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THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 11, 1998
Larry Youngberg
Box 69
Parma, Idaho 83660
Dear Mr. Youngberg:
Thank you for your letter to the First Lady about the
economic transition in Russia and steps to address the
process.
We appreciate your thoughtfulness in writing about
this critical issue. I know Mrs. Clnton would want me to
convey her best wishes to you.
Sincerely,
Mem Chief of Staff to
Melanne Verveer
the First Lady
First Lady
-
- Ms. HiLLary Rodham Clinton
- Russian Crisis
-
- Peace Museum
-
PHOTOCOPY
Oct 26, 1998
First Lady Hillary Rodham clinton
Rm. 100 O.E.O.B.
Attention: Ms Melanne Verveer
Subject: Russian economic crisis
Dear, Ms Clinton
Russia and its economic crisis is very much in the news. I have listened to many experts
and people who have had first hand observations of the situation in Russia and the
diagnosis does not look good either in the short term or for a long time to come. The
problem is stated that while there are many highly intelligent and capable people in Russia
the trouble is that they do not have a history of dealing in the business world and
particularly in a market economy. Their history has been one of a command structure first
when they were dictated to by the czar and in modern times under the Communist system
so they simple do not have the historical background and experience in dealing with the
open market place in the same capacity as the western industrialized world. It is said by
some that at the present time many Russians in positions of power and authority do not
have much of a clue as to how to make the necessary transition to a market oriented
system such as has been the practice by the majority of the worlds economic super
powers. Even those who express the more optimistic view of the situation in Russia say it
will take many years for them to make the transition to being a market economy. I believe
there is a way in which we can greatly accelerate the process.
We should offer to bring over to this country and if we can get the other western
economic powers such as Germany, Britain, France and Italy to agree for us to take on
50% of the burden and for these other countries to take on 50% of the burden to bring
over to our respective countries for training and education a large number of promising
young Russian's say in the 18 to 22 year old group to be trained in business schools and
universities specializing in business practices in a market oriented system. In exchange
they would agree to eliminate all or at least a substantial portion of their nuclear, chemical
and biological weapons. I believe this would be very much to the advantage of all
countries for this to happen. I would very much appreciate a reply after you have given
this idea your careful consideration.
It is being said by a number of people that a system of law and property rights such as we
have in America and in Western European countries is not present in Russia. People who
are business oriented are usually of the right frame of mind and have the proper
perspective as to the need for these essential things that they would readily lend
themselves to adapting necessary changes. While it may be beneficial to have young
Russians educated in some of these areas the main emphasis should be on business. It is
business which makes the world go round. It would probably be best to have an educating
processes brought about both in Western Europe as well as America since America is
more of a pure capitalistic system than is Western Europe. The more controlled and
restricted capitalism of most of the Western European countries would be more palatable
and compatible with the Russian way of thinking. It is a kinder more gentle capitalism
than the harsher less restricted capitalism of America. I believe in capitalism as most all of
the people I have talked to who have lived in Europe who have had first hand experience
with socialism have said that it does not work. Yet an uncontrolled unbridled capitalism is
not compatible with a compassionate caring and just society. It goes back to the more
basic laws of nature to where it is competition and survival of the fittest. At least some of
the trouble in Russia is because people in Russia may not understand how capitalism really
works and that it must be modified to meets the needs of society.
Education in free market business practices and in the establishment and maintenance of
property rights and proper business taxation and regulation as well as banking and finance
practices is an essential part of free market economics. We need to stress education in
our help to the Russian economy. In fact we need to stress education in all of our efforts
to help any other country. To simply lend money or offer assistance with money either
through the International Monetary Fund or through any other means may only be money
thrown down the drain. Education and a right frame of mind is essential to most all
problems whether here in America or in other countries.
Sincerely,
Larry Box 69 L. frangley
Larry L. Youngberg
Parma Idaho 83660
208=722=7030
Oct 26, 1998.
Mr. J.R. Simplot
4000 N Simplot Ln
Boise Idaho 83702
Subject: Museum Peace Display
Dear Mr. Simplot
I took interest in an interview that you had with the Idaho Press Tribune a couple of
weeks ago where you expressed the view that war was something that mankind should do
without. This is also a view which I strongly believe in. It is a great position to be in
where you have the money and influence to truly make a difference in such matters. I
would like to be of assistance in helping to change the world and mans views on such
matters. Following is an idea that I have that I truly believe would help in the matter of
changing the view that many people have regarding warfare.
