The New York Times
July 12, 2008

To the Editor:

Re "China Warns Sarkozy Not to See Dalai Lama" (news article, July 9):

It is incredible that Kong Quan, China's ambassador to France, has
said that there would be "serious consequences" for Chinese-French
relations if President Nicolas Sarkozy of France meets the Dalai
Lama. He asserted that it "would be contrary to the principle of
non-interference in internal affairs."

It seems to me that it is China that is guilty of interfering with
the internal affairs of France.

The French leader can and should meet with any person in France he
chooses to see. China is guilty not only of interference in another
country's affairs, but also of extreme insolence.

Timothy Bal
Belle Mead, N.J., July 9, 2008