France Leads Tsunami Aid Says Self

France is claiming to lead in tsunami aid. Link. I am reproducing the story in its entirety here.

PARIS
France says it’s the top donor for the tsunami disaster relief effort in Asia. The prime minister’s boast that France is vaulting to “the head of all the contributors” follows barbs from the U-S about the extent of French generosity.

In an interview this week on Fox News, the chief of the agency that distributes American aid said France tends not to be a world leader in foreign aid — and often packages its help as loans. France’s Foreign Ministry has rejected those allegations.

Since Sunday’s earthquake that triggered the tsunamis, the U-S has announced an initial aid package of 35 (m) million dollars, while also facing accusations from some that it had been stingy. France has pledged to provide 57 (m) million dollars.