It is my strong belief that a museum which had a large section or area dedicated to telling
about and describing the history of human warfare from earliest mankinds history until the
present could be done in such a manner as to capture peoples attention and interest. The
story could lead up to the present nuclear and biological age and could describe in ways
which would hopefully make an unforgettable impression on peoples minds as to the
destructive capacity of modern weapons of war that science is capable of creating. The
story would have an evolutionary theme leading people to the inescapable conclusion of
the reasons why war was no longer an option which we could except in the modern
advanced civilized stage that man in his evolutionary cycle is now in and especially for the
future. If this was done in the best manner that could be reasonably accomplished I
believe that it would have an effect of influencing peoples thinking and attitudes about
warfare in the modern age.
Other concepts regarding human behavior could be displayed and explained in subsequent
areas. Recently I listened to a Ph.D. in brain development talk about how the front
reasoning part of the brain was much more highly developed among humans than in any
other animal species. The doctor went on to explain that in order to take full advantage of
the frontal reasoning part of the brain that people had to use it. That is that the
development and use of the reasoning part of the brain was not automatic but could in
effect lie dormant unless it was used and developed. Unless people used the frontal
reasoning part of the brain then the more primitive instinctual parts of the brain would
dominate and have greater control over the behavior of people. The key here is that it
takes effort to develop and use the reasoning part of the brain whereas the more primitive
instinctual part of the brain was more automatic and much easier and in a sense more
natural for people to use. Whenever people are under sever stress they are more apt to
revert back to using more of the instinctual parts of the brain. Also more passive pursuits
such as casually viewing easy to digest television shows or other easy entertainment or
media inputs are not helpful to the reasoning thought process which requires a more
deliberate interactive effort in concentration.
There are many useful things which can be talked about and explained that would be of
benefit in helping to establish worthwhile cultural values in peoples minds. For I am
convinced that as in education and in all things as well peoples attitudes toward war are
very much a part of the cultural values that they have. The hope for civilization and for
the future of mankind is in establishing the proper cultural values and in getting people to
become more logical reasoning as well as caring human beings.
I have a lot of other ideas and suggestions which could be used to great benefit in helping
to enlighten peoples minds and to give them hope and a vision for the future that could be
used in a museum setting. Please let me know if you are interested. Also I am including a
copy of a letter which I am sending to the white house. I respectfully await your reply.
Sincerely, Larry L. Youngberg
Larry Box 69 L. Youngloug
Parma Idaho 83660
Phone 208 722 7030
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 8, 1998
Mr. Mark Youngblood
Associate Director
Instiutional Sales
Shenyin Wanguo Secutirites (H.K.) Ltd
28/F, Citibank Tower
Citibank Plaza, 3 Garden Road
Hong Kong
Dear Mr. Youngblood:
Thank you very much for your letter and information on
the Ford Motor Company's project. I have forwarded your
letter to the relevant officials at the Department of Commerce
and our embassy in Beijing.
Best wishes.
Sincerely,
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
Melanne Verveer
Mark Youngblood
Associate Director
Institutional Sales
PIS advise an
response
Shenyin Wanguo Securities (H.K.) Ltd.
(Member of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited)
28/F., Citibank Tower.
2509 8333 (General)
2509 0305 (Fax)
Citibank Plaza,
2509 1019 (Direct)
83017 SWHK HX (Tlx)
3 Garden Road,
9424 1607 (Mobile)
Hong Kong.
Shenyin Wanguo (H.K.) Holdings Limited
Monday,
April 20, 1998
6:15 p.m.
Melanne Verveer
Assistant To The President And Chief Of Staff
To The First Lady
Old Executive Office Building
Room 100
Washington, DC 20500
Fax: (202) 456-6244
Dear Melanne:
I called last week and spoke with Kim about asking for
yours and the First Lady's help in supporting an
American company attempting to do more business with
China.
