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Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Mark Davis Subject Files
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Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
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Speechwriting, White House Office of
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Davis, Mark, Files
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Subject File, 1989-1991
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National League of Families, 7/28/89
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19
2
6
6
Mark Doirs Mark
DRAFT REMARKS FOR PRESIDE
from
National League of Fam
20th Annual Meetin
Karl Jackson
J. W. Marriott Hotel, Washir
July 28, 1989
George, Ann, it's good to be with all of you again. Just before
coming here today, I was reflecting on being with you at your 1985
annual meeting and where we stood then on the issue. H I
The fam lies
recognized, as I do now, the magnitude of what you have endured
through so many years of uncertainty. And with that realization
comes the humbling awareness that despite these burdens, you have
brought about a change in our nation that will never be reversed.
Yes, you had help, especially from my predecessor, President
Reagan, whose personal commitment to determining the fates of your
missing loved ones was key to changing national policies and
priorities. As a result, never again will America's sons who serve
and become missing be long-ignored.
Today, we see the symbol of this issue, the League's POW/MIA flag,
on permanent display in the rotunda of our nation's Capital, a
visible symbol of our national commitment to resolving the fates
of our missing countrymen. It stands in a position of tremendous
honor where it will remain until we have achieved our goal of
obtaining the fullest possible accounting for your missing
relatives.
Your flag can be seen across this land -- over statehouses, fire
stations, schools, military installations and stadiums, even on
board ships at sea -- a stirring reminder that America's sons are
still missing as a result of our nation's noble effort to prevent
totalitarianism from prevailing over freedom in South Vietnam.
The success of their efforts is only now becoming visible. The
things for which your loved ones fought may finally be coming to
pass. We are witnessing the failure of totalitarian and repressive
communist regimes. The evidence is clear through recent events in
China, the Soviet Union and even in Cambodia where Vietnam appears
to be withdrawing their troops.
The value of freedom to people throughout the world was brought
home to Barbara and me most recently on our trip to Poland and
Hungary. The winds of freedom are blowing, and how we welcome
these trends, knowing that so much has been sacrificed.
Some of our finest young men and women were lost during the many
long years of the Vietnam war. And the divisions which resulted
from our involvement there shook our country to her core. But as
tragic as is the loss of a loved one, even more difficult to endure
is the uncertainty which, for you, has extended over so many years.
Today, while I cannot promise results, I can promise our very best
efforts and my personal commitment. I can also renew my pledges
to you.
As long as there is a possibility that Americans remain alive,
we will continue the search as a matter of highest national
priority. If we discover proof of captivity, we will take
action -- whatever action is required -- to bring our men
home.
And so long as you, the families, suffer without answers, we
will insist, in the name of humanity and with all the power
at our disposal, on the fullest possible accounting from the
governments of Indochina.
To those who complain in frustration that more must be done, I
respond with understanding -- and a promise to do all that is
possible. I do not counsel patience -- I counsel persistence.
And our persistence is paying off - many more of you have answers
today than when your goals were adopted by our government in 1982.
Most of us can recall the earlier days when many of you here felt
compelled to demonstrate in front of the White House just to get
official Washington to pay attention. Those days are over! Your
goals are mine, and together we will succeed. Perhaps not as fast
as we wish, but success is the only acceptable result.
We will persevere, and we have partners in our quest. The national
veterans organizations had stood side-by-side with us throughout
the long years this issue has been with us. Their contributions
to ensuring that serious attention was paid by our government
cannot be overstated. They recognize that your missing relatives
are their missing members, their comrades in arms, not yet returned
from honorable service to our nation and her values.
We also tend to think of government officials as faceless
bureaucrats, just doing their jobs, but without motivation or
commitment. That just isn't true! So many people, Americans just
like us, are dedicated -- I'm speaking here not only of those
Vietnam veterans and others who work daily to pursue answers but
also the pilots who fly the missions to and from Hanoi, people in
embassies around the world who get excited when a new report is
obtained, and secretaries and four star officers who would give
dearly to be a part of significant success on this issue. These
people also, unnumbered hundreds, are our partners.
Few matters before the Congress receive such strong bipartisan
support as efforts to resolve the POW/MIA issue. I commend the
Congress, especially Bob Dole, Steve Solarz, Bob Lagomarsino and
Ben Gilman, for the leadership they have shown in demonstrating to
the Indochinese Governments the strength of their commitment.
Most recently, they have again passed resolutions establishing
National POW/MIA Recognition Day, this year on September 15, 1989.
Tom Nielsen's achievement in creating this artistic symbol of our
nation's unified commitment is truly remarkable.
Shortly, I will issue the official proclamation calling upon all
Americans to honor their missing countrymen and those who served
as POWs by participating in ceremonies across our nation. Last
year's Recognition Day found me in Ohio, at Wright-Patterson Air
Force Base, participating in the dedication of the River Rats'
Missing Man Memorial. George was with me there for what was, to
all of us, a very meaningful ceremony.
And I must mention here how invaluable Ann's guidance has been
through my years as Vice President and since. Her knowledge and
determination are an inspiration, and her participation in the
critical
Interagency Group provides unparalleled insights. We will continue
to look to Ann for advice as we work to improve our efforts.
As I mentioned in my inaugural address, "Goodwill begets goodwill,"
and we appreciate Vietnam's increased responsiveness to that
appeal. An unprecedented level of joint operations has brought
significant progress. But despite expanded activities, many
questions remain, and there is much to be done. Once again, I call
upon Hanoi to act swiftly to remove this last vestige of the
armed
that once existed
conflict between us.
Upon assuming office, I also noted that "no great nation can long
afford to be sundered by a memory," alluding of course to our long
controversial involvement in Vietnam. Even today, attitudes of
distrust exist. But I believe they can be overcome by working
together to resolve humanitarian issues of concern to both our
nations.
to
We look forward to normalizing our relations with Vietnam, once an
acceptable settlement has been achieved in Cambodia which includes
themist shave power
a\verifiable troop withdrawal. But Hanoi clearly understands that
as a practical matter, the pace and scope of this process will be
lactors
comm
directly affected by the seriousness of their cooperation on
led hom by
POW/MIA and other humanitarian concerns.
The increased POW/MIA cooperation provided by the Lao Government
Prince
is particularly important. So many questions still exist, and so
Sihanork
few answers have been received throughout the years. Recognizing
the difficulties involved, their agreement earlier this year to a
year-round program of cooperation is encouraging. You can be
certain that we are seeking to expand upon this agreement in every
verified as Intel as a nationals
possible way.
We also welcome the Lao Government's agreement to work bilaterally
with us on combating the international scourge of narcotics.
Implementing this agreement will be critically important to our
improved bilateral relationship which has expanded steadily since
1982. We look to the future in our relations with Laos,
recognizing the importance of steps they are taking toward opening
their society and developing their economy for the good of the Lao
people.
To the families of those missing in Cambodia, I reaffirm that my
heart is with you, but our efforts to gain their humanitarian
cooperation on resolving the fates of your missing loved ones has
thus far been unsuccessful. Despite their public claims to be
holding remains of some Americans, officials in Phnom Penh have
failed to respond to our humanitarian appeals to return them. I
call on Phnom Penh today to act responsibly, in the name of
humanity, and return the remains they claim to hold. Failure to
do so reflects very poorly on those seeking to convince the
international community of their responsible behavior.
While unable to be with you last year at this time my message
included four promises: "compassion, consistency, continuity, and
above all, priority." Too often in the history of this issue,
there has been a lack of official commitment, knowledge and
continuity. You, the families, were the exception. While you
consistently advocated official priority and compassion, your
policies remained intact until adopted by our government. Today,
I renew my promise to you. We will be compassionate and
consistent; we will maintain continuity of policy, and, above all,
this issue will continue to have priority.
The policies pursued during the past eight years have succeeded.
Limited? Yes
Insufficient? Yes
but nevertheless significant.
The process is working, and should be pursued with the high
priority deserved.
As we proceed, we must continue to search for ways to improve the
process. We must continue to apply the best resources, technology
and people -- most of all qualified people -- for interviewing
refugees, to evaluating intelligence information, and at the
negotiating table.
It is for that very reason that I reappointed a man of the highest
integrity and qualifications, General Jack Vessey, as my special
POW/MIA emissary to Hanoi. I know that he will be with you this
afternoon, along with senior officials from the Departments of
State and Defense and the National Security Council who hold
responsibilities in this issue. I have charged them all to do
their utmost, and they know of my personal commitment to your
missing loved ones and to you, their families.
I was truly fortunate to be able to persuade Dick Cheney to devote
his considerable talents to serving as Secretary of Defense. We
could not have found anyone with greater credentials for achieving
the objectives we share on the POW/MIA issue. His years in the
Congress and his knowledge of intelligence matters give him a
Secretary Chency
background which is a rare combination. I know that Dick has
Icanassweyou
already met with Ann, and she shares my view that he has both
personal commitment and professional expertise to draw from in
developing initiatives which can help.
In closing, I am reminded of a recent incident which reflects a
measure of success in our efforts. That was General Secretary
Gorbachev's humanitarian appeal to the United States to help in
obtaining the fullest possible accounting for Soviet citizens still
prisoner and missing in Afghanistan. And of course, we will do
what we can, on a humanitarian basis, just as we expect them to do
what they can to encourage more serious and rapid cooperation from
their allies in Indochina.
Our success has been in ensuring that throughout the world, the
need for returning POWs and accounting for MIAs is recognized. You
can be justifiably proud of that achievement.
God Bless you all. And God Bless America.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
January 20, 1989
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
OF THE PRESIDENT
The Capitol
12:05 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Chief Justice, Mr. President, Vice
President Quayle, Senator Mitchell, Speaker Wright, Senator Dole,
Congressman Michel, and fellow citizens, neighbors and friends.
There is a man here who has earned a lasting place in our
hearts, and in our history. President Reagan, on behalf of our
nation I thank you for the wonderful things that you have done for
America. (Applause.)
I've just repeated word-for-word. the oath taken by George
Washington 200 years ago; and the Bible on which I placed my hand is
the Bible on which he placed his.
It is right that the memory of Washington be with us
today, not only because this is our Bicentennial Inauguration, but
because Washington remains the father of our country. And he would,
I think, be gladdened by this day. For today is the concrete
expression of a stunning fact: Our continuity these 200 years since
our government began.
We meet on democracy's front porch. A good place to talk
as neighbors, and as friends. For this is a day when our nation is
made whole, when our differences, for a moment, are suspended.
And my first act as President is a prayer. I ask you to
bow your heads.
'Heavenly Father, we bow our heads and thank you for your
love. Accept our thanks for the peace that yields this day and the
shared faith that makes its continuance likely. Make us strong to do
your work, willing to heed and hear your will, and write on our
hearts these words: "Use power to help people." For we are given
power not to advance our own purposes, nor to make a great show in
the world, nor a name. There is but one just use of power, and it is
to serve people. Help us remember, Lord. Amen.'
I come before you and assume the presidency at a moment
rich with promise. We live in a peaceful, prosperous time, but we
can make it better.
