CUSTOMS: Customs would like more details on how Food

for the Poor intends to transport the MREs to Haiti. Sushil advised
that the best case scenario would be one plane out of Arkansas bound for
Haiti, which would probably just require filing of a shipper's export
document in Arkansas. However, if the shipment is to be broken up and
sent out of different ports, other requirements, such as use of bonded
shippers, may be
imposed. Tim had no problem with taking a box out for inspection, so
1ong
5
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Cliff, please send an e-mail with more detailed plans

for shipment of the MREs and I will forward to Sushi1 for a response.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Marsha
- - - - - Original
Message-----
Sent: Tuesday, December.06, 2005 6:03 PM .
To: Chan, Carol; Morrow, Michael K; Offutt,
Denison K; Bass, John R (OPS); cfeldman@foodforthepoor.com
Cc: Cohen, Harold(GC/DCHA)(RRB, 6.06-051);
Katchka, Elizabeth; Gutherie, Peter A; Horne, Todd; Nieuwejaar, Sonja
discussion
Just want to clarify that I leave following up
on whether,Haitiwill or will not allow importation of the MREs due to
BSE or other food safety concerns, to Cliff Feldman. I had previously
researched the issue, received a response that it would not, and
attached the e-mail received from the USDA officer in Haiti in my prior
e-mail, so that Cliff
detained the MREs, and Customs as to procedures for release.
Marsha
From: Chan, Carol
Cc : Cohen, Harold (GC/DCHA)(RRB,
6.06-051); Katchka, Elizabeth; Gutherie, Peter A; Horne, Todd;
Nieuwejaar, Sonja
discussion
Telcon 9:00 a.m.

Marsha Singer and carol Chan

6
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
2. Articulate concerns related to the
MREs
L
3. Next steps
Essentially, it is understood the

concerns associated with the MREs which were donated by the UK. The meat
products were deemed impermissible by USDA and some of the MREs will
begin to expire in March of '06.
Food for the Poor stated they are

willing to accept the MREs.
The following actions need to be done in


regarding diplomatic protocols for the MREs to enter Haiti.
2. Marsha will follow up on importation

of the meat products. Pls see email attached
3. Carol will find out the following: a)

Are the MREs separated by date, answer no. When the MREs arrived they
were offloaded as is, no separation was performed since it was
envisioned they would be quickly redeployed; b) provide weight and
volume of the MREs, pls see attach email from Logistics Officer; c) Will
the contractor extend the lease by about 2 weeks, answer, the office
assistant said it would not be a problem however the big boss will be in
tomorrow and he can provide the final,decision.
4. Transfer of the ownership of the

MREs, from FEMA to State to Food for the Poor. State and FEMA legal will
need to work this out. Hal Cohen reminded me that there were two
options that were discussed earlier: a) FEMA transfers ownership to
State who issues an in-kind grant to Food for the Poor, or b FEMA
rescinds (not sure if this is the correct term) their custody/ownership,
State takes custody and issues an in-kind grant.
Recent developments: I have an email

from f E v indicating State will take over the lease. Does this mean that
State will also take custody of the MRES too? Who has the authority to
allow an MRE package to be tested by Food for the Poor so they can prove
due diligence?
Pls provide
cornments/corrections/additions if necessary. Thanks to all that
participated. Regards, Carol
7
UNCLASSIFIED
\ '
UNCLASSIFIED I
Oliva, Amber M
~rom: Cliff Feldman ICFeldman~FoodforthePoor.coml RELEASED IN PART
Sent: Tuesday, DecLmber 13,2:05 4:13 PM B6
To: Norman, Alain G
Cc: Singer, Marsha L; Horne, Todd; Chan, Carol; Morrow, Michael K; Offutt, Denison K; Bass.
John R (OPS); McCarthy, Deborah A; Cohen, Harold(GCIDCHA)(RRB, 6.06-051);
Lawrence G
After reading the email from Alain I believe that FFTP can move quickly on this donation.
I've already spoken to Haiti and will have an answer Thursday and I met with the
Ambassador Antoine of Grenada. They have no ban on UK beef. He will gladly accept all we
can send. So now perhaps splitting them between two or three countries would be best for
quick usage.
1'11 have all definate answers Thursday a n d b e ready to ship asap.
I've gotten emails from Interaction and over ten other NGOs about these mres ...Are other
organizations taking them all/parts... it is important for me to know so that when they end
up all over the place FFTP is not blamed. Weare very careful about'such things with a
sensitive donation.
Cliff
From: Cliff Feldman
Sent: Tue 12/13/2005 3:40 PM
To: Norman, Alain G
Cc: Singer, Marsha L; Horne, Todd; Chan, Carol; Morrow, Michael K; Offutt, Denison
K; Bass, John R (OPS); McCarthy, Deborah A; Cohen, Harold(QC/DCHA) (RRB, 6.06-051);
Lawrence G
Thank you Alain 1'11 have answers quickly now for you all.
Cliff .
I
From: Norman, Alain G [mailto:NormanAGOstate.gov]

