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The Vietnamese Council for a Free Vietnam
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The Vietnamese Council for a Free Vietnam
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These records pertain to Vietnam.
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George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
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Schaefer, James, Files
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07559
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07559-016
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The Vietnamese Council for a Free Vietnam
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25
10
5
SOCIAL/ECONOMIC REPORT TO THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON VIETNAM
Today we are standing on the doorstep of a new era, a new
world order, and a new century. New opportunities abound in all
phases of our society, our political structure, and our economy.
This report of our Conference Committee is presented as a part
of this unfolding international scene, much of which has come on
stage so recently and suddenly that we have been unable to
comprehend all its meaning or reflect fully on its influence in our
thinking. We base our report on two principal assumptions:
A. That there will be continuing change in the political,
social, and economic face of Vietnam, and
B. That we can influence that change for the good if we
have the intelligence and the collective will to do SO.
We agree with and ratify the other reports to this group that
recent actions by the Government of Vietnam indicate that the
rulers are confused, perhaps frightened, and that they brutally
defend their dictatorial powers. Though They have taken some steps
in their new 15 April version of their Constitution to expand their
market systems and grant new economic freedoms, they have done so
in order to fit their economy into the world free market system.
The constitution now allows private ownership and guarantees that
private enterprise will not be subject to nationalization. Yet,
while expanding economic freedoms they continue to threaten,
oppress, and even imprison their citizens for spiritual and
political expression.
We also agree with the recent carefully considered exceptions
that our government has made to the restrictions imposed by the
embargo. This relaxation perhaps signals our recognition of the new
freedoms stated in the 15 April revision of their Constitution. The
easement in the embargo will also clearly help the economy and the
medical support of the poor citizens of Vietnam whom we expect to
form the future backbone of Vietnamese prosperity.
Our analysis shows that one fourth of the 147 articles in the
new constitution now deal with the rights of the people. This is
roughly three times as many as are found in the U. S. Constitution.
We make this point to emphasize the fact that our differences are
not with the stated intentions of the current regime, but with the
results of the of the communist single-party structure and the
consolidated, centralized, and absolute power base of their
government. Though most of the words are right, the remaining words
and actions must be modified.
We want to see a clear signal that the newfound economic
freedoms are in practice, widely recognized, and fully implemented.
We want to read it in the press, hear it on the radio, see it in
the streets, and feel it in the churches, pagodas and temples. We
want to see ex-political prisoners marching unmolested in the
streets and carrying placards saying, "Rewrite Article 4."
When we see this sort of movement underway, we believe that a
gradual relaxation of other restrictions would encourage further
progress, thereby improving the living conditions of the poor and
signaling another step toward normalization.
We also believe that those who deal with Vietnam, both in and
out of government around the world, should hold a continuing
dialogue with anyone in Vietnam who will listen on the subject of
modifying and improving the constitution. There are 273 paragraphs
in that document, of which only about 14 or 15 define a
dictatorship. Thus only about 5% of the words in the document need
altering in order to become an excellent model for a democracy.
This, of course, is a simplistic approach, and even if the words
were changed it would not guarantee a functioning democracy. Yet
the means for peaceful modification of those words now exist, and
if we are to have a peaceful change to democracy, we must exploit
those means at every opportunity.
When James Madison and Alexander Hamilton convened the
constitutional convention in 1788, they had no president, no
precedent, and, in the minds of most of the members, no chance of
binding together all the independent states under a constitution.
The two recognized leading figures in the country, George
Washington and Benjamin Franklin, were so convinced of failure that
they decided not to participate in the conference. Only at the last
minute did they change their minds. And when they finally hammered
out a document that could be accepted by all the signatories, it
had no articles defining the rights of the people.
At least in the current Vietnamese Constitution, the rights of
citizens are clearly and well defined.
We should ask ourselves why the American Constitution, which
started out with no statement of human rights succeeded so well,
yet the Vietnamese Constitution, as currently written cannot
succeed. We should not, out of hand, dismiss the subject by saying,
"Well, it is just pure Communism." We should look at each element
of the document and see which specific features doom it to failure.
There are two principal reasons why one succeeded and the
other failed. First, James Madison recognized that leaders who
struggle for the power to govern other men characteristically seek
absolute power. He saw that this is inherent in mankind and is not
likely to change. He saw that to hold ambition in check, the powers
of government must be separated and that the manner of selecting
officials to exercise those powers must be separate. He not only
separated the federal powers between the executive, legislative,
and judicial branches, he separated the federal from the state
powers. Selection of the officials for each branch were separated
in both time and method. Secondly, though Madison might not have
foreseen it and certainly did not prescribe it, further separation
was eventually provided by the formation of two major political
parties, a fallout from man's natural division between
conservatives and liberals.
These two features that created the basic framework for the
success of democratic American government are not only missing from
the Vietnamese constitution, they are forbidden.
We cannot include them in that constitution from here. They
must be included by a well informed, educated, and strongly
supported group of Vietnamese on scene in Vietnam.
CONCLUSION:
That our major objectives should include:
(a) Modification of the Constitution of Vietnam to
provide for separation and balance of powers,
(b) Development of the awareness of this objective and
its meaning amongst all the people of Vietnam. through education.
(c) Create a receptive and friendly audience in Vietnam
through charity and humanitarian commerce.
(d) Lay the basic foundations for an effective political
party in Vietnam, through education.
(e) Use every international forum available, including
the United Nations and the ASEAN countries, to press the cause of
education and humanitarian good will in Vietnam.