For a new breeze is blowing, and a world refreshed by
freedom seems reborn; for in man's heart, if not in fact, the day of
the dictator is over. (Applause.) The totalitarian era is passing,
its old ideas blown away like leaves from an ancient lifeless tree.
A new breeze is blowing, and a nation refreshed by
freedom stands ready to push on. There is new ground to be broken,
and new action to be taken.
There are times when the future seems thick as a fog; you
sit and wait, hoping the mists will lift and reveal the right path.
But this is a time when the future seems a door you can
walk right through -- into a room called Tomorrow.
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- 2 -
Great nations of the world are moving toward democracy --
through the door to freedom.
Men and women of the world move toward free markets --
through the door to prosperity.
The people. of the world agitate for free expression and
free thought -- through the door to the moral and intellectual
satisfactions that only liberty allows.
We know what works: Freedom works. We know what's
right: Freedom is right. We know how to secure a more just and
prosperous life for man on Earth: through free markets, free speech,
free elections, and the exercise of free will unhampered by the
state. (Applause.)
For the first time in this century . for the first time
in perhaps all history -- man does not have to invent a system by
which to live. We don't have to talk late into the night about which
form of government is better. We don't have to wrest justice from
the kings. We only have to summon it from within ourselves.
We must act on what we know. I take as my guide the hope
of, a saint: In crucial things, unity in important things,
diversity - -- in all things, generosity.
America today is a proud, free nation, decent and civil
-- a place we cannot help but love. We know in our hearts, not
loudly and proudly, but as a simple fact, that this country has
meaning beyond what we see, and that our strength is a force for
good.
But have we changed as a nation even in our time? Are we
enthralled with material things, less appreciative of the nobility of
work and sacrifice?
My friends, we are not the sum of our possessions. They
are not the measure of our lives. In our hearts we know what
matters. We cannot hope only to leave our children a bigger car, a
bigger bank account. We must hope to give them a sense of what it
means to be a loyal friend, a loving parent, a citizen who leaves his
home, his neighborhood and town better than he found it.
And what do we want the men and women who work with us to
say when we are no longer there? That we were more driven to succeed
than anyone around us? or that we stopped to ask if a sick child had
gotten better, and stayed a moment there to trade a word of
friendship?
No president, no government, can teach us to remember
what is best in what we are. But if the man you have chosen to lead
this government can help make a difference; if he can celebrate the
quieter, deeper successes that are made not of gold and silk, but of
better hearts and finer souls; if he can do these things, then he
must.
America is never wholly herself unless she is engaged in
high moral principle. We as a people have such a purpose today. It
is to make kinder the face of the nation and gentler the face of the
world.
My friends, we have work to do. (Applause.) There are
the homeless, lost and roaming, there are the children who have
nothing -- no love and no normalcy -- there are those who cannot free
themselves of enslavement to whatever addiction -- drugs, welfare,
the demoralization that rules the slums. There is crime to be
conquered, the rough crime of the streets. There are young women to
be helped who are about to become mothers of children they can't care
for and might not love. They need our care, our guidance, and our
education, though we bless them for choosing life.
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- 3 -
The old solution, the old way, was to think that public
money alone could end these problems. But we have learned that that
is not SO. And in any case, our funds are low. We have a deficit to
bring down. We have more will than wallet, but will is what we need.
We. will make the hard choices, looking at what we have
and perhaps allocating it differently, making our decisions based on
honest need and prudent safety.
And then we will do the wisest thing of all -- we will
turn to the only resource we have that in times of need always grows:
the goodness and the courage of the American people. (Applause.)
And I am speaking of a new engagement in the lives of
others -- a new activism, hands-on and involved, that gets the job
done. We must bring in the generations, harnessing the unused talent
of the elderly and the unfocused energy of the young. For not only
leadership is passed from generation to generation, but so is
stewardship. And the generation born after the Second World War has
come of age.
I have spoken of a thousand points of light -- of all the
community organizations that are spread like stars throughout the
nation, doing good.
We will work hand in hand, encouraging, sometimes
leading, sometimes being led, rewarding. We will work on this in the
White House, in the Cabinet agencies. I will go to the people and
the programs that are the brighter points of light, and I'll ask
every member of my government to become involved.
The old ideas are new again because they are not old,
they are timeless: duty, sacrifice, commitment, and a patriotism
that finds its expression in taking part and pitching in.
(Applause.)
We need a new engagement, too, between the Executive and
the Congress. The challenges before us will be thrashed out with the
House and the Senate. And we must bring the federal budget into
balance, and we must ensure that America stands before the world
united -- strong, at peace and fiscally sound. But of course things
may be difficult.
We need compromise; we've had dissension. We need
harmony; we've had a chorus of discordant voices.
For Congress, too, has changed in our time. There has
grown a certain divisiveness. We have seen the hard looks and heard
the statements in which not each other's ideas are challenged, but
each other's motives. And our great parties have too often been far
apart and untrusting of each other.
It's been this way. since Vietnam. That war cleaves us
still. But, friends, that war began in earnest a quarter of a
century ago, and surely the statute of limitations has been reached.
This is a fact: The final lesson of Vietnam is that no great nation
can long afford to be sundered by a memory.
A new breeze is blowing -- and the old bipartisanship
must be made new again. (Applause.)
To my friends -- and, yes, I do mean friends -- in the
loyal opposition -- and, yes, I mean loyal, I put out my hand.
I am putting out my hand to you, Mr. Speaker.
I am putting out my hand to you, Mr. Majority Leader.
For this is the thing: This is the age of the offered
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- 4 -
hand.
And we can't turn back clocks and I don't want to. But
when our fathers were young, Mr. Speaker, our differences ended at
the water's edge. And we don't wish to turn back time, but when our
mothers were young, Mr. Majority Leader, the Congress and the
Executive were capable of working together to produce a budget on
which this nation could live. Let us negotiate soon, and hard. But
in the end, let us produce.
The American people await action. They didn't send us
here to bicker. They ask us to rise above the merely partisan.
(Applause.) "In crucial things, unity" -- and this, my friends, is
crucial.
To the world, too, we offer new engagement and a renewed
vow; we will stay strong to protect the peace. The "offered hand" is
a reluctant fist; once made, strong and can be used with great
effect.
There are today Americans who are held against their will
in foreign lands and Americans who are unaccounted for. Assistance
can be shown here and will be long remembered. Goodwill begets
goodwill. Good faith can be a spiral that endlessly moves on.
"Great nations like great men must keep their word."
When America says something, America means it, whether a treaty, or
an agreement, or a VOW made on marble steps. (Applause.) We will
always try to speak clearly, for candor is a compliment. But
subtlety, too, is good and has its place.
While keeping our alliances and friendships around the
world strong, ever strong, we will continue the new closeness with
the Soviet Union, consistent both with our security and with
progress. One might say that our new relationship in part reflects
the triumph of hope and strength over experience. But hope is good.
And so is strength. And vigilance.
Here today are tens of thousands of our citizens who feel
the understandable satisfaction of those who have taken part in
democracy and seen their hopes fulfilled.
But my thoughts have been turning the past few days to
those who would be watching at home.
To an older fellow who will throw a salute by himself when
the flag goes by, and the woman who will tell her sons the words of
the battle hymns. I don't mean this to be sentimental. I mean that
on days like this, we remember that we are all part of a continuum,
inescapably connected by the ties that bind.
Our children are watching in schools throughout our great
land. And to them I say, thank you for watching democracy's big day.
For democracy belongs to us all, and freedom is like a beautiful kite
that can go higher and higher with the breeze.
And to all I say, no matter what your circumstances or
where you are, you are part of this day; you are part of the life of
our great nation. (Applause.)
A president is neither prince nor pope, and I don't seek
"a window on men's souls." In fact, I yearn for a greater tolerance,
an easy-goingness about each other's attitudes and way of life.
There are few clear areas in which we as a society must
rise up united and express our intolerance. The most obvious now is
drugs. And when that first cocaine was smuggled in on a ship, it may
as well have been a deadly bacteria, so much has it hurt the body,
the soul of our country. And there is much to be done and to be
said, but take my word for it this scourge will stop. (Applause.)
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And so there is much to do; and tomorrow the work begins.
And I do not mistrust the future; I do not fear what is
ahead. For our problems are large, but our heart is larger. Our
challenges are great, but our will is greater. And if our flaws are
endless, God's love is truly boundless.
Some see leadership as high drama and the sound of
trumpets calling. And sometimes it is that. But I see history as a
book with many pages and each day we fill a page with acts of
hopefulness and meaning.
The new breeze blows, a page turns, the story unfolds --
and so today a chapter begins -- a small and stately story of unity,
diversity, and generosity - shared, and written, together.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United
States of America. (Applause.)
END
12:25 P.M. EST
Davis/Martin
July 27, 1989
Draft: Four
Title: Missing
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: NATIONAL LEAGUE OF FAMILIES/J.W. MARRIOTT
July 28, 1989/3:20 p.m.
Thank you George and Ann. It's an honor to be back with the
National League of Families.
Earlier, I was reflecting on the magnitude of what you have
endured through so many years of uncertainty. Despite your
burdens, you have brought about a change in our nation that will
never be reversed. Your organization provides us all with a
stirring example of how citizens working together can help craft
sound policy.
As you know, Barbara and I returned from Central and Eastern
Europe two weeks ago. And in the faces of the brave workers of
Gdansk and the hopeful students of Budapest, I saw a truth that
cannot be denied -- the democratic ideal is winning the hearts of
people around the world.
It is this ideal that we honor when we fly the flag. And it
is for this ideal that so many Americans were ready when their
country called.
Today we see the symbol of this commitment, the League's
POW/MIA flag, on permanent display in the Rotunda of our nation's
Capitol. It stands in a position of tremendous honor. And it
will not come down until we have the fullest possible accounting
of your missing loved ones.
2
Your flag can be seen across this land -- over statehouses,
fire stations, schools, military installations and stadiums, even
on ships at sea -- a stirring reminder that America's sons are
still missing.
The ideals for which your loved ones fought may finally be
coming to pass -- the failure of totalitarian and repressive
communist regimes. The evidence is clear through recent events
in China, the Soviet Union and even in Cambodia, where Vietnam
appears to be withdrawing its troops.
Some of our finest young men and women were lost during the
many long years of the Vietnam War. And the divisions that
resulted from our involvement there shook our country to its
core. But as tragic as the loss of a loved one is, even more
difficult to endure is the uncertainty which, for you, has
extended over so many years.
Now we are coming to a time when the divisions of the
Vietnam War are healing; we have let go of the bitterness of the
past. But with this reconciliation comes a temptation to forget
those who served. Yet we will not forget. And we will never
break ranks.
My friend and predecessor, Ronald Reagan, had a personal
commitment to determine the fates of your missing loved ones.
Because of his commitment, and your perseverance, the policies of
this organization are now the policies of the United States
government.
3
When I sought the presidency, I renewed President Reagan's
pledge that we would write no lost chapters, we would close no
books, we would put away no final memories until your questions
about missing and possible prisoners of war have been answered.
