Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
1505192
label
Indochina Refugees - Interagency Task Force: Transfer to HEW
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
1505192
sourceUrl
contentType
document
title
Indochina Refugees - Interagency Task Force: Transfer to HEW
citationUrl
collections
Theodore C. Marrs Files (Ford Administration)
Theodore Marrs' General Subject Files
subjects
Vietnam (Republic)
Department of State. 9/1789-
Refugees
Vietnamese Americans
iiifBase
thumbnailUrl
largeImageUrl
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
1505192
coverageEndDate
logicalDate
1975-06-30
month
6
year
1975
coverageStartDate
logicalDate
1975-05-01
month
5
year
1975
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
url
mediaId
baa2ae96d33a7a47
ocrText
The original documents are located in Box 10, folder "Indochina Refugees - Interagency
Task Force: Transfer to HEW" of the Theodore C. Marrs 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 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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 10 of the Theodore C. Marrs Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
DRAFT
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
PHILIP BUCHEN
JOHN MARSH
SUBJECT:
Transfer of Interagency Refugee
Resettlement Task Force
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
We concur in the recommendation of the Secretary of State calling
for the transfer of prime responsibility for the resettlement of
refugees from State to HEW, while maintaining the interagency
task force at the White House level.
To date, the task force has served as an excellent vehicle for not
only coordinating actions by the concerned agencies, but also in
resolving the disputes that have arisen as the result of overlapping
jurisdictions and the interests of individual agencies. We remain
unconvinced that any of the options offered by Secretary Weinberger
would be an improvement upon that of Secretary Kissinger.
Operational activity of this nature, even at the task force level,
should not be placed within the White House. (Ted Marrs and Barry
Roth of our staffs have provided White House oversight and
guidance to the Task Force, as necessary.) White OMB remains
available to assist in resolving disputes that might arise, most
disputes can continue to be handled by the task force. Finally,
in view of our mutual goal that a White House task force be
- 2 -
terminated by the end of this calendar year, it would be
unnecessarily burdensome and bureaucratic to formalize the
task force as a special agency.
If you agree with Secretary Kissinger, the central decision
remaining is who should be the director of the task force. On
designated
his respgnation, Ambassador Brown appointed Julia Taft, Deputy
Assistant Secretary for
, HEW, and who had been
serving as his deputy, to be the Acting Director of the task force.
(Mrs. Taft's resume is attached at Tab A) Due to her relative
inexperience and her lesser stature than Ambassador Brown,
some persons have questioned whether you should appoint her as
the new director.
In view of Secretary Weinberger's request to meet with you concerning
the transfer of the task force, we recommend that if 1 such a meeting is
that'st be held as soon as possible next week. It should be attended by
Secretaries Kissinger and Weinberger, ourselves, and Ted Marrs
and Barry Roth. At this meeting, Secretary Weinberger should be
asked to recommend either Mrs. Taft or someone else for this position,
you
in order that the White House can make the necessary announcement by
week's end. Early stability of the ptrictore
to expedite the continuing
inh sellerment 5 require
MEMORANDUM
OF CALL
TO:
YOU WERE CALLED BY-
YOU WER. VISITED BY-
OF (Organization)
PHONE NO.
PLEASE CALL
CODE/EXT.
WILL CALL AGAIN
IS WAITING TO SEE YOU
RETURNED YOUR CALL
WISHES AN APPOINTMENT
MESSAGE
Dr. Marrs:
Has been sent to NSC. It has
been agreed by Messrs. Theis,
Buchen and Marrs.
MIF
RECEIVED BY
DATE
TIME
STANDARD FORM 63
GPO :1969-o48-16-80341-1 332-389
63-108
REVISED AUGUST 1967
GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6
N-Fle
FORD & GERALD LIBRARY
PRESIDENTIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
I am today announcing the transfer of the Interagency Task
Force for the resettlement of refugees of Indochina from the
Department of State to the Department of Health, Education,
and Welfare.
Since I formed the Task Force in April, the resettlement of
refugees has become primarily a matter of domestic rather
than foreign affairs' concern. A great deal has been accom-
plished in evacuating, caring for, and resettling refugees
from Indochina. However, much remains to be done. I ask
all Americans to open their hearts to these refugees as we
have to others throughout our history.
Mrs. Julia Taft, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Health, Educa-
tion, and Welfare, will continue to serve as acting Director
of the Task Force. All decisions and activities regarding
the domestic and international resettlement of refugees from
Indochina will be coordinated by her. She will act under my
direction and in close coordination with the Secretary of HEW
and the President's Advisory Committee on Refugees. Mrs. Taft's
responsibilities involve numerous departments of government, and
I am directing each of them to offer her their full cooperation
and support in this important task.