I'm the first and only American working for Shenyin &
Wanguo in the Hong Kong office. I know, the name is
a tongue twister. Actually, Shenyin & Wanguo is the
"Merrill Lynch" of China. We have over 3,000 people
in over 100 offices around China. I'm in charge of
covering the China stock markets for institutional
investors in the U.S., investing overseas.
(Melanne Verifier, Page 2)
To make a long story short, Ford Motor Company is in
a position to do substantial business in China if Beijing
approves Ford to be able to provide financing for Ford
cars eg. the Ford Transit purchased by people in China.
Ford gets the green light to apply as soon as its stake in
JMC (Jiangling Motors Corp.) rises above 25%. Ford
currently owns 20%. It will own 30% within several
weeks.
With the President's trip close at hand (end of June?),
the timing will be quite good if the President can
announce that a major American company such as Ford
will be able to substantially increase its business in
China as a result of being able to provide financing.
To give you an idea of what the impact, of having auto
financing for cars in China, will be, I'm told by the
Chief Financial Officer of Jiangling Motors Corp. (Mr.
Gordon Spaulding [an American]) that sales projections
of Ford Transit vehicles [a van product] may double
next year if Ford Motor obtains approval to provide
financing for sales of Ford products in China.
Ford wins (U.S.) because it gets 30% of the profits
from any car JMC sells. Ford wins (U.S.) again
because JMC imports Ford components. JMC (China)
wins because it would be in a position to provide
something the average Chinese consumer desperately
needs [consumer credit].
(Melanne Verifier, Page 3)
I'm not sure what good news the President will
announce on his trip to China this year. The U.S. trade
deficit with China is growing rapidly. As an American,
I feel that it's good to see an American company rapidly
expand its business opportunities by providing financing
(JMC also imports Ford components).
From a historical perspective, I think it's important that
the U.S. does all it can to help American companies
penetrate the China market early. Otherwise, American
companies will get in too late. This will lead to the
same situation we have now between the U.S. and
Japan. A huge part of the U.S./Japan deficit is in
automobiles.
Getting approval for auto financing is quite easy in the
U.S. and in other countries. In China, there's interest
and the desire. The President's interest will bring
closer the day when all of China's consumers will be
able to go out and finance the purchase of a car.
I know that's something you and I take for granted. For
China's consumers it's a dream that can come true with
yours and the First Lady's help.
I look forward to hearing from you. I hope you enjoyed
your recent trip to South America.
(Melanie Verifier, Page 4)
When I left the U.S. to work in Hong Kong 6 years
ago, Mr. Clinton wasn't President. Although I have
never lived in the U.S. while Mr. Clinton was
President, I want you to know that even in Hong Kong
(half a world away), I feel more proud to be an
American than at anytime in my life.
This is because of the exceptionally supportive
relationship between the First Lady and the President.
Sincerely mark Joses
Mark Youngblood
(Associate Director)
Note: Please direct any fax responses to: (852) 2509-
0319. I can be reached by phone at: (852) 2509-8398
during office hours here. Hong Kong is 12 hours ahead
of Washington, D.C. time zone. During your daytime
hours, I can be reached at: (852) 9424-1607.
c:mve0420
South China Morning Post Business
5
Scms
CHINA
CAR INDUSTRY
Chrysler sales dip
triggers output cut
BLOOMBERG in Beijing
Chrysler Corp is to cut this year's
output target at its Beijing plant
after a 65 per cent first-quarter sales
slump of its Cherokee vehicles.
The company's woes reflect the
sudden slowdown of the mainland
car industry.
Mainland car output in the first
quarter rose 1.4 per cent compared
with a 24 per cent rise in 1997, while
sales dropped 1.6 per cent after ris-
ing 22.9 per cent last year.
"Government institutions are in
transition and they've been cutting
back on their orders," said Andy
Okab, vice-president of Beijing
Jeep Corp, the Chrysler venture.
"It might take six months for offi-
cials to know their new assignments
and how much they can spend," he
said.
Mr Okab refused to say how
much output of jeeps and Chero-
1
kees would dip below this year's
50,000 target. In the first. quarter,
Chrysler sold 2,207 Cherokees, giv-
y
ing the model about 2 per cent of the
mainland market.
Cherokees account for about a
S
third of Beijing Jeep's production.
