Two distinguished visitors came to the Republic of China in April. President Nguyen Van Thieu of the Republic of Vietnam was the first. He arrived April 12 for a three-day stay. Crown Prince Hassan bin Talal of Jordan flew into Taipei April 16 for an eight-day tour that gave him time to go south and inspect the industrial installations in which his brother, King Hussein, had expressed great interest. Both state guests were warmly welcomed by government leaders and the free Chinese people.
President Thieu was making his final stop on a world tour that took him to the United States, Rome, Bonn, London and Seoul. He was the guest of President Nixon at the San Clemente West Coast White House and received renewed assurances of American support in the face of continued Communist aggression.
Arriving in the early evening of a Thursday, the South Vietnamese chief executive was met by Vice President C.K. Yen, acting on behalf of President Chiang Kai-shek. Premier Chiang Ching-kuo and the entire Cabinet membership of the Republic of China were also present at Sungshan Military Airport.
The presidential jetliner touched down just at dusk and Nguyen Van Kieu, charge d'affaires of the Vietnamese Embassy, went aboard to escort President and Madame Thieu down the ramp to the warm handshakes of Vice President and Mrs. Yen. Flanking the Yens were Premier Chiang, Foreign Minister Shen Chang-huan and Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Hsu Shao-chang. Mrs. Yen presented to Madame Thieu a Meiling orchid named in honor of Madame Chiang Kai-shek.
A 21-gun salute resounded from the Yangmingshan hills in. honor of President Thieu. National anthems of the two countries were played as distinguished guests and high-ranking hosts stood at attention. Accompanied by Vice President Yen, the Vietnamese visitor inspected a reinforced guard of honor from the Chinese Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines.
Vice President Yen introduced President Thieu to Chinese government leaders and then to members of the diplomatic corps, which was headed by its doyen, Ambassador Ramiro Gereda of Guatemala. More than 100 representatives of Vietnamese students and residents gave President and Madame Thieu an enthusiastic ovation.
President Thieu and his party drove to the Grand Hotel via Tunhua Road, Nanking East Road and Chungshan North Road. Tens of thousands of citizens and students lined these main thorough-fares to wave Vietnamese flags and cheer the visiting leader. Troupes of lion and dragon dancers performed along the three-mile route.
Among those accompanying President Thieu were Foreign Minister Tran Van Lam; Lt. Gen Le Nguyen Khang, assistant chief of the general staff; Nguyen Phu Duc, special assistant for foreign affairs; and Hoang Duc Nha, the presidential press secretary. Tuan Anh, the daughter of President and Mrs. Thieu, was also in the party together with her husband. They were married recently in Saigon. The press group included 12 reporters and photographers.
Government and diplomatic quarters attached great importance to the visit, which was President Thieu's second to the Republic of China. He had come from May 30 to June 4, 1969, as the guest of President Chiang.
The Republics of China and Vietnam are two of free Asia's strongest military powers and bulwarks of anti-Communism. Recognition of the ROV was accorded by the ROC on South Vietnam's independence day in 1955. Diplomatic relations were established immediately thereafter. Leaders of the countries have exchanged many visits.
Free China had a military assistance advisory mission specializing in psychological warfare in South Vietnam throughout the long conflict with the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese. This group was withdrawn only with the ceasefire agreement. A farm technical mission of the Republic of China has been working in the Republic of Vietnam since 1963. Discussions are under way for the expansion of this form of technical assistance. On February 28, the countries signed an agreement under which South Vietnam will receive a US$5 million line of credit for the purchase of machinery and other production equipment in Taiwan. Reconstruction assistance has been pledged by the Republic of China to the full extent of its ability.
After a brief rest in the Presidential Suite of the Grand Hotel, President and Madame Thieu went to the Presidential residence in suburban Taipei for a dinner hosted by Madame Chiang. Other guests included the principal members of President Thieu's party, Chinese Presidential Secretary and Mrs. Cheng Yin-fun, Foreign Minister and Mrs. Shen Chang-huan, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam and Mrs. Hsu Shao-chang and General Wang Tu-nien, the deputy chief of general staff.