7509853
THE SECRETARY OF STATE
WASHINGTON
May 14, 1975
CONFIDENTIAL
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
From:
Henry A. Kissinger
Subject:
Transfer of Indochina Task Force
The evacuation of refugees from Indochina has
been essentially completed and, as the flow of refugees
enters the United States, the national security aspects
of the operation are receding.
The time has come to focus on the long term resettle-
ment issues which could be with us as long as one year. I
believe that new organizational arrangements must be estab-
lished to deal with this different set of problems, once
Congress has completed action on your request for funds.
Specifically, I recommend that the Department of
Health, Education and Welfare assume overall responsi-
bility for the resettlement operation, and the operations
of the present Task Force be physically moved to that
Department. In order to ensure high level attention and
inter-agency cooperation in the days ahead, I would further
recommend that the new Task Force remain at the White House
level. This arrangement could be reexamined in six months.
The new Inter-Agency Task Force would include the
interested Departments and Agencies which are presently
working on the problem -- DOD, Justice, INS, Interior,
Labor, HUD, AID and State. State would be charged with
handling the international aspects of resettlement and
State/AID/USIA would continue to provide personnel support
to the reception centers and the Task Force, as determined
by the Director of the Task Force.
If we take this step, I am confident we will have
created the proper mechanism for coping with the resettle-
ment of refugees, which has become an essentially domestic
issue and concern.
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED
E.O. 12958, Sec. 3.5
NSC Memo, 11/24/98, State Dept. Guidelines
By WHM , NARA, Date 11/21/00
CONFIDENTIAL
- 2 -
Should you agree to my recommendation, I will
instruct Ambassador L. Dean Brown to make arrangements
for the transfer directly with Secretary Weinberger
with the understanding that HEW will request White
House approval for the new Director of the Task Force.
Recommendation:
That you approve the transfer of responsibility
for the resettlement to the Department of Health,
Education and Welfare, while maintaining the Task
Force at a White House level.
Approve
Disapprove
Attachment:
Draft Presidential Announcement.
CONF IDENTIAL
PRESIDENTIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
I am today appointing
as my Special Representative and Director of the Inter-
Agency Task Force for the resettlement of refugees from
Indochina. The Task Force, which will be located in
the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, will
be responsible for all aspects of the domestic and
international resettlement of refugees from the states
of Indochina. The Task Force director will work under
my direction and in close coordination with the Secretary
of Health, Education and Welfare. His responsibilities
will involve all interested departments of government.
The new Task Force will continue the work which
Ambassador L. Dean Brown launched under my direction.
The resettlement problem now has a decidely domestic
orientation and is no longer primarily a subject of
national security concern.
I wish to congratulate Ambassador Brown and the
Task Force which worked for him for their achievements.
In the short period of a month they successfully super-
vised the evacuation of our Mission in Viet-Nam and
almost 50,000 endangered Vietnamese. About 60,000
- 2 -
other refugees were rescued at sea. Staging areas
in the Pacific were constructed; three reception
centers in the United States prepared; a program of
United States' and third country resettlement was
launched. I would like to express my particular
gratitude to Ambassador Brown and his Task Force
and to our armed forces which responded so quickly
and effectively, often in the face of great danger.
7509853
THE SECRETARY OF STATE
WASHINGTON
Refugu
May 14, 1975
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
From:
Henry A. Kissinger
Subject:
Transfer of Indochina Task Force
The evacuation of refugees from Indochina has
been essentially completed and, as the flow of refugees
enters the United States, the national security aspects
of the operation are receding.
The time has come to focus on the long term resettle-
ment issues which could be with us as long as one year. I
believe that new organizational arrangements must be estab-
lished to deal with this different set of problems, once
Congress has completed action on your request for funds.
Specifically, I recommend that the Department of
Health, Education and Welfare assume overall responsi-
bility for the resettlement operation, and the operations
of the present Task Force be physically moved to that
Department. In order to ensure high level attention and
inter-agency cooperation in the days ahead, I would further
recommend that the new Task Force remain at the White House
level. This arrangement could be reexamined in six months.
The new Inter-Agency Task Force would include the
interested Departments and Agencies which are presently
working on the problem - DOD, Justice, INS, Interior,
Labor, HUD, AID and State. State would be charged with
handling the international aspects of resettlement and
State/AID/USIA would continue to provide personňel support
to the reception centers and the Task Force, as determined
by the Director of the Task Force.
If we take this step, I am confident we will have
created the proper mechanism for coping with the resettle-
ment of refugees, which has become an essentially domestic
issue and concern.
2 -
Should you agree. to my recommendation, I will
instruct Ambassador L. Dean Brown to make arrangements
for the transfer directly with Secretary Weinberger
with the understanding that HEW will request White
House approval for the new Director of the Task Force.
