From: owner-tsg-l@VM1.MCGILL.CA

May 30, 1997

INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR TIBET

Washington, D.C.

Legislative Update

China lobbying against Tibet provision in House Bill

The Chinese Government has started active lobbying against provisions on Tibet in the annual "Foreign Policy Reform Act'. This year's version of the bill (H.R. 1486) includes continuation of humanitarian assistance to Tibetan refugees, scholarships for Tibetan students (Fulbright) and the appointment of a special envoy on Tibet.

H.R. 1486 was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 29, 1997 and will be taken up by the House when it reconvenes in the week beginning June 2, 1997. The Senate will later take up the bill.

In a letter to Members of Congress, the Chinese Ambassador to the United States, Li Daoyu, says, "The provision seriously interferes in China's internal affairs and disregards the fact that Tibet is part of China. It also runs counter to the US government's position that Tibet is part of China, and will cause serious damage to our bilateral relations.

What You can Do?

TSGs based in USA could contact their Congressman and Senators urging them to support the Tibet provisions in the Foreign Policy Reform Act. While the humanitarian assistance to Tibetan refugees has been of practical benefit, particularly to recent arrivals from Tibet, the Fulbright program has enabled young Tibetans to get professional education in the United States which has been beneficial in their work in the Tibetan community in India and Nepal.