On Friday morning, President and Madame Thieu went sightseeing and shopping in Taipei. Accompanied by their daughter and son-in-law, they bought Taiwan jade and other semiprecious stones.
President Thieu returned to the Grand Hotel for discussions with Vice President C.K. Yen and then was guest of honor at the Vice President's luncheon. The guest list of more than 100 included the members of President Thieu's official party, chiefs of the Executive, Legislative, Control, Examination and Judicial Yuans, and the heads of diplomatic missions in Taipei.
The Vietnamese chief of state spoke warmly of the strong anti-Communism of the Republic of China and its people. "This kind of strength is the best assurance for peace," he said. Some other countries have wavered in their anti-Communism, he added, but not the Republic of China. He described his trip as a "mission of peace and cooperation." The peace that the Republic of Vietnam wants, he said, is that of freedom and not Communist enslavement. To remain free, he continued, Asian countries must maintain vigilance and military strength.
In the afternoon, Vietnamese charge d'affaires Nguyen Van Kieu was host at a reception in President Thieu's honor. The visitor presented decorations to 24 Chinese government leaders and military officers for their contributions to Sino-Vietnamese cooperation. Those honored included:
- Vice Premier Hsu Ching-chung.
- Foreign Minister Shen Chang-huan.
- Defense Minister Chen Ta-ching.
- Director-General of Information Fredrick Chien.
- Commander-in-Chief of the Army General Yu Hao-chang.
- Commander-in-Chief of the Neavy Admiral Sung Chang-chih.
- Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force General Chen I-fan.
President Thieu told guests that the Republic of Vietnam is confident of success in reconstruction efforts. His country will use its own experience and resources, he said, but hopes for cooperation from friends and allies.
South Vietnam's First Lady followed a separate schedule for part of the day. In the morning she visited the Chen Hsing Rehabilitation Center at Shihpai in the Taipei suburbs. This is an installation inspired and supported by Madame Chiang Kai-shek. Madame Thieu presented a donation of NT$20,000 to the Center, which is engaged in an expansion program. Accompanied by Mrs. C.K. Yen, the visitor spent an hour looking at the medical and rehabilitation facilities and talking to crippled children. She said she hoped that the Republic of Vietnam would be able to establish a similar center. One of her postwar goals, she said, is to organize the women of free Vietnam for war against poverty and disease. In the afternoon, Madame Thieu and Mrs. Yen went to the Taipei business district for shopping.
On Saturday morning, President and Madame Thieu went to the National Palace Museum to see some of the nearly quarter of a million art treasures housed there.
In a subsequent pre-departure television interview, President Thieu said the free Asian countries are stronger than the Communists both economically and politically. "But we have a crisis," he said. "We are not vigilant enough about the increasing Communist threat. There is a tendency among some people to delude themselves with the thinking that a lasting peace can be had if we only stretch out our arms and embrace the Communists."
He said this illusion stems from such recent events as negotiations with the Communists and the admission of the Peiping regime to the United Nations.
"We should regard negotiation with the Communists as an attempt of the free world to give the Communist bloc a chance to compete in peace," said free Vietnam's leader. "We sincerely hope to follow this path to end killings and destruction. And we firmly believe that we shall win if the goal of the peaceful competition is the improvement of the people's livelihood."
President Thieu said that there is a perilous catch in negotiations: "The Communists agree to talk only when they are weak and when they are stalling for time to wait for improved opportunity to realize their goals of expansion and world domination."
Small countries must not blindly follow in the footsteps of the big powers, President Thieu said. "The efforts of the superpowers to improve their relations are pursued with their own objectives in mind and may be carried out on a give and take basis. But with medium and small nations things may be entirely different. We must defend our freedom and work toward a better and brighter future for our people. We follow this road not because the superpowers want us to but because we believe this is the correct road and that which best suits our ideals and rights."
Full military honors were accorded President Thieu at Sungshan Military Airport once again as he arrived for early afternoon departure on Saturday. Seeing him off were Vice President and Mrs. C.K. Yen, Premier Chiang Ching-kuo, Presidential Secretary-General Cheng Yin-fun, Foreign Minister Shen Chang-huan, other government leaders, members of the diplomatic corps and Vietnamese students and residents.
