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This file contains material relating to Operation Babylift, orphan airlift.
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4/5/75 - Evacuation of Vietnamese Refugees (2)
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7552133
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4/5/75 - Evacuation of Vietnamese Refugees (2)
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This file contains material relating to Operation Babylift, orphan airlift.
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John O. Marsh Files (Ford Administration)
John Marsh's War Powers Notifications Files
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Vietnam (Republic)
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1975
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1975-04-01
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1975
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The original documents are located in Box 122, folder "4/5/75 - Evacuation of Vietnamese
Refugees (2)" of the John Marsh Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald R. Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 122 of The John Marsh Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
FOR IMMEDIATE DELEASE
APRIL 3, 1975
OFFICE 02 ME NIT HOUSE PRESS SECURITY
(San Diazo, California)
THE WHITE HOUSE
REMARKS OF THE PRESIDENT
TO THE WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE
EL CORTEZ HOTEL
5:07 P.M. PDT
Congressman Borgener, Congrossuan Van Deerlin,
Congressman Ball, Mayor Pate Wilson, Mr. Cox of the San
Diago Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Hanning of the AFL-CIO,
heads of tha many other co-sponsoring organizations
that have made this possible, ladies and gentlement
It is really a great privilege and honor for
ma to have the opportunity of joining in this obviously
very successful conference.
I am especially delighted to be here again on
the beautiful shores of San Diego Bay -- can I say this,
I mean it -- America's cleanest bay in terms of size
:
and traffic.
I am especially pleased because this is a show
cass of what Americans can do on a local level to solve
problems and to respond to the future with creativity
and with confidence.
San Diego has damonstrated, Mayor Wilson, that
environmental quality is good business, and I command
your carefully managed residential growth. San Diago,
as I see it, is truly a city on which others could be
modeled.
1 em espacially proud, however, of the role the
United States Navy as a good citizen in San Diago I
am proud of that role and I an proud of the contributions
that the Navy makes Obviously, all of you know that the
Naval installationa here are among the greatest in our total
Navy complex. I pledge to you today, as one who once
sailed from here in World War II, that I remain committed
to a Navy second to none in readiness, capability,
and dedication to our Nation's highest ideals.
MORE
GE RALD LIBRARY R GERALD R. FORD
Page 2
I know, officourse that the concerns of this
area go far bayond-your vital Navy installations. Tco many
Americans are without employment. Prices and taxes are
far too high. New sources of energy are absolutely
essential,
I also know that local problems are best solved
by local people. This Administration responded to your
pioneering of growth management strategy to preserve the
residential environment.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development
has just approved San Diego's application for $9,1 million
under the historic new community development block grant
legislation, and an hour or ED ago I gave Mayor Pete
Wilson the actual documents to know that he has got it
in hand.
I don't know what he has done with-it, but he
had it. (Laughter)
This confirms upon San Diago the distinction of
being one of the very first major cities to receive such
assistancal Your able Mayor, my good friend, Pete Wilson,
tells me that one of the ways that this grant will ba
used is to speed economic development by attracting new
businesses and industries into the San Diego area.
Funds from this new block grant approach are
available for the first time to prepare sites and, together
with on-the-job training programs of the Department of
Labor, offer an extra inducament for new enterprises to
locate in your healthy, world-reknowned climate,
This kind of local initiative and planning, a3
well, proves we are on the right track with block grants
instead of trying to run everything from Washington, and
demonstrates my firm conviction that the best features
of community development should neither be sacrificed
in thatcurrent sconomic climate, nor stiffed by Federal
red tape.
San Diogo, I know from my many conversations
with your several Members of the Congrass, 28 well as by
numerous visits to this great area - San Diego is a
showcase of the good neighbor policy
The nearby Mexican border is the busiest inter-
national crossing in the world, making this a gateway:
city with Id unique challenge San Diego and Tijuana
share the same air and water and seek joint efforts, joint
solutions to problems that cross national boundaries
MORE
a
FORD
HALD
Page 3
I commend Fronteras 1276, the San Diago
community's bicentennial project, jointly sponsored.
by the city and University of California at San Diago.
This project the I have looked at and heard about will
advance regional and international understanding,
demonstrating to the world, as I think we must, the
potential of creative cooperation and interdependence
among sovereign nations.
Serious problems confront the American people
at home. Yet, unemployment and the growth of the
economy, as well as our national security, are directly
related to the relations with the rest of the world.
In recent wasks we witnessed, unfortunately,
discouraging and tragic events in the Middle East, on
which we depand far too much for our energy needs
These developments dramatized the urgency of moving
ahead in San Diego and throughout America with con-
structive action to make this Nation independent, of
foreign sources of energy.
Today, in the presence of three of my former
colleagues, I renew the challenge to the Congress to
enact before May 1 of this year a comprehensive enargy
program It is essential to our national security, and
it:is more essential today than it was in January, when
I proposed it.
The facts are, W8 can afford no more delays.
