A Letter to Canadian Prime Minister from the Past International Director of the "International Association of Lion's Club"

August 30, 2001

The Right Honourable Jean Chretien
Prime Minister of Canada
309- S, Center Block
House of Commons
Ottawa, K1A 0A0

Dear Sir:

Re: 130 falun gong Practitioners at the Masanjia Labor Camp in China

I write because I have just received and read a 2-page letter entitled " SOS Open Leter" dated August 27, 2001, a copy of which is attached.

I assume that the facts contained in the letter are accurate and in reading the same was appalled and saddened at how any government can treat its own citizens in this fashion.

As I have always been a service-minded individual whose motto through Lionism is to help one's fellow man and to improve the life of others, I have heard the call to serve, seen the call to serve and felt the call to serve - I cannot sit idly by and not respond to the plight of these individuals in this particular camp. As a Lion I realize that we normally do not get involved with political maters - but on pure humanitarian grounds I cannot know what is happening and do nothing.

I was born and have always lived in a wonderful country - Canada - full of civil liberties and freedom - and for this I often thank God.

I would urge you as our Prime Minister to:

1. Formally notify the Government of China that we as human beings in another part of the world condemn the extremely brutal persecution of a few; and,

2. To have Canada take steps to secure the release of the 130 and to grant refugee status in Canada Under our Immigration Act to those of the 130 who so desire.

This would be a tremendous humanitarian act and I hope and pray that you will lead the way in achieving the above.

Yours faithfully,

á

Ralph H Long

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