Returning to Saigon, President Thieu told an airport crowd of 30,000 that he did not have to explain the Republic of Vietnam's anti-Communist position during his Taiwan visit. The free Chinese people were well aware of the treachery and aggressive intentions of the Communists, he said.
He said that the Republic of China and all of the other countries he visited were prepared to assist in South Vietnam's postwar reconstruction. In Europe, he said, there was misunderstanding of the Vietnam war and South Vietnam government as a consequence of vicious Communist propaganda. He said he had tried to set the record straight. An international conference will be convened in May, he said, to discuss reconstruction plans and commitments.
President Thieu also conveyed the assurances of President Nixon that the United States would stand squarely with the Republic of Vietnam in the event of another Communist offensive.
Taipei newspapers commented extensively on President Thieu's visit. This is a sample of the opinions expressed:
"President Nguyen Van Thieu is receiving a Chinese welcome of affection as well as of protocol. The people of the Republic of China have sound reason for respecting this anti-Communist warrior of the Republic of Vietnam.
"To say that the United States saved South Vietnam is not quite accurate. The South Vietnamese saved themselves with the help of the United States.
"General Thieu came to power as one of several leaders developed by the Vietnamese armed forces. In the beginning he was first among equals. Countries are not governed by committees, however, and he soon showed the qualities of leadership which led to his election as president.
"President Thieu now heads up a going concern which is not only holding its own against the Communists but also beginning the tasks of reconstruction.
"Critics and detractors said the Republic of Vietnam would quickly collapse if the American armies departed. The U.S. ground forces are gone down to the last man. The Republic of Vietnam has not lost a single important battle despite the large-scale infiltration of fresh Communist forces.
"President Thieu and the leaders of the Republic of China have matters of pressing consequence to discuss. Our two countries are at the very forefront. of the anti-Communist struggle. We confront not only the military problem of dealing with armed aggression, but also the tides of appeasement which have swept across the free world in the last couple of years.
"President Thieu and the Republic of Vietnam could live and let live, at least for the time being, if the Communists of the North would desist from their march southward. This is not to be. Hanoi is preparing for another major offensive in the second half of 1973. This is a battle which South Vietnam must win in order to survive.
"Similarly, the Chinese Communists leave us no alternative except to fight on. They are now engaged in actions aimed at the political and economic isolation of the Republic of China. The mailed fist is held in readiness for the slightest sign of weakness on our part.
"The Republics of China and Vietnam have armed forces totaling nearly 2 million men. Our navies and air forces are small but growing and highly competent. A solid front of the ROC-ROV is bound to give the Communists pause in both planning and action.
"President Thieu will find free China prepared to do everything within its power to assist in the defense and strengthening of the Republic of Vietnam. We are aware of his interest in a powerful Republic of China to counter the aggressive intentions of the Chinese Communists.
"ROC-ROV economic cooperation can have meaningful benefits for both countries. The Republic of Vietnam is going to have a rapidly expanding economy. Agriculture will be modernized. The first shoots of industry are already coming up.
"This country can help with capital, goods and know-how. The relations between the overseas Chinese of South Vietnam and the business and industrial leaders of the Republic of China are good. Overseas Chinese are prepared to devote themselves to rehabilitation of their adopted country.
"President Thieu honors us with his presence at the end of a long and tiring world tour. His reasons for coming are important to both of us. He will not be disappointed by what he finds and hears in free China. Our government and our people are with the Republic of Vietnam and the anti-Communist cause all the way."
Crown Prince Hassan of Jordan, the younger brother of the ruling monarch and in charge of his country's three-year development program, came on Monday, April 16, aboard a Jordanian airliner. He was met by Vice President C.K. Yen, Premier Chiang Ching-kuo, other government leaders, military commanders and hundreds of Chinese followers of Islam. He received a 19-gun salute and inspected a reinforced honor guard from the four armed services.
In an arrival statement, Prince Hassan said Jordan and the Republic of China share "the great values of human principles as well as the aspirations for lasting peace based on justice."