I am en optimist. I think the Congress will do it, I
would not be frank and honest with you if I were to ignore
the serious setbacks we have suffered in very recent
weeks in our quest for peace in the Middle East and
more recently and more dramatically in Southeast Asia
Even as I spaak, the dimensions of the human
catastrophy in Southeast Asia increase. Whether from
your evening news shows or morning headlines, or from
my top secret reports, which I receive on a daily
basis, it is impossible not to be moved and shaken by
the sudden and tragic developments in South Vietnam
All Americans, regardless of how they may have
felt in months or years in the past, are shocked and
eaddened and wondering what do
First, we are: taking all the humanitarian
measures WS can to relieve the innocent civilian refugees:
in South Vietnam, whose plight touches the heart of:alla
Americans. At the same*time, we are providing for the
safety of all Americans:who, from 10 deep sense of duty,
might be endangered by swift changes in the battlegzone
MORE
FORD
Page
Second, as the Congress Monday
and I have an opportunity to address them, 1 will aska
the Mambers of Congress for a firm American
humanitarian assistance for the helplaca victims of
North Vietnamsse aggression in flagrant violation of
the Paris accords which sought to end the suffering
bloodshed on a civilized
Finally; I must any with all of the certainty
of which I an capable, no adversary or potential anonies
of the United States of America should imagine that
America can be safely challenged and no allies or time-
tested friends of the United States should worry OF fear
that OUT commitments to than will not be honored.
The unfortunate confusion and changing situation
in Southeast Asia should not give encouragement to
our adversaries nor apprehension to our friends. We stand
ready to defend ourselves and support our allies as
surely as we always have.
As it always has, adversity is creating a new
sense of national unity among Americans in these sad
and troubled times I will not engage in recriminations
or attempt to assess the blame, nor should any of us Not
alloof the facta are known. When they are, the American
peopla will be the jury for the present and historians
will write the story for the future.
What is essential now is that we keep our
narve and our essential unity as a powerful, but peace
loving Nation.
As President and Commandar-in-Chief, it istry
sworn duty to maintain and strengthen the power for peace
which the United States possesses, both at home and abroad
The military strength of this Nation depands, as it always
has, on its economic strength and the willpower and self-
disciplina of all of its people,
The cradibility of the United States, our credi-
bility throughout the world, both among our and our
adversaries, depends upon their assessment of our moral,
economic and military strength and staying power. All
of these elementsware extramaly essential,
Let me consider briefly the problems of insuring
and increasing our economic strength. In this, the obvious
priority is torget out of the recession we have been
experiencing, and particularly to increase employment
and toiget the jobless back into productive jobs. That
is our highest priority.
with that urgont zoal 500
pricrity, less obvious to some, which is to end the
recession without edding unnecessarily to, the inflationary
pressures which have plagued us for many years prior to
the recession and which cuite frankly, halped to bring it
on. He must make more tobs and reverse the recession without
recklessly inviting a. new round OF double digitiinFlation
rising: interest rates and higher prices which wa 577 know
in the long mun, would cancel out whatever stimulus and
expansionary incentive we can apply to the economy in the
short-run.
FORD
MORE
Page 6
That is why I an personally determined to
hold the line on all massive Federal spending programs
Which are in various stages moving through the
Congress. That is why I-1 have drawn the line at a
maximum budget deficit of $50 billion, which is where
we stand at the present time, and it 13 a3 far as 39
dare to go without endangaring economic recovery.
I 27 gratified that many of the responsible
Numbers of the Congress, House and Sanata, on both sides
03 the political aisle, have spoken out publicly of the
danger of more massive Federal deficits,
Not merely the Administration, but the
country, neads thair help, and will need their votes
when the showdowns come. But, I have no wish to wage
a veto war with the Congress. Quite frankly, we have
enough real wars and rumors of ware without getting into
one of those.
What I would prefer is for the Congress to
exercise its constitutional power of the purse with the
responsibility and prudence that the people expect of
it.
Congress must cut rather than spend. It must
reduce existing programs, instead of creating new ones
As I look at the horrendous figures, I just cannot go on
giving away more and more government benefits without
considering how to pay for them and the damage that will
be done by borrowing to pay for them.
When the American people individually and
collectively -- all over the country -- are tightening
their belts to get through the worse recession of recent
times, because in large part by decades of deficits and
ever-growing governmental programs, the Congress should
not ask them to suffer consequances of more of the same
fiscal folly.
I would like the Congress to fix an absolute
cailing on Federal spending for the coming year, the
ceiling where I drew the line. To do this effectively
and with meaning, the Congress must go one step further
Here is my suggestion: You have three Members
of Congress here. Put the already enacted procedures of
the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Act of 1374 into
effect a whole year ahsad of schedule, starting this
July 1.
Under the current circumstances, when the legis-
lation was passed last year, it was expected that it would
not & into effect until fiscal year 1977, and that during
this interval, between last ysar and a year and one-half
from now, there would be scrt of a practice run.
MORE
HE
FORD
GERALD
Page 6
I think the urgency of Congressional action to
establish of ceiling and to crient priorities requires
that Contress do:it this year. We don't head a practice
session. We need full participation in the ball game,
and I hope and trust that Congress will do that. That
will be the best avidence that I know of, thair total
dedication to handling your tax money or the government's
borrowing in at responsible way.