RECOMMENDATIONS/RESOLUTIONS
(a) That in the formation of the Free Vietnam Coalition,
The Vietnamese Council for a Free Vietnam include the above
objectives in the statement of its purpose.
(b) That the Charter for the Coalition, direct the
development of a specific social and economic plan, to include
arrangements for appropriate headquarters and funding to support
its implementation.
(c) That the Charter for the Coalition, direct the
development of a specific plan for charitable and humanitarian
operations to include designation of action groups and the
solicitation of religious organizations to help fund and administer
part of the effort.
(d) From the broadest possible base of Vietnamese
organizations worldwide, educate a corps of Vietnamese leaders in
the specialties of government and exercise them in the skills of
leadership and politics. With the expectation that at some time in
the future this group or some of its members might be called upon
to participate in the political process in Vietnam, consider the
desirability of creating, from time to time, a moot government that
might be better able to represent more effectively the voice and
will of all Vietnamese.
I'm HONORED to
REPRESENT THE
PRESIDENT OF UNITED
STATES AT THIS
CONFERENCE. His
LONG STANDING Support
FOR THE FREEDOM
SEEKING PEOPLES of
VIETNAMIS wore
KNOW . HE CONTINUES
TO Support THE
DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT
AND WILL Do WHAT'S
NECESSARY so THAT
An OF you HERE TODAY
CAN RETURN TO A
FREE VISTNAM.
As WE HAVE SEEN
IN EASTERN EUROPE
AND THE FORMER
SOVIET UNION, we
WILL NOT REST GNTIL
THE WHOLE WORLD
is FREE FROM
DICTATORS AND Communism,
GOD BLESS you
AND GOD BLESS
A FREE VIETNAM AND
THE u.s. of A.
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Jim -
Your appointment is at 1:00 pm today for
The Vietnamese for a Free Vietnam. Dr. le
wang will probably be the one who'll meet
you
you should go to the Senate Dirk senBuilding
The conference is in the G-50 auditor ium,
whichis just inside the 1st + CST entrance.
are
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From :
PHONE No. :
May. 22 1990 10:04PM P01
THE AMERICAN COMMITTEE FOR A FREE VIETNAM
and
THE VIETNAMESE COUNCIL FOR A FREE VIETNAM
Ambassador William E. Colby
Dr. La Phuse Sang
Chairman, The American Committee
Chairman, The Vistnamess Counci'
TESO san Street, N.W. Suite 700
P.O. Box 4475
Washington, D.C. 20037-1124
Telephone: (SIDE) 487-8333
June 23,1992
Hosting Through
Chasterfield MO 63006
Telephone: (314) 670-4714
Mr. James Shaefer
Associate Director for Public Liaison
for Tin Curneys
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20506
wite
Chris le Flour
Dear Mr. Shaefer,
6-7-3132
Thank you for agreeing to deliver the message of the
President at our international conference on Vietnam on June
29, 1992 1 P.M. at G-50 Senate Dirksen Building Auditorium.
We are looking forward to see you there.
We have a second invitation to you, to give the keynote
speech at the Inauguration Ceremonies of our World Convention
which is held on Saturday, June 27, 1992 at the Auditorium of
Lake Braddock High School in Burke, Va. The time would be
between 7 and 8 P.M.
It might be politically useful to you as several thousand
American Vietnamese voters will be among those attending from
our nine regional councils all over the United States and
several hundreds from the Greater Washington area. We leave
the exact topic to you as long as it deals with freedom and
democracy for Vietnam. It could elaborate on the President's
policy toward Vietnam and toward the American Vietnamese. In
a campaign, this would be an excellent platform for the
supporters of the President.
We know that it is an imposition on your time to come twice,
but we believe that besides gaining recognition with the
Vietnamese ethnic group, you would also accomplish a mission
for the President in this campaign year.
Dr. z. Michael szaz from the National Confederation of
American Ethnic Groups and the U.S. Joint Congressional Task
Force on Vietnam, concurs with this invitation and strongly
urges you to accept.
Looking forward to your early reply by fax or mail to (301)
989-1538, we are with best regards,
5000
202 4561414 operator)
Sincerely yours,
Le Phouc sang, Ph.D.
Chairman
Vietnamese Council for a
Free Vietnam
/ 1671
NCHED
NATIONAL CONFEDERATION
of AMERICAN ETHNIC GROUPS, Inc.
4720 Massachusetts Avenue/NW Washington, D.C. 20016
Department of Immigration
Hanerary Presidence:
7200 Commerce Street #101
Projection. James a. Genes. PM D.
Springfield, Va. 22170
President:
Educant $ Eas.
(703) 866-1270
Esecutive Vice President:
Z Michael Same. Ph o
Director of Activities and Secretary:
John Massa
Treasurer:
June 19, 1992
Richard Kodm. Ph D.
General Commail:
Claima Malesm. Ese.
Mr. Clayton Fong
Vice Presistement
Deputy Assistant to the President
form deke
Nicholds Grogo, MD
for Public Liaison
Also Valenture Address PA D
Dran Blue Koless. Ph D.
Old Exwecutive Office Building
Airs Angeles Lumare
Professor John Mahar. PA D.
Washington, D.C. 20506
Juseph Plansm
Visatime
La Phone Sang. Ph 0
Xarci H Sale Ph C
Dear Mr. Fong,
Col Albert Same USA Rev
Hanurable Clive $ Stocker
Chairman
One of your constituent organizations, the Vietnamese
National Announishy of Representatives:
Joseph C. Sunner
Council for a Free Vietnam, is holding, together with
Vita Chairman
the American Committee for a Free Vietnam, the U.S.
Haimus Kisser
Cynuma M. Malesin, Exa.
