REQUEST TO ASK EU COMMISSIONER FOR EXTERNAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 029700 E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/26/2019 TAGS: PHUM CH PREL PGOV SUBJECT: REQUEST TO ASK EU COMMISSIONER FOR EXTERNAL RELATIONS FERRARO-WALDNER TO RAISE CASE OF GAO ZHISHENG WITH THE CHINESE REF: BRUSSELS 000414 Classified By: DRL Karen Stewart for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (U) This is an action request. See paragraph 3. ¶2. (C) The Department thanks Post for discussing the case of missing Chinese human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng with Michalis Rokas, Deputy Director for China at the European Commission. Mr. Gao has not been seen or heard from since he was removed from his family´s home by police on February 4. We are deeply concerned about his well-being and whereabouts, particularly in light of his claim that he was tortured while in custody in 2007. We understand that Post learned from Mr. Rokas that the European Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferraro-Waldner is considering raising Mr. Gao´s case during her trip to China the week of March 30. ¶3. (C) Action request: Department requests that Post contact Commissioner Ferraro-Waldner prior to her departure for China to encourage her to raise Mr. Gao´s case during her high level discussions with Chinese officials. Advise her that Charge Dan Piccuta at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing raise Gao´s case with officials at China´s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 23. While making clear to the Commissioner that we do not wish her to raise concerns about Mr. Gao´s´s case on the USG´s behalf, express our belief that it would be helpful for the EU to add its own expression of concern to ours and those of others in the international community and press for Mr. Gao´s release. It would be particularly useful if the Commissioner could request information on Gao´s condition and whereabouts and impress upon China´s leaders the importance of treating Mr. Gao in a transparent and humane manner, in accordance with international norms. CLINTON