Sent: Tue 12/13/2005 3:27 PM
To: Cliff Feldman
Cc: Singer, Marsha L; Horne, Todd; Chan, Carol; Morrow, Michael K; Offutt,
Denison K; Bass, John R (OPS); McCarthy, Deborah A; Cohen, Harold (GC/DCHA)(RRB, 6.06-051);
Lawrence G
Cliff,
Further to our conversation and your inquiry, please find attached two docs
which I trust will be helpful.
The first one summarizes our understanding of the situation regarding the
MREs andtheir contents. The second is a 'list of countries that apparently
do not ban UK beef (84 countries'do,however), thanks to some fast EB
research.
I would add that, per OFDA, the following technical details regarding the
pallets of MREs might be of interest:
- - The majority of the pallets measure 48" x 40" x 80t1.

- - The average weight is 930 kl
? ograms
P J c L ~ ~ , 8 ~ ~ pallet.
~ ~ ~ p e r
Best regards,
Alain
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2005 1:18 PM
To: Singer, Marsha L; Horne, Todd; Chan, Carol; Morrow, Michael K; Offutt,
Denison K; Bass, John R (OPS)
Peter A; Nieuwejaar, Sonja; normanag@state .gov
Everyone,
After speaking to Mr. Norman at State I await the MRE specs and a list of
countries that officially banned UK meat. If anyone has these items it would
be of great help in the movement of the MREs.
I cannot give you shipping info until I verify the country but I can tell
you that the MREs SHOULD all go out of the same ort. 1'11 be in DC if
anyone needs me Tuesday and Wednesday. -Cliff
Sent: wed 12/7/2005 3:27 PM
To: Horne, Todd; Chan, Carol; Morrow, Michael K; Offutt, Denison K;
Bass, John R (OPS); Cliff Feldrnan
Cc: Cohen, Harold(GC/DCHA) (RRB, 6.06-051); Katchka, Elizabeth;
Gutherie, Peter A; Nieuwejaar, Sonja
I have received an update'from USDArs FSIS about inspection.

Unfortunately, Collazo now advises that he checked up his chain, but because
of the I1sensitive"nature of the question, they don't want to let anything
out for inspection, even just one box.
With regard to the disposition question, Cliff will need to provide
information to FSIS and to Customs as to Food for the Poor's plans so that
they can respond. From Todd's description, air shipment seems unfeasible,
but if everything is shipped out of one port, Customs may feel more
comfortable.
Marsha Singer
Economic Bureau/State Dept.
202-647-3424
- - - - - Original ~essage-----
From: Horne, Todd
Cc: Cohen, Harold (GC/DCHA)(RRB, 6.06-051); Katchka,
Elizabeth; Gutherie, 'PeterA; Nieuwejaar, Sonja
. Subject: RE: MREs -summary of this mornings discussion
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Hello,
I just wanted comment on one point in this email which I've

highlighted below.
Sushi1 advised that the best case scenario would be one

planeout of Arkansas bound for Haiti, which would probably just require
firing of a shipper's export document in Arkansas.
The quantity of MRE's comes to approximately 1,000 pallets

weighing 930 metric tons (over two million pounds).
To move this cargo from Little Rock to Haiti via air would
I would estimate that each 747 would cost approximately $
200,000 each, for a total of 1.4 million.