Recommendation:
That you approve the transfer of responsibility
for the resettlement to the Department of Health,
Education and Welfare, while maintaining the Task
Force at a White House level.
Approve
Disapprove
Attachment:
Draft Presidential Announcement.
PRESIDENTIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
I am today appointing
as my Special Representative and Director of the Inter-
Agency Task Force for the resettlement of refugees from
Indochina. The Task Force, which will be located in
the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, will
be responsible for all aspects of the domestic and
international resettlement of refugees from the 'states
of Indochina. The Task Force director will work under
my direction and in close coordination with the Secretary
of Health, Education and Welfare. His responsibilities
will involve all interested departments of government.
The new Task Force will continue the work which
Ambassador L. Dean Brown launched under my direction.
The resettlement problem now has a decidely domestic
orientation and is no longer primarily a subject of
national security concern.
I wish to congratulate Ambassador Brown and the
Task Force which worked for him for their achievements.
In the short period of a month they successfully super-
vised the evacuation of our Mission in Viet-Nam and
almost 50,000 endangered Vietnamese. About 60,000
2 -
other refugees were rescued at sea. Staging areas
in the Pacific were constructed; three reception
centers in the United States prepared; a program of
United States' and third country resettlement was
launched. I would like to express, my particular
gratitude to Ambassador Brown and his Task Force
and to our armed forces which responded so quickly
and effectively, often in the face of great danger.
ITM
the
OF
any
THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
Offortmen:
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20201
May 17, 1975
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT: Indo-China Refugee Resettlement Task Force
(Memorandum on the same subject to you from
the Secretary of State).
The Secretary of State has proposed to you that
in view of the essentially domestic character of the
resettlement effort which must now be made through the
summer and fall, the State Department is no longer the
appropriate agency 1.0 lead the task force which has
been developed to deal with this subject. He suggests
that HEW instead assume the responsibility for leading
the task force; the director of the task force would
remain as a Presicential appointee, u.der the Secretary's
proposal, though I understand that a replacement for
Ambassador Dean Brown will have to be found.
I agree with Secretary Kissinger that a Gomestic
orientation of the task force is now appropriate. -I
also join him in recommending that a Presidential
ampointee lead this effort. I understand that the
staff of the task force is already in place and that
logistical support is ongoing: what is needed is only
a change in leadership. I believe careful consideration
should be given to identifying a new director and a
new lead agency responsible for coordinating the task
force's activities.
Certainly, Secretary Kissinger's suggestion that
HEW take the read is one option. We are an agency with
direct operating responsibilities across the nation,
and our programs have special relevance to the needs of
the refugees ard the concerns of the communities
receiving them. While we do not deliver many services
directly, we give financial support to virtually every
entity that does. If we were given this responsibility,
we would, of course, do everything we could to carry
it out effectively, as we have attempted to give all
the support needed to he existing task force under
State's leadership.
- 2 -
There are, however, other options which have
advantages of their own and which should be considered.
Three in particular suggest themselves.
- The White House. Obtaining the effective
cooperation of many agencies and the needed
assistance from private organizations can
best be done at this level. Also, the
need to act quickly and the temporary nature
of the program would be emphasized.
- The Office of Management and Budget. This
office has experience in coordinating government-
wide activities. It is in a good position to
arbitrate differences between operating agencies.
- A Special Agency. On the model of the Energy
Agency, this office would have a single mission
to which it could devote all its efforts.
Our objective in this effort is to place virtually
all the refugees in ongoing communities by year's
end. By far the largest number of these placements
will be in the United States. Each of the options
presented, including the HEW option, has its divantages
and drawbacks in achieving this objective. I believe
that all should be considered before a decision is
reached. I would like to discuss this with you or
your staff prior to a final decision.
bcc: Honorable Theodore Marrs
STORE
THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
WASHINGTON. D. C. 20201
May 17, 1975
Reference
FORD & GERALD LIBRARY
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT: Indo-China Refugee Resettlement Task Force
(Memorandum on the same subject to you from
the Secretary of State).
The Secretary of State has proposed to you that
in view of the essentially domestic character of the
resettlement effort which must now be made through the
summer and fall, the State Department is no longer the
appropriate agency to lead the task force which has
been developed to deal with this subject. He suggests
that HEW instead assume the responsibility for leading
the task force; the director of the task force would
remain as a Presidential appointee, under the Secretary's
proposal, though I understand that a replacement for
Ambassador Dean Brown will have to be found.
I agree with Secretary Kissinger that a domestic
orientation of the task force is now appropriate. I
also join him in recommending that a Presidential
appointee lead this effort. I understand that the
staff of the task force is already in place and that
logistical support is ongoing; what is needed is only
a change in leadership. I believe careful consideration
should be given to identifying a new director and a
new lead agency responsible for coordinating the task
force's activities.