Joint Congressional Task Force, ourselves and other
Chairmen Activities: of the Stameting Committees:
organizations both here and in Europe, Canada and
Dr Elemen Bake
Australia an International Conference on Vietnam from
Anti-Detamention:
Mr Leonera Esa.
noon on on Monday, June 29, 1992 at G-50 Auditorium of
Capater National
Luborner -
the Senate Dirksen Building.
Constitution and By-Laws:
Sam Lig
Education:
Professor doward 0 Guber. Ph D
Foreign ARRIES
Ambassador Colby, the chairman of the American
Professor who 8 Anus. Ph D
Committee for a Free Vietnam, wrote to the President
Heritage Studien:
Proviser 100m Mahar Ph D.
Human Rights:
on May 28, 1992 asking for a Presidential message. No
Myron LESKNEW
Membership Control:
reply was yet received, but I know from experience
Honorable Ohese , Sincer
Nameral Security:
that you have to call to find out.
Joseph Planse
Naturellation and
Emma A Revire. 0
Nominations:
Our problem is both time, and also that we would like
THE the
Press Relations:
someone to read the message at the International
Cumme Malesm. Ese
Refunnes:
Conference. We believe that you would be the right
Tuen ARE riguren
Reselutions:
person to do so and extend a most cordial invitation
Auster App. PM D
to you to come and read the message on the 29th,
preferably either at 1:15 P.M. or at 4 P.M. at your
choosing. We would also greatly appreciate if the
President would be willing to send a short videotape
message, and you would then give a short speech.
In any case, we want to support the President,
although both Ross Perot and Bill Cliunton have
approached the Vietnamese Council for a Free Vietnam
and will be sending messages.
Dr. Le Phouc Sang was, by the way, the Vietnamese
coordinator for two campaigns, 1980 and 1984 for
President Reagan and then Vice President Bush.
The conference will have 600 delegates, the great
majority of them overseas Vietnamese from the U.S.,
Canada, Australia, and ten countries of Europe. In
addition, there will be non-Vietnamese Council
delegates from Australia (several M.P.'s), Canada and
several Western European countries. The Vietnamese
Council for a Free Vietnam is organized in nine
regional councils in the United States, four regional
councils in Canada, two regional councils from
Australia and ten national councils in Europe.
Please let us know about the form of the Presidential
message and your availability. I am enclosing a copy
of the letter by Ambassador William E. Colby and the
printed invitation to the event.
With best regards, I am
Sincerely yours,
X 2. MidaelSrer
2. Michael Szaz, Ph.D.
Executive Vice
President and Director
of Immigration
3020 DENT PLACE. NW
WASHINGTON, DC. 20007
202 338.7231
May 28, 1992
President George Bush
The White House
Washington DC 20500
Denr Mr. President:
The Vietnamese Council for 8 Free Vietnam, on organization
of Virtnamese exiled from their homeland, will be holding i18
first International Conference for a Free Vietnam here in
Washington on 27 and 29 June. The Council is under the
Chairmanship of Dr. Le Phuoc Sang, whom I have known since the
time of my service in Vietnam. Dr. Le has spent the past three
YOARS tirelessly organizing local sections of the Council in six
major regions of the United States, Canada, Europe and Australin,
lie has extended its membership far beyond the Hos Hao religion's
core with which he began, and the Conference will be attended by
substantial delegations from its regional organizations.
The Vietnamese Council is being fully supported In this
endeavor by the American Committee for a Free Vietnam, or which I
have the honor to be Chairman. This Committee consists of n
number of Americans committed to do what they can 10 bring
freedom to Vietnam. a cause for which many of them served there,
The Committee is a non-profit educational organization
endeavoring to spread awareness and enthusiasm for freedom in
that nation.
The first day of the Conference will consist of the
Victnamese Council and its affiliates solidifying their
organizational relationships. to be followed by B large evening
gathering. The second day (Monday the 29th) will take place 01
Capitol Hill, and seek to demonstrate the commitment of the
Vietnamese community worldwide to this cause, and to express the
support of many other nationalities including the United States.
A number of Senators and Congressmen of the Congressional Study
Group on Vietnam will make short statements and there will he a
variety of other speakers.
Both Dr. Le and I believe the Conference would be enormously
strengthened by your participation, in any form this might be
possible. Clearly your personal presence would be n major
contribution, but an indirect appearance through a short video
tape or 8 written message would be equally welcome. We have
presumed to prepare the attached draft of 8 statement which you
might consider for your own editing or revision, and we of course
are at your disposal for any other information you might wish or
any other assistance we could render you in this regard.
AL this time of great victory world-wide of the forces and
ideals of freedom, for which you made such great efforts over the
yours, we hope that you will agree that it is time that the same
values should come to prevail in Vietnam. It would be n grent
honor for us if you could join in our effort to bring this about.
Respectfully and Sincerely,
William E. Colby
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
June 29, 1992
TO:
JIM SCHAEFER
FROM: JIM KEITH
FYI.
Attachment
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 21, 1992
Dear Mr. DiFrancesco:
Thank you for your recent letter. I appreciate
your continuing efforts to keep us informed of
your deeply-held views on the Administration's
approach to Vietnam.
I assure you that the Administration's goal
remains the fullest possible accounting of
POW/MIAs in Vietnam. Our recent announcements
regarding telecommunications links between the
U.S. and Vietnam, commercial transactions
serving basic human needs, and permission for
non-governmental organizations to establish
offices in Vietnam were taken with that goal
foremost in our minds.
Vietnamese cooperation on POW/MIA issues has
increased since the recent visits by General
Vessey and Assistant Secretary Solomon to Hanoi.
