Letter to Zhao Ziyang's Wife From Congressman Henry Hyde
Hyde
Letter to Zhao Ziyang's Wife From Congressman Henry Hyde
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Jan 21, 2005
"It is the hope of those who wish China and her people well that Mr. Zhao's passing will serve to bring about a reassessment of both the events of 1989 and of the authoritarian political path that the Chinese leadership has taken in the subsequent years." - Congressman Henry Hyde
(file photo, Getty Images)
One Hundred Ninth
Congress of the United States
Committee on International Relations
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
(202) 225-5021
January 18, 2005
Madam Liang Boqi
c/o The Embassy of the United States
Xiu Shui Bei Jie 3
Beijing 100600
China
Dear Madam Liang:
I am writing to convey my condolences, as well as those of the International Relations Committee of the United States of Representatives, to you, your children and family upon the passing of your husband, former Premier and General Secretary Zhao Ziyang.
Those of us who watched television screens transmitting the dramatic and ultimately tragic events from Tiananmen Square in the Spring of 1989 cannot forget your husband's courage and valor. Unfortunately, for both China and the world, others in the leadership at the time failed to heed his pleas for political reform and restraint. Mr. Zhao was tragically prescient when he met with the student leaders on the evening of May 19, 1989 and told them, "I have come too late. " Less than three weeks later, in the predawn hours of June 4th, a day of infamy, tanks rolled into the Square, bringing all reform to a sudden, violent halt while spilling the blood of China's youth.
Mr. Zhao, enduring almost sixteen years of house arrest, was unwavering in his commitment to the need for political reform and for a reevaluating of the bloody events of Tiananmen Square. His voice, although usually kept silent behind the walls of his compound, reached ears of those seeking reform inside and outside China. His message was heard around the world.
It is the hope of those who wish China and her people well that Mr. Zhao's passing will serve to bring about a reassessment of both the events of 1989 and of the authoritarian political path that the Chinese leadership has taken in the subsequent years. In that case, Mr. Zhao will have served the people of China well. His legacy will to be remembered as one of the true heroes of Tiananmen Square.
With deep sympathy for your loss, I am
Sincerely,
[signature]
HENRY J. HYDE
Chairman
Rep. Henry Hyde, Chairman of House Committee on International Relations
(01/23/2005 21:26)