July 7, 1998 

Dear Family,

Over the past few days we had been communicating with the American Embassy in Vientiane regarding disturbing rumors of a bad conclusion to the appeals of the Laos 10.  I emphasize "rumors," but the Embassy now has confirmed the "rumors."  Embassy sources have indicated that now may be an appropriate time to again contact representatives of the Lao government with additional expressions of concern for the Laos 10 with a special request for "mercy." 

For this reason, we again ask that all concerned for the Laos 10 take the time and effort to express your concern.  The following is a letter which you may use or, of course, you may compose your own letter.  We are also providing the name, address and e-mail address of the new Laotian Ambassador in Washington, D.C., to whom you may send your letter.   

Additionally, the Embassy sources have suggested letters be sent directly to government officials of the Lao P.D.R. in Vientiane.  We are supplying the addresses for three Lao government officials in Vientiane, and we ask that, if possible, a letter be sent to one or all three. The U. S. postal service advises the typical first class postage for such a letter would be sixty cents ($0.60).  

Jerry and Meg Canfield

Information regarding Lao P.D.R. Embassy in Washington, D.C.

         Ambassador Khamle Sayachack
          Embassy of the Lao P.D.R.
          2222 S. Street, N.W.
          Washington, D.C.  20008

          Telephone:  202-332-6416
          Fax:  202-332-4923
          e-mail:  laoemb@erols.com

Information regarding Lao government officials in Vientiane

         His Excellency Mr. Khamthay Siphandone
         President, Lao P.D.R.
         Vientiane, Lao P.D.R.
         Fax:  856-21-214208 (telephone first to this number to announce fax)

         His Excellency Mr. Sisavath Keobunphanh
         Prime Minister
         Vientiane, Lao P.D.R.
         Fax:  856-21-21-36-50 (telephone first to 856-21-21-37-22 to announce fax)

         His Excellency Mr. Kham Ouane Boupha
         Minister of Justice
         Vientiane, Lao P.D.R.
         Fax:  856-21-414102

This letter is written on behalf of  Lao Christians who were arrested on January 30, 1998, while attending a Bible study at a private home in Vientiane.  We are thankful that all but thirteen of the arrested Christians were released two weeks after the arrests.  We are also thankful that three of the thirteen Christians sentenced on March 25, 1998, were released after spending 60 days in prison.  We continue to be greatly concerned for the ten Christians who remain in prison as their sentences are appealed to the Supreme Court of the Lao P.D.R.

It is our sincere belief that the imprisoned Christians pose no threat to the national security interests of the Lao P.D.R.  The ten imprisoned Christians have no political interests, are not associated with human rights groups and are good citizens of your country.  As Christians, the ten are non-violent and are dedicated to meeting their duties as citizens of the Lao P.D.R.   We respectfully request the showing of mercy to the ten Christians by their release from imprisonment now after more than five months of separation from their families. 

Individually, there are good reasons for the Lao government to extend mercy by releasing the ten Christians.  Mr. Si Yilatchai is an older, age 62,  Lao citizen whose health is at risk due to his confinement.  Miss Duangmanee Yilatchay, age 19, is a kind, young lady who should not be exposed to the conditions of prison.  Mr.  Kuu (Gaaw) Galgaruensuk and Mr. Khammieng are farmers from villages north of Vientiane, and their families are severely hampered in raising crops and caring for their children due to the imprisonment.  Mr. Bounlert Yilatchai, Mr. Kongmany Soukaseum, Mr. Gaet Inthavong, Mr. Khamsaweang Wassanasong, Mr. Phengxay Sayjalern, and Mr. Chane Yilatchai are the young husbands in families who greatly need the companionship and instruction of the imprisoned husbands and fathers.  Most have young children in their families, and Mr. Bounlert Yalitchai's first child was born shortly after his arrest on January 30. 

Extending mercy to the ten Christians would demonstrate to the rest of the world the gentleness of the Lao people.  Additionally, five of the ten are employees of Partners in Progress, an NGO under contract with the Ministry of Health to assist in a UNICEF funded public health program in Naxaythong District.  In 1997, due to the efforts of the five Lao now in prison, the program produced clean water, latrines and health education training for ten primary schools in Naxaythong District.  As indicated in the press release of the Lao Embassy in Washington, D.C. on March 26, 1998, Partners in Progress has been invited by the Lao government to continue the project at ten additional primary schools. The release of the imprisoned Christians will achieve a needed health project for the school children in ten Naxaythong District primary schools.

For all these reasons, we respectfully ask that the ten Christians be released.