Speech #870202601

The editors of the Chinese World know how great a concern you feel for the thousands of refugees pouring into Hong Kong each day in their flight from hunger and oppression in Red China. We know that you. a great humanitarian as well as a great statesman. will spare no effort. within the avenues legally open to you. to succor these brave but unfortunate people. Mr. President. we feel that the plight of these refugees. tragic though it be. gives the United States a dramatic opportunity to render a major service not only to humanity but also to our friends and allies in Asia. Ours is truly one world. We submit that no more powerful blow could be struck against Communist forces in Laos. for instance. than the giving of succor to fugitives from communism in Hong Kong. This Nations dramatic opportunity should be met in a dramatic fashion. We submit that these refugees. who have already proved their love of freedom. would make excellent citizens in any country of the free world. We know that present immigration restrictions. with the microscopic quota of 105 immigrants of Chinese origin each year. ties your hands against an executive order such as you were able to use not so long ago in behalf of Cuban refugees. We respectfully urge that you throw your support behind the Hart Bill. S. 3043. introduced by Senator PHILP A. HART and his associates. which would revise our immigration quota system so that some of these refugees from the oppression of Red China may find freedom and security within the United States. Meanwhile the critical situation will not wait for legislation. The United States must make the most of every opportunity to help these refugees. We urge that the American Red Cross be called upon to take action immediately. The International Red Cross should also be asked to act. The United Nations should cut through all redtape in order to offer immediate assistance. Our Government is in a position to make large amounts of food and money available for the temporary relief of refugees in Hong Kong. We must note that plenty of food is now on hand in U.S. military installations In Okinawa and the Philippines. Our Government should also urge Formosa to take In a greater number of refugees. With such a request should go the assurance that the United States will give the Formosan Chinese Government substantial assistance in the way of food. and transportation for the refugees from Hong Kong to Formosa. Such measures. Mr.