(2021-0519-F) Lee Sands - Deborah Lehr - China -WTO - GATT

The materials in FOIA 2022-0519-F are a selective body of documents responsive to the topic of the FOIA. Researchers should consult the archivist about related material. Researchers interested in this topic should also see 2021-0518-F. The FOIA request 2021-0519-F was for emails related to Lee M. Sands, Assistant United States Trade Representative for Japan and China. A corresponding request, 2021-0520-F, was for emails related to Deborah Lehr. The two requests have been combined as they contain the same emails. Lee M. Sands was Assistant United States Trade Representative to Japan and China from 1991 to 1997. It is generally reported in the press that Sands was a tough negotiator. His knowledge of Chinese culture and history combined with his experience working for the United States Department of State in Embassy Beijing gave the United States a strong advocate in trade talks. Sands holds degrees from the City College of New York, Harvard University, and Yale University. Sands left government service in 1997 to take a partnership in the firm of Mayer Brown where he remained until 2003. Sands continues to work in consulting, banking, and international relations. Lee Sands' deputy was Deborah Lehr. She served first as Director for China, Hong Kong, Mongolia, and Macao and then was promoted to Deputy Assistant United Trade Representative for China and Mongolia. Lehr worked closely with Sands on China’s accession to the World Trade Organization and on complex bilateral trade agreements such as intellectual property rights. Like Sands, Lehr left government service in 1997 and took a partnership in the firm of Mayer Brown. Lehr left Mayer Brown in March 2005. She has continued consulting in banking and financial services. Lehr, the Executive Director of the Paulson Institute, is also very heavily involved in cultural resources management. This case has a majority of records withheld for national security reasons.