Certainly, Secretary Kissinger's suggestion that
HEW take the lead is one option. We are an agency with
direct operating responsibilities across the nation,
and our programs have special relevance to the needs of
the refugees and the concerns of the communities
receiving them. While we do not deliver many services
directly, we give financial support to virtually every
entity that does. If we were given this responsibility,
we would, of course, do everything we could to carry
it out effectively, as we have attempted to give all
the support needed to the existing task force under
State's leadership.
are 2 -
There are, however, other options which have
advantages of their own and which should be considered.
Three in particular suggest themselves.
- The White House. Obtaining the effective
cooperation of many agencies and the needed
assistance from private organizations can
best be done at this level. Also, the
need to act quickly and the temporary nature
of the program would be emphasized.
- The Office of Management and Budget. This
office has experience in coordinating government-
wide activities. It is in a good position to
arbitrate differences between operating agencies.
- A Special Agency. On the model of the Energy
Agency, this office would have a single mission
to which it could devote all its efforts.
Our objective in this effort is to place virtually
all the refugees in ongoing communities by year's
end. By far the largest number of these placements
will be in the United States. Each of the options
presented, including the HEW option, has its advantages
and drawbacks in achieving this objective. I believe
that all should be considered before a decision is
reached. I would like to discuss this with you or
your staff prior to a final decision.
Secretary
[June 1975] x2397 Barry Rith
oulper PBL
PRESIDENTIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
americancing
I am today authorizing the transfer of the Interagency Task
Force for the resettlement of refugees of Indochina from the
Department of State to the Department of Health, Education,
and Welfare.
Since I formed the Task Force in April, the resettlement of
has become primarily
refugees : 19 a matter of domestic rather than of foreign
affairs concern. A great deal has been accomplished in evacua-
ting 1, caring for and resettling refugees Indochina;
however, much remains to be done. I ask all Americans to
(om) refuglis as we have In thit Mars country
open their hearts to these peoples in the same wayjourlhas ourlinas
done throughout history.
continued for over 300 years. I am also appointing Mrs. Julia
of Health, Education and
Taft, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Education Development ? of
Welfare,
the Department of HEW as Acting Director of the Task Force.
All decisions and activities regarding the domestic and inter-
national resettlement of refugees from Indochina will be
through the Acting Task Force Director. She will act under
my direction and in close coordination with the Secretary of
HEW and the President's Advisory Committee on Refugees. Mrs.
Taft's responsibilities involve numerous departments of govern-
ment and I am directing each of them to offer her their full
cooperation and support in this important task.
MEMORANDUM
Tile
NATIONAL SECURITY
copy
June 9, 1975
only
MEMORANDUM FOR: TED MARRS
FROM:
Jeanne W. Davi
am
SUBJECT:
Transfer of Task Force on
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
Indochina Refugees
May we please have your clearance and/or comments on the attached.
Also, will you please check with HEW to see if Secretary Weinberger's
views are still as expressed in his May 17 memorandum, if he wishes
to add anything to that memorandum, and if he still wishes to discuss
the matter with the President or his staff prior to a decision.
We would also appreciate your comments on the selection of the Task
Force Director and any alternate candidates you may wish to suggest.
Attachment
Subject come
you
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
3406
ACTION
CONFIDENTIAL
June 7, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
SECRETARY KISSINGER
FROM:
Jeanne W. Davis
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
SUBJECT:
Transfer of Task Force on
Indochina Refugees
Your May 14 memorandum to the President (Tab B) recommended
transferring responsibility for the Inter-Agency Task Force from
State to HEW. This was, I understand, largely prompted by
Dean Brown's desire to relinquish the Task Force directorship, the
increasing domestic emphasis of the program, and State's desire to
recover personnel and facilities loaned to the Task Force.
OMB supported your proposal (see Tab D). Secretary Weinberger
was not opposed, but suggested other options of putting the Task Force
under the White House or OMB or establishing it as an independent
agency (see Tab C). He asked also to discuss the matter with the
President or his staff before a final decision was made.
Since your memorandum was drafted, Dean Brown has been replaced
as Task Force Chairman by HEW Deputy Assistant Secretary Julia Taft
and, in the absence of suitable space in HEW, plans have been made to
move the Task Force to rental space in a non-governmental building.
This gives HEW a leading role and gets the Task Force out of State.
Mrs. Taft has argued strongly for independent status with direct
White House support on the grounds that she needs such stature if she
is to continue to get the necessary support from the bureaucracy. We
agree with OMB, however, that the necessary White House leadership
can be maintained by having the Task Force Director designated by and
reporting to the President, in close coordination with the Secretary of HEW,
GONFIDENTIAL (GDS)
KBH 12/14/89
CONEIDENTIAL
2
and that we should avoid establishing another independent agency.
