Letter
Letter to Secretary of State Schultz on Aid to Hurricane Victims in Nicaragua, December 16, 1988
December 16, 1988
The Honorable George Shultz
Secretary of State
The State Department
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. Secretary:
It is my understanding that the decision not to offer emergency assistance to the Nicaraguan victims of Hurricane Joan may be reconsidered. I would welcome any such reconsideration.
At the time of the disaster last October, Pope John Paul II publicly expressed his confidence that the world community "would not hesitate in providing effective assistance to the governments of the countries affected." That the aid thus far provided is far from sufficient was stressed by the Holy Father just last Thursday, on December 8th, when he returned to this matter: "In the face of these compelling needs, I wish to renew a heartfelt appeal to the international community, to institutions and individuals of good will, that they will redouble their commitment of real support."
I wish to encourage your efforts to provide, in the most efficient and expeditious manner, the much-needed emergency assistance to the people of Nicaragua.
Sincerely,
Reverend Monsignor Daniel F. Hoye
General Secretary