Vietnam has committed to positive steps to
address our concerns, including short-notice
live sighting investigations and the return of a
number of sets of remains. We will hold Vietnam
to continuing action on these promises.
I agree with you that our dialogue with Hanoi
must be crafted in order to obtain the fullest
possible accounting of POW/MIAs -- our
commitment to this fundamental goal will not
waver.
Sincerely,
G Be
Mr. Dominic D. DiFrancesco
National Commander
The American Legion
1608 K Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
NATIONAL LEAGUE OF FAMILIES
OF AMERICAN PRISONERS AND MISSING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
1001 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, NORTHWEST, SUITE 219
202/223-6846
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20036-5504
UPDATE LINE: 202/659-0133
STATUS OF THE POW/MIA ISSUE: June 3, 1992
2,266 Americans are still missing as a result of the Vietnam War.
A breakdown by country of loss follows: Vietnam 1,655 (North - 580;
South - 1,075) ; Laos - 522; Cambodia - 83; Chinese territorial
waters - 6. Over 80% of Lao and 90% of Cambodia losses occurred
in areas controlled by Vietnamese forces during the war. The
League seeks the return of all prisoners and the fullest possible
accounting for all missing Americans.
In his July 10, 1991 letter to the League, President Bush renewed
prior commitments to resolving the POW/MIA issue, stating, "I
cannot stress strongly enough my resolve to obtain the fullest
possible accounting of those Americans who are missing in Southeast
Asia
While we have seen progress, much more needs to be
achieved
if any Americans are still being held captive, decisive
action will be taken to return them home." At the forefront of
negotiations and the intelligence effort is resolving the live
prisoner issue. The League's position is that Americans are still
held; the USG operates under this assumption as a matter of policy.
A successful US/Lao program of POW/MIA field operations was under-
taken last year. Survey/recovery operations were conducted in
several provinces of Laos previously denied to US teams, and an
increased number of joint excavations occurred. The first joint
investigation was conducted into discrepancy cases of Americans
last known alive in Lao captivity. An expanded 1992 program of
joint field operations has already included four field operations,
with several more planned for the remainder of this year.
Though only three Americans were accounted for in 1991 as a direct
result of US/Vietnam efforts, field operations have expanded which
give the perception of progress. Nearly one year ago, the US
outlined a policy for step-by-step movement toward normalization
of relations. If implemented fully by both governments, recent
agreements will rapidly account for hundreds of Americans. The
first short-notice live-sighting investigation was conducted in
early March; the report was confirmed to be inaccurate. Access for
US research specialists to Vietnam's wartime records has increased,
but must be improved. Unilateral SRV repatriation of US remains
must increase for relations to improve in keeping with US policy.
Cambodian officials have permitted several teams of POW/MIA
specialists to conduct field investigations and excavations,
including allowing U.S. helicopters, flown by American pilots, in
support of the activities. Four remains, likely those of
journalists captured in 1970, were recovered in early March and are
now being analyzed by the Army's Central Identification Laboratory.
The prospect for increased Cambodian cooperation to account for the
83 Americans still missing in Cambodia is very good.
CALL 202/659-0133, LEAGUE UPDATE LINE, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
Sautin
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 1982 - Present
-
Established resolution of the POW/MIA issue as a matter of
highest national priority to the United States, developed
serious policy and ensured implementation was supported by
adequate assets and resources.
-
Changed official position on live prisoner issue from "no
credible evidence" to "information available precludes ruling
out the possibility" and that the USG would operate on the
assumption that Americans are still held captive.
-
Opened high level POW/MIA negotiations between US and SRV
officials for the first time since 1978.
-
Initiated high level dialogue with the Lao Government to
resolve the issue.
-
Called on ASEAN and other friendly nations to assist in urging
Vietnam to cooperate in resolving the issue.
-
Sought strong bipartisan Congressional support for cohesive
effort to resolve the POW/MIA issue as a matter of highest
national priority.
-
Adopted a public awareness program on POW/MIA, based upon
facts of the issue.
-
Adopted a policy of full disclosure to primary next-of-kin
(PNOK) families on all reports that pertain or may pertain to
their missing relative; subsequently adopted into law, 1988.
-
Establish an improved process for remains identification, to
include outside consultant reviews, family input and a revised
review process through the Armed Forces Identification Review
Board.
-
Conducted extensive effort with families and services to
obtain medical records and information for Central
Identification Laboratory in order to compare with expected
government-to-government remains repatriations.
-
Led effort with families and military casualty officers to
update family addresses and points of contact which in the
1970's had been allowed to get completely out of date.
Established improved contact with family members through
publication of a DOD POW/MIA FACT book and a Next-of-Kin
Newsletter to the families.
Provided military transportation (COIN ASSIST), discontinued
in the 1970's, for POW/MIA families to attend each League
annual meeting.
-
Consistently ensured primary next-of-kin (PNOK) rights to
privacy and to decision-making on matters affecting their
missing loved ones.
-
To visibly demonstrate commitment, have flown the League's
POW/MIA flag over the White House every year since 1982 and
directed it be flown over the Departments of State, Defense
and Veterans Affairs, the Selective Service Headquarters and
the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on POW/MIA Recognition Day.
-
Granted a delay in the entombment of the Vietnam unknown until
assured that all relevant medical records for comparison were
present and remains were truly unidentifiable.
-
Sought to counter rampant misinformation which was
discrediting the seriousness of the POW/MIA issue and serving
as the basis for fraudulent fund-raising.
