Maybe it is a not occur even in a hundred years that China and Switzerland jointly issue a stamp,in order to use this opportunity, I have started to search some information about the head of Switzerland before two month yet. Then I only just know that Switzerland is a quite individual federal system nation,the federal committee is a summit administration of the state. The committee execute collective leadership, the committee is composed of seven commissar and they separately occupy seven minister. Set up one chairman in the committee, the position is hold by seven minister in turn, every one hold the post for one year and don't permit renew his term of office. So I would be very cautious to send my postcard. Although I have sought the chairman's name of on duty in turn in that year, but I have to more careful yet, in order to avoid slip up. I decide to mail to the embassy of Switzerland in China, ask a favour of him.

The embassy is very conscientious in theirs work. Just is before five days of the joint stamp is issued , I received theirs reply (See below)

The reply is:

" Dear Mr. Han With reference to your letter dated October 31,1998 I have the pleasure in giving you below the requested address of the president of the Swiss confederation, to whom you may put forward your concern:

　 H.E.Mr.Flavio Cotti　President of the Swiss Confederation

　 Boundeshaus Ost CH-3003 Bern Switzerland

Sincerely yours 　　For the Ambassador of Switzerland

Florence Tinguely Mattli　(sign)　　Culture, Education and Press (16.11.1998)"　

Because I have got the guide of this respected cultural counsellor Mr.Mattli, I am imbued with confidence. After a serious preparing, I sent my postcard in time on Nov.25,1998--The first issue day of the stamp.(See below)

The content of the postcard is:

Respect Chairman Mr.Flavio Cotti: I am a Chinese retired employee Sinopec Jinling petrochemical co. as well as a philatelist for many years. Excuse me for boldly write to you, In order to heighten the friendship and mutual understanding between China and Switzerland two great countries and its peoples in a philatelic form, on the occasion of the memorial stamp "Slender west lake and Lamen lake" is jointly official issue on Nov. 25,1998 (Today), you are earnestly requested to autograph this letter card (verso) stuck the stamps at your leisure inside of your busy affairs of state and mail it back to me. It will leave a eternal precious souvenir for 30 million Chinese philatelists and peoples of two countries. I am sincerely looking forward to your kind help. 　　With Best regards 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Han Wenguang 　　　A Chinese ordinary citizen and philatelist for 61 ages (Nov,25,1998)