Judicial Watch recently launched a probe into whether or not a key
Bush administration advisor violated conflict of interest laws by
trying to help the Communist Chinese gain control of Global Crossing,
Ltd. While serving as Chairman of the Defense Advisory Board for the
United States, Richard Perle was paid a whopping $750,000 (with the
potential for an additional $600,000) by Global Crossing to help secure
the sale of the telecommunications company to Chinese conglomerate
Hutchinson Whampoa.
The Defense and Justice Departments have been opposed to the deal
for obvious national security reasons. The U.S. government uses
Global Crossing’s worldwide communications network and would
be rendered highly vulnerable were this network to be controlled
by the Chinese.
Hutchinson Whampoa is the holding company of Chinese billionaire
Li-Ka Shing, Hong Kong’s richest man, who has close and suspicious
ties to the Chinese Communist government and military. According
to intelligence documents obtained by Judicial Watch in its investigation,
Li-Ka Shing, "is directly connected to Beijing and is willing
to use its business influence to further the aims of the Chinese
government." He is also the founding board member of the China
International Trust and Investment Corporation (CITIC), a front
group for China’s "People’s Liberation Army."
"Li Ka-Shing is a highly dangerous agent of the Communist
Chinese government," said Fitton. "This is not the type
of individual Perle should be assisting, especially while serving
on a national security advisory panel."
The Defense Advisory Board is made up of former government officials,
retired military officers and members of the academic community.
Its purpose is to review and assess defense policies. As Chairman
of the Defense Advisory Board, Perle had access to classified information
and was in a position to influence policies involving weapons procurement
and military and political strategy. At the same time, Perle was
also representing the interests of the Communist Chinese through
his support of the Hutchinson Whampoa takeover of Global Crossing.
This is in direct violation of the Federal Code of Conduct, which
prohibits a special employee from participating in an official capacity
in any matter in which he or she has a financial interest.
Perle, under fire, resigned his position as Chairman of the Defense
Advisory Board on March 27, 2003, but he still remains an influential
member with the same high-level access to confidential and highly
sensitive information.
Judicial Watch’s complaint was filed with the Office of Government
Ethics, the Office of the Defense Department Inspector General,
the Office of Homeland Security Inspector General, Attorney General
Ashcroft and FBI Director Robert Mueller.
Judicial Watch is also investigating Perle for his involvement
with Loral Space and Communications and the illegal transfer of
rocket technology to the Chinese. Loral’s Chairman, Bernard
Schwartz was a major contributor to the Clinton campaign.