U.S. and Freeport

U.S. and Freeport

I am writing in response to the unsigned letter to the editor
of Sept. 30, which you titled "Freedom And Human Rights". I would
like to assure that writer -- and all your readers -- that the
U.S. government takes allegations of human rights violations in
Irian Jaya most seriously.

While we find the allegations of great concern, we must note
that the Human Rights Commission has only recently completed its
investigations. We also note that the Indonesian Armed Forces has
promised an internal investigation of these incidents.

Until we have had an opportunity to study the final results of
these probes, we are unable -- in the interests of justice -- to
do more than state that we are following the issue closely. To
make a statement before all the facts have been collected would
be to prejudge the case.

Your writer should also be aware of the fact that Freeport has
denied any involvement by its employees in human rights abuses
and is cooperating with the Indonesian Human Rights Commission in
its investigation.

CRAIG J. STROMME

Press Attache

U.S. Embassy

Jakarta