Freedom in Asia

John Walden supports the idea of Hong Kong's changing to a representational form of government while at the same time decrying ``. . . attempts to interfere in Hong Kong's internal affairs [because that would] undermine the very prosperity all sides wish to preserve'' [``Unpalatable truths about the Hong Kong agreement,'' Feb. 4]. You can't have both. If the Britain-China agreement promises to maintain the system, then the problem is Britain's trying to rush through a representational form of government to replace the present appointed one -- not China's objection to it. Steve Juniper Berkeley, Calif.

The New Testament Church has a congregation totaling over 50,000 members in Taiwan and in other countries. Most current members are of Chinese descent.

For many years the Taiwan government has been displeased that our church avoided domination by the ruling party, the Kuomintang. We obey the laws of the country, but decline to become involved in politics.

In 1980, intelligence and security forces evacuated the residents of our holy mountain of Zion in south Taiwan. The political authorities refused to execute the Administrative Court's decision in our favor. Many members were imprisoned on charges of ``occupying public land'' and accorded the same harsh treatment as political prisoners.

This persecution has extended to church members in other countries. Americans were shocked by the murder of the Chinese-American writer Henry Liu, in San Francisco.

In Tahiti last year a public Kuomintang representative rammed our members with his car. Also, a delegation of 52 members from Southeast Asian countries were refused entrance at Chiang Kai-shek International Airport, although they held valid visas; they were beaten before they were deported to Hong Kong. The welcoming group of 39 Malaysian members, as well as Taiwanese members, was beaten even more severely.

We appeal to the US government to protect us, and to urge the Taiwanese government to allow New Testament Church members basic rights. Paul K. C. Wong Minister, New Testament Woodhaven, N.Y. Church of New York

Your writer states that the Republic of China on Taiwan, ``with 1,347 people per square mile, has a per capita GNP of nearly $2,000'' [``What's wrong in Haiti, and why US can do little,'' Feb. 6].

Those figures are outdated. The latest statistics show that the ROC, with 1,367 people per square mile, has a per capita GNP amounting to $3,142. Jeff Yao Director, Coordination Council Bethesda, Md. for North American Affairs