From: Brooks Jackson/CNN
In: Washington
Posted: 5-13-97

Subject: Key Republican Links Return Of Fund-Raiser With China's Trade Status

A prominent House Republican says congressional consideration of China's favored trade status should not proceed unless China produces Charlie Trie, a subpoenaed figure in the Democratic Party's campaign money scandal.

Chairman Gerald Solomon (R-N.Y.) of the House Rules Committee released a letter dated April 12 to President Bill Clinton, asking him to instruct Secretary of State Madeleine Albright "to determine Mr. Trie's whereabouts."

Trie faces subpoenas from House and Senate investigators, but his attorney has refused to disclose where he is. The former Little Rock, Ark., restaurant owner is an international businessman with offices in China. Trie helped raise some of the $3 million in questionable donations that the Democratic National Committee has pledged to give back.

"If Mr. Trie is indeed in China, it is vital [that he] be returned before any renewal of Most Favored Nation trading status even be considered," said Solomon, whose committee controls the flow of legislation to the floor of the House.

"China ... could easily return Mr. Trie to the United States if it had a will to do so," the congressman wrote. "Refusing to do so would certainly raise even more questions about any nation wanting good relations with the United States."