Dear Mr Minister,
On behalf of the United States Government, I now outline steps to resolve this issue.
Both President Bush and Secretary of State Powell have expressed their sincere regret over your missing pilot and aircraft. Please convey to the Chinese people and to the family of pilot Wang Wei that we are very sorry for their loss.
Although the full picture of what transpired is still unclear, according to our information, our severely crippled aircraft made an emergency landing after following international emergency procedures. We are very sorry the entering of China's airspace and the landing did not have verbal clearance, but very pleased the crew landed safely.
We appreciate China's efforts to see to the well-being of our crew.
In view of the tragic incident and based on my discussions with your representatives, we have agreed to the following actions:
Both sides agree to hold a meeting to discuss the incident. My government understands and expects that our air crew will be permitted to depart China as soon as possible.
The meeting would be April 18, 2001.
The meeting agenda would include discussions of the causes of the incident, possible recommendations whereby such collisions could be avoided in the future, development of a plan for prompt return of the EP-3 aircraft, and other related issues. We acknowledge your government's intention to raise U.S. reconnaissance missions near China in the meeting.
Sincerely
Joseph W. Prueher
Dear Prof. Patent,
I am very sorry to inform you that I did not manage to complete the book report you assigned last week, due to a sudden illness falling upon me a few days ago. For the past few days I have been in hospital with a continuous fever, which has thus prevented me from any academic activity. I hereby submit the doctor’s note.
I would be very much obliged if you could grant me another week for the task, as my health is turning better.
Hope you can understand my situation and accept my apology.
Yours faithfully