DATE=9/22/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S CHINA SPYING (S)
NUMBER=2-254228
BYLINE=DAVID SWAN
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=

VOICED AT: 


INTRO:  The U-S government is widening its probe of 
alleged Chinese spying at nuclear weapons labs, which 
until now has centered on a single target.  V-O-A's 
David Swan reports.


TEXT:  fficials say the broader investigation will go 
beyond the Los Alamos lab and the original prime 
suspect, Taiwanese-born scientist Wen Ho Lee.

Investigators believe Mr. Lee gave top-secret nuclear 
warhead data to China.  But he denies wrongdoing and 
has never been formally charged.  Critics say the 
initial inquiry was badly mishandled and too narrowly 
focused on Mr. Lee.  

After hearing a closed briefing on the case, Senate 
Judiciary Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch says the new 
effort is needed.

            // Hatch act //

      They're expanding the investigation because it 
      needs to be expanded and it needs to be more 
      thoroughly done. And I think they're doing 
      exactly what's right.


            // end act //

However, officials add that Mr. Lee is still under 
suspicion.  Lawmakers have also voted to reorganize 
the Energy Department and tighten security at the labs 
it oversees. (Signed)


NEB/DS/PT




22-Sep-1999 19:40 PM LOC (22-Sep-1999 2340 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.