In the face of a huge deficit that could reach
8100 billion, if my budget is overridden, it 1a hard for
me to see how the Congress can refuse to move up the
implementation date of the Budget and Impoundment Act
of 1074. Excessive Federal spending for years has fueled
the fires of inflation and imposed the unfairest tax of
all on the American people, robbing retired people of
their pensions, the elderly of their Social Security,
the hard-working majority of their paychacks, full
value in the supermarket.
Runaway inflation can ruin the productive growth
and essential strength of the free enterprise system
and cripple our entire American economy.
That is why my economic policy recommendations
contain two elements, each one of them essential to its
success.
One, a quick, ons-time tax out to stimulate
buying power and new development by business and job
producing expansion. The other, spending cuts and as
one-year moratorium on new spending by the government,
except for energy and emergency needs.
Federal tax cuts alone will not work without
simultaneous Federal spending restraints. I am deeply
concerned, quite frankly, that some elements of the
Congress will try to pay for additional spending programs
by dangerously stripping billions from the defense budget.
At a time like this, nothing could be more short
sighted or devastating to our security. Individually,
many of the domestic spending programs proposed in the
Congress have most attractive aspects. They provide
help for some worthy group. It is hard for Members
of Congress to oppose those programs.
MORE
FORD
CHALD
Page 7
It will be very, very hard for Me to veto them,
if Congress enacts them. But, it is not the individual
programs that are unacceptable, but the aur total of
them, adding up easily to $30 billion or more to bring
the deficit into the $100 billion area.
Defense spending, on the other hand, provides
no benefits, except the most precious benefit of all
the freedom of our country and the last hope for peace
in the world,
As President Eisenhower 80 wissly observed,
only the strong Bre free. Certainly we have ample reason
to believe this truth today. My budget recommendations
for national defense are the minimum, I balieve, essential
for our safety. It is now a popular idea that Decause
Americans are not fighting anywhere, because we are
seeking to broaden every avenue of peace, that we can expand
social benefit programs and pay for them out of
defense outbacks.
Simple arithmatic proves otherwise. I have
seen caraful mathematical projections that show if
welfare and other transfer payments continua moving at
their present rate of growth, about 9 percent annually
for the past 20 years, half of the American people will be
living off the other half by the year 2000-
Except for vastly increasing taxes on those who
work, the only way such payments can be continued indefinitaly
is to take them away from our national defense, Other
superpowers, I can assure you, are doing nothing of that
kind.
I pledge to you today that I will resist
stripping America's defense capability in every legal
way available to me. If the men and woman you send to the
Congress fail to face up to these inescapable realities
refuse to accept the balanced judgment of their own new
budget committee, which has been set up to enforce the
same overall limitations that I had to work with, than --
and this is hard to believe, but it mathematically works
out by simple arithmetic it will only ba A few short
decades before our defenses will be down to at single
soldier with a single rifle with a single round of ammunition.
That is not good for America and freedom throughout
the world. Frankly, I don't think that 15 going to happen,
because: I have more faith than that, that America won't
tolerata it, and I maan the 213 million Americans of all
faiths, all political parties, all backgrounds, and 80 forth.
My former colleagues in the Congress know I have
always been an optimist, and whenever I can get away from
Washington and see Americans as they really live and work
and play and plan for their children, my sense of what is
right with OUT country is recharged and reinforced
I am very pleased to be here today in what-I
found to be an optimistic atmosphere and problem-solving
climate of Southern California and I am:delighted to sb
be among people with great experience and great courage
in building a great part of our country.
Page 9
We can meat this tast only by reducing
vulnarability to weaknesses in our economy and energy
capacities. That is why an adaquate security program
goes hand in hand with sound, aconomic policies and
prompt, effective energy legislation.
America has the will, America has the
resources. America has the knowhow, and pensica has
the faith.
I share, as I look around this TOOM, your
Delief in America. If you despaired of this Nation
and its future, you would not be here today. Together,
with the billions like you all over this great country,
WB will build a new and better tomorrow.
Thank you very much.
1** END
(AT 5:37 P.M. PDT)
FORD a KIBRA RALD
CE
[4/3/75?]
-10-
nation's character for 200 years. That has been the American
way to success, and the American way is going to be much
needed if we are to master the difficult times ahcad.
#
HALD GERALD R. FORD
630
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FM THE SITUATION ROOM
TO DICK CHENEY/SAN DIEGO
CONFIDENTIALWH50611
APRIL 3, L975
FORD A LIBRARY RALD
MEMORANDUM FOR:
DICK CHENEY
GE
FROM:
JACK MARSH
ATTACHED IS A QUESTION AND A PROPOSED RESPONSE WHICH I HAVE PREPARED
ON THE VIETNAM MATTER WHICH I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR BRINGING TO THE
PRESIDENT'S ATTENTION FOR HIS CONSIDERATION.
BY WAY OF BACKGROUND, YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT I HAVE RUN THIS BY
BUCHEN, ROURKE, WOLTHIUS AND CANNON WHO CONCUR IN THE RESPONSE.
I HAVE ALSO SHOWED IT TO HENRY WHO GOES WITH THE FIRST PARAGRAPH OF
THE RESPONSE BUT TAKES STRONG EXCEPTION TO THE SECOND PARAGRAPH
WHICH HE FEELS SHOULD BE MODIFIED TO BE LESS CONCILIATORY. HE MAKES
SEVERAL POINTS WHICH I FEEL I SHOULD PASS ON.
1. HENRY FEELS THAT A STATEMENT OF NOT TRYING TO ASSESS BLAME
AS TO WHAT WENT WRONG IS APPROPRIATE.
2. HE FEELS A FIRM RESPONSE IS NECESSARY BY THE PRESIDENT
THAT DOES NOT PERMIT THE CONGRESS TO ESCAPE RESPONSI-
BILITY. HE FEELS THAT IT IS NECESSARY TO RECOUNT A
NUMBER OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS IN RECENT YEARS THAT
LEAD TO THE STRAW THAT BROKE THE CAMELIS BACK. FOR
EXAMPLE, THE BOMBING HALT, THE STEADY CUTS IN AID,
OTHER CONGRESSIONAL LIMITATIONS.
IN SUMMARY, HIS VIEW IS THAT THE CONGRESS FAILED TO MAKE
THE HARD CHOICES AND ACCEPT THE RESPONSIBILITIES REQUIR-
ED OF THE SITUATION.
BRENTIS VIEW WOULD BE TO TAKE THE FIRST PARAGRAPH OF THE RESPONSE
ON NORTH VIETNAMESE AGGRESSION AND USE THE RESPONSES TO SIMILAR
WHSR COMMENT
MARSH
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QUESTIONS ALREADY FORWARDED BY NSC FOR THE SECOND PORTION. I FEEL
YOU SHOULD HAVE THE BENEFIT OF THESE VIEWS RECOGNIZING THAT THE
QUESTION HE RECEIVES IS NOT LIKELY TO BE IN THE FORM ANY OF US HAVE
PROPOUNDED AND THE RESPONSE HEI GIVES MIGHT REFLECT A NUMBER OF
INPUTS.
I CONCUR WITH THE ARGUMENT THAT HENRY IS MAKING ON PRESIDENTIAL
LEADERSHIP AND CALLING ON THE NATION TO PULL TOGETHER TO MAKE TOUGH
CHOICES AND ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITIES AS A WORLD LEADER. I THINK
THIS: SHOULD BE THE THRUST OF NEXT WEEK'S CONGRESSIONAL MESSAGE AND
INSUING SPEECHES IN THE DAYS AND WEEKS AHEAD. IN THIS THE CONGRESS
WILLI HAVE TO BE CHALLENGED, AND IN A CHURCHILLIAN SENSE.
WHERE I THINK WE DIFFER IS HOW WE POINT OUT THESE CONGRESSIONAL
INACTIONS IN VIETNAM THAT CONTRIBUTED TO DEVELOPMENTS THERE, I
THINK THE PRESS CONFERENCE FORUM IS NOT THE BEST PLACE TO MAKE THE
POINTS THAT NEED TO BE MADE.
QUESTION:
MR. PRESIDENT, THERE HAS BEEN MUCH DISCUSSION AS TO WHO IS TO
BLAME FOR THE DISASTROUS TURN OF EVENTS IN VIETNAM. THERE HAS BEEN
SOME REFERENCE TO YOUR VIEW THAT THE CONGRESS IS AT FAULT FOR FAIL-
ING TD PROVIDE THE RECENT REQUEST FOR $300 MILLION IN AID. WHO DO
YOU FEEL IS TO BLAME?
ANSWER:
LET'S REMEMBER THE REAL SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM IN VIETNAM IS THE
FLAGRANT AGGRESSION AND VIOLATION OF THE PARIS PEACE ACCORDS BY THE
NORTH VIETNAMSE. THEY HAVE INVADED SOUTH VIETNAM, THEY ARE THE
AGGRESSORS. THEY ARE CAUSING THE REFUGEE PROBLEM. IF THEY WOULD
WITHDRAW AND STOP THEIR AGGRESSION AND THEIR ATROCITIES, THE
SITUATION IN THAT COUNTRY WOULD STABILIZE. NORTH VIETNAM IS WHERE
THE BLAME LIES BY IGNORING THE PEACE AGREEMENT THEY SIGNED.
NOW AS TO WHAT'S HAPPENED BECAUSE OF THE AGGRESSION THAT IS
MORE COMPLEX INVOLVING MANY FACTORS HERE AND IN VIETNAM. AS YOU
À
FORD
KNOW, I HAVE HAD A LONG RECORD OF SUPPORTING OUR EFFORT THERE,
NATURALLY, I AM SORRY THAT I DID NOT RECEIVE THE RESPONSE THAT I
RALD
HAD HOPED FOR IN MY REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL AID AND ASSISTANCE.
LIBRARY
LIKE MANY OTHERS, I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS
30
THERE HAS BEEN BOTH A DIMINUTION AND LIMITATION ON OUR ASSISTANCE
TO SOUTH VIETNAM BUT IT IS NOT UP TO ME TO BECOME INVOLVED IN A
NATIONAL DEBATE AS TO WHO IN AMERICA IS AT FAULT. MY HOPE IS THAT
THE CONGRESS WILL JOIN WITH ME IN DOING WHATEVER WE MIGHT TO BE OF
HELP AND ASSISTANCE TO THIS BESIEGED COUNTRY AND ITS PEOPLE.
IT IS A TRAGIC SITUATION. I AM DEEPLY TROUBLED BY WHAT HAS
HAPPENED BUT MY SUPPORT FOR THEM HAS NOT CHANGED AND I AM GLAD THAT I
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DID WHAT I DID TO TRY TO OBTAIN FOR THEM THE HELP I FELT THEY NEEDED.
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SITUATION ROOM
WHITE HOUSE
'75 APR 3 AM 10 14
RALD GE A. FORD VIBRARY
SECRET
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 3, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
DON RUMSFELD
FROM:
JACK MARSH
It appears there are emerging two principal areas where there is likely to be
assigned a special Administration responsibility on the Vietnam matter. These
are refugee assistance and the safety of U.S. citizens who are "in country."
The latter has not moved into the forefront but will be of increasing Con-
gressional attention by next week in my opinion.
Collateral to the refugee problem is intense interest in the "Baby-lift." Con-
siderable White House effort was devoted to this by Phil Buchen and Dr. Ted
Marrs. Ted directed a great deal of the work that was done on this matter
at the White House level yesterday. I have requested a summary of this effort
be sent to you immediately, and Bill Roberts will transmit the same.
It is my view, shared by others, that a question at the news conference is
likely on any of the matters mentioned above.
FORD A LIBRARY CERALD RALD FLU
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Date 1/28/98 By KBH
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PLEASE L D X TO PALM SPRINGS
TO: DON RUMSFELD
FROM: Bill Roberts
A
FORD
RALD
PLEASE LDX TO SAN DIEGO
TO: RON NESSEN
FROM: Brent ScowCroft
NOTE: PLEASE PROVIDE COPIES TO THE FOLLOWING:
THE PRESIDENT
BOB HARTMANN
DICK CHENEY
JACK HUSHEN
FROM BRENT SCOWEREFT
We are seeing a great human tragedy as untold numbers
of Vietnamese flee the North Vietnamese onslaught. The United
States has been doing and will continue to do its utmost to assist
these people.
I have, for example, directed all available naval ships
to stand off Indochina to do whatever is necessary to assist.
We have appealed to the United Nations to use its moral influence
to permit these innocent people to leave, and we call on North
Vietnam to permit the movement of refugees to areas of their
choice.
The requirements for the care and ultimate disposition
of all those who are fleeing from the war will be heavy. Because
of the large numbers involved and the overwhelming need for
assistance, I will soon be asking the Congress for additional funds
to meet this humanitarian requirement. We will as well be working
with the humanitarian agencies to do everything humanly possible
to relieve the tragic plight of these refugees.
FORD A LIBRA RALE
of
The following agencies with branches
in Vietnam are active in
intercountry adoption work. All are either licensed or in the pro-
cess of being licensed by the Ministry of Social Welfare of the
Republic of Vietnam to handle such adoptions.
Prospective adoptive parents should contact one of the following
agencies:
Holt Children's Service
P.O. Box 2420
1195 City View Street
Eugene, Oregon 97402
Telephone: (503) 687-2202
TAISSA (Traveler's Aid--International
Social Services of America)
345 East 46th Street, Room 715
New York, New York 10017
Telephone: (212) 687-2747
Friends For All Children
445 South 68th Street
Boulder, Colorado 80303
Telephone: (303) 494-7305
United States Catholic Conference
201 Park Avenue, South
New York, New York 10003
Telephone: (212) 475-5400
Friends of Children of Vietnam
600 Gilpin
FORD
Denver, Colorado 80211
Telephone: (303) 321-8251 or 8262
EALO
LIBRA
Pearl S. Buck Foundation
2019 DeLancey Place
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Telephone: (215) 732-1030
World Vision Relief Organization
919 West Huntington Drive
Monrovia, California 91016'
Telephone: (213) 357-1111
FROM DR. TED MARRS
A.I.D. is working with
the Republic of Vietnam to expedite transportation to the
United States for about 2,000 Vietnamese orphans now in
Saigon. I have directed that funds from a $2 million
children's assistance allocation be used to airlift them
in suitable and safe aircraft as soon as possible, and
that the USAID Mission in Saigon move immediately to cut
through any red tape or bureaucratic obstacles.
These orphans are now in the custody of licensed adoption
agencies operating in Vietnam. They were already in the
process of adoption by American families living in various
parts of the United States. Those few who do not have
families arranged will be placed with families now on
waiting lists of the agencies.
We do not now need foster care homes or additional spon-
soring families. Adoption agencies involved which have
U.S. offices will be contacting the prospective parents.
Inquiries from families in the U.S. who are in the process
of adopting Vietnamese children should be made to the
appropriate adoption agencies. (A list is attached).
A.I.D. has been working with the Government of Vietnam and
U.S. voluntary agencies in Vietnam for two weeks to expedite
the transportation and placement of these orphans in U.S.
homes, because of the overloading of voluntary agency
facilities in Saigon caused by the refugee situation.
We presently are lining up one or two C-5A planes and
equipping them to ensure safe transportation and care
en route. We are also lining up alternative available
planes. The flights will begin within the next 36 to
48 hours and possibly sooner. We are arranging to have
the children met at Travis Air Force Base and/or other
FORD A GERALD LIBRARY
locations on the west coast and to be cared for upon
arrival.
World Airways brought 57 orphans into Oakland last night
at 11:30 p.m. This was an unauthorized flight because the
South Vietnam Government, the FAA, and the U.S. Mission in
Saigon considered the rice cargo plane to be unsafe and
unsuitable for a long flight of infants across the Pacific.
We would welcome World Airways participation as long as
its flights are safe and appropriate arrangements for
medical care made.
—
\
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
premotification
Da Mong
4-4-75
FORD & IBRARY GERALD RALD
\
\
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
pre notification
Da hang
4-4-75
GERALD
FORD & LIBRARY RALD
Text of President's Message to the Speaker of the House and President
pro tempore of the Senate
April 4, 1975
As you know, last Saturday I directed United States participation in an
international humanitarian relief effort to transport refugees from DaNang
and other seaports to safer areas farther south in Vietnam. The United
States has been joined in this humanitarian effort by a number of other
countries who are offering people, supplies and vessels to assist in this
effort. This effort was undertaken in response to urgent appeals from
the Government of the Republic of Vietnam because of the extremely grave
nature of the circumstances involving the lives of hundreds of thousands
of refugees. This situation has been brought about by large-scale viola-
tions of the agreement ending the war and restoring the peace in Vietnam by
the North Vietnamese who have been conducting massive attacks on the
northern and central provinces of South Vietnam.
In accordance with my desire to keep the Congress fully informed on this
matter, and taking note of the provision of Section 4(a) (2) of the War Powers
Resolution (Public Law 93-148), I wish to report to you concerning one
aspect of United States participation in the refugee evacuation effort.
Because of the large number of refugees and the overwhelming dimensions
of the task, I have ordered U.S. Naval vessels to assist in this effort,
including amphibious task group 76.8 with 12 embarked helicopters and
approximately 700 Marines. These Naval vessels have been authorized
to approach the coast of South Vietnam to pick up refugees and U.S.
Nationals, and transport them to safety. Marines are being detailed to
vessels participating in the rescue mission. The first vessel entered
South Vietnam territorial waters at 0400 a.m. EDT on April 3, 1975.
Although these forces are equipped for combat within the meaning of
Section 4(a) (2) of Public Law 93-148, their sole mission is to assist
in the evacuation including the maintenance of order on board the
vessels engaged in that task.
As stated above, the purpose of the introduction of United States Naval
vessels into Vietnamese waters is to assist in an international humani-
tarian effort involving vessels of several nations, including both military
and civilian craft. The United States' participation in this effort includes
the charter of commercial vessels, the use of military sealift command
vessels with civilian crews, as well as United States naval vessels with
military crews. This effort is being undertaken pursuant to the President's
constitutional authority as Commander-in-Chief and Chief Executive in the
conduct of foreign relations and pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of
1961, as amended, which authorizes humanitarian assistance to refugees,
civilian war casualties and other persons disadvantaged by hostilities
or conditions relating to hostilities in South Vietnam.
FORD
-2-
You will appreciate, I am sure, my difficulty in telling you precisely how
long United States Forces may be needed in this effort. Our present
estimate, however, is that this operation may involve the presence of
United States Naval vessels in Vietnamese waters for a period of at
least several weeks.
/s/ GERALD R. FORD
FORD THE LIBRA RALD
to
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 4, 1975
Dear Mr. Speaker:
As you know, last Saturday I directed United States participation
in an international humanitarian relief effort to transport refugees
from Danang and other seaports to safer areas farther south in
Vietnam. The United States has been joined in this humanitarian
effort by a number of other countries who are offering people,
supplies and vessels to assist in this effort. This effort was
undertaken in response to urgent appeals from the Government
of the Republic of Vietnam because of the extremely grave nature
of the circumstances involving the lives of hundreds of thousands
of refugees. This situation has been brought about by large-scale
violations of the Agreement Ending the War and Restoring the
Peace in Vietnam by the North Vietnamese who have been con-
ducting massive attacks on the Northern and Central provinces
of South Vietnam.
In accordance with my desire to keep the Congress fully informed
on this matter, and taking note of the provision of Section 4(a)(2)
of the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148), I wish to report
to you concerning one aspect of United States participation in the
refugee evacuation effort. Because of. the large number of refugees
and the overwhelming dimensions of the task, I have ordered U. S.
naval vessels to assist in this effort, including Amphibious Task
Group 76. 8 with 12 embarked helicopters and approximately 700
marines. These naval vessels have been authorized to approach
the coast of South Vietnam to pick up refugees and U. S. nationals,
and transport them to safety. Marines are being detailed to
vessels participating in the rescue mission. The first vessel
entered South Vietnam territorial waters at 0400 a.m. EDT on
April 3, 1975.
IN
FORD
RALD
LIBRARY
of
-2-
Although these forces are equipped for combat within the
meaning of Section 4 (a) (2) of Public Law 83-148, they are
under orders to avoid involvement in hostilities and
combat activities. Should a serious risk from hostilities
develop at a particular location, their orders require
that they withdraw. unless engaged in activities to save
the lives of U. S. citizens. The sole mission 01 the Marines
aboard the Task Group ships and the military sealift command
ships is to assist in maintaining order on board the ships
while receiving and transporting refugees.
As stated above, the purpose of the introduction of United
States naval vessels into Vietnamese waters is to assist in
an international humanitarian effort involving vessels of
several nations, including both military and civilian craft.
The United States' participation in this effort includes the
charter of commercial vessels, the use of military sealift
command vessels with civilian crews, as well as United
States naval vessels with military crews. This effort is
being undertaken pursuant to the President's constitutional
authority as Commander-in-Chief and Chief Executive in the
conduct of foreign relations and pursuant to the Foreign
Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, which authorizes humani-
tarian assistance to refugees, civilian war casualties and
other persons disadvantaged by hostilities or conditions
relating to hostilities in South Vietnam.
You will appreciate, I am sure, my difficulty in telling you
precisely how long United States forces may be needed in this
effort. Our present estimate, however, is that this operation
may involve the presence of United States naval vessels in
Vietnamese waters for a period of at least several weeks.
IF
FORD
GERALD
RALD
277
SECRET
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 4, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
DON RUMSFELD
FROM:
JACK MARSH your
It has been determined that the reporting requirements of Section 4A (2)
of the War Powers Resolution requiring reporting to the Speaker and the
President Pro Tempore should be observed. They are applicable for the
reasons set out in the attached draft of a letter accompanying this memo.
Attached are the applicable provisions of the War Powers Resolution.
This report must be made by you to these two Congressional officers
within 48 hours from the time of the incident that invokes the statute.
This occurred at 0400 a.m. EDT, April 3. Therefore, this report
must be filed by you no later than 0400 a.m. / April 5. Brent has sent
a similar draft of the attached to Henry at Palm Springs. We will stand
by for your response and suggestions as well as any changes which you
feel should be made in the attached report.
You should be aware that John Finney of the New York Times has the
story of this incident, which apparently involved the USS Durham, and
has made inquiry to the Department of Defense. Defense is awaiting
guidance on how to respond to both the activities of the vessel and your
possible action under the War Powers which were the questions Finney
asked.
The determination of the application of the War Powers is based on the
opinion of the Counsel's Office at: The White House; Defense; and
State. The draft letter is their joint effort.
GERALD LIBRAR A. FORD
Determined to be Administrative Marking
Date 1/28/98 By KBH
DRAFT LETTER
SECRET
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 4, 1975
Dear Mr. Speaker: (President pro to tampone)
As you know, last Saturday I directed United States participation
in an international humanitarian relief effort to transport refugees
from Danang and other seaports to safer areas farther south in
Vietnam. The United States has been joined in this humanitarian
effort by a number of other countries who are offering people,
supplies and vessels to assist in this effort. This effort was
undertaken in response to urgent appeals from the Government
of the Republic of Vietnam because of the extremely grave nature
of the circumstances involving the lives of hundreds of thousands
of refugees. This situation has been brought about by large-scale
violations of the Agreement Ending the War and Restoring the
Peace in Vietnam by the North Vietnamese who have been con-
ducting massive attacks on the Northern and Central provinces
of South Vietnam.
In accordance with my desire to keep the Congress fully informed
on this matter, and taking note of the provision of Section 4(a)(2)
of the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148), I wish to report
to you concerning one aspect of United States participation in the
refugee evacuation effort. Because of the large number of refugees
and the overwhelming dimensions of the task, I have ordered U. S.
naval vessels to assist in this effort, including Amphibious Task
Group 76. 8 with 12 embarked helicopters and approximately 700
marines. These naval vessels have been authorized to approach
the coast of South Vietnam to pick up refugees and U. S. nationals,
and transport them to safety. Marines are being detailed to
vessels participating in the rescue mission. The first vessel
entered South Vietnam territorial waters at 0400 a.m. EDT on
April 3, 1975.
Determined to be Administrative Marking
FORD is LIBRARY RALD
Date 1/28/98 By KBH
SECRET
-2-
93
Although these forces are equipped for combat within the
meaning of Section 4 (a) (2) of Public Law 83-148; they are
under orders to avoid involvement in hostilities and
combat activities. Should a serious risk from hostilities
develop at a particular location, their orders require
that they withdraw, unless engaged in activities to save
the lives of U. S. citizens. The sole mission of the Marines
aboard the Task Group ships and the military sealift command
ships is to assist in maintaining order on board the ships
while receiving and transporting refugees.
As stated above, the purpose of the introduction of United
States naval vessels into Vietnamese waters is to assist in
an international humanitarian effort involving vessels of
several nations, including both military and civilian craft.
The United States' participation in this effort includes the
charter of commercial vessels, the use of military sealift
command vessels with civilian crews, as well as United
States naval vessels with military crews. This effort is
being undertaken pursuant to the President's constitutional
authority as Commander-in-Chief and Chief Executive in the
conduct of foreign/relations and pursuant to the Foreign
Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, which authorizes humani-
tarian assistance to refugees, civilian war casualties and
other persons disadvantaged by hostilities or conditions
relating to hostilities in South Vietnam.
You will appreciate, I am sure, my difficulty in telling you
precisely how long United States forces may be needed in this
effort. Our present estimate, however, is that this operation
may involve the presence of United States naval vessels in
Vietnamese waters for a period of at least several weeks.
