<return address withheld>
February 21, 1990

Sultan Sir Muda Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzadin Waddaulah
Isstana Darul Hana, Brunei

Your Excellency:

Please accept this letter of support for the prosperity your Sultanate has drawn from hard work and oil. I have never visited Brunei, but have always thought it would be a beautiful place to go. Is it true that the majority of the people live in bamboo houses on stilts and have color television in their living rooms? Amazing. That’s progress for you.

I hope in all sincerity that you were not offended by the censure forwarded your way from the United Nations concerning that Contra thing (let’s not mention specifics here. this isn’t the place, is it?). I say that you have the right to spend your hard-earned cash on whatever you wish. That is that!

My sister-in-law visited Indonesia (Bali, I am led to believe) and said it was beautiful. Although she did not visit Brunei per se, she did note how beautiful Bali was and Brunei is probably just as nice if not nicer.

I saw on "60 Minutes" (a television program from the U.S.A., one that you probably have seen if you watch television) your wonderful palace, the biggest and best tended creation in the world. I must say how I was impressed. Would you please do me the honor of sending me a photograph of yourself, perhaps seated on your marvelous throne? I would be so grateful at such generosity.

I wish you a prosperous and long-favored life.

A true supporter in faith,