US Tax Funded lab cut Deal with Wuhan Institute to Destroy Documents

A Texas Congress is demanding to know why an American medical researcher getting U.S. taxpayer funds was able to enter into a deal with Communist China’s notorious Wuhan Institute of Virology that allows the destruction of documents in violation of U.S. law – and why he may not be alone.

Congressman Chip Roy (R-TX) is asking Dr. James Le Duc, former director of the Galveston National Laboratory, to explain recently uncovered documents indicating a partnership with the research lab revealed to be the source of the global COVID-19 outbreak.

“Recently, the U.S. Right to Know non-profit group uncovered concerning documents revealing a partnership established by Dr. Le Duc and the Wuhan Institute of Virology,” a statement from Congressman Chip Roy (R-TX) reveals.

“A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) dated October 20, 2017 contains a ‘memory hole’ provision that would have allowed Wuhan Lab personnel to request files and materials be destroyed. On its face, this seems to violate record retention laws and requirements on grant recipients at the NIH,” the statement adds.

“As more evidence seems to suggest that SARS-CoV-2 originated from the WIV and cannot conclusively be ruled out as the source, it is essential to have a clear understanding of knowledge transfers between China and the United States,” Roy notes. 

“It is concerning that any public institution receiving federal government funding would enter into a cooperation agreement with an entity controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP),” says Roy.

“Further, though UTMB may not be alone, it raises serious concerns that a prominent recipient of federal taxpayer dollars would enter into an agreement with any foreign entity—but especially an adversary—with such a glaring ‘memory hole’ provision that authorizes research materials and files to be destroyed upon request,” Roy adds.

“As Congress looks to safeguard Americans from national security risks, it is essential that we understand why federal grant recipients are entering into partnerships with institutions in adversarial countries and under what circumstances,” says Roy.

Roy’s letter asks Le Duc to respond to five requests:

1. Did you receive any requests to enact the provision to either destroy or return files, documents, data, research materials or equipment? If so, please provide the date(s), name(s) of the requesting individuals and describe your response(s). 

2. Did either party request a modification to the agreement and if so, please provide copies of all modifications. 

3. Did Carolee King believe the ‘memory hole’ clause was consistent with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant policy terms and conditions, such as section 8.4.2 of the November 2016 or October 2017 NIH Grants Policy Statements?10 Please explain her rationale for agreeing to this MoU. 

4. As the agreement between UTMB and the WIV is a foreign component of NIH grants, did you or any personnel at UTMB seek and receive prior approval from the NIH per 8.1.2.10 under NIH grant terms and conditions? If so, please provide the communication between NIH and UTMB. 

5. Did you in your official capacity at UTMB enter into any other MoUs with other laboratories in China or any other foreign countries? If so, please either provide copies of those agreements or confirmation that no other such agreements have been or are in effect. Please explain the circumstances and discussions that precipitated UTMB’s agreement with the WIV.

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Michael Brigham

Michael Brigham has written for American Action News since the summer of 2019. His areas of expertise include foreign affairs, government, and politics, but regardless of the subject matter, he has a nose and an insatiable appetite for news. In his free time, he enjoys reading nonfiction, watching a mix of comedies and true crime documentaries, and spending time away from the swamp hiking in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.