From the BBC:
“McDonald's in Austria offers
hotline to embassy”
US citizens who need help in
Austria can now head to their nearest branch of McDonald's, because of an
agreement signed by the fast-food giant. The embassy says any American "in
distress" or whose passport has been lost or stolen can get assistance
from one Austria's 194 McDonald's joints. Restaurant staff have been given the
task of helping US citizens get in touch with the US embassy. A 24-hour hotline
to the embassy is part of the arrangement. The embassy said it was ensuring
that American citizens had every option available to get in touch when in need
- "the #1 duty of every embassy around the world". McDonald's said it
saw itself as a type of support and telephone exchange and had agreed to the
idea on the request of US ambassador Trevor Traina. A spokesman told the BBC it
would also "help anyone who finds themselves in need of assistance, for
example, by calling the police or emergency services". Mr Traina signed an
agreement with the company's managing director in Austria, Isabelle Kuster, last
week. The company said its branches would continue to be Austrian territory and
would offer help to anyone in need, not just Americans.
^ This has got to be one of the
dumbest ideas and programs I have ever heard. When I travel overseas I always
carry the address and phone number of the US Embassy and Consulates in the countries
I am going to - just in case. I would
never think of going to a McDonald’s if I need Consular assistance. ^
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