He conveyed to President Chiang Kai-shek through Vice President Yen "the warm greetings of His Majesty King Hussein and the government and people of Jordan. The strong ties that have always existed between our two countries were greatly enhanced and strengthened by the visit to the Republic of China by the King Jordan in 1959 and the exchange of prominent delegates on both sides."
Accompanying the Crown Prince were:
- General Amer Baseem Khammash, minister of the Royal Court.
- Dr. Khalil Salim, governor of the Central Bank.
- Dr. Anton Naber, secretary-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Dr. Hanna S. Odeh, secretary-general of the National Planning Council.
- Dr. Marwan S. Kasim, special aide to the Crown Prince.
- Dr. Rajai Saleh Muasher, manager of the Project Operations Status Information Center.
- Dr. Tayseer, A. Jaber, director of the Economic Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Major Dib Suleiman, military secretary to Crown Prince Hassan.
- Chinese Ambassador to Jordan General Wang Shu-ming, who accompanied the Crown Prince to Taipei.
Crown Prince Hassan went to the Presidential Building to pay his respects to Vice President Yen and then attended a reception given in his honor by Foreign Minister Shen Chang-huan at the Guest House just opposite the Foreign Ministry.
The visitor had a busy morning on the second day of his stay. He went to the Yuanshan Martyrs' Shrine to lay a wreath in tribute to the nation's war dead, then conferred with Premier Chiang Ching-kuo on Sino-Jordanian friendship and cooperation, and attended a briefing at the Ministry of Finance. In the afternoon he visited the Far Eastern Textile Company at Panchiao in the Taipei suburbs in the company of Vice President Yen and economic officials. He called on Madame Chiang Kai-shek in the late afternoon.
The evening's dinner was given by Vice President Yen at the Chungshan Building on Yangmingshan. In an earlier ceremony, Vice President Yen decorated the Crown Prince with the order of the Special Grand Cordon of the Order of Propitious Clouds. Prince Hassan presented Restoration Medals to Vice President Yen and Premier Chiang.
In his address to the dinner gathering, Vice President Yen said:
"Your Royal Highness's visit to the Republic of China has great historical significance. Indeed, it leaves another milestone in the relations between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Republic of China. It gives me great pleasure and honor once again to welcome Your Royal Highness.
"The contact between the Arabic and the Chinese peoples has a long history dating back to the remote past. Since Islam was first introduced into China, many of our people have embraced that faith. Thus the two peoples have long enjoyed the closest bond possible. Then, His Majesty King Hussein's visit to the Repub1ic of China in 1959, with which our memory is still fresh, further consolidated the ties of friendship between our two countries.
"In recent years, your great nation under His Majesty King Hussein's brilliant leadership has witnessed a phenomenal progress in all fields. Among others, the execution of the Three-Year Economic Development Plan is bound to have significant impact upon the welfare of your people; and I am positive that it will contribute greatly to the building up of your national strength. I should like to express our sincere admiration for His Majesty's and Your Royal Highness's farsightedness and our best wishes for success.
"Just like your country, we in the Republic of China are also striving for economic development with a view to better livelihood for our people. Our objectives being the same, the major task before our two countries is to find ways and means to further improve our cooperation as regards technical know-how as well as in the fields of trade and cultural relations.
"Your Royal Highness, for the last two years we have encountered tremendous difficulties as a result of the appeasement trend in world politics. However, nothing will shake our confidence in our cause and we are very firm with our basic stand in upholding freedom, democracy and international justice.
"In fact, all our people, at home and abroad, united and determined under our great leader, President Chiang, are as resolutely dedicated as they were before to uproot the regime of the Communist rebels who have since 1949 illegally occupied our mainland and whose every move is in utter contradiction to our traditional Chinese culture. I am convinced that freedom and democracy will attain the final victory, international justice will prevail and our countrymen will regain their freedom and dignity. For only with a free and democratic China can real peace in Asia and the world be secured.
"In view of the fact that the wicked and atheistic Communists are stepping up their infiltration and subversion activities everywhere in the world, it is imperative that our two countries should continue to cooperate and join hands in our efforts to safeguard freedom and peace for ourselves as well as for the world.