And it is as you president that I repeat this pledge
( (Let me simply state the policy of this new Administration.
The fullest possible accounting remains a matter of highest
national priority. We will do everything that a government can
do to recover the missing, and if we discover proof of captivity,
we will take action to bring our men home. ))
or
( (And let me simply state the policy of this new
Administration. As long as there is a possibility that Americans
remain alive, we will continue our search as a matter of the
highest national priority. If we discover proof of captivity, we
will take action -- to bring our men home. ))
And so long as you must live without knowing the fate of
your loved ones, the United States will insist, in the name of
humanity, that the governments of Indochina give the fullest
possible accounting.
Frustration on this sensitive issue is very understandable.
I hear those who say more must be done. If more can be done,
then it will be. Understand this: I do not counsel a timid
patience, I counsel a bold persistence. ( (PAUSE))
4
And our persistence is showing some results; since the
government embraced the goals of this organization, many more of
you have found answers. Each answer has been another sad truth
to learn. But every POW/MIA relative that I meet tells me that
truth is preferable to the greater agony -- that of not knowing.
The task of learning more is daunting, but we can count on
some powerful allies.
First are the national veterans organizations, those who
have stood side-by-side with us through the long years. It was
these veteran groups, supporting you, which protested government
indifference to the POW/MIA issue in earlier years. Their
contribution has been indispensable.
Other partners in our quest are the men and women in
government who are dedicating their careers to learning the truth
about our POWs and MIAs. These public servants are not
uninspired bureaucrats just going through the motions. They have
a deep and abiding commitment to their task. This is a
commitment shared by people in the military services, in the
Defense Intelligence Agency, in embassies throughout the world
and among those American pilots who bring our fallen soldiers out
of Hanoi, to at long last come home.
You also have many friends in both parties in Congress. I
especially want to commend Bob Dole, Steve Solarz, Bob
Lagomarsino and Ben Gilman, for showing the governments of
Indochina the strength of bipartisan Congressional commitment to
find answers. To keep this issue at the forefront, they have
5
again passed resolutions establishing National POW/MIA
Recognition Day, this year on September 15th.
I must mention how invaluable the guidance of Ann Mills
Griffiths has been through the years. Her knowledge and
determination are an inspiration, and her participation in the
Interagency Group provides critical insights. We will continue
to look to her for advice and leadership.
And finally, I pledge to do all I can. I will soon issue a
proclamation calling upon all Americans to honor their missing
countrymen and those who served as POWs by participating in
ceremonies across our nation. But this is just a beginning.
As I said in my Inaugural Address, "there are today
Americans who are held against their will and Americans who are
unaccounted for. Assistance can be shown here and will be long
remembered. Goodwill begets goodwill."
We appreciate Vietnam's increased responsiveness to that
appeal. An unprecedented level of joint operations has already
brought significant progress. But despite our increased
activities, many questions remain. Once again, I call on Hanoi
to swiftly dispel the shadow of doubt, to shed light on the fate
of your loved ones. I call on Hanoi to remove this last vestige
of armed conflict between us.
We look forward to normalizing our relations with Vietnam,
once a comprehensive settlement has been achieved in Cambodia.
That settlement must include genuine power sharing with the non-
communist Cambodians led by Prince Sihanouk and in
6
internationally verified troop withdrawal. But Hanoi must
clearly understand that, as a practical matter, the pace and
scope of this process will be directly affected by the
seriousness of their cooperation on POW/MIA and other
humanitarian issues.
In Laos, so many questions remain, and so few answers have
been received. In light of the difficulties involved, their
agreement earlier this year to a year-round program of
cooperation is encouraging. You can be certain that we are
seeking to expand this agreement in every possibly way.
We also welcome the Lao Government's agreement to work
bilaterally with us on combating the international scourge of
narcotics. Implementing this agreement will be critically
important to our improved bilateral relationship, which has
expanded steadily since 1982. We look to the future in our
relations with Laos, recognizing the importance of steps they are
taking toward opening their society and developing their economy
for the good of the Lao people.
To the families of those missing in Cambodia, I must tell
you that our efforts to gain Phnom Penh's humanitarian
cooperation on resolving the fates of your missing loved ones has
thus far been unsuccessful. Despite their public claims to be
holding remains of some Americans, officials there have been deaf
to our appeals. I call on Phnom Penh to act responsibly,
humanely, and return these remains. Failure to do so will surely
hinder their efforts to gain international respect and support.
7
The policies pursued during the past eight years have shown
some success. Incomplete? Yes
but progress is being made
because our government is giving it high priority.
As we proceed, we will continue to search for ways to
improve the process. We will continue to assemble the best
resources, technology and, most of all, qualified people to
interview refugees, evaluate intelligence information, and
negotiate with foreign governments.
It is with that last mission in mind that I reappointed a
man of the highest integrity and qualifications, General Jack
Vessey, as my special POW/MIA emissary to Hanoi. I know that
Jack was with you this morning, and senior officials from the
Departments of State and Defense, and the National Security
Council will follow me here. I have charged them all to do their
utmost. They know, and share, my deep commitment to your missing
loved ones and to you.
The principle responsibility for the POW/MIA issue rests
with the Department of Defense. And for that reason, we are
fortunate to have a very talented public servant as our Secretary
of Defense. Dick Cheney's years in Congress and his knowledge of
intelligence matters give him a rare understanding of, and a deep
appreciation for, your concerns.
In closing, I want you to know that in my frequent travels
to cities and towns across America, I see many heartfelt
demonstrations of support for our cause. Americans know that
across our land, every Thanksgiving, there are families that
8
still set an empty chair at the table. We know that faded
photographs and school mementos are still being lovingly kept in
scrapbooks. And questions remain, and will remain, until
answered.
Now the mothers, fathers, wives, children and friends of
another great power share the same kind of grief, share with you
lingering doubts about missing loved ones. That this power, the
Soviet Union, backed the North Vietnamese; and the United States
backed the Afghan freedom-fighters, is an irony. But there is no
room in the American heart for a mean-spirited and petty
indifference. Far from it.
I am pleased to note that Soviet General-Secretary Mikhail
Gorbachev recently made a humanitarian appeal for our help in
obtaining the fullest possible accounting for Soviet citizens
still prisoner and missing in Afghanistan. Let me answer him
today: we will do everything we can. And in return, we expect
the Soviets to do all they can do encourage more serious and
timely cooperation from their allies in Indochina.
Working together, we can resolve the anguish of many
families in two lands. And we can do something more
we can
build a new spirit of peace.
In Ecclesiastes, it is written that there is a time for war,
a time for peace and a time to heal. We will never forget those
who served our country. And when we receive final answers about
their fate, then this will truly be a time for healing.
Thank you, God bless you and God bless America.
1) NOT TAKEN SERIOUSLY before / bez An INVES. to close
office
2) HAD to DEMON SRATE
3) Hug in there
4) Thank you for holsing toyh.
5) Vistnam Vet
6) PLEDGE
7) Delt + duty -will not fail then.
8) POW-MIAS focused are any on highest POWMIAS PRIORITY.
9) Intellsgence Joint CAsually Resolution The
10) Fullest Accounting
ii) will not Rule out possibules Am alime,
12) Viet mene till now minimal cooper.
13)
If theyie there, we will GET then out,
14) Results : Viet / CAn bodic / LAS
15) Am Geiffiths
(4) My World Wer Two May Pilot
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6
47TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright (c) 1988 The Washington Post
August 15, 1988, Monday, Final Edition
SECTION: STYLE; PAGE C1
LENGTH: 1061 words
HEADLINE: John McCain and His Prime-Time Moment
BYLINE: Phil McCombs, Washington Post Staff Writer
DATELINE: NEW ORLEANS
BODY:
Political parties use their conventions to showcase new talent, and tonight
the Republicans will turn the spotlight on freshman Arizona Sen. John
McCain, a former Navy pilot and POW in Vietnam who has already raised hackles
in the Dukakis camp with his vigorous "truth-squad"-style campaigning for George
Bush.
If things go according to schedule, McCain will deliver a prime-time
12-minute speech on defense and foreign policy -- matters on which he is
strongly conservative - immediately before the tribute to First Lady Nancy
Reagan and the president's address to the convention.
"Every four years or 50 you have rising stars in the party, and McCain is
that in '88," says Peter Teeley, a consultant to the Bush campaign. "He's highly
intelligent, a very thoughtful conservative, a bona fide war hero, and he's
handled himself well in the House and Senate. He's the type of fellow who's
earned success."
McCain is also - as he puts it - "perhaps more liberal than many"
Republicans on social and domestic issues. He voted to override the president's
veto of the Grove City civil rights bill, favors sanctions against South Africa
and has introduced legislation to greatly expand the federal government's
telecommunications system so it can be used by millions of hearing-impaired
people.
"The demographics in this country are changing," he says, "and we Republicans
have got to reach out to minorities and to groups of Americans who may not
traditionally be our voters ... In the Southwest, we're seeing a dramatic
increase in Hispanic voters. If we're going to control the politics in the
Southwest, then we're going to have to be much more sensitive to issues that
concern Hispanics."
The party plans to use McCain in other ways here, too. He's been assigned to
one of the Republican "caucus teams" - consisting of members of Congress,
Cabinet officers and "personalities" - that will brief state delegations on the
issues.
McCain chuckles about the show biz aspect of having a "personality" on his
team. "Arnold Schwarzenegger is one, but do I get Arnold Schwarzenegger? Do I
get Cheryl Ladd? No, I get Marvin Bush! Anyway, it's kind of to pump up the
delegates and make 'em feel part of the situation."
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7
(c) 1988 The Washington Post, August 15, 1988
McCain, 51, who has a friendly, almost folksy manner and pure white hair, was
shot down over North Vietnam and spent six years in captivity. His arms were
broken in bailing out and rebroken later during torture, and he still has a bit
of difficulty putting on his jacket or drinking a cup of tea. At home in
Arizona, he occasionally spends time talking to Vietnam veterans about their
experiences in the war and after.
He's a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and comes from a long line of naval
officers: His father, the late Adm. John S. McCain Jr., was commander in
chief of U.S. forces in the Pacific at the peak of the Vietnam war; and his
grandfather, Vice Adm. John S. McCain, was a leading carrier task force
commander in World War II who pinned the Distinguished Flying Cross on a young
pilot named George Bush.
After retiring from the military in 1981, McCain moved to Arizona -- his wife
Cindy's home state - with the idea of getting into politics; he was elected to
the House of Representatives the following year and to the Senate in 1986.
McCain talks with what may be unusual candor, for a politician anyway, about
how he came to be a socially "sensitive" conservative. It wasn't so much the
suffering he endured as a POW -- he was 29 years old when shot down, and mature
enough to deal with the adversity as what he calls the "rather perverse"
reaction he had to being brought up in a military family.
"My father and grandfather were men of very high standards of honor and
integrity," he says. "You know, the old-line military You went to
an
officers' club and you signed your name ... An officer's word was a bond; if he
ever broke it, he was gone. That was instilled in me."