The company is a US$300 mil-
lion joint venture, owned 42 per
cent by Chrysler and 58 per cent by
Beijing Automotive Industry Corp.
a
Beijing Jeep is one of Chrysler's
biggest Asian operations.
Γ
Last year, the company decided
to scale back its Beijing office, say-
1-
ing that no new projects were likely
any time soon.
h
The slowing mainland economy,
Engine of growth
Reuters
seen growing less than 8 per cent this
year, its worst performance since
A Chinese-designed jeep, made under a joint venture between Chrysler
is
1990, has begun to throttle demand.
Corp and Beijing Jeep, grabs the attention of the US Ambassador to
o
Beijing Jeep's sales last year were
China, James Sasser (right), during a visit to the venture's Shanghai plant.
e
50,000 vehicles, a 20 per cent drop
IS
from 1996. Profits dropped to 20
It would step up marketing ef- -
sales down 16.4 per cent to 3,041
million yuan (about HK$18.6 mil-
forts to win back buyers.
units, while output rose 33.2 per
S
lion) from 260 million yuan in 1996.
Chrysler is not the only foreign
cent to 4,152.
at
The company produced just 327
car firm to suffer. Volkswagen's
Tianjin Automotive Industry
Cherokees, or about 10 a day last
Shanghai joint venture saw first-
Corp, which makes cars under li-
month, down 86.9 per cent on the
quarter sales of the Santana fall 13.1
cence from Japan's Daihatsu Mo-
is
same month last year.
per cent to 48,014 despite steep
tor. lifted output about 20 per cent
Despite the weak demand, Mr
price cuts, state media reported.
to 27,761 cars in the first quarter,
Okab said Beijing Jeep would not
The Wuhan joint venture of
while sales rose just 0.2 per cent to
e
emulate other car-makers by cut-
France's PSA Peugeot Citroen is
21,175 units, the Shanghai Business
ting prices.
also struggling, with first-quarter
News reported.
SCMP
CH]
Joint-venture minibus
a winner, say partners
LANA WONG in Nanchang
Jiangling Motors Corp yester-
day rolled out its first China
Transit, a Ford brand mini-
bus, and expects the Sino-US
jointly developed product to
be a money spinner.
Analysts forecast that net
profits for the B-share com-
pany could double or triple
next year, mainly driven by
what they call a "versatile
and competitive" Transit
product that cannot be
matched by other mainland-
produced vehicles.
1
Ford Motor Co chairman
Alex Trotman said he was
pleased with the results the
partnership had achieved.
"We are looking for a car
programme as the next step
after the Transit," he said,
adding it was difficult to pre-
On the road
Reuters
dict when Ford would have a
passenger car project in the
Ford chief executive Alex Trotman and Jiangling Motors chairman Sun Min celebrate the roll
mainland.
out of the first China Transit, whose Chinese name Quan Shun means completely smooth.
In July, Ford lost out on a
US$1.5 billion car produc-
stake in the company. A deal
pacity of 60,000 Transit units
and 250,000 yuan each,
tion project to General Mo-
to buy a further 10 per cent
by 2001.
which market observers said
tors and missed another
should receive regulatory
Ford expects 10,000
was a reasonable range given
chance to produce passenger
approval in about two
China Transits to be sold in
comfort level, new technology
cars in Guangzhou as main-
months.
its first year in the market.
and design.
land ventures sought a for-
The US car-maker will
Mr Sun said the product's
Peregrine Brokerage ana-
eign partner to replace the
commit $450 million in
target customers were profit-
lyst Victor Sun expected the
French half of the team-up in
China, including $100 mil-
able enterprise and-high-in-
product to bolster Jiangling's
Guangzhou Peugeot Auto-
lion for the 30 per cent stake.
come earners.
profits by between 130 mil-
mobile Co.
Jiangling chairman Sun
The nine- and 12-seaters
lion and 150 million yuan
Mr Trotman said: "We
Min expected the company to
will be sold at between
next year, up from about 50
have been in the auto busi-
reach annual production ca-
220,000 (about HK$204,160)
million this year.
ness for 94 years. We'd like to
see ourselves as marathon
runners, who can keep run-
Guangdong base for car project
ning despite uncertainty, de-
spite difficulty and despite a
Japanese car giant Honda and Hubei-based
The remaining 10 per cent will be held by
great deal of competition."
