There is no excuse for putting them ahead of the ones in the Superdome, none.
Unless government officials in their home countries were breathing down the state department's neck. And, then that same state department started breathing down the neck of the mayor. All a domino effect.
On another thread, I was told those were the Mayor's people and where the police had set up a command center.
I've asked for a link but the person who made the post doesn't post much on Saturdays.
It is entirely likely that some of the evacuated people from the Hyatt were tourists, but I'll bet the media unreported story is that it was also a police command center.
I think that the Mayor didn't want the bad press of a bunch of tourists murdered, raped, and robbed at the SuperDome.
I think they would have been a more likely target for some of the criminals there. Tourists have cash, jewelry, and are just too easy a target.
Also, IIRC, the people at the Hyatt had paid $75.00 two days ago for buses that were charted to evacuate them. Those buses were comandeered by police to evacuate their own families is what I remember reading. Whether that is why they were commandeered or not, I have no idea if that was rumor or fact.
Not sure if this is all verified, but:
Katrina Britons 'moved from dome' [Moved for personal safety]
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1475845/posts
Yes there is not only an excuse but a rule. I believe it is also the common law, if not by statute. Invited guests and legal vistors in a house or a place receive priority. It is both politeness and law.