Apparently, McCain thinks, this may have caused a small internal backlash in
his thinking. The family was from Mississippi and during the summers when he was
a kid McCain would spend time on his great-uncle's plantation - complete with
sharecroppers, plantation store and cotton gin. This, too, had its effect; he
read a lot of Faulkner and did a lot of thinking.
But he doesn't want to go too far with the analysis. "I'm not sure what made
me, quote, sensitive and concerned," he says now, "and I'm not sure that I'm
concerned enough. Sometimes I get wrapped up in this contra issue the strongly
favors aid] and things like that and I don't show enough caring and concern."
McCain, who has been mentioned here and there as a vice presidential
possibility, has been a strong Bush supporter -- though there have been some
glitches. Last June he made forays to Nashville and Miami, just before Michael
Dukakis was due to speak in those cities, to raise questions before the media,
which he said they then asked the Democratic candidate, such as, "If a drug
dealer kills a law enforcement agent, shouldn't that drug dealer be liable to
the death penalty?"
This was widely perceived as a negative tactic, and the Dukakis campaign
immediately launched a counterattack in the Arizona press, asking why McCain was
out campaigning for Bush instead of doing his job in Washington. AS a result,
McCain told the Bush campaign that "I preferred the surrogate kind of stuff
that's positive. Let's face it, I'm not one who's comfortable with the attack
role."
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PAGE
8
(c) 1988 The Washington Post, August 15, 1988
There was another little patch of rough water earlier this month when McCain
was quoted on the front page of The New York Times as saying Bush "has no real
public image" and views that are "fuzzed up."
"Sure, we're all worried about this campaign," he says now. "We know we've
got to work hard. We're worried about what we 522 in the polls ... But I also
[believe Bush] will put on a good show and be specific and define himself at our
convention I'm sure he will do that, and in a way that's different from
Dukakis."
"The American people are very happy with what they have today," he says. But
there's also "a great uneasiness out there, a great uncertainty as to what's
going to happen in the next year or SO. If we're going to run, as I think we
are, on the peace and prosperity theme, we've got to ... present a vision of the
future that will calm those fears."
GRAPHIC: PHOTO, SEN. JOHN MCCAIN OF ARIZONA. HARRY NALTCHAYAN
TYPE: BIOGRAPHY
SUBJECT: POLITICAL PARTIES; PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS; POLITICAL CONVENTIONS;
POLITICAL SPEECHES; LOUISIANA
ORGANIZATION: NEW ORLEANS
NAME: JOHN MCCAIN; GEORGE BUSH
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4
37TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Proprietary to the United Press International 1988
August 16, 1988, Tuesday, BC cycle
ADVANCED-DATE: August 15, 1988, Monday, BC cycle
SECTION: General News
DISTRIBUTION: Arizona-Nevada
LENGTH: 397 words
HEADLINE: McCain blasts Democrats on defense issues
BYLINE: By MARK LANGFORD
DATELINE: NEW ORLEANS
KEYWORD: Gop-Mccain
BODY:
Sen. John McCain 111, echoing charges by Vice President George Bush that
Michael Dukakis is weak on defense, said Monday the Democrats would sell Central
America ' down the river to communism' and leave America vulnerable to a
nuclear attack.
In a prime time speech to the Republican National Convention, McCain, a
former Vietman prisoner of war who spent more than five years in the ' Hanoi
Hilton'' POW camp, blasted Dukakis For claiming that defense dollars have been
wasted under the Reagan Administration.
'Under Ronald Reagan and George Bush, America has gone From a laughing stock
and a whipping boy of the world to a nation that inspires respect from our
allies and restrain From our adversaries, McCain said.
''Michael Dukakis seems to think that Trident is a chewing gum, that the B-1
is a vitimin pill and the Midget Man is someone who's shorter than he is, The
Arizona senator said.
McCain urged the GOP delegates not to believe 'the rhetoric of the liberal
left'' that defense dollars have been wasted.
''Go out to the nearest military base or one of our Navy ships,' he said.
'Ask the chief petty officers, ask the master sergeants, ask them what they
think of the Reagan-Bush defense program. First they'll tell you they recall the
1970s when under Jimmy Carter, we had guns that couldn't shoot and planes that
couldn't fly and ships that couldn't leave port because of the lack of spare
parts and trained personnel.
'Then they'll tell you that today WE have never had more highly qualified
and more highly motivated men and women serving in the military, and they are
ready to serve our interests around the world, McCain said.
He criticized Dukakis for opposing the strike on Qudafi in Libya, the rescue
mission in Grenada and the defense of the Persian Gulf.
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5
Proprietary to the United Press International, August 16, 1988
Citing Democratic opposition to military support for the Contras in
Nicaragua, McCain said, ''It is dishonorable for this nation to sell Central
American down the river to communism. The Sandanistas ... have crushed basic
human rights and violated the promises and commitments they made in 1979.
McCain also criticized Dukaksis for opposing President Reagan's Strategic
Defense Initiative against nuclear attack.
'We are totally defenseless against such an attack, and yet Michael Dukakis
opposes SDI. We must support SDI in order to prevent a nuclear nightmare,' he
said.
LEXIS® NEXIS® LEXIS® NEXIS
Soloman
Anne Mills GRiffith - -
head Welight
- MAKE EVERY EFFORTS
- FOLLOW up EVERY"LIVE SIGHTING."
- REMAINS
BUDDIST
JAPAWESE SAW CAUCASIAN.
DIA WILL BRIEF THEM -
His ACCOUNT not CREDIBLE,
OUR iniTiAL ENTH. DASHED
UNABLE TO DETAIL
DiSCREPENCIES
DiA - PURSUED iT.
11RECOVERY TEAM"
to special rep. TO Vietnam
R2 Appointed Vessey
on POW-MIA matter
JEFF Soloman
697-8191
KEITH MulRoney
U.A.
LARRY Pentagon DeMeo 233-6653
POW-MIA AffAiRS 697-0555
Assist. Sec. Inter Affars Col. Dicksen
JOE WATKINS
MEMORANDUM
OF CALL
Previous editions usable
TO:
B
YOU WERE
Carl BY YOU WERE VISITED
Jackson BY-
OF (Organization)
Sr. Dir. 6173
PLEASE PHONE
asia- - FTS NSC AUTOVON
WILL CALL AGAIN
IS WAITING TO SEE YOU
RETURNED YOUR CALL
WISHES AN APPOINTMENT
MESSAGE
Re: mark
Dawis-
1st Draft of nat'l
RECEIVED BY
Les. of DATE Families 5:45 TIME
7/21
63-110 NSN 7540-00-634-4018 STANDARD FORM 63 (Rev. 8-81)
Prescribed by GSA
FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6
* U.S. GPO: 1988 - 201-759
Davis/Martin
July 18, 1989
Draft: One
Title: Missing
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: NATIONAL LEAGUE OF FAMILIES/J.W. MARRIOTT
July 28, 1989/10 a.m.
Thank you George, Ann. It's a delight to be back before the
National League of Families. Your organization provides us all
a
with the most stirring example of how democracy works.
As you know, Barbara and I returned from Central and Eastern
Europe two weeks ago. And in the faces of the brave workers of
Gdansk and the hopeful students of Budapest, I saw a truth that
democratic
cannot be denied: the ideal of democracy is winning the hearts of
around
the peoples of the world.
It is this ideal that we honor when we fly the flag. And it
is for this ideal that so many Americans were ready when their
country called.
there
This wasn't always when a universally accepted truth. In years
were
two
have been
past
those in the American uniform were often ridiculed and even
attacked by some of their countrymen. But you did not forget.
You did not break ranks.
There was a time when your claims were ignored by your
government, and a move to close down the office that investigates
the fate of your loved ones. And yet you did not forget. You
did not break ranks.
Now we are coming to a time when the divisions of the
Vietnam War are healing; we have let go of the bitterness of the
2
past. But with this reconciliation comes a temptation to forget
and,
those who served. But still, you do not forget. We will never
B.F. break ranks.
My friend and predecessor, Ronald Reagan, had a personal
commitment to determine the fates of your missing loved ones.
Because of his commitment, and your perseverance, the policies of
this organization are now the policies of the United States
government.
that would
When I sought the presidency, I promised we will write no
last chapters, we will would close no books, we will put away no final
would
memories until all your questions about the missing and about
were
possible prisoners of war are answered.
And it is as your President that I repeat this pledge
Let me simply state the policy of this new Administration.
As long as there is a possibility that Americans remain alive, we
will continue our search as a matter of the highest national
priority. If we discover proof of captivity, we will take action
whatever action is required -- to bring our men home.
And so long as you must live without knowledge knowng of the fate
of your loved ones, the United States will use its power to
insist, in the name of decency, that the governments of Indochina
give the fullest possible accounting.
The frustration of POW/MIA families is very understandable.
I hear the voices that say more must be done. If more can be
done, then it will be. Understand this: I do not counsel a timid
patience. I counsel a bold persistence. ((PAUSE))
3
And our persistence is showing some results; since the
government embraced the goals of this organization, many more of
you have found answers. Each answer has been another sad truth
to learn. But every POW-MIA relative that I meet tells me that
truth is preferable to the greater agony -- that of not knowing.
The task of learning more is daunting, but at least we can
count on some powerful allies.
First are the national veterans organization, those who have
stood side-by-side with us through the long years. It was these
veteran groups that began to protest growing government
indifference to MIAs. Their contribution cannot be overstated.
Another partner in our quest are the men and women in
government who have dedicated their careers to learning the truth
about POWs and MIAs. These public servants are not uninspired
bureaucrats just going through the motions. They have a deep and
abiding commitment to their task. This is a commitment felt
throughout the Defense Intelligence Agency, in the embassies and
among those American pilots who bring our fallen soldiers out of
Hanoi, to at long last come home.
You also have many friends in both parties in Congress. I
especially want to commend Bob Dole, Steve Solarz, Bob
Lagomarsino and Ben Gilman, for showing the strength of their
to find
commitment
to the governments of Indochina. To keep this issue
at the forefront, they have again passed resolutions establishing
National POW/MIA Recognition Day, this year on September 15th.
4
I must mention how invaluable Ann S guidance has been
through the years. Her knowledge and determination are an
inspiration, and her participation in the Interagency Group
her
provides critical insights. We will continue to look to Am for
advice and leadership.
And finally, I pledge to do all I can. I will soon issue a
proclamation calling upon all Americans to honor their missing
countrymen and those who served as POWs by participating in
ceremonies across our nation. But this is just a beginning.
As I mentioned in my Inaugural Address, "there are today
Americans who are held against their will and Americans who are
unaccounted for. Assistance can be shown here and will be long
remembered. Goodwill begets goodwill.
We appreciate Vietnam's increased responsiveness to that
appeal. An unprecedented level of joint operations has already
brought significant progress. But despite our increased
activities, many questions remain. Once again, I call on Hanoi
to swiftly dispel the shadow of doubt, to shed light on the fate
of your loved ones. I call on Hanoi to remove this last vestige
of armed conflict between us.
