Dear Mr. President:
I was saddened to learn of the devastation wrought by the recent earthquake which struck southern Italy. The hearts of the American people go out to your countrymen at this tragic time. We share in your profound grief and we stand ready to be of assistance. Our Embassy in Rome is prepared to help in every possible way.
Please extend our deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the victims of this tragedy.
Sincerely,
JIMMY CARTER
Note: The text of the message was released on November 95. The press release contained the following information on U.S. assistance to Italy:
At the request of the Italian Government, the United States is providing an initial fund of $1.5 million to aid the victims of the earthquake. The fund includes 1,000 tents from U.S. Defense Department stockpiles in Europe and six military helicopters for reconnaissance and relief operations from the nearby U.S. military installations. Additionally, U.S. military installations in the vicinity are providing the Italian Government with tractors and other equipment as well as military personnel.
The Agency for International Development's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is coordinating all U.S. Government disaster assistance to Italy.
Jimmy Carter, Message to President Alessandro Pertini on the Earthquake in Southern Italy Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/251072