There is concensus that Mrs. Taft, who from all reports is doing
an excellent job, should remain as Director.
At Tab I is a memorandum to the President which explains the
situation and recommends that he issue an announcement (Tab A)
indicating the shift to a domestic orientation and formally naming
Mrs. Taft as Task Force Director.
Dick Smyser concurs.
RECOMMENDATION:
That you sign the memorandum to the President at Tab I.
FORD is LIBRARY GRAALD
GONFIDENTIAL/GDS
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
3406
ACTION
CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
HENRY A. KISSINGER
SUBJECT:
Transfer of Task Force on
Indochina Refugees
In the memorandum to you at Tab B, I recommended that the
Inter-Agency Task Force on Indochina Refugees (IATF) be moved
from the Department of State to the Department of Health, Education
and Welfare and that the latter Department assume overall responsibility
for the resettlement problem. The IATF would, however, remain at
the White House level and would continue to have representatives from
various Departments and Agencies. This shift from State is dictated
by the growing predominance of the domestic US aspects of the refugee
program.
Secretary Weinberger, in the memorandum at Tab C provided
assurances of HEW's cooperation should it be given responsibility
for the Task Force, but suggested as possible alternate options placing
the Task Force directly under the White House or OMB or making it
a special agency. He did not express any preference among those options,
but asked to discuss the matter with you or your staff before a final
decision was taken.
OMB supports the recommendations in my memorandum (Tab D),
noting that this arrangement preserves the paramount White House role
while keeping the Executive Office of the President out of operations
and avoiding the establishment of another independent agency.
Since my initial memorandum was drafted, Ambassador Brown has
been replaced as Task Force Director by Mrs. Julia Taft, Deputy
Assistant Secretary of HEW. In the absence of suitable space in HEW,
plans are being made to transfer the Task Force from the State Department
CONFIDENTIAL (GDS)
LISA GERALD
KBH 12/14/89
CONFIDENTIAL
2
to rental space in a non-governmental building. With a senior
HEW officer directing the Task Force, a leading HEW role is now
assured.
Since creation of the original Task Force was the subject of a
Presidential announcement, I believe a new Presidential statement
is appropriate to indicate the shift to a domestic orientation, to
designate a new Director, and to enlist the full cooperation of all
involved Departments and Agencies in providing necessary support
and personnel. A proposed announcement, which has been approved
by OMB, is at Tab A.
RECOMMENDATION:
That you approve the Presidential announcement at Tab A which
shifts the focus of the Task Force to domestic concerns, names
Mrs. Taft as its Director, and requests the full cooperation of Federal
Agencies in providing the necessary support.
Approve
Disapprove
CONFIDENTIAL (GDS)
PRESIDENTIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
I am today appointing Mrs. Julia Taft, Deputy Assistant
Secretary in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, as
my Special Representative and Director of the Inter-Agency Task
Force for the resettlement of refugees from Indochina.
The new Task Force will continue the work which
Ambassador L. Dean Brown launched under my direction. The
resettlement problem now has a decidely domestic orientation and
is no longer primarily a subject of national security concern. All
decisions and activities regarding the domestic and international
resettlement of refugees from the states of Indochina will be
coordinated through the Task Force Director who will work under
my direction and in close coordination with the Secretary of Health,
Education and Welfare. Mrs. Taft's responsibilities will involve all
interested departments of government and I will expect that she will
receive full cooperation and support from all departments.
I wish to congratulate Ambassador Brown and the Task
Force which worked for him for their achievements. In the short
period of a month they successfully supervised the evacuation of our
Mission in Vietnam and almost 50, 000 endangered Vietnamese. About
60,000 other refugees were rescued at sea. Staging areas in the
Pacific were constructed; three reception centers in the United States
GERAL FORD LIBRANA
-2-
prepared; a program of United States' and third country
resettlement was launched. I would like to express my particular
gratitude to Ambassador Brown and his Task Force and to our
armed forces which responded so quickly and effectively, often
in the face of great danger.
3406
7509853
THE SECRETARY OF STATE
WASHINGTON
May 14, 1975
CONF IDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
From:
Henry A. Kissinger
Subject:
Transfer of Indochina Task Force
The evacuation of refugees from Indochina has
been essentially completed and, as the flow of refugees
enters the United States, the national security aspects
of the operation are receding.
The time has come to focus on the long term resettle-
ment issues which could be with us as long as one year. I
believe that new organizational arrangements must be estab-
lished to deal with this different set of problems, once
Congress has completed action on your request for funds.
Specifically, I recommend that the Department of
Health, Education and Welfare assume overall responsi-
bility for the resettlement operation, and the operations
of the present Task Force be physically moved to that
Department. In order to ensure high level attention and
inter-agency cooperation in the days ahead, I would further
recommend that the new Task Force remain at the White House
level. This arrangement could be reexamined in six months.