We look forward to normalizing our relations with Vietnam,
once a comprehensive settlement has been achieved in Cambodia,
including a genuine share of power for the non-communist factions
led by Prince Sihanok and an internationally verified troop
withdrawal. But Hanoi must clearly understand that as a
practical matter, the pace and scope of this process will be
5
directly affected by the seriousness of their cooperation on
POW/MIA and other humanitarian issues.
In Laos, so many questions remain, and so few answers have
been received. In light of the difficulties involved, their
agreement earlier this year to a year-round program of
cooperation is encouraging. You can be certain that we are
seeking to expand this agreement in every possible way.
To the families of those missing in Cambodia, I must tell
you that our best efforts to gain that government's humanitarian
cooperation on resolving the fates of your missing loved ones has
thus far been unsuccessful. Despite their public claims to be
have
holding remains of some Americans, officials in Phnom Penh has
been deaf to our appeals. I call on Phnom Penh to act
responsibly, humanely, and return these remains. Failure to do
so reflects very poorly on them. And it will surely hinder their
efforts to gain international respect and support.
The policies pursued during the past eight years have shown
some success. Incomplete? Yes
but progress is being made
only because our government is giving it the highest priority.
As we proceed, we will continue to search for ways to
improve our investigations. We will continue to assemble the
best resources, technology and, most of all, recruit qualified
people to interview refugees, evaluate intelligence information,
and negotiate with foreign governments.
It is with that last mission in mind that I reappointed a
man of the highest integrity and qualifications, General Jack
6
Vessey, as my special POW/MIA emissary to Hanoi. I know that
Jack will be with you this afternoon, along with senior officials
from the Departments of State and Defense, and the National
Security Council. I have charged them all to do their utmost.
They know, and share, my deep commitment to your missing loved
ones and to you.
The principle responsibility for POW/MIA issues rests with
the Department of Defense. And for that reason, we are fortunate
to have a very talented public servant as our Secretary of
Defense. Dick Cheney's years in Congress and his knowledge of
intelligence matters give him a rare understanding of, and a deep
appreciation for, your concerns.
In closing, I want you to know that in my frequent travels
to cities and towns across America, I see many heartfelt
demonstrations of support for your cause. Americans know that
across our land, every Thanksgiving, there are families that
still set an empty chair at the table. We know that yellowed
SP?
photographs and school mementoes are still being lovingly kept in
scrapbooks. And questions remain, and will remain until
answered.
Now the mothers and fathers of another great power share
your grief, share your lingering doubts. That this power, the
Soviet Union, backed the North Vietnamese; and the United States
backed the Afghan freedom-fighters, is an irony. But there is no
room in the American heart for a mean-spirited and petty
indifference. Far from it.
7
I am pleased to note that Soviet General-Secretary Mikhail
Gorbachev recently made a humanitarian appeal for our help in
obtaining the fullest possible accounting for Soviet citizens
still prisoner and missing in Afghanistan. Let me answer him
today: we will do everything we can. And in return, we expect
the Soviets to do all they can to encourage more serious and
timely cooperation from their allies in Indochina.
Working together, we can resolve the anguish of many
families in two lands. And we can do something more
I hope to gradually build a spirit of cooperation so that
the arms of the United States and the Soviet Union will never
again be used against the youth of our nations.
Thank you, God bless you and God bless America.
time for leaves
#
#
#
ECCLESIASTES
Atineto be born, AND A time to DIE'S 14.
A time to Kill, AND A time to heAl;
...
A time of f WAR, AND M time of PRACE,
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CLIENT: WHO
LIBRARY: NEXIS
FILE: PAPERS, WIRES, MAGS
YOUR SEARCH REQUEST IS:
(THOMAS OR TOM) W/3 NIELS*N W/25 (PAINTING OR PORTRAIT OR ARTIST OR ART OR
DRAW! OR SCULPT!)
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2
4TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
PR Newswire
May 20, 1988, Friday
LENGTH: 417 words
HEADLINE: TO NATIONAL DESK:
DATELINE: WASHINGTON, May 20
KEYWORD: PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA TO HONOR ROBERT DOLE
BODY:
WASHINGTON, May 20 /PRN/ - Sen. Robert Dole (R-Kan.) will
be honored with the fifth annual "Award for Life Service to
Veterans" presented by the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and
the Vietnam Veterans Institute (VVI) on Wednesday, May 25, at 7 p.m.
in the Montpelier Room, Madison Building of the Library of Congress.
More than 40 senators and congressmen are planning to join past
recipients of the "Award for Life Service to Veterans" in this
salute to Sen. Dole.
In making the announcement OF Dole's selection, R. Jack Powell,
PVA executive director, said, "For more than 40 years, Senator Dole
has actively served his fellow veterans. Beginning with his efforts
as a veterans' service officer in Kansas following World War II, to
his leadership in Congress, Senator Dole has consistently championed
causes for individual veterans - as well as all the men and women
who have served our nation in uniform."
Powell continued, "Senator Dole's courage and success, as a
disabled veteran, have been an inspiration to many others with a
disability and has focused attention on the fact that all people
should be judged on their abilities, not their disabilities."
According to Jerry Yates, chairman of the board of VVI, "This
award is our way of symbolizing our deep appreciation of Senator
Dole's personal and legislative accomplishments, which have done so
much to vastly improve programs and benefits For our nation's
veterans."
A highlight of the annual PVA/VVI award ceremony is the
unveiling of a specially-commissioned oil portrait, displaying the
superb artistic talents of VVI board member and artist Tom Nielson.
Nielson's portraits have made impressive and lasting tributes to
previous "Life Service to Veterans" recipients - Chairman of the
House Committee on Veteran' Affairs G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery
(D-Miss.), Senate Majority Leader Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.), Chairman
of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs Alan Cranston
(D-Calif.) and Rep. John Paul Hammerschmidt (R-Ariz.)
The Paralyzed Veterans of America, a veterans' service
organization chartered by Congress, has for more than Four decades
served the needs of its members -- all of whom have catastrophic
paralysis caused by spinal cord injury or disease. PVA is Funded
through private donations and neither seeks nor receives government
funds.
CONTACT -- Brett Ferrigan of the Paralyzed Veterans OF America,
202-872-1300
LEXIS® ® NEXIS® LEXIS ® NEXIS®
through Georgia '90: State Rep. Bubba McDonald is running
I
for Gov as Lauren McDonald. State Sen. Pierre Howard is running
for Lt. Gov. with the slogan: "Pierre is French for Bubba."
--- Summary Page 2 ---
EXCERPTS ... EXCERPTS
====
TV HIGHLIGHTS
====
HOTLINE/KRC POLL TESTS BUSH ON
For full TV WRAP UP, See #90
EDUCATION AND ENVIRONMENT
For Abortion, #32
(1003 sample, 7/23-25, 3%
B-2: "$70B for one plane and
margin of error, see #81.)
all they spend nationwide on
drug interdiction is $1B? Give
EDUC. ENV.
me a break" -- NY Mayor Ed
BUSH ADM. JOB RATING
Koch, CBS, 7/26
Excellent
4%
3%
Above average
23
28
B-2: "This is an investment,
Average (vol)
19
22
and like all investments it
Below average
29
26
involves some risks and
Poor
13
14
gambles. I think it is a
prudent gamble" -- Rep.
WHO WILL DO BETTER JOB
Robert Livingston, (R-LA), NBC,
GOP in White House 35%
29%
7/26
Dems in Congress
43
46
ABORTION: "Republicans and
FEDERAL SPENDING ON
Democrats, may in this odd
Too little
69%
66%
issue, find a clear ideological
Too much
6
9
dividing line at last" -- Roger
About right
22
20
Rosenblatt, "MacNeil," 7/26
JOB RATING
BUSH
QUAYLE
LUCAS: "It's good to have
Excellent
10%
3%
understanding of pain and
Above average
38
16
agony, but when I go into a
Average (vol)
24
20
courtroom I need a lawyer with
Below average
17
27
technical experience" -- Elaine
Poor
6
13
Jones of the NAACP-Legal
Defense Fund, "MacNeil," 7/26
PERSONAL FAVORABILITY
LUCAS: "Lucas will do just as
BUSH
well as Robert Kennedy who
Favorable 75%
became Attorney General of the
Unfavorable 17
whole Justice Dept. without
courtroom experience." --
QUAYLE
SCLC's Rev. Joseph Lowery,
Favorable
37%
"MacNeil, 7/26
Unfavorable 38
DUKAKIS
* PAUL SIMON AT DSCC DINNER
Favorable 38%
The one without the bow tie
Unfavorable 45
will sing at DSCC 9/27 dinner.
TV SOUND BITE
"B-2, or not B-2, that is the question. A handsome
Mah- Call
JEFF SALMON
697-8191
DOUG PS/ - DIRECTOR ASIAN AffAiRS
5746
as special Pris. environg-
Pres. Busle
to Vietnam.
upported Gen. Jessey
not to CAmbodiA / not TO LAOS
Inter. Red CROSS/ Prinate groups
year round activities
crash site must./surveny/
CRITICAL TO CONTINUE HIGH PRiORiTy
E
In his Inaugation "gooduills Geyts
*
goodwiel"
Quote InAuguRAl
Vietnam, Cambodia, LAOS- driblets
fremains/information. of remains/ information
TOTAL DEFENSE VARO NSH
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20301-1400
/
THE
STATE
TO: mar K Davis, White House Speechwriters
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
456-7701
Mark Davis -
Not the final - -
but close. P/S
FAX your text ASAP.
Jeff Sulmar
FAX # 695-1149
If total number of copies are not received
please call 697-8191
Total # 17 plus this sheet
100 PAGE
61I969202
80:6
Salmon
26Jul89
7:00PM
Remarks by Secretary Cheney
to the
National League of Families of Prisoners of War
and Missing in Action
29 July 1989
Thank you all very much, it's a pleasure to join
you. I'm especially pleased to be here for your 20th
annual meeting. Although there is much that still
has to be done, I want to begin tonight by
recognizing the League's contribution to the
progress we've made so far in this critically
important effort.
With your meetings and briefings completed, I
hope you found your trip to Washington fruitful.
We profit from these meetings as well. In fact, we
all profit when information is shared and resources
pooled.
Let me begin by acknowledging the enormous
contribution of your Executive Director, Ann Mills
200
-2-
Griffiths and your Chairman George Brooks. Ann
shared her thoughts with me very early in my
tenure as Secretary, and I want you to know Ann
that I appreciate the invaluable help you've already
given me and the guidance you've given the
Department for many years. George Brooks is what
this organization is all about -- dedication. Even
after he and his wife Gladys received final word on
their son in 1982, their interest in America's missing
and unaccounted for has never flagged. In George
and Gladys' dictionary, the word "self-interest"
doesn't even appear.
I want to give you my own perspective tonight
on our continuing efforts to gain the fullest possible
accounting of your family members missing in
Indochina. Over the last two days of your meetings,
you've had a host of detailed briefings and
discussions, so there is no need for me to cover
ground with which you are already quite familiar.
