A written piece titled "Reflections on China" by Gary Conkling, the staff director for US Congressman Les AuCoin. In the 1970s, Representative AuCoin led efforts to normalize trade relations between the US and the People’s Republic of China. When the two countries normalized economic and diplomatic relations in January 1979, AuCoin led the first trade delegation to China just one month later, traveling with a group of Oregon business leaders. In his reflections on the trip, Gonkling details AuCoin's efforts to remove barriers to trade between the nations, his experience traveling and meeting Chinese politicians and citizens, making an appeal at the Peking Zoo for a rare animal exchange involving Giant Pandas to Portland's Washington Park Zoo, seeing a brain surgery with acupuncture at Huashan Hospital, visiting Peking University and being lectured on the Cultural Revolution by a Professor Hung, visiting Feng Pan People's Commune, attending a Peking opera show, and sightseeing and investigative research at the Great Wall, Ming Tombs, Summer Palace, Imperial Palace/The Forbidden City, the Great Hall of the People, Tiananmen Square, the Port of Shanghai, Ma Ling Canning Factory, the Shanghai Arts & Crafts Research Institute, Kwangchow, and Kweilin. Conkling also described his observations about the Chinese people, the economic conditions of the average Chinese citizen, and made notes about the food the group was exposed to and what they learned about the Sino-Vietnamese War, which was ongoing while the group was in China.
A speech titled "China Trade in the Reagan Years" by U.S. Congressman Les AuCoin, delievered before the Export Managers Association in Portland, Oregon on February 18, 1981. In his speech, Congressman AuCoin discussed U.S.-China foreign relations. He criticized the Raegan administration's questioning of the One-China policy in regards to Taiwan. Congressman AuCoin also described the benefits of trade between the countries, especially for the state of Oregon. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
A speech by U.S. Congressman Les AuCoin titled "Trade Speech," given sometime in early 1980. In his speech, Congressman AuCoin discussed U.S. international trade policies, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, SALT II, the Moscow Olympics, east-west trade relations, and trading with the People's Republic of China, among other trade issues. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
Testimony of U.S. Congressman Les AuCoin regarding a 1979 U.S.-China trade agreement, delivered before the Subcommittee on Trade of the Committee on Ways and Means on November 1, 1979. In his testimony, Congressman AuCoin expressed support for the trade agreement, which signaled "the end of a 30-year trade hiatus with the People's Republic of China." Congressman AuCoin stated how the agreement would help improve the U.S. trade deficit and create stability for Pacific Rim trade, among other benefits, while recognizing that the agreement had some less tangible goals. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
Congressional testimony of U.S. Congressman Les AuCoin regarding a U.S.-China trade agreement. In his testimony, Congressman AuCoin expressed support for the trade agreement which was sent to President Carter by Congress, as Congressman AuCoin explained how the treaty signaled "the end of a 30-year trade hiatus with the People's Republic of China." He did critique some aspects of the bill in his testimony, such as its potential effectiveness. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
In a speech on the U.S. House Floor, Congressman Les AuCoin advocated for H.R. 2479, the Taiwan Relations Act, which allowed relations with the people on Taiwan without recognizing the country of Taiwan (Republic of China) officially or diplomatically. Congressman AuCoin advocated for normalized relations between the U.S. and China, and noted that peaceful reunification between China and Taiwan seemed likely. The speech was made after Congressman AuCoin's 12-day visit to China. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
A speech by U.S. Congressman Les AuCoin to the Portland City Club in Portland, Oregon, on March 9, 1979. In his speech, titled "China," Congressman AuCoin described his recent trip to China, and explained how the goal of the trip was "to gather as much information as possible to prepare for Congressional debates on trade policy" and "to use the occassion to lay groundwork for vigorous Oregon trade with China in the future." In his speech, he explained how he saw signs of societal improvements during his trip to China. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
In a speech on the U.S. House floor, Congressman Les AuCoin advocated for his proposed bill to amend the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 and the Trade Act of 1974. The proposed amendment addressed trading policy with communist countries, among other trading concerns. The bill never came to a vote. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
A letter to a congressional colleague from U.S. Congressman Les AuCoin titled "Increase China Trade... Keep Jackson-Vanik Framework." In the letter, Congressman AuCoin expressed support for increased trade with China, and advocated for legislation he proposed that "amends the waiver clause in Section 402 of the Trade Act that restricts certain trade benefits to non-market countries including China unless those countries exhibit satisfactory emigration policies." The Jackson-Vanik amendment to the Trade Act of 1974 changed trade relations with countries that restricted Jewish emigration, among other human rights concerns. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
As part of the Congressional Record, U.S. Congressman Les AuCoin briefly expressed his support for improved trading relations between the U.S. and the People's Republic of China. As part of the congressional Extension of Remarks, Congressman AuCoin shared two articles by the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post regarding the benefits of trading with China. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