POW/MIA AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE US AND SRV
February 1982 - Present
February, 1982: Delegation to Hanoi, led by Deputy Assistant
Secretary of Defense Armitage, met with Vietnamese Deputy Foreign
Minister Dinh Ngo Liem. Vietnam agreed:
*
In principle to continue working level, technical meetings
between JCRC/CILHI and VNOSMP and consider the rate of four
per year.
*
To send a team to CILHI and JCRC.
*
To consider the US proposal for joint US/SRV searches.
September, 1982: Four Member League Delegation to Hanoi* met with
Vice Foreign Minister Vo Dong Giang and others.
*
Vietnam announced that they would accept the US proposal to
meet four times a year on POW/MIA.
4 REMAINS WERE RETURNED AND IDENTIFIED AS AMERICANS IN 1982
July, 1983: Reacting to Secretary of State Shultz's remarks during
the ASEAN Post-Ministerials in Bangkok (that Vietnam was holding
over 400 US remains), the SRV suspended further technical talks,
citing "hostile statements" by senior Administration officials.
September, 1983: League Executive Director Griffiths met in New
York with FM Thach (first meeting).
*
FM Thach denied that Vietnam was withholding remains, as
stated by Secretary of State George Schultz during the ASEAN
post-ministerials (that over 400 remains are being withheld
by the Vietnamese).
*
League reaffirmed US position on the report as credible,
noting that Vietnam had done little to dissuade the US
position.
*
League provided current US Government position on live POWs,
President's commitment on POW/MIA and arranged for direct,
policy level talks in NY.
October, 1983: NSC Director for Asian Affairs Childress and League
Executive Director Griffiths met in New York for informal, very
direct discussions over dinner with FM Thach.
*
US views and expectations on POW/MIA were provided, citing
examples of discrepancy cases.
*
Both sides agreed that cooperation would be on a humanitarian
basis.
January, 1986: Assistant Secretary of Defense Armitage led a US-
proposed delegation to Hanoi*, including Assistant Secretary of
State Wolfowitz and NSC/Childress who again raised the case of U.S.
citizen Robert Schwab, urging immediate answers. Meetings with SRV
Foreign Minister Thach brought Vietnam's affirmation of the
following:
*
Vietnam's willingness to investigate any live sighting reports
the US provides, as well as those which unilaterally come to
their attention.
*
Agreement to conduct multiple field activities in cooperation
with the US.
Thach reiterated the SRV position that resolving the POW/MIA
issue is a humanitarian matter, to be settled regardless of
political or policy differences which divide the two
countries.
*
Vietnam reaffirmed all earlier agreements, including
unilateral search efforts into the case of U.S. citizen Robert
Schwab.
April, 1986: At Vietnam's request, League Executive Director met
in New York with Vietnamese Ambassador Bui Xuan Nhat.
*
Ambassador conveyed Vietnam's perception that the US
Government lacked formal commitment to the two-year work plan
to resolve the POW/MIA issue.
Ambassador cited FM Thach's statement, issued from the non-
aligned conference in New Delhi, that talks with the US on the
humanitarian POW/MIA issue could not proceed, linking future
talks and cooperation to US actions in combating international
terrorism (Libya).
*
Griffiths rejected SRV claims of inadequate USG commitment and
Vietnam's decision to link humanitarian POW/MIA cooperation
to the terrorism problem, urging immediate resumption of joint
efforts.
May, 1986. NSC/Childress led a US delegation to New York* for
talks with SRV Deputy Foreign Minister Hoang Bich Son.
Vietnam agreed to resume/reschedule technical level
activities.
Vietnam announced an increase in personnel and resources in
their VNOSMP.
*
Vietnam affirmed earlier telephone/letter notification that
U.S. citizen Robert Schwab had been located in the south and
would be repatriated soon.
April, 1987: President Reagan publicly announced his appointment
of General John W. Vessey, Jr., as Emissary to Hanoi on POW/MIA.
(This action, initiated in October, 1986 and decided in February,
1987 was due to a near-total halt in SRV cooperation.)
May, 1987: NSC/Childress led a US delegation to Hanoi* to
establish a valid framework for a proposed mission by Vessey-led
US delegation.
*
Vietnam reaffirmed that cooperation to resolve the POW/MIA
issue and other humanitarian problems is separate from
political matters which divide the two countries.
Vietnam expressed concern over perceived US failure to "create
a favorable atmosphere" for cooperation, citing the need to
motivate the Vietnamese people to gain their assistance.
*
Vietnam cited U.S. foreign policy as "hostile."
*
Vietnam agreed, after very tough rhetorical talks, to accept
Presidential emissary without preconditions.
August, 1987: Presidential Emissary to Hanoi for POW/MIA Affairs
General Vessey led a US delegation to Hanoi* for meetings with SRV
Foreign Minister Thach in an effort to gain renewed cooperation.
*
Vietnam pledged to renew POW/MIA cooperation, focusing
initially on discrepancy cases and those listed as died in
captivity in the South (emphasis on 70 cases termed "most
compelling" by General Vessey).
*
Both sides reaffirmed that cooperation on POW/MIA and other
humanitarian issues would be pursued separate from political
matters such as normalization of relations.
*
Specific measures were agreed upon to accelerate progress
toward accounting for missing Americans.
*
Both sides agreed to hold subsequent meetings of POW/MIA
experts on these matters.
*
The US agreed, within legal and policy constraints, to address
certain urgent humanitarian concerns of the Vietnamese,
focusing initially on the disabled.
*
The US agreed to send a team of humanitarian experts to meet
with their Vietnamese counterparts and to compile information
on the problems of disabled, including prosthetics
requirements and capabilities. (Results of studies will be
provided to American NGO's.)
