A Noise Like Thunder

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A day later, Secretary of State George Shultz invited the Mexican Ambassador, Jorge Espinosa de Los Reyes, to his office to discuss the situation. Again, the U.S. offer of assistance was, at least for the moment, politely turned down: the Ambassador noted that first of all, needs would have to be assessed. Following the meeting, Shultz explained to reporters, "Mexico likes traditionally to confront its problems itself. We admire that. But Mexico should also know we are there, ready to help."

Dramatizing that point, Reagan announced on Saturday that his wife Nancy would go to Mexico City for a brief visit this week "to express the support of the American people to our courageous friends in Mexico."

Ambassador Gavin meantime told a press conference in Mexico City that, with the Mexican government's approval, the U.S. was sending 25 demolition experts to level 30 precariously weakened buildings in the capital. They would arrive in Mexico City in a C-5A transport also carrying five large helicopters equipped to fight fires. An accompanying team of 25 civilian technicians would include experts on disasters and on using heavy mining equipment. One request the Mexicans did make was for giant crane helicopters to help clear some of the ruins, but U.S. experts said they would not operate properly at the city's 7,350-ft. altitude.

If Mexico does not ask for more extensive help from the U.S. Government, American assistance will be funneled into the country through private charities. Late last week a team of experts from the American Red Cross flew to Mexico City to advise on medical and communications problems, while the International Red Cross dispatched specialists from Geneva to survey Mexico's post-quake needs. All along, Mexico's own Red Cross volunteers had participated in rescue efforts and helped distribute emergency supplies.

For all the offers of outside assistance, the burden as well as the suffering could, of course, be borne only by Mexico's grieving millions. Yet amid all the pain and the anguish caused by the great quake, Mexicans had reason to be proud of the way in which they reacted to the disaster. One of the few uplifting results of last week's tragedy was the determination with which the military, civilian officials and thousands of volunteers pitched in to the agonizing task of seeking signs of life among the rubble and recovering the bodies of those who were beyond help. "It was a very human response," said one of the volunteers, a medical student named Guadalupe Ostos. "It makes things easier."