In a letter to a fellow member of Congress, U.S. Congressman Les AuCoin advocated for H.R. 12157, a bill that amended the Export-Import Act of 1945. Congressman AuCoin argued that the bill would be a step towards normalization with China. The bill, introduced by Representative Stephen L. Neal of North Carolina, was passed in the House but did not come to a vote in the Senate. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
In a statement before the Subcommittee on Trade of the House Committee on Ways and Means, U.S. Congressman Les AuCoin advocated for H.R. 8814, "a bill to reduce until June 30, 1980, the column 2 rates of duty on woven fabrics of silk." The bill aimed to make it temporarily easier to import silk to the United States, especially from the People's Republic of China. H.R. 8814 was introduced to Congress by Congressman AuCoin, but never came to a vote.This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
In a speech, Congressman Les AuCoin expressed his support for normalized trade relations between the United States and China. Specifically, AuCoin advocated for two bills he introduced to Congress: H.R. 8196 and H.R. 8197. The normalization of U.S.-China dimplomatic relations was a popular goal of the 1970s, and was formally recognized by the two countries in 1978. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
A speech by U.S. Congressman Les AuCoin at the U.S.-China Peoples Friendship Association in Atlanta, Georgia on September 4, 1977. Congressman AuCoin advocated for improved diplomatic relations and increased trade between the People's Republic of China and the United States, a popular political goal in the 1970s. The 1948 Vanport Flood is mentioned in the speech. AuCoin brought up the "Taiwan Question," and expressed support for Taiwan, formally known as the Republic of China. Diplomatic relations were formally normalized a year later in 1978 following decades of tension. This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
A photograph of Susan AuCoin posing with a woman.
This photograph was taken during Les AuCoin's trip to China in 1979. The delegation was the first American delegation to enter China after diplomatic relations were formally normalized in 1978 following decades of tension.
This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. Les AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
A photograph of two women and a child at a chicken farm.
This photograph was taken during Les AuCoin's trip to China in 1979. The delegation was the first American delegation to enter China after diplomatic relations were formally normalized in 1978 following decades of tension.
This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. Les AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
A photograph of a boat anchored in a canal.
This photograph was taken during Les AuCoin's trip to China in 1979. The delegation was the first American delegation to enter China after diplomatic relations were formally normalized in 1978 following decades of tension.
This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. Les AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
U.S. congressional delegation observing Chinese laborers.
This photograph was taken during Les AuCoin's trip to China in 1979. The delegation was the first American delegation to enter China after diplomatic relations were formally normalized in 1978 following decades of tension.
This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. Les AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
A photograph of Les AuCoin with a Chinese worker.
This photograph was taken during Les AuCoin's trip to China in 1979. The delegation was the first American delegation to enter China after diplomatic relations were formally normalized in 1978 following decades of tension.
This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. Les AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
A photograph of Les AuCoin posing with a group of Chinese doctors.
This photograph was taken during Les AuCoin's trip to China in 1979. The delegation was the first American delegation to enter China after diplomatic relations were formally normalized in 1978 following decades of tension.
This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. Les AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
A photograph of Chinese laborers working in a field.
This photograph was taken during Les AuCoin's trip to China in 1979. The delegation was the first American delegation to enter China after diplomatic relations were formally normalized in 1978 following decades of tension.
This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
A photograph of Les AuCoin on a bus.
This photograph was taken during Les AuCoin's trip to China in 1979. The delegation was the first American delegation to enter China after diplomatic relations were formally normalized in 1978 following decades of tension.
This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
A photograph of Les and Susan AuCoin posing with another couple.
This photograph was taken during Les AuCoin's trip to China in 1979. The delegation was the first American delegation to enter China after diplomatic relations were formally normalized in 1978 following decades of tension.
This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
A photograph of Les AuCoin posing on a boat in front of mountains.
This photograph was taken during Les AuCoin's delegation to China in 1979. The delegation was the first American delegation to enter China after diplomatic relations were formally normalized in 1978 following decades of tension.
This is one of a collection of digitized objects from the Les AuCoin Papers (MS.147) at the Pacific University Archives. AuCoin served in the Oregon House of Representatives (1971-1975) and in the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st District (1975-1993).