The new Inter-Agency Task Force would include the
interested Departments and Agencies which are presently
working on the problem -- DOD, Justice, INS, Interior,
Labor, HUD, AID and State. State would be charged with
handling the international aspects of resettlement and
State/AID/USIA would continue to provide personnel support
to the reception centers and the Task Force, as determined
by the Director of the Task Force.
If we take this step, I am confident we will have
created the proper mechanism for coping with the resettle-
ment of refugees, which has become an essentially domestic
issue and concern.
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED
E.O. 12958, Sec. 3.5
NSC Memo, 11/24/98, State Dept. Guideline
By WHM NARA, Date 11/21/00
CONFIDENTIAL
- 2 -
Should you agree to my recommendation, I will
instruct Ambassador L. Dean Brown to make arrangements
for the transfer directly with Secretary Weinberger
with the understanding that HEW will request White
House approval for the new Director of the Task Force.
Recommendation:
That you approve the transfer of responsibility
for the resettlement to the Department of Health,
Education and Welfare, while maintaining the Task
Force at a White House level.
Approve
Disapprove
Attachment:
Draft Presidential Announcement.
CONFIDENTIAL
HEALTH
CONTATION:
OF
THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20201
DEPARTMENT
May 17, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT: Indo-China Refugee Resettlement Task Force
(Memorandum on the same subject to you from
the Secretary of State).
The Secretary of State has proposed to you that
in view of the essentially domestic character of the
resettlement effort which must now be made through the
summer and fall, the State Department is no longer the
appropriate agency to lead the task force which has
been developed to deal with this subject. He suggests
that HEW instead assume the responsibility for leading
the task force; the director of the task force would
remain as a Presidential appointee, under the Secretary's
proposal, though I understand that a replacement for
Ambassador Dean Brown will have to be found.
I agree with Secretary Kissinger that a domestic
orientation of the task force is now appropriate. I
also join him in recommending that a Presidential
appointee lead this effort. I understand that the
staff of the task force is already in place and that
logistical support is ongoing; what is needed is only
a change in leadership. I believe careful consideration
should be given to identifying a new director and a
new lead agency responsible for coordinating the task
force's activities.
Certainly, Secretary Kissinger's suggestion that
HEW take the lead is one option. We are an agency with
direct operating responsibilities across the nation,
and our programs have special relevance to the needs of
the refugees and the concerns of the communities
receiving them. While we do not deliver many services
directly, we give financial support to virtually every
entity that does. If we were given this responsibility,
we would, of course, do everything we could to carry
it out effectively, as we have attempted to give all
the support needed to the existing task force under
State's leadership.
- 2 -
There are, however, other options which have
advantages of their own and which should be considered.
Three in particular suggest themselves.
- The White House. Obtaining the effective
cooperation of many agencies and the needed
assistance from private organizations can
best be done at this level. Also, the
need to act quickly and the temporary nature
of the program would be emphasized.
- The Office of Management and Budget. This
office has experience in coordinating government-
wide activities. It is in a good position to
arbitrate differences between operating agencies.
- A Special Agency. On the model of the Energy
Agency, this office would have a single mission
to which it could devote all its efforts.
Our objective in this effort is to place virtually
all the refugees in ongoing communities by year's
end. By far the largest number of these placements
will be in the United States. Each of the options
presented, including the HEW option, has its advantages
and drawbacks in achieving this objective. I believe
that all should be considered before a decision is
reached. I would like to discuss this with you or
your staff prior to a final decision.
Secretary
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
SEAL
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
MAY 27 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
Subject: Transfer of Interagency Indochina Task Force
Background
The Interagency Indochina Task Force was established April 18,
1975, " to coordinate for the President all U.S. Government
activities concerning evacuation of United States citizens,
Vietnamese citizens, and third country nationals from Vietnam
as well as humanitarian assistance to Vietnam and refugee and
resettlement problems relating to the Vietnam conflict."
Ambassador Dean Brown was appointed the Special Representative
of the President to head the Task Force, and worked under the
direction of the President and the Assistant to the President
for National Security Affairs. Ambassador Brown has tendered
his resignation within the last few days.
Secretary Kissinger's Recommendations
1. "HEW assume overall responsibility for the resettlement
operation."
2. "State would be charged with handling the international
aspects of resettlement
"
3. "The operations of the Task Force be physically moved to
that Department (HEW) "
4. "The new Task Force remain at the White House level.
This arrangement could be re-examined in six months."
5. "The new Interagency Task Force would include the inter-
ested Departments and Agencies which are presently working
on the problem--DOD, Justice, INS, Interior, Labor, HUD,
AID and State."
