[Picture Caption]
Premier Chiang Ching-kuo decorated Ho Shai-lai, overseas Chinese leader in Hong Kong, at the Executive Yuan March 24. Vice Premier Hsu Ching-chung and Presidential Secretary General Cheng Yin-fen also were present. Ho is chairman of the Taiwan Hong Kong Trading Co. Ltd. and also chairman of the Kung Sheung Daily News in Hong Kong. He was decorated with the medal of the Order of Brilliant Star in recognition of his contributions to the promotion of trade between Taiwan and Hong Kong and of his patriotic spirit. Ho formerly was Vice Minister of National Defense and Chief Delegate to the UN Military Staff Committee. He is now National Policy Adviser to the President.
Visiting U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater called on Foreign Minister Shen Chang-huan April 8 and exchanged views on the world situation and Sino-American relations. Senator Goldwater pointed out that the Republic of China has always been a close friend of the U.S. and he declared that America will never sell it out. He recommended that we should invite more American government and private groups to visit Taiwan, meanwhile, asking those who have visited mainland China to come and have a look on their way back home. Goldwater said he believes that the accomplishments and vigorous spirit of the Republic of China would impress such travelers deeply after a comparison.
Guatemalan Foreign Minister Adolfo Molina Orantes and Foreign Minister Shen Chang-huan jointly signed a communique and a cultural cooperation agreement March 23. The communique expressed ever-increasing mutual understanding and the decision of the two nations to strengthen cooperation further. It also emphasized the firm stand of both nations in upholding international justice, freedom of mankind and human dignity. And it called on all freedom-loving countries to unite to assure world security, social progress and the welfare of mankind.
A visiting U.S. West Coast Press Group, including Alexander Bodi, chief editor of Palo Alto Times, California, and 12 other members visited Kinmen March 16. This group was composed of chief editors and editorial writers of major newspapers on U.S. West Coast. They received a warm welcome and reception from the officers and soldiers stationed on the fortress island. They left with a deep impression of its sound military facilities, strong combat capability and the high morale of the army and civilian inhabitants.