£00. PHGS
-3-
What I can do is address a few other issues that
must certainly be on your mind. With any new
Administration, questions arise about our future
efforts to resolve every possible case of servicemen
missing or unaccounted for. Let me discuss that
future, and let me also discuss my own personal
commitment to this issue.
I can't move from my home to my office, or from
my office to a meeting, without seeing and feeling
the graphic reminders of the strength and sacrifice
that come with military service. From the
POW/MIA corridor on the fourth floor of the
Pentagon, with its list of Americans who are still
unaccounted for, to Arlington National Cemetery
and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, that lies just
to the west of the Pentagon and sweeps below me
every time I take the Marine helicopter, I cannot
escape the feelings of loss and uncertainty that
surround war. The monuments and symbols that
200
20:6
-4-
are so much a part of this capital city remind us of
our obligation to the memory of those killed in
battle and those whose fate we have yet to discover.
But we are also reminded that there is more to the
sacrifice of war than the courage and strength of
our soldiers.
Fathers, wives, sons, mothers, and daughters
stand behind our military -- families contribute
quietly, but fundamentally, to national security.
They serve no less than the men and women in
uniform. We understand that, and that is why I've
put people first in our budget. Military families and
quality of life programs will not be ignored, no
matter how tightly our budget is squeezed.
No families, however, have a greater claim to
our attention than you do. While all families make
sacrifices, yours is different. Your service to
America, and the uncertainties you have been
forced to live with, are both immeasurable and
500
-5-
unrelenting. I want to assure you that I will never
lose sight of that fact.
As a member of the House Intelligence
Committee, I was able to participate in hearings
and briefings on our efforts to achieve the fullest
possible accounting of our POWs and MIAs. In
many ways, this was a privileged position.
Committee members could follow in detail our
intelligence collection efforts, and come to
understand how we cope with the roadblocks and
complexities that are so much a part of this
important effort. Two things always impressed me:
First, that we have an enormous task before us
made more difficult by the political realities of
southeast Asia, and second, that no matter how
difficult, our dedication to this search must not
wane.
As Secretary of Defense, I have gained a keener
appreciation of our quest for accurate information.
900 PAGE
WORLD
-6-
In my earliest days in office, I met with General
Vessey, the President's Special Emissary for
POW/MIA Affairs and assured him of my personal
support for his efforts. The General briefed me on
his current efforts and we talked about our hopes
for the future. We are blessed to have a man of this
caliber leading our negotiations with the
Vietnamese. I think they see in Jack Vessey the
same thing we see -- a man of unimpeachable
integrity and honesty. He has done an
extraordinary job and that's why President Bush
has asked him to remain in his post.
There's no question that Jack Vessey has made
a difference. Let me just note a few of the activities
that have taken place since his first mission to
Hanoi in August 1987.
Our numerous technical level meetings with
the Vietnamese have succeeded in
hammering out important details permitting
200 PAGE
WORLD
-7-
us to expand both the scope and effectiveness
of our joint investigations and other
POW/MIA related activities with the
Vietnamese.
The Vietnamese have repatriated 212
remains, 74 of them since the first of this year.
Of the overall total, 62 have thus far been
identified as those of missing Americans,
bringing long awaited answers to their
families. Many of the remains are still
undergoing analysis by the Central
Identification Laboratory. While many may
prove to be unidentifiable or not those of
Americans, we welcome the opportunity to
examine for ourselves any remains thought to
be those of our missing servicemen. We look
forward to the next repatriation that will take
place Monday.
800, PHGS
-8-
As you know, the seventh iteration of joint
investigations will begin in just two days.
These investigations have given us important
insights into some of the most compelling
discrepancy cases. We have much more to do,
and we will continue to press the Vietnamese
to make witnesses available and to share
whatever information they have concerning
those missing and unaccounted for.
In Laos, we reached important agreements
early this year for a year-round program to
accelerate resolving the fate of over 500
missing or unaccounted for in that country.
We are now working to build on that
development. Since the beginning of this
year, we've undertaken two crash site
excavations, including the first rainy season
effort. Cooperation from the Lao has been
good and we look forward to this increasing.
600 PAGE
2026651169 FROM 90:6
-9-
Of course, it's doubtful we would have these
opportunities today were it not for President
Reagan's and Vice President Bush's decision back
in 1981 to elevate the POW/MIA issue to a matter of
the highest national priority.
Tonight, I join President Bush in assuring you
that our efforts to account for all missing
Americans in Indochina remains just that -- an issue
of the highest national priority.
Just this week, I spoke to the President about
this issue and reviewed for him some of the steps
we've been taking and some of the progress we've
made. The President could not be more determined
to see to it that we achieve the fullest possible
accounting. He told me to make certain that the
Department commits the resources required to get
the job done.
010 PAGE
FROM 10:5
-10-
The accelerated rate of progress -- the site
surveys, crash site excavations, field investigations,
identification activities and technical discussions
with the Vietnamese and Lao 44 all these have
increased our own workload. We have responded
accordingly by increasing resources and full-time
staff at the Defense Intelligence Agency, the U.S.
Army Central Identification Laboratory, the Joint
Casualty Resolution Center.
I am ready to expand these specialized units
whenever the need dictates. Indeed, nothing would
please me more than to have greater progress
create a need for more manpower, equipment, and
funds. Like you, I am acutely aware that there are
still 2,347 Americans unaccounted for in Indochina.
Moreover, we continue to take very seriously all
reports of live prisoners in this region. As always,
the answers to this most vexing issue lie with the
110 PAGE
-11-
Indochinese governments, not here in Washington.
The burden is on them to supply satisfactory
answers to this sensitive question.
When such reports come to us we investigate
them as thoroughly, completely, and expeditiously
as possible. The recent case of the elderly Japanese
Monk, Ganshin Yoshida [gan-shin, yo-shee-da], is a
good example. I know that you have received
detailed briefings on this case from the Defense
Intelligence Agency. Let me stress that prior to
Yoshida's release in January, our Government
contacted his family to arrange interviews with
him. Regrettably, his very poor health precluded
our talking with him at that time.
Since then, we have interviewed him twice, and
as you are aware, we have discovered that his
mental and physical ailments make his
recollections cloudy.
210 PAGE
80:6
-12-
I share your disappointment that thus far this
source has not proven as useful as we had hoped.
We will continue to pursue this case and the
information attributed to the Monk by his daughter.
Moreover, it is incumbent on the Vietnamese to give
us details of Yoshida's captivity. The Vietnamese
must recognize that these questions are not going to
go away.
I have made certain that DIA's special office for
POW/MIA affairs, and the DIA collection team in
southeast Asia will stay on this, as well as other
cases, and keep me fully informed.
In this regard, it is essential that the Secretary of
Defense maintain the closest possible connection to
this issue, that he be informed and up to date. I
have therefore appointed my Assistant Secretary
for International Security Affairs, Henry Rowen to
be my special advisor on the POW/MIA issues. In
810 PAGE
HORE 80:6
-13-
addition to seeing that I receive all relevant
intelligence, Henry Rowen is charged with being
my direct link to the League. He will be open to
your specific concerns through close coordination
with Ann, and he will make sure you remain fully
informed. Just as important, Assistant Secretary
Rowen will ensure that there are no bureaucratic
bottlenecks to our resolving these issues. If we ever
hear the sound of dragging feet, we'll administer
the kick where it's needed.
Still, no matter how much we do here in
Washington to resolve the questions surrounding
our missing and unaccounted for, we must look to
Hanoi, Phnom Penh, and Vientiane for final
answers. The complex politics of this region, our
own historical involvement, and our current
diplomatic efforts all play a role in our future
efforts on the POW/MIA issue.
-14-
Much interest, of course, focuses on Cambodia.
Here we have heard claims that the Cambodian
regime currently holds American remains. We have
made clear to Phnom Penh that we are prepared
immediately to dispatch an Air Force plane and an
official repatriation team to pick up these remains.
Regrettably, we have had no response.
Regarding the conflict in Cambodia, the United
States has consistently called for a complete, and
internationally verified withdrawal of all
Vietnamese troops, effective measures to prevent
the return to power of the Khmer Rouge, and a free
and fair election to reestablish a truly sovereign
and independent country. The Khmer Rouge are
responsible for the death of some million-and-a-half
persons -- that awesome figure represents 20% of
Cambodia's 1975 population. They must not be
allowed to return to dominance.
SI0
-15-
Our position on normalization of relations is
well understood by that government.
Normalization is possible only in the context of a
comprehensive Cambodian settlement which
provides for a genuine withdrawal of all
Vietnamese troops from Cambodia, and a real
opportunity for the Cambodian people to determine
their own fate, free from either Vietnamese
domination, or Khmer Rouge terror. As a practical
matter, of course, the pace and scope of the
normalization process will be directly affected by
the seriousness of Vietnam's cooperation with us on
the POW/MIA issue as well as other humanitarian
concerns.
Vietnam has pledged to withdraw from
Cambodia by the end of September, and as we
speak, meetings involving the four Cambodian
factions, Vietnam and Laos, the countries of the
association of southeast Asia nations, and the U.S.
910
-16-
government are taking place in Paris. We cannot
know for sure, however, whether these, and other
positive developments, will lead to a negotiated
settlement in Cambodia, or whether they promise
greater progress as we try to gain the fullest
possible accounting of our missing men.
With regard to the POW/MIA issue, I can do no
better than to repeat the President's words from his
inaugural address: "Good will begets good will.
Good faith can be a spiral that endlessly moves on."
Only you can truly understand what it is like to
wait for answers over so many years, living with
painful uncertainty and always being asked to trust
in the efforts of a sometimes secretive and
cumbersome bureaucracy in Washington. I do not
claim to know what it is like to stand in your shoes.
What I can say is that I am now a partner in this
task. I will miss no reasonable chance to resolve the
** 810' PAGE 1019 **
-17-
terrible burden you and all the families have
endured.
If nothing else, I want you to leave here tonight
knowing that your mission is my mission.
How could it be otherwise? A nation that will
not care for those fallen in battle, a nation that will
not seek freedom for those held captive, a nation
that forgets its missing in action, such a nation has
lost its soul. That will not be the final legacy of
Vietnam.
Every step forward tells us that answers are not
beyond our reach. Every case resolved gives us
hope that others will soon follow. I join you tonight
in the hope that some day meetings such as this may
not be necessary.
Thank you all very much.
JOE WAtkins
ED TimberlAke
Anne Mills GRiffith
/
Anne mius GRIFFITH
supportine / VIEMAN MIAS prime issue.
OLDEST ORCANIZATION/ Generally
CONCRETE - 2 PAGE FACT SHEET.
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Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
(George Bush Library)
Document No.
Subject/Title of Document
Date
Restriction
Class.
and Type
01. Report
Background and Action Plan for Defeating the Dukakis-
n.d.
Akhromeyev Defense Bill of 1989. (1 pp.)
