Date: Wed, 13 Sep 1995 10:12:41 -0400 From: Bob Summersgill A few weeks ago, I sent email to my Senator, Jeff Bingaman, and asked him to ask the Department of State to issue a travel advisory to Zimbabwe after President Mugabe said he would jail anyone supportive of human rights for gay and lesbian people. Here is Sen. Bingaman's response (via US mail), his email address follows. He does include email on his letterhead: September 8, 1995 Mr. Bob Summersgill PO Box 4769 Albuquerque, NM 87196 Dear Bob: Thank you for contacting me regarding the safety of Americans traveling to Zimbabwe. I appreciate hearing your concerns in this matter. As you know, the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs will provide travel information for Americans traveling abroad. In addition, U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security in ZImbabwe. Issues covered by the State Department include areas on instability, crime and possibility of arrest and detention. I share your concern for the safety of Americans traveling abroad, however, the government of Zimbabwe has not demonstrated a clear threat to Americans visiting their country. I agree that the current social and political situation in Zimbabwe may present security risks to foriegn travelers including those who wish to protest Zimbabwe leadership. It is my hope that all individuals wishing to travel to Zimbabwe contact the Bureau of Consular Affairs and the U.S. Embassy in Harare in order to obtain relevant security information. Again, thank you for contacting me on this matter. Please feel free to contact me again on other issues of concern to you. Sincerely, Jeff Bingaman United States Senator senator_bingaman@bingaman.senate.gov Bob Summersgill summers@rt66.com http://rt66.com/summers/bob.html