[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 4] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 5157] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]COMMEMORATING THE TWIN OAKS ESTATE ______ HON. THOMAS G. TANCREDO of colorado in the house of representatives Thursday, April 3, 2008 Mr. TANCREDO. Madam Speaker, this year will mark the 120 year anniversary of the Twin Oaks estate in Washington, DC. Built in 1888 by Mr. Gardiner Greene Hubbard, founder of the National Geographic Society, this 18-acre property was sold to the Republic of China in 1947 after having been rented to the government of Taiwan for the previous 10 years. From 1937 through 1978, the Twin Oaks estate was the official residence of nine ROC ambassadors, who used it to host all types of functions in the interests of their government. Many agreements were discussed with the United States at this estate. However, during the winter of 1978, President Carter decided to switch diplomatic recognition from the Republic of China to the People's Republic of China. During this critical period, ROC senior diplomat Mr. H.Y. Yang stayed at Twin Oaks and negotiated with the administration and Congress to hammer out a foundation for the future of U.S.-Taiwan relations. Minister Yang's efforts gave birth to the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act on April 10, 1979. The Act became the legal basis governing all types of relations between Taiwan and the U.S. It has enabled Taiwan to develop and prosper during the last 29 years. It also enabled the ROC government to retain the ownership of the Twin Oaks estate, which has continued to be a place for social gatherings and functions benefiting many in our nation's capital. Madam Speaker, the Twin Oaks estate on Woodley Road is not only a historic building in downtown Washington; it is also a symbol of the long standing friendship between the people of the United States and the people of Taiwan. ____________________