September, 1987. General Vessey led a US delegation to New York*
for discussions with SRV Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Dy Nien to
follow up the early August talks in Hanoi.
October, 1989: General Vessey led a US delegation to New York* for
preliminary discussions with SRV Vice Minister Nguyen Dy Nien to
affirm the agenda for a Vessey-led US delegation to Hanoi*.
Discussions with SRV Foreign Minister Thach brought the following:
Vietnam agreed to expand and refine the joint process to
account for missing Americans.
Vietnam agreed to conduct additional research efforts to
obtain data regarding previously investigated discrepancy
cases, additional compelling discrepancy cases and incidents
which occurred in what were then Vietnamese controlled areas
of Laos.
Vietnam and US agreed to continue and expand joint endeavors
to support bilateral efforts, particularly dealing with field
investigations and the need for specific data, as well as
access to eye-witnesses.
December, 1989: Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Lambertson led
a US delegation to New York* for talks with SRV Ambassador Trinh
Xuan Lang.
*
The US stressed the need for more serious implementation of
the October 1989 Vessey/Thach agreements for accelerated
cooperation.
*
Vietnam reaffirmed their pledge to increase cooperation.
33 REMAINS WERE RETURNED AND IDENTIFIED AS AMERICANS IN 1989
September 1990: Assistant Secretary of State Solomon led a US
delegation, including General Vessey, to New York* for discussions
with Vietnamese Vice Foreign Minister Le Mai.
Discussions focused on Cambodia and the need to move rapidly
to resolve the POW/MIA issue.
September, 1990. Secretary Baker met with SRV Vice Premier/Foreign
Minister Thach in New York. Emphasis was placed on the need for
Vietnam to move now to resolve the POW/MIA issue to ensure that it
does not become an obstacle to the pace and scope of improving
relations, once a comprehensive settlement is reached in Cambodia.
October, 1990. General Vessey led a US delegation for meetings in
Washington D.C. * with SRV Vice Premier/Foreign Minister Thach and
other Vietnamese officials. (Secretary Baker waived the 25-mile
restriction on officials of "enemy" countries to enable Thach's
party to travel to Washington, reinforcing US emphasis on resolving
the POW/MIA issue.)
January, 1992: General Vessey led a largely military delegation
to Hanoi for further talks with SRV Foreign Minister Cam. For the
first time, talks were held with SRV Minister of Defense Doan Khue,
and Vice Ministers of Defense and Interior participated in the
plenary sessions. In the Joint Statement issued by General Vessey
and Foreign Minister Cam at the conclusion of their meetings:
Vietnam and the US agreed to strengthen existing measures
designed to promote acquisition and confirmation of
information concerning missing Americans and to continue to
resolve remaining problems.
Vietnam and the US agreed to hold expert meetings to discuss
ways to accelerate resolution of the 119 discrepancy cases and
to plan operations for the next 12 to 24 months.
The US announced its intention to provide $25,000 in disaster
relief to aid victims of the recent typhoon in Central
Vietnam; Vietnam requested that the U.S. increase its
contributions in this area.
Vietnam and US agreed to hold meetings in Hanoi by the end of
February 1992 to further evaluate the U.S. programs and
Vietnam's humanitarian needs.
Vietnam and US reiterated the desire of their respective
governments for an early normalization of relations.
Not mentioned in the Vessey/Cam Joint Statement:
The US proposal to establish a credible live sighting
investigation mechanism was not accepted; the SRV agreed only
to establish a point of contact for regular coordination and
to work with the US to investigate any such reports which the
US deems valid.
The US proposal to undertake multi-team archival research
efforts was not accepted; the SRV agreed to conduct research
only through established channels, but provided the long-
promised 84-page document of US losses.
AA
Indicates delegations in which League Executive Director Ann
Mills Griffiths participated.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Assistant Secretary/Spokesman
For Immediate Release
November 21, 1991
U.S.-VIETNAM TALKS
As Secretary Baker and Vietnamese Foreign Minister Cam
agreed in Paris last month, Assistant Secretary for East Asian
and Pacific Affairs Richard H. Solomon met in New York on
November 21 with Vietnamese Vice Foreign Minister Le Mai to
discuss the issues and modalities associated with normalization
of relations between our two countries. In the course of these
talks, which lasted over six hours, Assistant Secretary Solomon
reviewed the issues of greatest concern to the U.S., notably
full implementation of the U.N. Comprehensive Political
Settlement for Cambodia and the fullest possible accounting for
our POW/MIAs.
Assistant Secretary Solomon recalled that he had presented
our policy on normalization of relations with Vietnam to the
Vietnamese in New York on April 9. He reiterated the U.S.
government's commitment to that policy. In that connection he
stressed that to continue moving forward step-by-step toward
full normalization it is essential that there be further,
concrete results on the POW/MIA issue to build on the momentum
we had recently achieved. Assistant Secretary Solomon also
expressed the hope that Vietnam would address other humanitarian
issues of importance to the U.S., and indicated that we plan to
continue our efforts to respond to humanitarian needs in
Vietnam. He also took note of the progress both sides had made
since that time toward achieving the objectives he set forth on
April 9. Specifically, he welcomed the Vietnamese decision to
support the U.N. Comprehensive Political Settlement for Cambodia
and expressed hope that Vietnam and the Phnom Penh authorities
would continue to facilitate full implementation of the
Agreement. He also provided the U.S. Government's view of
Vietnam's efforts to account for our POW/MIAs and discussed
various approaches to accelerate progress toward reaching the
fullest possible accounting. The Vietnamese again affirmed
their desire to help achieve the fullest possible accounting of
all American POW/MIAs.