' require 50 x 40 foot containers. The'cost per container would probably fall
in the $ 2,500 to $ 3,000 range for a total cost in the $ 125,000 - $
150,000 range. I

they should be in the ballpark.
I just want to make sure everyone is on the same page and

that everyone realizes the scope of the project.
Thanks,
Todd Horne
USAID/OFDA Logistics
. - - - - - Original Message--'---
From : Singer, Marsha L (HST)
To: Chan, Carol; Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-O/CMS); Offutt,
Denison K(S/ES-O/CMS); Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0);
Cc: Cohen, Harold(GC/DCHA); Katchka, Elizabeth;'Gutherie,
3
UNCLASSIFIED
peter A (3422
UNCLASSlFIED
Main State) ; Horne, Todd; Nieuwejaar, sonja
I have spoken with the FSIS officer, Robert Collazo and the
Customs Officer, Tim Sushil. They.advise as follows:
FSIS: We need to send Robert Collazo an e-mail (to

roberto.collazo@fsis.usda.gov) explaining what we intend to do with the
MREs, both in terms of needing to take out a box for inspection and in terms
of the ultimate goal of turning the MREs over to Food for the Poor, more
specifically:
Inspection: Our information should include how much product

would be taken out, when it would be taken out, what laboratory it would go
to, and what would be done with the food'that had not been tested.
Ultimate disposal: Explain the details of what will

ultimately be done with the MREs, i.e., that State will assume ownership of
the MREs, which would then be given to Food for the Poor, which intends to
take all of them to Haiti for distribution. Include details on how and when :
Food for the Poor would take possession,and transport to Haiti, incl time
frames, if known.
He will send the info up his chain so that he can approve

release of the MREs. Carol, can you work on this?
CUSTOMS: Customs would like more details on how Food for

the Poor intends to transport the MREs to Haiti. .Sushi1 advised that the
best case scenario would be one plane out of Arkansas bound for Haiti, which
would probably just require filing of a shipper's export document in
Arkansas. However, if the shipment is to be broken up and sent out of
different ports, other requirements, such as use of bonded shippers, may be
imposed. Tim had no problem with taking a box out for inspection, so long
Cliff, please send an e-mail with more detailed plans for

shipment of the MREs and I will forward to Sushil for a response.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Marsha
4
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
To: Chan, Carol; Morrow, Michael K; Offutt, Denison
K; Bass, John R (OPS); cfeldman8foodforthepoor.com
Cc: Cohen, Harold (GC/DCHA)(RRB, 6.06-051); Katchka,
Elizabeth; Gutherie, Peter A; Horne, Todd; Nieuwejaar, Sonja
discussion
Just want to clarify that I leave following up on
whether Haiti will or will not allow importation of the MREs due to BSE or
other food safety concerns, to Cliff Feldman. I had previously researched
the issue, received a response that it would not, andattached the e-mail
received from the USDA officer in Haiti in my prior e-mail, so that Cliff
detained the MREs, and Customs as to procedures for release.
Marsha
From: Chan, Carol
Cc: Cohen, Harold (GC/DCHA)(RRB, 6.06-051);
Katchka, Elizabeth; Gutherie, Peter A; Horne, Todd; Nieuwejaar, Sonja
discussion
Telcon 9:00 a.m. 1

