Here is the reply from mr Congresscritter:
Hello:
This is regarding the UNFOUNDED RUMOR that President Clinton will visit
Vietnam and China, and that he plans to fly the American flag BELOW the
Vietnamese flag on an American Naval ship in accordance with Vietnamese law.
THIS IS AN UNFOUNDED RUMOR THAT MUST STOP NOW!
I have spoken with White House officials. They UNAMBIGUOUSLY state the
following:
1. There are no plans at this time for the President to make such a trip.
2. If he were to make such a trip, there is no way he will alter Navy
regulations requiring that the U.S. flag always fly above any other flag.
According to an official with the National Security Council:
"The White House position is: U.S. Navy regulations prescribe that no flag
will fly higher than the U.S. flag aboard a U.S. Naval ship whenever that
vessel is under way. The President fully supports this policy and has no
intention to direct any changes."
PHIL ALPERSON
Legislative Director
Rep. Ronnie Shows (D-Mississippi 4th)
509 Cannon House Office Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20515
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You have to be there when it's all over. Otherwise you can't say "I told you so."
Better days to be,
Ed