Vice President Yen decorates Crown Prince Hassan.(File photo)
"During Your Royal Highness's sojourn in my country, I look forward to the opportunity of exchanging views with Your Royal Highness on the world situation in general and on matters of mutual interest in particular. I am confident that the traditional ties of friendship and cooperation between our two countries will be further strengthened as a result of Your Royal Highness's visit.
"May I now ask all of our distinguished guests to join me in a toast to the well-being of His Majesty King Hussein, to that of Your Royal Highness and to the prosperity of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan."
Crown Prince Hassan responded: "My delegation and myself are deeply touched by your kind words and your cordial welcome. I bring you warm, fraternal greetings from His Majesty the King, the Government and the people of Jordan. Our two countries share a common heritage in the annals of history in being at one time or another cradles of civilization.
"Our two countries have been beset lately by so much adversity and difficulties. However, we were able to sustain ourselves and surmount the crises, thanks to Allah, chin chin, .and the determination of our farsighted leaderships.
"The fundamental action of modern day government is economic development. In our quest for a better standard of living for our people we come to your beautiful and hospitable country to learn from your great experience which can only be described as an economic miracle. We are happy to note that under the wise and enlightened leadership of your government, you were able to achieve such a miracle which brought you prosperity and self-reliance.
"We are in search of new ideas, new avenues of trade, common ventures that will ultimately enhance our bilateral relations and further strengthen the good ties that have always existed between our two countries. We are encouraged and heartened that our friends in the Republic of China are ready to share with us their experience. The two delegations that visited us lately are a manifestation of this attitude.
"We certainly look forward to joining ranks with you to uphold ideals and principles of freedom, democracy and justice. There are tremendous challenges confronting us."
Crown Prince Hassan and his entourage flew to Kaohsiung aboard the Presidential plane the morning of Wednesday, April 18, for three days in southern Taiwan. He was accompanied by Premier Chiang Ching-kuo. Waiting to greet him at the Kaohsiung International Airport was Governor of Taiwan Hsieh Tung-ming.
On his first day in a southern Taiwan which has industrial and military installations, yet continues to be the agricultural heart of the country, Prince Hassan first visited a plastics plant, lunched with cadets of the Chinese Military Academy at Fengshan, inspected airborne units at Pingtung and toured a sugar mill.
The Jordanian leader joined Premier Chiang in addressing the Military Academy corps of cadets. He told them that both countries are confronted by the evil force of Communism but both are firm in their determination to safeguard freedom, democracy and justice.
The Prince took notice of a photograph showing King Hussein and President Chiang on the occasion of the monarch's 1959 visit to the Republic of China. He said this symbolized the friendly ties between the two countries.
On the way from Military Academy to Pingtung, Prince Hassan's interest was attracted by thousands of watermelons growing along a river bank. Premier Chiang stopped the car, bought two big melons and presented them to the Prince.
Finance Minister K.T. Li was the host for dinner at the Kaohsiung Grand Hotel in picturesque Cheng Ching Park.
The Jordanian party saw the Kaohsiung Export Processing Zone Thursday morning, April 19. Jordan has expressed interest in a similar development. Raw materials are imported duty free and with minimum red tape, processed and exported. KEPZ was opened in December of 1966. Two other zones were opened subsequently. Combined sales have reached the US$250 million level with foreign exchange earnings of US$75 million.
Prince Hassan then saw the Taiwan Fertilizer Company Plant No.3. TFC produces calcium superphosphate, urea, ammonium sulfate, calcium nitrate and compound fertilizers. The Crown Prince also toured the Kaohsiung Junior College of Technology and inspected its workshops.
In the afternoon he saw a Taiwan Pineapple Corporation cannery at Fengshan and paid a call on the Farmers' Association headquarters there. The party returned to Kaohsiung to tour Cheng Ching Park and then attended Premier Chiang's dinner party at the Grand Hotel. Addressing his guest, Premier Chiang said he would propose his toast in water because discourse among gentlemen should be as clear as that liquid.