Dongfeng Motor Corp will play key roles in the
Guangzhou Automobile Group Corp, con-
The company is in talks
establishment of an integrated car production
trolled by red chip Denway Investment.
with potential partners on a
base in Guangdong amid the mainland's plan to
The three are partners in reviving a failed
possible passenger-car
shake out its car industry.
car manufacturing joint venture, Guangzhou
project.
As a first step, the former Guangzhou
Peugeot Automobile Co, under a letter of in-
"We believe very strongly
Peugeot Automobile Co and Huizhou Honda
tent signed last month after the retreat of
that China at some point will
were expected to clinch a deal to merge this
French car-maker Peugeot Citroen.
be the largest automobile
month, according to Zhang Xiaoyu, the car in-
They are expected to begin the Honda Ac-
market in the world," Mr
dustry director general at the Ministry of Ma-
cord car manufacturing project and the engine
Trotman said.
chine-building Industry.
production project at the same time, although
"[We anticipate having] a
Part of the `plan will be a new engine
both are subject to regulatory approval.
number of manufacturing lo-
project, with annual production of 70,000
Honda and Dongfeng are already partners
cations in China to serve a
units, for which a feasibility study is under
in car parts and components-maker Huizhou
very large market."
way. An engine project of this size would cost
Honda, which will be a supplier to the former
Ford and Jiangling an-
more than US$100 million.
Guangzhou Peugeot Automobile Co.
nounced the China Transit
Honda plans to take a 50 per cent interest
Mr Zhang said the next step over the long-
project in 1995 - the same
in the project and Dongfeng a 40 per cent
er term might see a merger or alliance with
year Ford took a 20 per cent
stake.
Zhanjiang Sanxing.
LANA WONG
@
May 5, 1998
This is an interesting commercial development - possible provision of consumer credit to
Chinese purchasers of Ford autos. It is not something the President should get involved
with during his trip. Should Ford succeed in acquiring the right to provide consumer
credit, it is possible the President might want to note this as an example of the changes in
China in one of his speeches or public remarks. Therefore, suggest forwarding to
NSC/Strategic Planning (Blinken).
Reply to Youngblood should thank him for calling the project to our attention, wish him
and Ford luck, say we're passing his letter on to the Department of Commerce and our
Embassy in Beijing for their possible assistance to his efforts. Shouldn't be any
commitment or suggestion the President might announce. There are dozens of other
commercial proposals with some merit, and it's too early to say which might merit
noting.
Jeffrey Bader
Asia Directorate
original forwarded
to Ellen Lovell
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 18, 1998
Ms. Phyllis Yamplosky
888 Manhattan Ave.
Brookland NY 11222
Dear Ms. Yamplosky:
Thank you for your proposal for a national millennium
celebration. It is filled with sound observations and ideas.
I have passed your information packet along to Ellen
Lovell, Director of the White House Millennium Working
Group.
We appreciate your efforts. Best wishes in all you do.
Sincerely,
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
cc: Ellen Lovell
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 23, 1998
Dear Sid,
I am honored to serve as the honorary patron of this celebration and to join so many of
your friends and admirers in saluting your extraordinary contributions to the arts and humanities.
My only regret is that I cannot be there in person. But, I want you to know that I am certainly
there in spirit.
I will always remember that day in 1993, when my husband bestowed the Presidential
Citizens Medal on you for your tireless leadership. Whether you were speaking out on the House
floor or speaking directly to the American people, no one has done more to teach us about the
central role the arts must play in our own lives and the very life of our nation. Through good
times and tough times, no one has fought harder to protect and promote the National
Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities. And no one has done it with greater commitment,
vision, and, yes, stamina. Few will ever match your record of 50 years of honorable service in
Congress -- not just in terms of longevity, not just in terms of accomplishments, but in terms of
what you have given to the American people.
Our nation owes you a great debt of gratitude, Sid. May the years ahead for you and
Adeline be blessed with good health and all good things. And may they always be filled with the
time to enjoy the arts and humanities that you have safeguarded for us all.
Sincerely,
Hillary Hillary Rodham Clinton
PHOTOCOPY
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
HRC HANDWRITING