Collection:
Record Group:
Bush Presidential Records
Office:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Davis, Mark William
Open on Expiration of PRA
Subseries:
Subject File
(Document Follows)
WHORM Cat.:
By CAP (NLGB) on 4/5/05
File Location:
National League of Families 7/28/89
Date Closed:
12/14/2004
OA/ID Number:
13873-011
FOIA/SYS Case #:
S
Appeal Case #:
Re-review Case #:
2005-0481-S
Appeal Disposition:
P-2/P-5 Review Case #:
Disposition Date:
AR Case #:
MR Case #:
AR Disposition:
MR Disposition:
AR Disposition Date:
MR Disposition Date:
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act- [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P-1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
(b)(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P-2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
(b)(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an
P-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
(b)(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
(b)(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P-5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
(b)(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
(b)(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of
(b)(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
(b)(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
PRM. Removed as a personal record misfile.
Background and Action Plan for Defeating
The Dukakis-Akhromeyev Defense Bill of 1989
July 1988: Reagan a lame duck. Bush trailed Dukakis in the polls by
double digits. SecDef Carlucci, Sens. Warner and Thurmond urged
Reagan to sign the bill, arguing it was the best they could achieve
and a veto would result in an even worse bill. Junior Republican
senators led by Quayle (this was a month before the Republican
convention) urged Reagan to veto the bill. Bush's decision to urge
a veto was pivotal in persuading Reagan to carry out the veto. The
strategy had its risks as far as the defense programs themselves
were concerned, but Bush was so far down he had little to lose from
boldness. During the August recess, Administration spokesmen and
the Bush campaign carried the Reagan-Bush defense message across the
country, building support for the veto strategy and the President's
priorities. The veto strategy worked. The bill was vastly
improved. Meanwhile the veto focussed public attention on defense
issues. The stark contrast exposed between Dukakis and Bush on
defense policy was a key factor in the collapse of Dukakis's popular
support and the switch in favor of Bush.
July 1989: Bush is overwhelmingly popular, hailed as a superb
diplomat, a national security policy expert more engaged in details
than Reagan and thus well equipped to implement the popular defense
programs Reagan launched. Quayle, the young Senate defense expert
of last summer, is Vice President. Defense policy is the best area
for him to show the depth and gravitas the media says he lacks.
Bush has a comprehensive program for strategic modernization, which,
he insists in this era of SDI, must include defenses as well as
offenses. In contrast to the policy paralysis caused by the
Shultz-Weinberger feud, Bush has a harmonious team with Baker,
Cheney and Scowcroft.
Bush offered an "outstretched hand" to Congress with his
proposed Defense budget, making deep cuts from the Reagan request in
such key programs as SDI. But while Bush was carrying off his
diplomatic and public relations triumphs in Europe, Congress put
together a Michael Dukakis Defense Bill. The rhetoric of the
Markeys and Schroeders and Dellumses as they gut the defense bill is
clearly that of persons "viscerally opposed to defense." The House
SDI and B-2 cuts would make Bush a sort of lame duck Commander in
Chief, throwing our START positions "out the window" (as Quayle put
it) and negating Bush's ability to fulfill his campaign promise to
make the SDI deployment decision in his first term.
ACTION REQUIRED: It's time for another veto and another
Read-My-Lips speech. Bush needs to put some of his hoard of
political capital to work to protect the national interest.
Dukakisism is coming out of its hole and must be beaten back. Much
time has been lost, but Bush still has a surprise factor in his
favor if he chooses a veto strategy. A good public relations
campaign can take the message through local newspapers and
broadcasting to the home districts of swing votes in Congress.
August 1989 can be as crucial and successful a month as August 1988
in educating the public and reversing a seemingly large but actually
shallow liberal political advantage.
MarkD.
REMARKS: NATIONAL LEAGUE OF FAMILIES/J.W. MARRIOTT
JULY 28, 1989/3:20 P.M.
THANK YOU GEORGE AND ANN. IT'S AN HONOR TO BE
BACK WITH THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF FAMILIES.
EARLIER, I WAS REFLECTING ON THE MAGNITUDE OF WHAT
YOU HAVE ENDURED THROUGH SO MANY YEARS OF UNCERTAINTY.
DESPITE YOUR BURDENS, YOU HAVE BROUGHT ABOUT A CHANGE
IN OUR NATION THAT WILL NEVER BE REVERSED. YOUR
ORGANIZATION PROVIDES US ALL WITH A STIRRING EXAMPLE OF
HOW CITIZENS WORKING TOGETHER CAN HELP CRAFT SOUND
POLICY.
AS YOU KNOW, BARBARA AND I RETURNED FROM CENTRAL
AND EASTERN EUROPE TWO WEEKS AGO. AND IN THE FACES OF
THE BRAVE WORKERS OF GDANSK AND THE HOPEFUL STUDENTS OF
BUDAPEST, I SAW A TRUTH THAT CANNOT BE DENIED -- THE
DEMOCRATIC IDEAL IS WINNING THE HEARTS OF PEOPLE AROUND
THE WORLD.
IT IS THIS IDEAL THAT WE HONOR WHEN WE FLY THE
FLAG. AND IT IS FOR THIS IDEAL THAT SO MANY AMERICANS
WERE READY WHEN THEIR COUNTRY CALLED.
- 2 -
TODAY WE SEE THE SYMBOL OF THIS COMMITMENT, THE
LEAGUE'S POW/MIA FLAG, ON PERMANENT DISPLAY IN THE
ROTUNDA OF OUR NATION'S CAPITOL. IT STANDS IN A
POSITION OF TREMENDOUS HONOR. AND IT WILL NOT COME
DOWN UNTIL WE HAVE THE FULLEST POSSIBLE ACCOUNTING OF
YOUR MISSING LOVED ONES.
YOUR FLAG CAN BE SEEN ACROSS THIS LAND -- OVER
STATEHOUSES, FIRE STATIONS, SCHOOLS, MILITARY
INSTALLATIONS AND STADIUMS, EVEN ON SHIPS AT SEA -- A
STIRRING REMINDER THAT AMERICA'S SONS ARE STILL
MISSING.
THE IDEALS FOR WHICH YOUR LOVED ONES FOUGHT MAY
FINALLY BE COMING TO PASS -- THE FAILURE OF
TOTALITARIAN AND REPRESSIVE COMMUNIST REGIMES. THE
EVIDENCE IS CLEAR THROUGH RECENT EVENTS IN CHINA, THE
SOVIET UNION AND EVEN IN CAMBODIA, WHERE VIETNAM
APPEARS TO BE WITHDRAWING ITS TROOPS.
- 3 -
SOME OF OUR FINEST YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN WERE LOST
DURING THE MANY LONG YEARS OF THE VIETNAM WAR. AND THE
DIVISIONS THAT RESULTED FROM OUR INVOLVEMENT THERE
SHOOK OUR COUNTRY TO ITS CORE. BUT AS TRAGIC AS THE
LOSS OF A LOVED ONE IS, EVEN MORE DIFFICULT TO ENDURE
IS THE UNCERTAINTY WHICH, FOR YOU, HAS EXTENDED OVER SO
MANY YEARS.
NOW WE ARE COMING TO A TIME WHEN THE DIVISIONS OF
THE VIETNAM WAR ARE HEALING; WE HAVE LET GO OF THE
BITTERNESS OF THE PAST. BUT WITH THIS RECONCILIATION
COMES A TEMPTATION TO FORGET THOSE WHO SERVED. YET WE
WILL NOT FORGET. AND WE WILL NEVER BREAK RANKS.
MY FRIEND AND PREDECESSOR, RONALD REAGAN, HAD A
PERSONAL COMMITMENT TO DETERMINE THE FATES OF YOUR
MISSING LOVED ONES. BECAUSE OF HIS COMMITMENT, AND
YOUR PERSEVERANCE, THE POLICIES OF THIS ORGANIZATION
ARE NOW THE POLICIES OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT.
- 4 -
WHEN I SOUGHT THE PRESIDENCY, I RENEWED PRESIDENT
REAGAN'S PLEDGE THAT WE WOULD WRITE NO LAST CHAPTERS,
WE WOULD CLOSE NO BOOKS, WE WOULD PUT AWAY NO FINAL
MEMORIES UNTIL YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT MISSING AND
POSSIBLE PRISONERS OF WAR HAVE BEEN ANSWERED.
AND IT IS AS YOUR PRESIDENT THAT I REPEAT THIS
PLEDGE.
LET ME SIMPLY STATE THE POLICY OF THIS NEW
ADMINISTRATION. THE FULLEST POSSIBLE ACCOUNTING
REMAINS A MATTER OF HIGHEST NATIONAL PRIORITY. WE WILL
DO EVERYTHING THAT A GOVERNMENT CAN DO TO RECOVER THE
MISSING, AND IF WE DISCOVER PROOF OF CAPTIVITY, WE WILL
TAKE ACTION TO BRING OUR MEN HOME.
AND SO LONG AS YOU MUST LIVE WITHOUT KNOWING THE
FATE OF YOUR LOVED ONES, THE UNITED STATES WILL INSIST,
IN THE NAME OF HUMANITY, THAT THE GOVERNMENTS OF
INDOCHINA GIVE THE FULLEST POSSIBLE ACCOUNTING.
- 5 -
FRUSTRATION ON THIS SENSITIVE ISSUE IS VERY
UNDERSTANDABLE. I HEAR THOSE WHO SAY MORE MUST BE
DONE. IF MORE CAN BE DONE, THEN IT WILL BE.
UNDERSTAND THIS: I DO NOT COUNSEL A TIMID PATIENCE, I
COUNSEL A BOLD PERSISTENCE. ((PAUSE))
AND OUR PERSISTENCE IS SHOWING SOME RESULTS; SINCE
THE GOVERNMENT EMBRACED THE GOALS OF THIS ORGANIZATION,
MANY MORE OF YOU HAVE FOUND ANSWERS. EACH ANSWER HAS
BEEN ANOTHER SAD TRUTH TO LEARN. BUT EVERY POW/MIA
RELATIVE THAT I MEET TELLS ME THAT TRUTH IS PREFERABLE
TO THE GREATER AGONY -- THAT OF NOT KNOWING.
THE TASK OF LEARNING MORE IS DAUNTING, BUT WE CAN
COUNT ON SOME POWERFUL ALLIES.
FIRST ARE THE NATIONAL VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS,
THOSE WHO HAVE STOOD SIDE-BY-SIDE WITH US THROUGH THE
LONG YEARS. IT WAS THESE VETERAN GROUPS, SUPPORTING
YOU, WHICH PROTESTED GOVERNMENT INDIFFERENCE TO THE
POW/MIA ISSUE IN EARLIER YEARS. THEIR CONTRIBUTION HAS
BEEN INDISPENSABLE.
