3. - usaid

P.L. 480 FOO~ - AID
CARE - 97,000 pounds dry milk and CSM, est.
market value $20,400
AJJC - 30,000 lbs. flour and 4,000 lbs. oil,
est. market value 1,700 $ 22,100
Total Value of USG Contributions $547,572
Appraisal on U. S. Donated Tents
Howard F. Williams, American Vice Consul at Meshed, commented as follows
in a letter to the State Department, Iran Desk Officer:
"With inclement weather conditions now in the area, the value of
the American-donated tents has been fLzlly realized. Peace Corps
volunteers ( PCVs) report that everyone is asking for American
tents. They seem to be the .only tents that are affording adequate
protection against the elements."
The tents provided by the USG were purchased from Sears, Roebuck and Company.
They were manufactured by the Kellwood Corporation under ~egular specifications
for tents suitable for use in 'the United States. The manufacturer
developed some additional features to meet the needs of disaster-stricken
families overseas. For example, DRC discussed with a Sears representative
the possibility for an outer shell that would provide additional requ.ired
protection against the winter elements in Iran. He agreed. The manufacturer
also cooperated and put in special crews and effort to produce
quickly 2,000 of these outer covers in time for the U. S. military ai:rlifts
to Iran.
In late April 1969, after six monthsf usage of these tents, AID/DRC cabled
the U. S. bbassy for a f'urther appraisal of their quality and serviceability.
Mr. Ryan made the survey and his conclusions follow:
The GO1 was satisfied with overall tent size, comfort, warmth. Tent fabric
was maintaining good tensile strength. There was minirmun wear due to
abrasion friction. Colors remain fast. The tent can accommodate six
persons for a short period of time, but for reasonable comfort over a long
time (60 days or more), should not exceed four.
There were, however, some improvements desirable, if feasible, such as
strengthening aluminum poles and strengthening and lengthening aluminurn
pegs on the inner tent. Thirty percent of the tents and covers obsenred
had basic deficiency in entrance talon zippers. Heavy usage had not worn
down metal zipper itself; rather, the fabric gave way. Some inhabitants
were using large safety pins to close the openings.
The Red Lion and Sun Society reported that in Ferdows six tents had been
destroyed by fire. The basic cause was believed to be the inhabitants