| Printed from JudicialWatch.org Dec 14, 1999 |
Contact: Press Office 202-646-5172 |
Conservative Delegation Attending Ceremonial Transfer - Concern About Allowing China to Operate the Canal Clinton, Gore, Albright Avoid Ceremony --Former President Jimmy Carter Leading Official Delegation (Washington, DC) Judicial Watch Chairman Larry Klayman and Conservative Caucus leader Howard Phillips are today attending the ceremonial transfer of the Panama Canal from the United States to the government of Panama. Klayman, Phillips, and their conservative delegation, while in Panama, have met with pro-American groups and Panamanian experts to learn more about how the transfer will benefit Communist China and hurt the American and Panamanian peoples. Former President Jimmy Carter is leading the official U.S. delegation in Panama. Reportedly, Mr. Clinton and high level officials such as Vice President Gore and Secretary of State Madeline Albright are skipping the transfer ceremony because the Clinton Administration has been "spooked" by the allegations that the canal transfer will benefit Communist China. Indeed, the Government of Panama has already ceded operative authority of the canal to a Communist Chinese company, Hutchison?Whampoa. Hutchison?Whampoa will control both the Pacific and Atlantic lead locks. Thus far unknown or ignored by most Americans is the fact that the entire canal is now maintained and overseen by Panama Ports Company, which is a subsidiary of Hutchison-Whampoa. Hutchison-Whampoa is reportedly tied to Chinese intelligence. Klayman will give a full report on his investigative trip when he returns from Panama. In the meantime, Judicial Watch is set to move forward with legal actions designed to prevent the actual transfer on December 31, 1999. | |