The Refugee Conference At The U.S. State Department

On the bright sunny morning of October 28th, Master arrived at the State Department. Mr. Fleming was at the door to welcome Her. He also accompanied Master through the security check and all the way to the meeting venue. Mr. Fleming can speak the Au Lac language, and has spoken at length previously on the telephone with Master. He respects Master very much, and hoped to receive Her distinguished opinions at this meeting.

The two officials that Master met with were Mr. Charles Sykes, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the State Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration, and Mr. William Fleming, Senior Program Officer for Asia, The Office of Africa, the America's and Asia, in the same Bureau at United States State Department. The agenda included everything relating to the treatment of Au Lac refugees from the current CPA and U.S. immigration policies to how international relief organizations can assist the refugees if they are returned to Au Lac.

The State Department tried in the most diplomatic ways to inform Master that the hope of changing the U.S. policy toward the refugees is very small, that the U.S. supports only the return of these refugees to Au Lac, and that the existing 20 - 30,000 person immigration quota from Au Lac to U.S. will likely come from applicants in Au Lac rather than from refugees in the camps.

Likewise, Master tried to make these two officials understand the nature of the brutality in the camps and the fear that is in the hearts of those, even the most innocent, who have been subjected to the types of oppression that the communist regime in Au Lac still employ.

Master told the two officials: If the boat people are willing to return to Au Lac, and they are safe upon their return, She would definitely be delighted to see such a happy ending. However, the problems are, they are not willing and are afraid to go back, and there are many cases of repatriated boat people continuing to be oppressed. This proves that human rights in Au Lac still need to be improved. The fear of the boat people to return to Au Lac is supported with evidence, it is not just psychological.

For humanitarian reasons, the psychological phobias and restlessness of the boat people must not be overlooked. To support this somewhat, Master brought up a situation of Her being searched by custom officials in San Francisco, upon entering the U.S.A. and awaiting transit to another flight. This incident made her realized the deep suffering one experiences in being suspected and watched over. Although She has no connection with things like drugs, however the after effect of being questioned and investigated by powerful officials overshadowed Her, which made it impossible for Her to rest peacefully during the next long flight. Even when staying in the hotel, she still felt restless and had the feeling of being trailed and watched by the police.

Master then reemphasized the present situation of those boat people who have just returned to Au Lac, and the human rights of religious groups being suppressed in Au Lac. (Their letters asking for help are evidence.)

Mr. Fleming admitted that indeed five percent of the people are being persecuted. However, he thought that this was a small proportion compared to the total number of returning people. He also mentioned that the local governments were responsible for the persecutions, and that it was not the administrative policy of the Central government. We can only hope that Au Lac will continue to improve.

He stated adamantly that under the present situation, the only solution is to persuade the boat people to return to their country.

Later, Master told us that she understood that they were complying to the situation in proposing this plan to settle the problem. However, Master could not give in to the situation as they expected, persuading the boat people to return to Au Lac. Master can only talk about the actual events, what She has heard and seen - that the boat people are truly being persecuted upon their return to Au Lac. She cannot talk about something She has not seen.

Immediately after the meeting, both officials were to travel to Au Lac to meet with communist officials on matters relating to the return of the refugees. However, they expressed that this trip would not include any investigation of human rights violations.

Even though there are many differences in both philosophy and desired outcome, Master never wavers in giving unconditional love to all people. Before adjourning for another meeting over lunch,

Mr. Fleming and Deputy Secretary Sykes received Master's art work - longevity lamps and prints of Her paintings, representing Her sincere friendship!

Luncheon Meeting In The State Department

Master then had lunch with an important group of U.S. and UN officials, as well as the directors of Non-Government Organizations (NGO's), in the State Department's President James Buchanan Room. All of these people are involved in assisting the refugees in the camps and in their return to Au Lac.

Ms. Margaret McKelvey, the Director of the Office of International Refugee Assistance for Africa, the Americas and Asia, and the Bureau for Refugee Programs, representing the U.S. State Department. Ms. Dawn T. Calabia represented UNHCR. Also present were Mr. Claude De L. Pepin, Vice President of Organizational Development for World Learning, Inc. who is currently heading up a consortium of internationally recognized NGO's, including the Save the Children Foundation, that are providing small business loans to returning refugees in Au Lac. Mr. Ca Van Tran, President of the Au Lac Assistance for the Handicapped, Mr. Timothy M. McCully, Regional Associate for Asia Pacific International Services of the American Red Cross, Ms. Mitzi Schroeder, Director of the Washington DC Office of ICMC (the International Catholic Migration Commission), Mr. Shep Lowman, Director of Migration and Refugee Services of the U.S. Catholic Conference and leader of this month's NGO mission to the refugee camps and Au Lac. All were working members who had been in direct contact with the refugees.

After formal introductions, each guest explained the nature of his or her relief program and how they are helping the lives of both refugees and returnees. The UNHCR official explained that in her life long career, she has been confronted with refugees who committed suicide and were unwilling to be repatriated. However, based on the policy, they are to be repatriated. Not knowing what to do, this makes her feeling depressed and heart broken.

Master together with those frontline working members, discussed, over lunch, the present situation in the refugee camps and in Au Lac. They all had the same understanding and feelings, and were trying their best, in their position, to improve the situation.

During lunch, Mr. Tran told Master that they have a significant amount of donated medicine for the victims of natural disasters in Au Lac. However, he was unable to get money to subsidize the transportation expenses, therefore it had not been carried out. Master immediately said She would accomplish this task. Without hesitation, Master instructed Her disciples to arrange delivery by air, completely at Her expense. Apart from that, She also instructed that Her disciples go to Au Lac, to cooperate with the relief work. Immediately the human and material resources that would be necessary were arranged for. Mr. Ca later informed us that this service is no longer necessary because at the moment in Au Lac they are not in need of medicine. (Please refer to attached letter.)

Master told everyone present at the meeting that our group does not need go through any paperwork or bureaucracy; it is always ready for action round the clock. Master would instantly give help to any request that is deemed necessary, not wanting anything in return, and immediately mobilizing human and financial resources to cooperate.

Washington DC is a city known for its bureaucracy and paperwork. Consequently, everyone was surprised and felt it incredible that Master arranged and solved this prolonged problem so quickly and easily. Never before has any group done it so fast. Most of the members expressed that due to paperwork, bureaucracy and a shortage of transportation funds, they were unable to deliver large amounts of relief items and donations received to poverty stricken people and victims of disaster.

Someone happily remarked that Master should take the job of commissioner of the UNHCR. However, Master only felt honored that She was given an opportunity to contribute in this small way to mankind. Everyone was touched by Master's humble response, and by Her sincerity and generosity. Master also praised their noble work, encouraging them to do their best in their position.

At the end of the luncheon meeting, Master presented Her art creations of love and friendship to everyone - longevity lamps and prints of Her paintings. Her trip to Washington DC ended in an atmosphere of joy and happiness.