- 2 -
Vice Minister Le Mai and Assistant Secretary Solomon agreed
to establish a working group to deal with the issues associated
with normalization of relations. The group, which will meet in
New York, will be headed by Ambassador Lang on the Vietnamese
side and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Kenneth Quinn on
the U.S. side. They agreed to continue discussions at mutually
agreeable dates in the future.
1358Z
Cambodia
Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines,
Gist: Cambodia Settlement Agreement
Singapore, and Thailand), Australia,
Japan, and other nations in pursuit of
three objectives:
In November 1991, the UN Advance
former Prime Minister Son Sann. The
Preventing a Khmer Rouge
Mission in Cambodia (UNAMIC)
forces of Prince Sihanouk and the
return to power;
arrived in Cambodia to begin prepara-
KPNLF together formed the non-
Ensuring self-determination for
tions for the implementation of the
communist resistance.
the Cambodian people through free and
Comprehensive Settlement signed in
The Khmer Rouge, a Marxist-
fair elections; and
Paris on October 23, 1991, by the
Leninist group headed by Pol Pot that
Verifying the withdrawal of
Cambodian Supreme National Council
took power in 1975 and established one
Vietnamese troops from Cambodia.
(SNC) and foreign ministers from
of the most brutal regimes in modern
On August 28, 1990, after 8 months
18 other countries, including the
world history.
of negotiation, they agreed on a
United States. The UN Transitional
The Phnom Penh regime (also
framework for a comprehensive
Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC),
known as the State of Cambodia), led
political settlement. All Cambodian
headed by Special Representative
by Chea Sim and Hun Sen, includes
factions accepted the framework, which
Yasushi Akashi, began the UN's
former Khmer Rouge officials who
called for establishing a Supreme
largest peace-keeping operation on
broke with Pol Pot. It was installed
National Council and included a UN
March 15. It envisions a peak deploy-
and sustained by the Vietnamese in the
peace-keeping role as the basis for
ment of 16,000 military personnel and
wake of their invasion.
resolving their differences.
several thousand civilian personnel to
The August framework agreement
organize and conduct free elections by
Road to Agreement
was endorsed unanimously by the UN
the spring of 1993.
The United States opened its
Following the suspension of the Paris
Security Council in Resolution 668 in
Conference on Cambodia in August
September and by acclamation by the
diplomatic mission in Phnom Penh,
1989, the United States proposed that
General Assembly in October 1990.
accredited to the SNC, in Novem-
ber 1991. It looks forward to the
the five permanent members of the UN
The Permanent Five subsequently
restoration of full diplomatic relations
Security Council (Permanent Five)
agreed in November on a detailed
once a government is elected to
seek to bridge the differences among
draft settlement agreement. This
document became the basis for the final
represent the will of the Cambodian
the Cambodian factions by introducing
an enhanced UN role.
agreement.
people. Several political parties have
begun to organize in anticipation of
During these negotiations, the five
fielding candidates for the constituent
(US, China, France, UK, and USSR),
Development of the SNC
assembly, the intermediate stage in the
worked with others chairing the Paris
The Cambodian Supreme National
Conference, the Association of South-
return to self-government.
Council (SNC) was formed in Septem-
east Asian Nations (ASEAN: Brunei,
ber 1990. On May 1, 1991, the four
Background
factions announced a voluntary cease-
Vietnam invaded Cambodia (Kampu-
chea) in December 1978 and did not
substantially withdraw its troops until
Six Key Points of Agreement
1989. Although the Vietnamese threw
out the Khmer Rouge regime, a
UNTAC will include a large military
Before elections, all forces are to report
continued Vietnamese presence in
and civilian force to disarm the combat-
to cantonments in stages with their
Cambodia was not acceptable to the
ants, administer the country, and
weapons, after which at least 70% are to
world community.
organize elections.
be demobilized.
Four principal Cambodian factions
SNC is made up of all four Cambo-
The UN will educate voters and
were involved in the struggle for a
dian factions and headed by Prince
organize all aspects of free elections for
solution.
Sihanouk. It will represent Cambodia
a 120-member constituent assembly
internationally and advise UNTAC.
based on proportional representation
The National United Front
Agencies, such as finance, foreign
within each province. The assembly will
for an Independent, Neutral, Peace-
affairs, interior, and the police, that could
draft and approve a constitution and
ful, and Cooperative Cambodia
directly influence the outcome of
then transform itself into a working
(FUNCINPEC), loyal to former
elections, will be placed "under direct
legislature.
monarch and head of state Prince
UN supervision or control."
Cambodian refugees and displaced
Sihanouk and now led by his son,
UNTAC will verify a cease-fire. The
persons, estimated at more than
Cambodian combatants must give the
350,000, have the right to return to a
Prince Ranariddh.
UN the numbers of their forces, their
destination of choice and to move about
The Khmer People's National
location, and a list of their equipment.
freely in the country.
Liberation Front (KPNLF), headed by
June 8, 1992
US Department of State Dispatch
455
Haiti
fire and arms moratorium. Since then,
under the leadership of Prince
Sihanouk, the SNC moved forward
US Action Against Violators
rapidly to reach consensus on a final
comprehensive settlement based on
Of Haitian Trade Embargo
the Permanent Five framework. It
met five times-in Jakarta; Pattaya,
President Bush
Thailand (twice); Beijing; and New
York-to work out differences over the
draft agreements.
The SNC members agreed to elect
Statement released by the White
democratic government in Haiti. We
Prince Sihanouk as President of the
House, Office of the Press Secretary,
will continue working in close concert
SNC and to designate him the final
Washington, DC, May 28, 1992.
with our OAS allies toward a negoti-
arbiter in the absence of a consensus.
