PEN PALS
world has made us a unique and thriving democracy. We are a better nation as a result of drawing on the talents of all races, religions, and nations. We are all citizens of one country-Americans in the United States.
Whether or not one accepts this point of view, there is always the lingering question of betrayal. Can you in good conscience deliver the British subjects of Hong Kong into the hands of the Communist Chinese with their clear ability to engage in the vilest of oppression? I think not. I hope not.
People with a taste for freedom should not be expendable. The Chinese people have shown that they have the taste.
All the best.
To my surprise, Mrs. Thatcher responded again. “I emphatically do not accept your assertion that our decision not to give the right of abode to all 3.28 million Hong Kong British Dependent Territories citizens was taken on racial grounds. It is simply a matter of practicali- tics," she said. “We are nevertheless determined to do what we can to help, within the limits of what is possible," she added, indicating that exactly what the British would do would be announced shortly.
It was not long in coming, and when it did, I was very pleased. Of course I wrote to the Prime Minister to tell her so:
I was overjoyed when I read that your Foreign Secretary, John Major, stated in a speech to the United Nations General Assembly that the British government would be extending the right to immigrate to Great Britain to a number of Chinese-British subjects in Hong Kong after the territory is returned to the People's Republic of China. As you know from our extensive correspondence, I feel very close to this subject.
I just want to congratulate and thank you for having taken this action. Other countries, my own included, should follow your lead in this matter.
All the best.
Throughout my correspondence with Mrs. Thatcher, I was particu- larly pleased that she always took the time to reply personally and always at great length. After all, I was small potatoes. And I'm sure she had many other things on her mind.
I have met, spoken, and corresponded with five Presidents of the United States-Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, and Bush. None has ever responded so directly, at such length, and so respectfully of my position.
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