[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 11, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E219-E220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNITION OF THE SERVICE OF AMBASSADOR SAMUEL G. WISE, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 11, 1997

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, the Helsinki Commission mourns 
the recent death of its esteemed Director of International Policy, 
Ambassador Samuel G. Wise, Jr. He faithfully served his country through 
years in the Marine Corps, the U.S. Foreign Service, and the Commission 
on Security and Cooperation in Europe. I am privileged to have worked 
alongside him during his many years with the Commission, as he offered 
sage advice, well-reasoned insight and guidance based on years of 
experience in the diplomatic community. His appointment as Ambassador 
when he was Deputy Head of the U.S. Delegation to the 1986-89 Vienna 
Review Meeting was well deserved.
  Typical of Ambassador Wise's commitment to the work of the Helsinki 
Commission and the best national interests of the United States, he 
most recently served on the U.S. Delegation to the Vienna Review 
Conference of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe 
held last November. He attended and offered timely and indispensable 
advice in drafting the Declaration of the OSCE Lisbon Summit held in 
early December. Ambassador Wise's participation in these international 
meetings were tireless and his contributions, highlighting the 
fundamental importance of human rights throughout the work of the OSCE, 
were significant and lasting.
  The numerous letters of condolences which have been received at the 
Helsinki Commission are indicative of the impact Ambassador Wise has 
had on the OSCE community. From diplomats, to human rights activists, 
to friends and colleagues, the effect of this one life has been 
eloquently chronicled. Some reminisced about their ``fond memories of 
his personality, professional expertise and intellectual brightness.'' 
Others recognized his dedication ``to promote the goals of the United 
States and of the Commission, as stated in the Helsinki Accords and in 
other documents issued subsequently.'' One noted that ``compassionate 
and engaged, Sam was the consummate Helsinki expert whose objectivity 
and capacity to get it right were unrivaled. Highly regarded by the 
entire OSCE community, his loss is irreplaceable.'' Respected as ``a 
man of integrity and honored convictions'' and remembered as a ``warm 
and compassionate human being,'' Ambassador Wise has admirers virtually 
around the globe.
  Both as a Commissioner and, most recently, as Chairman of the 
Helsinki Commission, I sought and appreciated very much the counsel 
which Sam provided. The combination of

[[Page E220]]

Sam's gentle spirit and his winsome manner proved effective in his 
dealings with Members of Congress and staff, as well as the Department 
of State and the diplomatic community. His insights, experience, sound 
advice and friendship will be sorely missed. My prayers are with his 
family as they grieve the loss of their husband and father.

                          ____________________