Friday, April 20, saw Prince Hassan visiting a farm at Hsinshih and inspecting the Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center at Shanhua near Tainan. Established in May of 1971, AVRDC is supported by the Republic of China, South Korea, South Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Japan and the United States. He then went on to the Wushantou Reservoir on the Tropic of Cancer near Chiayi. This project is a major source of irrigation for the Chianan plain on the west coast and has become a tourist attraction.
Proceeding to Hsinying, the Jordanians boarded a northbound Kaohsiung-Taipei express train for Taichung, the biggest city in central Taiwan. In the Taichung area he saw the Chinese Air Force Aviation Research and Development Center and the Ching Chuan Kang Air Force Base, which is an important transport stop for American aircraft flying to Southeast Asia. General Chen I-fan, Air Force commander-in-chief, welcomed the party at CCK. A scramble and take-off of fighter pilots was staged for the visitors, who also visited a helicopter plant.
Crown Prince Hassan flew back to Taipei in the evening and was the guest of Economic Minister Y.S. Sun at a dinner party.
On Saturday, April 21, the Middle Eastern dignitaries went first to the Armed Forces War College in suburban Taipei, then saw the Combined Service Forces Museum. General Cheng Wei-yuan, commander-in-chief of the CSF, told them how this unique branch serves the logistical needs of all the armed forces. In the afternoon the party went to the Postal Service Information Center and the Chinese Display Center.
Economic officials of the two countries met to plan for a closer relationship. Taiwan will send agricultural and industrial specialists to Jordan to help with the three-year development program. Industrial skills will include textile and plastics manufacturing and food processing. Agronomists will help Jordan increase crop yield and establish a farm extension program. Trade will be increased. Jordan may offer preferential tariffs to boost imports from Taiwan, which sold US$1.2 million to the Middle Eastern country last year.
Crown Prince Hassan went to the Taipei Mosque and the National Palace Museum in the morning of his busy Sunday, April 22. In the afternoon he flew to Penghu off the southwest coast. The Crown Prince was interested in a huge centuries-old banyan tree and a temple. A causeway recently was completed to link the three principal islands of the low-lying chain, known to the West as the Pescadores. The Jordanians then flew on to the offshore islands, where they toured defense installations in the company of Premier Chiang. They saw underground fortifications, big artillery pieces and other installations. At Ft. Kuningtou, they viewed the mainland through powerful binoculars. The procession of cars stopped so Prince Hassan could extend greetings to the offshore islanders and watch a student baseball game. He saw the Kinmen ceramics plant and received a bottle of kaoliang, a potent liquor sometimes known as liquid dynamite.
In the evening, Crown Prince Hassan gave a dinner party at the Grand Hotel for more than 120 guests. He again took note of the Taiwan "economic miracle" and said it was made possible by an enlightened and hard-working people. He praised the quality of the free Chinese youth he had seen, especially the young men'in the military services, The spirit of Kinmen's defenders had impressed him.
Vice President C.K, Yen said Crown Prince Hassan's visit marked a new milestone in Sino-Jordanian relations. "On the eve of Your Royal Highness's departure, I wish to avail myself of this opportunity to reiterate our determination to safeguard freedom, democracy and international justice and peace, and our faith in victory and success," the Vice President said.
Crown Prince Hassan held a press conference before his departure for the United States the evening of Monday, April 23. He said Jordan would welcome investment by financial interests of the Republic of China to assist in the economic development program. The Jordanian objective is a 5 per cent annual increase in per capita income. He said that Taiwan can buy more phosphate from Jordan.
Free world solidarity is necessary for the containment of Communism, he said, but appeasement and opportunism seem to be increasingly common. The Republic of China and Jordan can help arrest this trend, he declared.
Prince Hassan said he had briefed both Vice President Yen and Premier Chiang on Jordan's situation. He said he found the Vice President to be an outstanding authority on economic matters and the Premier to have the attributes of great leadership.
The final communique issued just before departure said:
"During the visit, His Royal Highness, accompanied by His Excellency General Amer Baseem Khammash, minister of the Royal Court; His Excellency Dr. Khalil Salim, governor of the Central Bank; His Excellency Dr. Anton Naber, secretary-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; His Excellency Dr. Hanna S. Odeh, secretary-general of the National Planning Council, and other officials, had the opportunity of acquainting himself with the various aspects of the national endeavors and activities and expressed his deep admiration for the signal achievements that have been made by the government and people of the Republic of China under the wise and able leadership of His Excellency President Chiang Kai-shek.
"His Royal Highness was extremely gratified with, and indeed deeply touched by, the warm fraternal welcome and generous hospitality accorded to him and his party during their stay in the Republic of China.
"During the visit, His Royal Highness had friendly as well as official talks with Her Excellency Madame Chiang Kai-shek; His Excellency Vice President Yen Chia-kan; His Excellency Premier Chiang Ching-kuo; His Excellency Minister of Foreign Affairs Shen Chang-huan; His Excellency Minister of Finance Li Kwoh-ting; and His Excellency Minister of Economic Affairs Sun Yun-suan. These talks which were held in a sincere and intimate atmosphere covered matters of mutual interest and common concern, particularly the ways and means for further strengthening and developing the cordial relations long existing between the two countries.
"His Excellency the Chinese Premier was pleased to know that remarkable achievements have been registered in all fields in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan under the brilliant leadership of His Majesty King Hussein bin Talal and that the Three-Year Economic Development Plan under the dynamic guidance of His Royal Highness has also made big strides in the course of its implementation.
"Both the Jordanian and Chinese leaders expressed great satisfaction with the steady growth of bilateral relations between the two countries; and they agreed that periodic visits should be exchanged between the executives and technicians of both governments to review programs worked out for the promotion of cooperation in various fields as well as to recommend measures required to further enhance the interests of the two countries.
"They are convinced that it is only by working together towards the common goal of preserving world peace 'and human dignity and of upholding the principles of freedom and democracy that their firm stand against adversity and aggression can be effectively maintained."
Jordanian Ambassador to China Mutasim Bilbeisi received the Order of Brilliant Star With Grand Cordon a few days after Crown Prince Hassan's departure. The Jordanian envoy returned to Amman after a two-year tour of duty in Taipei.
Editorial comment on the Jordanian visit included these observations:
"Crown Prince Hassan of Jordan comes to the Republic of China at an auspicious moment. His country is entering upon a program of accelerated economic development under the able leadership of King Hussein.
"Jordan lacks the oil riches of some of the other Middle Eastern countries. A progressive, forward-looking people make up for this.
"We who are far away long have thought of Jordan as mostly desert. Arid land is plentiful, all right, but the western portion is fertile and agricultural production is growing. Some of the crops parallel our own: vegetables, grapes, citrus and bananas. Wheat, barley and olives are also grown.
"There are parallels in industry, too: Textiles, plastics, cement, leather, steel, building materials, tobacco, distilling and soap. Other industrial products are olive oil and mother-of-pearl.
"Multipurpose water projects are under way. The Republic of China has taken both agricultural and industrial interest in Jordan. Finance Minister K.T. Li visited Amman recently and commented on Jordan's excellent prospects. He found the University of Jordan, which was established only 11 years ago, to be the equal of top institutions of higher learning in Asia and the West.
"King Hussein chose his brother, Crown Prince Hassan, to direct Jordan's economic expansion. Once a visitor to Taiwan himself, King Hussein wanted Prince Hassan to come here and see for himself what the free Chinese people have done with an island deficient in natural resources.
"The Prince will be here long enough to see a good deal. He is not merely sightseeing. Out of his trip will come concrete measures of cooperation.
"Although Jordan is a monarchy, the rule of King Hussein is far from autocratic. The Senate of 30 is nominated by the King but the Lower House of 60 is elected by manhood suffrage. This is a country where we can confidently share our technology and safely invest our money. Jordan has a promising future.
"Prince Hassan will find in free China the same warm hospitality for which his own Arab countrymen are noted. He is a welcome visitor.
"People of the Republic of China have an especially warm place in their hearts for Jordan, This small country of limited population must face international difficulties that would try the courage of a great power. Jordan has held its head high and persevered. It has won the respect of the world.
"There is every reason to enlarge and reinforce the political, economic, social and cultural ties which have made Jordan and the Republic of China firm friends. Prince Hassan's visit is a harbinger of the opportunity to participate fully in Jordan's development."