I have today directed the Secretary of
ated settlement of the political crisis
They then decided on at least 70%
the Treasury and the Secretary of
that began with the overthrow of
demobilization of all factional forces
President Jean-Bertrand Aristide last
Transportation to deny the use of
during the transitional period, with the
American ports to ships that violate
September 30. In addition to today's
rest to be demobilized or merged into a
action and in accordance with the
the trade embargo against Haiti. This
new national army after elections.
action is being taken in support of the
recent OAS resolution, we are examin-
They agreed that the first election will
resolution adopted by the Organization
ing other steps to tighten sanctions
be conducted through a proportional
of American States [OAS] on May 17,
against the illegal regime in Port au
representation system along provincial
Prince.
which calls on OAS member states to
lines. Finally, they delegated to the
Our actions are directed at those in
deny port facilities to vessels trading
UN the last word on all matters
with Haiti in disregard of the OAS
Haiti who are opposing a return to
relating to the organization and
embargo.
democracy, not at the Haitian poor.
conduct of the elections during the
The United States remains commit-
We are continuing to provide substan-
transitional period.
tial, direct humanitarian assistance to
ted unequivocally to the restoration of
There is a consensus among the
four Cambodian factions and interested
countries that representatives of a
Supreme National Council should be
seated in the UN General Assembly as
the Cambodian delegation.
UN Role in Settlement
powers, will be required to ensure that
Prince Sihanouk and the SNC
returned to Phnom Penh in mid-
The US worked hard to achieve a
the Khmer Rouge abide fully by the
comprehensive Cambodian settlement
agreement.
November to establish the SNC
with an enhanced role for the UN.
headquarters.
International Assistance
With the signing of the agreement, the
US Relations
UN will take on a great challenge. It
More than 2 decades of violence and
is the only international body with the
aggression have taken a terrible toll on
Following UNAMIC's deployment in
experience and capabilities necessary
the people of Cambodia. The world is
Cambodia, the President announced
to implement the settlement, including
still shocked at the horrors of Khmer
the lifting of the US embargo on
the ability to achieve a neutral environ-
Rouge annihilation that left more than
January 3, 1992, thus normalizing
ment in which to organize and conduct
1 million Cambodians dead. The infra-
economic relations with Cambodia.
free and fair elections for the Cambo-
structure is in ruins. The country is
The United States also removed
dian people.
strewn with millions of land mines.
blanket opposition to lending by
A sizeable UN presence and
More than 350,000 displaced persons in
international financial institutions (e.g.,
substantial resources will be required
camps along the Thai-Cambodian
the International Monetary Fund and
to put into effect the military arrange-
border and another 150,000 inside the
the World Bank) to Cambodia. The
ments of the agreement, to resettle
country await repatriation and re-
United States plans to maintain an
nearly 500,000 displaced persons in
settlement. Cambodia will not be able
active presence through its mission in
safety and dignity, to carry out the
to recover from these multiple disas-
Phnom Penh during the transition to
administrative responsibilities of the
ters without sustained international
elections to ensure that the settlement
plan, and to prepare Cambodia for free
involvement and relief. More than
is effectively implemented, providing
and fair elections.
40 donor countries (including the
full support-financial and personnel-
In addition, strong and effective
United States) and international
to UNTAC as well as economic
measures, supported by the major
organizations will meet in Tokyo in
assistance for the rehabilitation and
June 1992 to coordinate economic
reconstruction of Cambodia.
assistance to Cambodia.
456
US Department of State Dispatch
June 8, 1992
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
June 16, 1992
FACT SHEET
Joint US-Russian Commission on POW/MIAS
In January 1992, the United States and Russia established a Joint
Commission to investigate unresolved cases of Prisoners of War
and Missing in Action. The creation of this Commission
underscores the commitment of both the United States and Russia
to work together in a spirit of friendship to account for
missing servicemen on both sides.
The Joint Commission's objectives are to pursue all reports
alleging the presence of American POW/MIAs in the former Soviet
Union, facilitate their return to the U.S. if they so wish,
establish a mechanism by which remains identified as American can
be returned to the U.S. and obtain access to people, documents
and archival information in Russia which could help account for
American servicemen missing from World War II, the Korean War,
the Vietnam War and the Cold War period.
Former Ambassador to the Soviet Union, Malcolm Toon, is the
President's representative and Chairman of the U.S. Delegation to
this Commission. The Commission also includes Senators John
Kerry and Robert Smith, Congressmen Pete Peterson and John
Miller, and officials from the State and Defense Departments.
The Joint U.S.-Russian Commission on POW/MIAs has based three
investigators in Moscow to work closely with our Embassy and with
Russian Commission members.
The Russian delegation is chaired by General Dmitri Volkogonov, a
senior advisor to President Yeltsin. The first meeting of the
Joint Commission was held March 26-28 in Moscow. A working-
level group met May 28-June 3, and the full Commission will meet
again in late July.
Statements made by Russian government officials indicate that
Americans were held by the former Soviet government at various
times in the past 50 years. Little is known about the fate of
these individuals. Research by Russian representatives to the
Joint Commission is at an early stage, and has not yet revealed
verifiable information that indicates the presence of live
Americans currently on the territory of the former Soviet Union.
- more -
2
President Bush and President Yeltsin have instructed the co-
chairs of the Joint U.S. -Russian Commission to pursue the latest
information on the POW issue. Ambassador Toon will be returning
to Moscow to work with the Commission as soon as possible.
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