2
Discussion
The role of the Task Force in the evacuation of Vietnamese refu-
gees has essentially ended with virtually all refugees accounted
for, either in American possessions in the Pacific or in recep-
tion centers on three military bases in the continental U.S.
Most Americans and their dependents have already been processed
to their homes in the U.S.
The most difficult management task remaining to be accomplished
is not running the centers (in the short run a relatively rou-
tine base operations job financed by State and executed by DOD)
nor is it providing social and economic assistance services in
the refugees new communities (financed by HEW and done by State
and local agencies) but rather it is promoting and facilitating
the sponsorship and physical resettlement of the refugees from
the centers to their new communities. This is to be financed
by the State Department and done by volunteer agencies and by
State and local governments. It is this task, which requires
sensitive but firm management effort, for which
Secretary Kissinger recommends HEW assume overall responsibility.
There is essential agreement on items 2, 4 and 5 of
Secretary Kissinger's recommendations. White House level
authority would appear necessary at least in the short run
to resolve problems within the Federal Government and between
Federal and non-Federal agencies. The physical location of
the Task Force (item 3) should be consistent with which agency
has overall operational responsibility for the domestic re-
settlement operation. However, we should be very careful of
not disrupting the continuity of existing support efforts.
Secretary Weinberger has recommended that two other options be
considered before you decide: (1) placing the Task Force in
the Executive Office of the President (White House or OMB) ;
and (2) establishing a new separate agency.
Recommendation
That you approve Secretary Kissinger's proposal for the follow-
ing reasons:
-- the most difficult remaining management task (domestic
resettlement) requires close working relationships
with State and local agencies, and with your new
Advisory Committee on Refugees. This role closely
parallels HEW's basic responsibilities and capabili-
ties.
3
-- the needed leadership and coordinating authority of
the White House could be maintained by having the
Task Force Director designated by and reporting to
the President in close coordination with the
Secretary of HEW.
-- avoids enmeshing the Executive Office of the President
in immediate operational problems and decisions.
-- allows State and Defense to continue to carry out
their related responsibilities for international
resettlement and base operations.
-- avoids the establishment of another independent
agency to address the problem of refugees.
I would also recommend revising the draft Presidential announce-
ment to make it reflect specifically the coordinative role of
the Task Force consistent with the wording of the April 18
memorandum which established the Task Force. (See attachment)
Finally, in order to enhance the Task Force Director's ability
to gain interagency cooperation an explicit decision is needed
on who in the White House staff should be the focal point for
communications with the President.
Panex Ohin Paul
Paul H. O'Neill
Deputy Director
Attachment
PRESIDENTIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
I am today appointing
as my Special Representative and Director of the Interagency
Task Force for the resettlement of refugees from Indochina.
The Task Force will be located in the Department of Health,
Education, and Welfare. All decisions and activities regard-
ing the domestic and international resettlement of refugees
from the states of Indochina will be coordinated through the
Task Force Director who will work under my direction and in
close coordination with the Secretary of Health, Education,
and Welfare. His responsibilities will involve all interested
departments of government,
The new Task Force will continue the work which
Ambassador L. Dean Brown launched under my direction. The
resettlement problem now has a decidedly domestic orientation
and is no longer primarily a subject of national security
concern.
I wish to congratulate Ambassador Brown and the Task
Force which worked for him for their achievements. In the
short period of a month, they successfully supervised the
evacuation of our Mission in Vietnam and almost 50,000
JAITHECIESSY
The use 1 $ 00
prizatoqqs yabot as I
узлерате should constr. Islosq2 You 85
.saldoobal most accouler 10 odd 201 SOLOR XasT
,ddlesH 10 edd ni betsool ed Iflv 80109 XEST odT
-braper aelivision bns anotalosb LIA bas ,mottsoubs
sesputer to bas offsemob add pmt
odd ed Iflw satdoobal to assate odd mori
nt Bris You тебли know Illw odv BOIOR dest
,nottacub3 ,dilsoH to edd date molismibrooo seolo
IIB evloval IIIw all bas
, Inemnisvop to
doldw XIOW edo continue Miv SOTOR dear wan ed?
edT ym xebau bedonus! nword need at zobssasdmA
obtained vibeblosb B and von meldosq
Isnolism to toetdue & vilisming торло! on at has
XasT edj brus awore 02 dalv I
add aI .ainemeveldos Tiods 101 mid 101 berkow doldw sozot
add beatvreque yerls denom 8 to bolneq 320de
000,02 Jeomis bris mandglV al notesiM TDO to notisurave
2
endangered Vietnamese. About 60,000 other refugees were
rescued at sea. Staging areas in the Pacific were con-
structed; three reception centers in the United States
prepared; a program of United States' and third country
resettlement was launched. I would like to express my
particular gratitude to Ambassador Brown and his Task
Force and to our armed forces which responsed so quickly
and effectively, often in the face of great danger.