Marsha Singer and Carol Chan
I
2. Articulate concerns related to the MREs

I
3. Next,steps
Essentially, it is understood the concerns

associated with the MREs which were donated by the UK. The meat products
were deemed impermissible byUSDA and some of the MREs will begin to expire
in March of '06.
Food for the Poor stated they are willing to

accept the MREs.
The following actions need to bedone in

5
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
regarding diplomatic protocols for the MRES to enter Haiti.
2. Marsha will follow up on importation of

the meat products. Pls see email attached
3. Carol will find out the following: a) Are

the MREs separated by date, answer no. When the MREs arrived they were
offloaded as is, no separation was performed since it was envisioned they
would be quickly redeployed; b) provide weight and volume of the MREs, pls
see attach email from Logistics Officer; c) Will the contractor extend the
.lease by about 2 weeks; answer, the office assistant said it would not be a
problem however the big,boss will be in tomorrow and he can provide the
final decision.
4 . Transfer of the ownership of the MREs,

from FEMA to State to Food for the Poor. State and FEMA legal will need to
work this out. Hal Cohen reminded me that there were two options that were
discussed earlier: a) FEMA transfers ownership to State who issues an
in-kind grant to Food for the Poor, or b FEMA rescinds (not sure if this is
the correct t e h ) their custody/ownership, State takes custody and issues an
in-kind grant.
Recent developments: I have an email from

FEMA indicating State will take over the lease. Does this mean that State
will also take custody of the MRES too? Who has the authority to allow an I
MRE package to be tested by Food for the Poor so they can prove due I
diligence?
II
I
I
Pls 'provide comments/corrections/additions
if necessary. Thanks to all that participated. Regards, Carol
6
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Oliva, Amber M
From: Tucker, Kelly J

Sent:
To :
Thursday, December 01,2005 11:49 AM
Morrow. Michael K
RELEASED IN FULL
Subject: RE: couple follow-up questions re MREs
Thanks, however, AF/S still says no b/c they are not acceptable in the US
To: Tucker, Kelly J
Subject: FW: Couple follow-up questions re MREs
fyi
To: Singer, Marsha L; Morrow, Michael K; Chan, Carol
Subject: RE: Couple follow-up questions re MREs
The expert on GMOs in our office confirms there are no comercially available
genetically modied meats, so none would be in the MREs. Genetically modified product,^
are normally plant products such as corn, wheat, etc. I don't know what type of
assurances we can give them though.
Marsha
To: Morrow, Michael K; Chan, Carol
Our expert,is out at the moment and I will inquire tomorrow, but I don't think
genetically modified meat products for use as food are commercially available.
To: Chan, Carol; Singer, Marsha L
We're hearing encouraging noises on this from our AF folks. But one
question - - Zambia would need assurances that the meat products in the MREs are not from
any genetically-modified sources. Can we give such an assurance? II
Thanks,
Mike
From: Bass, John R (OPS)
Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2005 3 :24 PM
To: Morrow, Michael K; Tucker, Kelly J
DATEICASE ID: 28 MAR 2007 200503991 UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
as discussed
Original Message-----
From: Chan, Carol - .
Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2005 11:46 AM
To: Bass, John R (OPS); Cohen, Harold (GC/DCHA)(RRB, 6.06-051)
Cc: Morrow, Michael K; Thomas, Harry K; OFDALogistics
Hi Hal, do you have know anything about Ocean Freight Reimbursement?

Hi Todd and Dave, can you gentlemen answer the question about the
expiration dates? We didn't receive information about the value of the MREs. Nonetheless,
could we perhaps provide a rough guess of how much we would pay for MREs for our folks if
we sent them out to the DAFtT. I remember some number like $20 per MRE or something, but
that was years ago.
Hi John, ple see attached email which came to me this morning, there is
a possibility for IOM to take these in Zambia. Also Jed mentioned something about giving
them to the peace keepers in Haiti, did you you hear about this?
Regarding tomorrow's meeting, Hal is unable to attend but I can make it.
My State badge expired so I will need an escort, also our logistics officer will need and
escort. I would like to suggest that FEMA is included since we are awaiting disposition
instructions from them and they are paying the bill for the lease. I think FEMA's GC and
program office should be included, pls let me know what you think about this idea.
Regards
1:
Carol
- - - - - Original
Message-----
I
Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2005 10:59 AM
To: Chan, Carol
Cc: Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-O/CMS); Thomas, Harry K(S/ES)
Subject: Couple follow-up questions re MREs
Carol - -
~ e r c Corps
'~ is interested in utilizing at least a portion of the I1 .
MREs - - most likely in Guatemala and Honduras - - and are working the details now; they
asked for some addll details that I don't have at my fingertips and was wondering if you
could help ID for us:
I
--estimated value of the MREs?
- - any spread of expiration dates, or do they all (or all the UK
I
ones) expire in February '06? I
They are also wondering whether they could use a portion of their
Ocean Freight Reimbursement program to fund transport costs from U.S. to central america.
I assume your general counsel would have to rule on that, but would appreciate it if you
could ask them. 1'11 discuss with our lawyers as well.
Many thanks - JB 1
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
Oliva, Amber M
From: Horne, Todd RELEASED IN PART
To : Morrow, Michael K B6
Cc: OFDALogistics
Subject: RE: Destruction Facility for MRE's
Mike ,
I'm looking back at my old notes from October and I found a quote from Terris NA.
The cost would be in the $ 600,000 range. A breakdown follows:

