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The Hon. Alexander Downer

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Parliament House

Canberra 2600

 

 

 

November 21 2005 

 

 

 

 

Dear Minister,

 

I understand the Australian Government has already sent four helicopters to assist with relief for the survivors of Pakistan’s October 8 earthquake.  I believe the Australia-Pakistan Friendship Association is coming to see you soon.

The purpose of this letter is to anticipate and speed along their request for more aid helicopters, at least another four, and if possible, a squadron (which is 12 if my memory is correct).

 There are several hundred thousand people, many of them children, in need of aid above the snow-line.  I am told that if help does not reach them within four weeks, air transport will not be able to operate there.  So the situation is extremely urgent.

 

Warm regards,

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

 

Bill Stefaniak, MLA