Because of the momention and guality
of the movement of the task form
to date and the Moricatetion of the problem
to the domestic seen, the proposed
actions is tamely. for the same no
2 think That it would be cornter-gradoctive
doldw
to replace mrs Teft as Director of the bns
Interagency Fash fore
The virgatance of a clear
designation of the memory W.H. contact
cannot be overestimation and could
well be a part of the
The nelativeship of the Rres. adv,
Camil on Refugees should be
referenced.
This tack fore will lu responsible
to the requirements
Copy Sent to Donestic Council
MEMORANDUM
3406
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
URGENT
ACTION
June 24, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
Mr. Paul O'Neill, OMB
Mr. Steven Kurzman, HEW
Mr. Philip Buchen, WH
Mr. James Connor, Domestic Council
Mr. Theodore Marrs, WH
Mr. Paul Theis, WH
FROM:
Jeanne W. Davis
OMD
SUBJECT:
Announcement on Indochina
Refugee Task Force
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
The President has approved the shifting of management
responsibility for the Indochina Refugee Task Force from the
Department of State to HEW and the appointment of Mrs. Taft
as Acting Director.
We have prepared an announcement of this decision which we hope
to release tomorrow, June 25.
Accordingly, I would appreciate receiving your clearance and/or
comments on the attached text by telephone (395-3440) by close
of business today.
Attachment
PRESIDENTIAL ANNOUCEMENT
I am today appointing Mrs. Julia Taft, Deputy Assistant
Secretary in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare,
as Acting Director of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the
resettlement of refugees from Indochina.
The new Task Force will continue the work which Ambassador
L. Dean Brown began under my direction. The resettlement problem
is now largely a domestic, rather than a foreign affairs, concern.
A great deal has been accomplished in evacuating, caring for and
resettling refugees from Indochina; however, much remains to be
done to ensure a complete and early resettlement of all refugees.
All decisions and activities regarding the domestic and
international resettlement of refugees from the states of Indochina
will be coordinated through the Acting Task Force Director who will
work under my direction and in close coordination with the Secretary of
Health, Education and Welfare and the President's Advisory Committee
on Refugees. Mrs. Taft's responsibilities will involve all interested
departments of government and I will expect that she will receive full
cooperation and support from every department.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
June 26, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JEANNE DAVIS, NSC
FROM:
PHILIP W. BUCHEN
THEODORE C. MARRS
SUBJECT:
Proposed Presidential Announcement
on the Indochina Refugee Task Force
The President's decision to transfer the Task Force from the State
Department to HEW was announced by Bill Greener of the White House
Press Office yesterday afternoon. No additional announcements by the
White House of this transfer would appear to be necessary.
FORD LIBRARY i AERALD
RECEIVED
JUN 9 1976
CENTRAL FILES
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506
Fall
June 26, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR
The Secretary of Health, Education
and Welfare
Lawrence Eagleburger, Deputy
Under Secretary for Management
Department of State
Mr. Paul O'Neill, OMB
Mr. Philip Buchen, WH
Mr. James Connor, WH
Dr. Theodore Marrs, WH
Mr. James Cavanaugh, WH
Mr. Paul Theis, WH
FROM:
Jeanne W. David
PMD
SUBJECT:
Revised Presidential Announcement
on Indochina Refugee Task Force
I attach a revised draft Presidential announcement on the transfer of
operational responsibility for the Indochina Refugee Task Force to HEW.
Since we hope to make the announcement tomorrow, I would appreciate
your telephoned clearance and/or comments by 9:30 a. m., Friday,
June 27.
Attachment
FORD LIBRARY & CERRAL
PRESIDENTIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
I am today announcing the transfer of principal operational
responsibility for the Interagency Task Force for the resettlement
of refugees from Indochina from the Department of State to the
Department of Health, Education and Welfare.
Since I formed the Task Force in April, the resettlement of
refugees has become primarily a matter of domestic rather than
foreign affairs concern. A great deal has been accomplished in
evacuating, caring for, and resettling refugees from Indochina. However,
much remains to be done. I ask all Americans to open their hearts
to these refugees as we have to others throughout our history.
Mrs. Julia Taft, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Health, Education,
and Welfare, has been acting as Director of the Task Force since the
departure of Ambassador Dean Brown and will continue to do so. All
decisions and activities regarding the domestic and international
resettlement of refugees from Indochina will be coordinated by her. She
will act under my direction and in close coordination with the Secretary
of HEW and the President's Advisory Committee on Refugees. Mrs. Taft's
responsibilities involve numerous departments of government, and I am
directing each of them to offer her their full cooperation and support
in this important task.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD