Scotland, UK: The Leader of City of Edinburgh Council's Letter to Falun Gong practitioners

Dear Ms Chi

Thank you for taking the time to visit the City Chambers on the morning of 4 October 2001, I realise that this was the final stop on an exhaustive tour of UK local authorities.

As requested this morning, I enclose the copy of the Leader’s report regarding the Falun Gong from January 2001. I have passed on the letters to all Councillors and have written a letter to Jack Straw, Foreign Secretary.

I wish you luck with your campaign and hope for a happy solution for Zhengfang MO and her child.

Yours sincerely

Councillor Donald Anderson
Leader - City of Edinburgh Council

Enclosed：Leader’s Report (25/1/2001)

11 Falun Gong – Inhumane Persecution Against Practitioners in China

11.1 I wish to draw your attention to the above matter. I attach correspondence that I received concerning a campaign protesting against the Chinese Government’s persecution of Falun Gong practitioners over the last 16 months. You will note from the correspondence that the Falun Gong is a peaceful organisation and they are requesting support against the inhumane treatment they are receiving.

11.2 I have written to Robin Cook regarding this matter and attach a copy of his response. The Government is deeply concerned at the treatment of the Falun Gong.

11.3 The organisers of the campaign are requesting that an international petition be signed, requesting the release of the Falun Gong practitioners who are held captive and en end to brutal persecution. The petition is available for signing at Full Council, together with further information regarding the Falun Gong.