210,000 MREs = 1,266,348 lbs (approximately)
1,266,348 lbs x .45 per pound = $ 569,856.60 x 3% EIS surcharge ( $ .
17,095.79) = $ 586,951.99 + transport to the place of incineration.
The 3% EIS surcharge stands for energy, insurance and security.
I'm sorry for the bad news. It's extremely expensive. Let me know if you have any
questions or need clarification on anything.
Regards,
Todd
From: Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-o/CMS)
Sent: Monday, January 30, 2006 5:06 PM
To: Horne, Todd
Cc: OFDALogistics
Subject: RE: Destruction Facility for MRE1s
Todd :
My two APHIS contacts tell me that, per 94.5 SCFR, incineration is the only legal option
for destruction of these MREs. Burial is not/not an option. My contacts are Dr. Maurine
Bell, APHIS Director of Veterinary Regulatory Support, and Don Couch of the APHIS Houston
Office. Per Couch, the nearest certified incineration facility is TERIS in El Dorado,
Arkansas, about 120 miles south of Little Rock (see below). An APHIS official would have
to observe the incineration.
,
What would TERIS charge us for incineration of up to 210,000 MREs?
Thanks,
Mike
'From: Horne, Todd
Sent: Monday, January 30, 2006 4 :49 PM .
Cc: OFDALogistics
Subject: RE: Destruction Facility for MRE's
Mike,
The price for destruction (if they can be buried) would around $
20,000.00 + transportation from the warehouse to the landfill. I don't
think the transportation would exceed $ 5,000.00.
~asically,the cost is $ 25 per short'ton (1 short ton = 2,000 lbs)

DATEICASE ID: 28 M A R 2007 200503991 UNCLASSIFIED
"
~he'firm didn't know any requirements a out
covered with limestone.
~ C ~ A s A Hs nee
F Iing
E Bto be
In the end, we spoke with two firms and before they can confirm the cost, they would need
some samples to give to their chemists to confirm;
If for some reason the meals must be incinerated, the cost would be exponentially higher.
If State concurs, I think we'should get a few samples to Waste Management, Inc. so they
can inspect.
Let me know if you have any questions. Sorry I didn't get this to you earlier.
Regards,
Todd
.........................................................................
Todd Horne
Logistics Officer
United States Agency for International Development Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, N;W. '

Tel # (202) 712-0234
Fax # (202) 216-3399
From: Morrow, Michael K (S/ES-O/CMS)
Sent: Monday, January 30, 2006 9:44 AM
To: Horne, Todd
Subject: RE: Destruction Facility for MREts
Todd :
How's it coming on developing costing (and timing) figures for destruction of up to
210,000 MREs? I'd like to have these as soon as you can get them, so that we'll be able
to weight this against costs to ship additional MREs to overseas consumers.
Thanks,
Mike
From: Horne, Todd
Cc: Singer, Marsha L
Subject: RE: Destruction Facility for MRE1s
We're on it Mike.
We were actually in touch with them already about the Italian Med Kits.
Someone from Terris visited the warehouse yesterday and should be able give us a good idea
of cost / time, etc.. We hope to have some #Is for you shortly.
Regards,
Todd
From: Morrow, Michael K (S/ES-0/CMS)
To: Horne, Todd
Cc: Singer, Marsha L (HST)
Subject: FW: Destruction Facility for MRE1s
UNCLASSIFIED
UNFLP? SIFIEQ
*hepcontact below is for a large incineration acl 1 y.
Per SDA, we would have to
0 incinerate, not bury, any MREs we can't ship abroad.
I'd be grateful if you could give TERIS a call to get a ballpark estimate for how much it
would cost per unit to incinerate up to 209,000 MREs (and how long it would take). We'd
also need an estimate for the shipping costs to get them to El Dorado, Arkansas.
Thanks;
Mike
From: Don.L.Couch@aphis.usda.gov ~mailto:Don.L.CouchOaphis.usda.govl
To: Maurine.F.Bell@aphis.usda.gov
Cc: Karen.A.James-Preston@aphis.usda.gov; Morrow, Michael K
Subject: Destruction Facility for MRE1s
TERIS ,
309 American Circle

El Dorado, AR 71730
POC: Michael Karp, PH 870-864-3737
This facility is located 120 miles south of Little Rock. They are
under
APHIS compliance for regulated garbage.
Don L. Couch,DVM, ~ i p lACVPM
USDA APHIS PPQ
Houston AQI VMO 11811 East Freeway (1-10 East)
TX,AR,LA,NE Suite 560
713-393-1014 Direct Houston, TX 77029 .
UNCLASSIFIED
From: Bame. David J
Sent: ~ h u r s d aSeptember
~. 08.2005 2:45 PM
To:
Cc:.
CMS TaskForcel-Director
TaskForce-1
RELEASED IN FULL
Subject: RE: Katrina: Burns at HIRC
Thanks.
From: CMS TaskForcel-Director.
Sent: Thursday. September 0 8 , 2005 1:39 PM
To: Bame, David J
Cc: TaskForce-1
MREs are HUGE problem. we pulled NATO procurement guidance and each country prepares
according to its own domestic standards -
no NATO standard. Also, no USDA approval to
,> . import MREs containing beef from NATO countries. USDA has not yet decided to seek waiver
yet.. .
--
- - - - - Original Message-- -
From: Bame, David J
Sent: Thursday, September 0 8 , 2005 1:12 PM
To: CMS TaskForcel-Director
Not so far -- though I think.testimony continues.
FYI: heard that E is agreeing with Agriculture on need to :inspect foreign MRE's. ' ~ a v e
you
' heard about'this? Has anyone looked at whether there might be some sort of "waiiver" for
MRE'S from NATO members that might be already cleared for all 26 Allies? Am I clutching
. at:straws? (OK, I know the 'answer to the last one. )
Finally: am trying to put something together.today to suggest,a way ahead for UNGA. will
show you a rough draft as soon as I have one. I
David 1
.Original Message---- -
----..
. From: CMS TaskForcel-Director
Sent: Thursday, September 0 8 , ZOOS 1:09 PM
. To: Bame, David J
Cc: TaskForce-1
Subject: RE: Katrina: Burns a t HIRC
This is good. Thanks. Just wanted to know if he was thrown any thorny questions. Eileen
- - - - -Original Message-----
From: Bame, David J
Sent: Thursday, September 0 8 , 2005 1:05 PM
To: CMS TaskForcel-Director; Thomas, Harry K
Cc: CMS TaskForcelC-Coordinator;CMS TaskForce3B; SES-4; Heffern, John A; CMS TaskForcelA-
OMS; Chacon, Arnold A; Basa, John R (OPS); P-Officers
Subject: FW: Katrina: Burns at HIRC

REVIEW AUTHORITY: FRANK TUbIRlINIA
DATEICASE In: 25 R ~ A Y 2007 200503991 UNCLASSIFIED
LJNCLASSIFIED .
J
Amb. Malloy et al: you asked if Katrina came up at U/S Burns's H I R C testimony on India
today. He did indeed talk about Katrina at the opening, using the paper cleared yesterday
(attached). H e said how grateful we are and detailed a bit of what we are doing. Added
that the Department would make itself available to Congress to brief them at any time
about what we are doing. Made all the points you'd expect about our coordination with
FEMA and accepting everything in principle. Also talked about setting up staging point in
Little Rock and that we'd already had flights come in.
A few members mentioned Katrina in t h e i r opening remarks, particularly as related to
India. No problematic comments or questions.
Hope that helps.
David
UNCLASSIFIED
Message
1
Page 4 of 4
UNCLASSIFIED
* I (7
- How much petroleum?

- Where is it located? (then they can make a decision on where to send it)
- Is it crude or product?
Again, no matter what the answers are...they want it.
I
13 - 15 nothingneeded on ESFs 13 -15. I
I
Other: I
I
We have been informed that MREs are considered an agricultural commodity/food stuff. As such, we need
to have appropriate permits - either from FDA or APHIS (USDA)'(not sure which one). John Boyle is
following up on this. Maybe someone born Customs can help us navigate this process to avoid distribution
delays once the commodities arrive tonight?
I
Stephanie Savolaine
OFDA Operations Center
Deputy Manager for Response
(202) 258-9631
UNCLASSIFIED I

Related Documents - CREW: Department of State: Regarding International Assistance Offers After Hurricane Katrina: MRE's

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Related Documents - CREW: Department of State: Regarding International Assistance Offers After Hurricane Katrina: MRE's

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

MREs for Georgia Page 1 o f 7

Norman, Alain G RELEASED.IN PART

From: Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-O/CMS)

From: Prosen, Richard L

From: Bebeau, Rene L

From: Holtz, Greta C

Can we use PKO?

What's the cost estimate7

From: Traub, Herbert S

OSCE's latest note follows. Here are the issues:

With regards to the shipment of 75k. .

Final question is when could we expect those MREs in Poti?

From: Sibilla, Christopher A(Vienna)

Thanks much, Chris. OK, good to know.

Keep up the gdod work.

From: Sibilla, Christopher A

Greetings Chris 8 Kit,

Any news you can share on how the OSCE is proceeding?

From: Sibilla, Christopher A

From: Norman, Alain G

Gutherie, Peter A; Cook, B6

moving the MREs. II

More specifically, I suppose that would break down to 2 main questions: . i

-- Are they working on letting a contract already?

Many thanks for an update.

From: Traub, Herbert S

Kasanof, Alexander(Main State); Bebeau, Rene ~ ( ~ aState);

From: Morrow, Michael K(S/ES-O/CMS) I

MRESfor Georgia UNCLASSIFIED Page 7 of 7

Please reply to all.

----- Original Message-----

other language would require signature of the OSCE headwuarters in Vienna.

Uwhere responsibility is handed over to OSCE~I

6. She would like the liability waiver ,to be limited.

----- Original Message-----

Subject : MoU between OSCE Mission to ~eorgiaand US

In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, several foreign

1. DOS will coordinate the shipping of approximately 75,000 MREs to the

For shipment-related issues:

U.S.Department of State Residence, 01 14, Tbilisi,

From: Stitt, Tony [tstitt@ofda.net]

I am attaching the most recent version for your information.

From: Cockrell, John D(Brusseis NATO)

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Yes. It's now Georgia or nothing. DeHart was very positive.

From: Cook, Nerissa 3 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE

From: Yu, Alan K

We come back around to ACE.

From: Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0)

From: Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0)

Dean E; Post, John 8; Bass, John R (OPS)

\ With best regards,

Message UNCLASSIFIED Page 1 of 2

From: Bass, John R (OPS)(S/ES-0)

Message UNCLASSIFIED Page 2 of 2

With best regards,

Norman, Alain G RELEASED IN PART

As indicated to AF DAS Yamamoto, below, the basic facts are:

Additional (if asked) background:

3. Based on an OFDA estimate of the transportation costs, these would be:

. . .. , I ... .. , .. ,. . , , , . UNCLASSIFIED Page 2 of 3 .

From: Norman, Alain G