Bush Calls for Prompt Release of U.S. Crew, Return of Plane

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary

April 3, 2001

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

The Rose Garden

4:03 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon. I want to report to the American
people, and especially to the families involved, that I've just talked
with Brigadier General Sealock, who, earlier today, met with our 24
men and women in China.

The General tells me they are in good health, they suffered no
injuries, and they have not been mistreated. I know this is a relief
to their loved ones, and to all Americans.

Our crew members expressed their faith in America, and we have faith
in them. They send their love to their families. They said they're
looking forward to coming home, and we are looking forward to bringing
them home.

This is an unusual situation, in which an American military aircraft
had to make an emergency landing on Chinese soil. Our approach has
been to keep this accident from becoming an international incident. We
have allowed the Chinese government time to do the right thing. But
now it is time for our servicemen and women to return home. And it is
time for the Chinese government to return our plane.

This accident has the potential of undermining our hopes for a
fruitful and productive relationship between our two countries. To
keep that from happening, our servicemen and women need to come home.

Thank you very much.

END 4:05 P.M. EDT