FORD
BOTE
a
Determined to be Administrative Marking
Date 1/28/98
By
KBH
Public Law 93-110
SECRET
RALE che R FORD ABRART
CONSULTATION
Sec. 3. The President in every possible instance shall consult with
Congress before introducing United States Armed Forces into hostili-
ties or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is
clearly indicated by the circumstances, and after every such introduc-
tion shall consult regularly with the Congress until United States
Armed Forces are no longer engaged in hostilities or have been removed
from such situations.
REPORTING
Sec. 4. (a) In the absence of a declaration of war, in any case in
which United States Armed Forces are introduced --
(1) into hostilities or into situations where imminent involve-
ment in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances:
(2) into the territory, airspace or waters of a foreign nation,
while equipped for combat, except for deployments which relate
solely to supply, replacement, repair, or training of such forces;
or
(3) In numbers which substantially enlarge United States
Armed Forces equipped for combat already located in a foreign
nation;
the President shall submit within 48 hours to the Speaker of the House
of Representatives and to the President pro tempore of the Senate a
report, in writing, setting forth-
(A) the circumstances necessitating the introduction of United
States Armed Forces;
(B) the constitutional and legislative authority under which
such introduction took place; and,
(C) the estaimted scope and duration of the hostilities or
involvement.
(b) The President shall provide such other information as the
Congress may request in the fulfillment of its constitutional responsi-
bilities with respect to committing the Nation to war and to the use of
United States Armed Forces abroad.
(c) Whenever United States Armed Forces are introduced into
hostilities or into any situation described in subsection (a) of this
section, the President shall, so long as such armed forces continue to be
engaged in such hostilities or situation, report to the Congres periodi-
cally on the status of such hostilities or situation as well as on the
scope and duration of such hostitlities or situation, but in no event shall
he report to the Congress less often than once every six months.
Determined to be Administrative Marking
Date 28/98
By
KBH
CONGRESSIONAL ACTION (Public Law 93-148
SEC. 5. (a) Each report submitted pursuant to section 4(a) (1) shall
be transmitted to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and to
the President pro tempore of the Senate on the same calendar day.
Each report so transmitted shall be referred to the Committee on
Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and to the Committee
on Foreign Relations of the Senate for appropriate action. If, when
the report is transmitted, the Congress has adjourned sine die or has
adjourned for any period in excess of three calendar days, the Speaker
of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the
Senate, if they deem it advisable (or if petitioned by at least 30 per-
cent of the membership of their respective Houses) shall jointly request
the President to convene Congress in order that it may consider the
report and take appropriate action pursuant to this section.
(b) Within sixty calendar days after a report is submitted or is
required to be submitted pursuant to section 4(a)(1), whichever is
earlier, the President shall terminate any use of United States Armed
Forces with respect to which such report was submitted (or required
to be submitted), unless the Congress (1) has declared war or has
enacted a specific authorization for such use of United States Armed
Forces, (2) has extended by law such sixty-day period, or (3) is
physically unable to meet as a result of an armed attack upon the
United States. Such sixty-day period shall be extended for not more
than an additional thirty days if the President determines and certi-
fies to the Congress in writing that unavoidable military necessity
respecting the safety of United States Armed Forces requires the
continued use of such armed forces in the course of bringing about
a prompt removal of such forces.
(c) Notwithstanding subsection (b), at any time that United States
Armed Forces are engaged in hostilities outside the territory of the
United States, its possessions and territories without a declaration of
war or specific statutory authorization, such forces shall be removed
by the President if the Congress so directs by concurrent resolution.
&
FORD
LTE
RALD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 4, 1975
This acknowledges receipt of
message for Hon John McFall,
Speaker Pro Tempore, U. S.
House of Representatives.
Irvine H. Sprague
/i/0ain Aprol 5
Time received
Hand delivered by Sgt. Rolley of White House
Motor Car Pool.
FORD & LIBRARY RALD of
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 4, 1975
This acknowledges receipt of
message for Hon John McFall,
Speaker Pro Tempore, U. S.
House of Representatives.
Irvine H. Sprague
/i/daine Aprol 5
Time received
Hand delivered by Sgt. Rolley of White House
Motor Car Pool.
FORD & LIBRARY RALD
30
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 4, 1975
This acknowledges receipt of
message to Speaker Carl Albert.
Michael SReed Michael L. Reed
12:0 5 AM
Time received
April
Hand delivered by Sgt. Rolley of White House
Motor Car Pool.
FORD is LIBRAR RALD
30
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 4, 1975
This acknowledges receipt of
message to Speaker Carl Albert.
Michael SReed
Michael L. Reed
12:05 AM
Time received
April
Hand delivered by Sgt. Rolley of White House
Motor Car Pool.
FORD & LIBRAR GERALD RALE
GF
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 4, 1975
This will acknowledge receipt of
message to Senator James East/land:
William Simpson
12 pm 00
Time received
Hand delivered by Sgt. Lane of White House
Motor Car Pool.
FORD & LIBRARY OF RALAD
30
THE WHITE HOUSE
washington
April 4, 1975
This will acknowledge receipt of
message to Senator James Eastland:
William William 00 Simpson Simpen
12 bm
Time received
Hand delivered by Sgt. Lane of White House
Motor Car Pool.
FORD & BRARY RALD
16