- 6 -
OTHER PARTNERS IN OUR QUEST ARE THE MEN AND WOMEN
IN GOVERNMENT WHO ARE DEDICATING THEIR CAREERS TO
LEARNING THE TRUTH ABOUT OUR POWS AND MIAS. THESE
PUBLIC SERVANTS ARE NOT UNINSPIRED BUREAUCRATS JUST
GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS. THEY HAVE A DEEP AND
ABIDING COMMITMENT TO THEIR TASK. THIS IS A COMMITMENT
SHARED BY PEOPLE IN THE MILITARY SERVICES, IN THE
DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE AGENCY, IN EMBASSIES THROUGHOUT
THE WORLD AND AMONG THOSE AMERICAN PILOTS WHO BRING OUR
FALLEN SOLDIERS OUT OF HANOI, TO AT LONG LAST COME
HOME.
YOU ALSO HAVE MANY FRIENDS IN BOTH PARTIES IN
CONGRESS. I ESPECIALLY WANT TO COMMEND BOB DOLE, JOHN
MCCAIN, STEVE SOLARZ, BOB LAGOMARSINO AND BEN GILMAN,
FOR SHOWING THE GOVERNMENTS OF INDOCHINA THE STRENGTH
OF BIPARTISAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITMENT TO FIND ANSWERS.
TO KEEP THIS ISSUE AT THE FOREFRONT, THEY HAVE AGAIN
PASSED RESOLUTIONS ESTABLISHING NATIONAL POW/MIA
RECOGNITION DAY, THIS YEAR ON SEPTEMBER 15TH.
- 7 -
I MUST MENTION HOW INVALUABLE THE GUIDANCE OF ANN
MILLS GRIFFITHS HAS BEEN THROUGH THE YEARS. HER
KNOWLEDGE AND DETERMINATION ARE AN INSPIRATION, AND HER
PARTICIPATION IN THE INTERAGENCY GROUP PROVIDES
CRITICAL INSIGHTS. WE WILL CONTINUE TO LOOK TO HER FOR
ADVICE AND LEADERSHIP.
AND FINALLY, I PLEDGE TO DO ALL I CAN. I WILL
SOON ISSUE A PROCLAMATION CALLING UPON ALL AMERICANS TO
HONOR THEIR MISSING COUNTRYMEN AND THOSE WHO SERVED AS
POWS BY PARTICIPATING IN CEREMONIES ACROSS OUR NATION.
BUT THIS IS JUST A BEGINNING.
IN SOUTHEAST ASIA, THERE ARE AMERICANS WHO ARE
UNACCOUNTED FOR. AS I SAID IN MY INAUGURAL ADDRESS,
"ASSISTANCE CAN BE SHOWN HERE AND WILL BE LONG
REMEMBERED. GOODWILL BEGETS GOODWILL."
- 8 -
WE APPRECIATE VIETNAM'S INCREASED RESPONSIVENESS
TO THAT APPEAL. AN UNPRECEDENTED LEVEL OF JOINT
OPERATIONS HAS ALREADY BROUGHT SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS.
BUT DESPITE OUR INCREASED ACTIVITIES, MANY QUESTIONS
REMAIN. ONCE AGAIN, I CALL ON HANOI TO SWIFTLY DISPEL
THE SHADOW OF DOUBT, TO SHED LIGHT ON THE FATE OF YOUR
LOVED ONES. I CALL ON HANOI TO REMOVE THIS LAST
VESTIGE OF ARMED CONFLICT BETWEEN US.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO NORMALIZING OUR RELATIONS WITH
VIETNAM, ONCE A COMPREHENSIVE SETTLEMENT HAS BEEN
ACHIEVED IN CAMBODIA. THAT SETTLEMENT MUST INCLUDE
GENUINE POWER SHARING WITH THE NON-COMMUNIST CAMBODIANS
LED BY PRINCE SIHANOUK AND IN INTERNATIONALLY VERIFIED
TROOP WITHDRAWAL. BUT HANOI MUST CLEARLY UNDERSTAND
THAT, AS A PRACTICAL MATTER, THE PACE AND SCOPE OF THIS
PROCESS WILL BE DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY THE SERIOUSNESS OF
THEIR COOPERATION ON POW/MIA AND OTHER HUMANITARIAN
ISSUES.
- 9 -
IN LAOS, so MANY QUESTIONS REMAIN, AND SO FEW
ANSWERS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED. IN LIGHT OF THE
DIFFICULTIES INVOLVED, THEIR AGREEMENT EARLIER THIS
YEAR TO A YEAR-ROUND PROGRAM OF COOPERATION IS
ENCOURAGING. YOU CAN BE CERTAIN THAT WE ARE SEEKING TO
EXPAND THIS AGREEMENT IN EVERY POSSIBLY WAY.
WE ALSO WELCOME THE LAO GOVERNMENT'S AGREEMENT TO
WORK BILATERALLY WITH US ON COMBATING THE INTERNATIONAL
SCOURGE OF NARCOTICS. IMPLEMENTING THIS AGREEMENT WILL
BE CRITICALLY IMPORTANT TO OUR IMPROVED BILATERAL
RELATIONSHIP, WHICH HAS EXPANDED STEADILY SINCE 1982.
WE LOOK TO THE FUTURE IN OUR RELATIONS WITH LAOS,
RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF STEPS THEY ARE TAKING
TOWARD OPENING THEIR SOCIETY AND DEVELOPING THEIR
ECONOMY FOR THE GOOD OF THE LAO PEOPLE.
- 10 -
TO THE FAMILIES OF THOSE MISSING IN CAMBODIA, I
MUST TELL YOU THAT OUR EFFORTS TO GAIN PHNOM PENH'S
HUMANITARIAN COOPERATION ON RESOLVING THE FATES OF YOUR
MISSING LOVED ONES HAVE THUS FAR BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL.
DESPITE THEIR PUBLIC CLAIMS TO BE HOLDING REMAINS OF
SOME AMERICANS, OFFICIALS THERE HAVE BEEN DEAF TO OUR
APPEALS. I HAVE ASKED SECRETARY BAKER TO RAISE THIS
ISSUE DURING THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN CAMBODIA
BEGINNING THIS WEEKEND. I CALL ON PHNOM PENH TO ACT
RESPONSIBLY, HUMANELY, AND RETURN THESE REMAINS.
FAILURE TO DO so WILL SURELY HINDER THEIR EFFORTS TO
GAIN INTERNATIONAL RESPECT AND SUPPORT.
THE POLICIES PURSUED DURING THE PAST EIGHT YEARS
HAVE SHOWN SOME SUCCESS. INCOMPLETE? YES
BUT
PROGRESS IS BEING MADE BECAUSE OUR GOVERNMENT IS GIVING
IT HIGH PRIORITY.
AS WE PROCEED, WE WILL CONTINUE TO SEARCH FOR WAYS
TO IMPROVE THE PROCESS. WE WILL CONTINUE TO ASSEMBLE
THE BEST RESOURCES, TECHNOLOGY AND, MOST OF ALL,
QUALIFIED PEOPLE TO INTERVIEW REFUGEES, EVALUATE
INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION, AND NEGOTIATE WITH FOREIGN
GOVERNMENTS.
- 11 -
IT IS WITH THAT LAST MISSION IN MIND THAT I
REAPPOINTED A MAN OF THE HIGHEST INTEGRITY AND
QUALIFICATIONS, GENERAL JACK VESSEY, AS MY SPECIAL
POW/MIA EMISSARY TO HANOI. I KNOW THAT JACK WAS WITH
YOU THIS MORNING, AND SENIOR OFFICIALS FROM THE
DEPARTMENTS OF STATE AND DEFENSE, AND THE NATIONAL
SECURITY COUNCIL WILL FOLLOW ME HERE. I HAVE CHARGED
THEM ALL TO DO THEIR UTMOST. THEY KNOW, AND SHARE, MY
DEEP COMMITMENT TO YOUR MISSING LOVED ONES AND TO YOU.
THE PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE POW/MIA ISSUE
RESTS WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE. AND FOR THAT
REASON, WE ARE FORTUNATE TO HAVE A VERY TALENTED PUBLIC
SERVANT AS OUR SECRETARY OF DEFENSE. DICK CHENEY'S
YEARS IN CONGRESS AND HIS KNOWLEDGE OF INTELLIGENCE
MATTERS GIVE HIM A RARE UNDERSTANDING OF, AND A DEEP
APPRECIATION FOR, YOUR CONCERNS.
- 12 -
IN CLOSING, I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT IN MY FREQUENT
TRAVELS TO CITIES AND TOWNS ACROSS AMERICA, I SEE MANY
HEARTFELT DEMONSTRATIONS OF SUPPORT FOR OUR CAUSE.
AMERICANS KNOW THAT ACROSS OUR LAND, EVERY
THANKSGIVING, THERE ARE FAMILIES THAT STILL SET AN
EMPTY CHAIR AT THE TABLE. WE KNOW THAT FADED
PHOTOGRAPHS AND SCHOOL MEMENTOS ARE STILL BEING
LOVINGLY KEPT IN SCRAPBOOKS. AND QUESTIONS REMAIN, AND
WILL REMAIN, UNTIL ANSWERED.
NOW THE MOTHERS, FATHERS, WIVES, CHILDREN AND
FRIENDS OF ANOTHER GREAT POWER SHARE THE SAME KIND OF
GRIEF, SHARE WITH YOU LINGERING DOUBTS ABOUT MISSING
LOVED ONES. THAT THIS POWER, THE SOVIET UNION, BACKED
THE NORTH VIETNAMESE; AND THE UNITED STATES BACKED THE
AFGHAN FREEDOM-FIGHTERS, IS AN IRONY. BUT THERE IS NO
ROOM IN THE AMERICAN HEART FOR A MEAN-SPIRITED AND
PETTY INDIFFERENCE. FAR FROM IT.
- 13 -
I AM PLEASED TO NOTE THAT SOVIET GENERAL-SECRETARY
MIKHAIL GORBACHEV RECENTLY MADE A HUMANITARIAN APPEAL
FOR OUR HELP IN OBTAINING THE FULLEST POSSIBLE
ACCOUNTING FOR SOVIET CITIZENS STILL PRISONER AND
MISSING IN AFGHANISTAN. LET ME ANSWER HIM TODAY: WE
WILL DO EVERYTHING WE CAN. AND IN RETURN, WE
CONFIDENTLY EXPECT THE SOVIETS WILL DO ALL THEY CAN DO
ENCOURAGE MORE SERIOUS AND TIMELY COOPERATION FROM
THEIR ALLIES IN INDOCHINA.
WORKING TOGETHER, WE CAN RESOLVE THE ANGUISH OF
MANY FAMILIES IN TWO LANDS. AND WE CAN DO SOMETHING
MORE
WE CAN BUILD A NEW SPIRIT OF PEACE.
IN ECCLESIASTES, IT IS WRITTEN THAT THERE IS A
TIME FOR WAR, A TIME FOR PEACE AND A TIME TO HEAL. WE
WILL NEVER FORGET THOSE WHO SERVED OUR COUNTRY. AND
WHEN WE RECEIVE FINAL ANSWERS ABOUT THEIR FATE, THEN
THIS WILL TRULY BE A TIME FOR HEALING.
THANK YOU, GOD BLESS YOU AND GOD BLESS AMERICA.
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