Curious about what resources were available at what time, I compiled this timeline that details the U.S. Department of State's reaction to foreign offers of aid. Looking at it I'm unable to make any sweeping conclusions except that the Department of State was unable to organize and utilize foreign assistance. After an exhaustive search, it is unclear which offers came in when they were most needed (Sunday through Friday), but it is obvious that nothing was accepted until well after Rice returned from vacation.
If you see more in this timeline, please help me out.
9/30
Russian leader offers aid.
8/31
Secretary of State watches Spamalot.
Canadian international rescue team refused access to U.S. (well done Kos!)
Israel offers hundreds of doctors, nurses, experts in trauma and natural disasters, deployable within 24 hours.
9/1
Secretary of State visits U.S. Open.
Secretary of State goes shopping in Manhattan.
Bush implies he will not accept international aid.
Secretary of State asserts that all offers of aid will be accepted.
Department of State admits receiving offers from 20 countries.
Germany offers personnel and equipment.
France offers massive shipment of supplies and aid.
Russian official Ushakov states, "The [Russian] Embassy was told that federal authorities and specialized services have all the necessary means and equipment to conduct relief work in the disaster area."
9/2
U.S. accepts aid from Russia.
U.S. Accepts aid from Canada - to be shipped later.
Singapore donates 3 Chinook helicopters from Texas.
Cuba offers a battalion of medical experts.
9/3
China offers aid workers.
Swedish C-130 packed with aid is ready to fly to US, but is denied access.
27 Canadian Red Cross workers fly to Louisiana.
9/4
U.S. accepts U.N. expertise and aid.
French emergency logistical experts reach the U.S.
9/5
After receiving no answer, Castro in Cuba reiterates offer to send over 1000 medical experts.
Bush sends thank-you letter to Germany.
Mexican naval vessel carrying search-and-rescue vehicles, helicopters, food, and rescuers left Mexico.
England sends convoy of aid to U.S.
9/7
U.S. remains silent to offers from Poland, Austria, Norway. Department of State asserts that all offers have been answered. U.S. tells Honduras that it is not accepting international aid. Group of German technicians and water pumps leave Germany.
China ships food and supplies to aid victims.
Japan still awaits answer to an offer of supplies stored in Florida. India and South Korea pledging supplies and personnel, await an answer from Washington.
Canadian rescue and supply ships still in Canada. Canadian offers of search-and-rescue divers remains unanswered. German companies secured an Israeli C-130 packed with equipment and supplies but have been awaiting acceptance for four days.
State department claims all offers have been accepted, admits to denying clearance for Swedish aid plane. FEMA official says that time is not of the essence.
9/8
Mexican aid convoy enters the U.S.
Unable to handle the logistics, Department of State asks for food and money instead of helicopters, communications, and water purification systems.
U.S. accepts South Korea pledge
U.S. requests aid from NATO.
9/9
Poland awaits answer from U.S.