U.S. Dept. of State - IIP: The United States and China

Congressional Report: Helms Praises Bush Team, April 12, 2001
(Helms statement on China, U.S. air crew)
HELMS PRAISES BUSH TEAM FOR NEGOTIATING RELEASE OF AIR CREW FROM CHINA
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jesse Helms (Republican-North Carolina) issued a statement late April 11 saying he was "extremely proud of President Bush and his national security team for successfully negotating the release of our pilot and air crew" in China.
Senator Helms said the crew "should never have been incarcerated to begin with."
He said he was withholding "extended comment on the situation in China until our airmen and women are safely home.
"And, like all Americans, I am extremely proud of these brave men and women, who stood tall for their country under great duress. They are true American heroes, and we look forward to welcoming them home very soon."

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