Dear Secretary Powell:

I respectfully urge the U.S. State Department not to make any statements
in opposition to a referendum in Taiwan on proposed judicial,
legislative or Constitutional changes. Such a statement could seriously
damage the longtime friendship between the United States and Taiwan.

In 1982, the United States accepted the Six Assurances offered by the
government of Taiwan. One of those assurances was that "The United
States would not alter its position about the sovereignty of Taiwan
which was, that the question was one to be decided peacefully by the
Chinese themselves, and would not pressure Taiwan to enter into
negotiations with China." However, there is serious concern that State
Department officials will make a statement in the coming days in
opposition to Taiwan independence. Such a statement would fundamentally
change the United States' policy toward Taiwan.

Taiwan referendum law is a basic democratic right that should be
supported by the United States. The future of Taiwan must be determined
peacefully, with the express consent of people of Taiwan. Since its
establishment, the United States has been the foremost champion of
liberty and democracy in the world. We cannot afford to tell the people
of Taiwan not to hold a referendum. There should be no double standard
when it comes to exercising democracy.

Thank you for your time and attention to this very important matter.
Taiwan is a longtime friend and ally of the United States in foreign
relations and in the War against Terror. It is crucial that the United
States' commitment to Taiwan not be altered in any way. Taiwan must
continue to be a land of free people, and we must continue to build and
nourish the ties between our country and the people of Taiwan.

Sincerely,

George Allen