Congress of the United States
Washington, DC 20515

April 11, 2000

Mr. Juan Miguel González
Cuban Interests Section
7105 Millwood Road
Bethesda, MD 20817

Dear Mr. González:

We extend to you the opportunity to express directly to us your wishes with respect to your son, Elián.

We invite you to attend a private meeting on Wednesday April 12 th at 11:30 in room H-236 of the Capitol. It is important that you bring your wife and young son to the short meeting we have proposed.

We want you to have the freedom to express your true feelings during your visit without coercion and without intimidation. We believe that it would be appropriate to have this meeting in our nation’s Capitol, because this building is the workplace of our democracy. We are a nation of laws, and our citizens have the freedom of speech and the freedom to petition the government. We believe that it would be a great mistake if you were not able to express directly your views.

While we know that you have had an opportunity over the past several days to meet with a few Members of Congress and the Attorney General of the United States — all of whom have expressed their desire to have you return to Cuba-- you have not had the opportunity to meet with those who believe you should consider other alternatives. Having this meeting at the symbol of our nation's democracy is an altogether fitting and appropriate neutral location.

As parents, we sympathize with your obvious desire to be with your son. We also recognize that you alt now confronting the most difficult decision you will ever face as a father. It involves the future welfare of Elián and your family.

We want to be sure that you arc aware of all the options available to you as you make your decision.

Sincerely,

HASTERT                       DELAY
ARMEY                          J.C. WATTS
DIAZ-BALART              ROS-LEHTINEN