[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 108 (Monday, July 22, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1338-E1339]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  FREE PRESS IN HONG KONG UNDER ATTACK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN EDWARD PORTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 22, 1996

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I recently read a New York Times article 
outlining Chinese threats to restrict Hong Kong's press once the 
British colony comes under Chinese rule. This information, while 
extremely upsetting, is hardly shocking. Although the Chinese 
Government professes to be committed to ensuring a smooth, peaceful 
transition for Hong Kong, actions by the Chinese Government tell a very 
different, very disturbing story. As the saying goes, ``actions speak 
louder than words.''
  In 1984, to help ensure the smooth transition of Hong Kong from 
British to Chinese control, Britain and China both signed the Joint 
Declaration providing for the peaceful return of Hong Kong to Chinese 
rule. This document, registered at the United Nations, specifies that 
Hong Kong will enjoy a high degree of autonomy except in foreign and 
defense affairs, and that the legislature will be elected. China has 
repeatedly violated the commitments made in this binding document, 
leading to increasing tensions between Hong Kong and China as the July 
1, 1997, date fast approaches.
  Mr. Speaker, just one example will suffice to demonstrate how the 
Chinese have chosen to ignore commitments made in the Joint 
Declaration. Recently, Chinese authorities threatened to abolish the 
first ever democratically elected legislative council and replace it 
with an appointed legislature. This action would not only be in clear 
violation of the Joint Declaration, but also in violation of the 
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on 
Civil and Political Rights.
  With China now threatening to restrict freedom of the press in Hong 
Kong, it becomes clear that Chinese officials do not intend to grant 
Hong Kong the degree of autonomy previously promised. This should leave 
us all deeply concerned about the future of Hong Kong. Mr. Speaker, 
Hong Kong has close to 60 papers and 675 periodicals. These papers and 
periodicals provide Hong Kong citizens and those throughout the world 
with the truth about what is happening in Hong Kong, and throughout all 
of Asia. Restricting free press in Hong Kong will severely limit the 
world's ability to follow events in Tibet, China, and Taiwan.
  Mr. Speaker, Hong Kong is the world's best example of the prosperity 
that results from a strong and vibrant free enterprise system existing 
under the rule of law. China's threats to dismantle the legislature and 
restrict freedom of speech are not idle threats. I have no doubt that 
if we let Chinese threats go unchallenged, each and every threat will 
indeed be carried out. Tyranny thrives on the weakness of others, and 
the United States has been weak in its response to Chinese behavior. 
Mr. Speaker, we must do everything possible to ensure that democratic 
advances in Hong Kong are not reversed by oppressive Chinese policies. 
As 1997 approaches, the United States must stand with those in Hong 
Kong, such as journalists opposing illegal restrictions on their free 
speech, who are rightly unwilling to capitulate to Beijing's efforts to 
strip the citizens of Hong Kong of their democratic rights and 
freedoms.

[[Page E1339]]



                        PATIENT RECOGNITION DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. THOMAS J. MANTON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 22, 1996

  Mr. MANTON. Mr. Speaker, for the 8th year in a row, the board of 
visitors of Bronx Psychiatric Center is holding a Patient Recognition 
Day to honor those who have significantly progressed on their path 
toward eventual discharge back to the community or have made a positive 
impact on the lives of their peers on their wards.
  Patient Recognition Day actually honors the efforts of many people 
whose dedication has contributed to the recovery process. They are the 
staff and professionals at Bronx Psychiatric Center who put forth great 
care into and take great pride in their work. There are the board of 
visitors, Mr. Samuel Lopez, president, Sylvia Lask & Helen Rosello who 
oversee the center on behalf of the Governor of New York State. There 
are, of course the family and friends of the patients who lend so much 
support and understanding.
  Mr. Speaker, the greatest honor, however is reserved for the patients 
who have trusted and worked with all the people I mentioned above. As 
its name suggests, Patient Recognition Day is the time we set aside to 
applaud the great strides they have made and encourage them to continue 
on their path to recovery.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join with me in paying tribute to 
all the people who make this Patient Recognition Day something special 
in my district.

                          ____________________