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This file contains materials relating to Operation Babylift, an orphan airlift.
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1563032
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Indochina Refugees - General (1)
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document
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1563032
sourceUrl
contentType
document
title
Indochina Refugees - General (1)
description
This file contains materials relating to Operation Babylift, an orphan airlift.
citationUrl
collections
John O. Marsh Files (Ford Administration)
John Marsh's General Subject Files
subjects
Vietnam (Republic)
Refugees
Vietnamese Americans
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1563032
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1975-07-31
month
7
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1975
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1975-04-01
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4
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1975
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The original documents are located in Box 19, folder "Indochina Refugees - General (1)" of
the John Marsh Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald R. Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 19 of the John Marsh Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Determined to be an administrative marking
Cancelled per E.O. 12356, Sec. 1.3 and
Archivist's memo of March 16, 1983
SECRET
By
DVW NARS date 2/6/86
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 3, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
DON RUMSFELD
FROM:
JACK MARSH
It appears there are emerging two principal areas where there is likely to be
assigned a special Administration responsibility on the Vietnam matter. These
are refugee assistance and the safety of U.S. citizens who are "in country."
The latter has not moved into the forefront but will be of increasing Con-
gressional attention by next week in my opinion.
Collateral to the refugee problem is intense interest in the "Baby-lift." Con-
siderable White House effort was devoted to this by Phil Buchen and Dr. Ted
Marrs. Ted directed a great deal of the work that was done on this matter
at the White House level yesterday. I have requested a summary of this effort
be sent to you immediately, and Bill Roberts will transmit the same.
It is my view, shared by others, that a question at the news conference is
likely on any of the matters mentioned above.
BERALD FOR
SECRET
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 3, 1975
MR. MARSH:
Rena Wasserman (Whitehurst's Office)
called re the Congressman's desire
that you pass on the following message
to the President:
There are approximately 500 families
here that would like to adopt Vietnamese
children, and it is vital that we attempt to
get them out of Vietnam! She knows
of two military men who would volunteer
their services in any way to assist - also
the Red Cross has expressed interest in
assisting.
connie
[4/3/75?
We are seeing a great human tragedy as untold numbers
of Vietnamese flee the North Vietnamese onslaught. The United
States has been doing and will continue to do its utmost to assist
these people.
I have, for example, directed all available naval ships
to stand off Indochina to do whatever is necessary to assist.
We have appealed to the United Nations to use its moral influence
to permit these innocent people to leave, and we call on North
Vietnam to permit the movement of refugees to areas of their
choice.
The requirements for the care and ultimate disposition
of all those who are fleeing from the war will be heavy. Because
of the large numbers involved and the overwhelming need for
assistance, I will soon be asking the Congress for additional funds
to meet this humanitarian requirement. We will as well be working
with the humanitarian agencies to do everything humanly possible
to relieve the tragic plight of these refugees.
A.I.D. is working with
the Republic of Vietnam to expedite transportation to the
United States for about 2,000 Vietnamese orphans now in
Saigon. I have directed that funds from a $2 million
children's assistance allocation be used to airlift them
in suitable and safe aircraft as soon as possible, and
that the USAID Mission in Saigon move immediately to cut
through any red tape or bureaucratic obstacles.
These orphans are now in the custody of licensed adoption
agencies operating in Vietnam. They were already in the
process of adoption by American families living in various
parts of the United States. Those few who do not have
families arranged will be placed with families now on
waiting lists of the agencies.
We do not now need foster care homes or additional spon-
soring families. Adoption agencies involved which have
U.S. offices will be contacting the prospective parents.
Inquiries from families in the U.S. who are in the process
of adopting Vietnamese children should be made to the
appropriate adoption agencies. (A list is attached).
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
A.I.D. has been working with the Government of Vietnam and
U.S. voluntary agencies in Vietnam for two weeks to expedite
the transportation and placement of these orphans in U.S.
homes, because of the overloading of voluntary agency
facilities in Saigon caused by the refugee situation.
We presently are lining up one or two C-5A planes and
equipping them to ensure safe transportation and care
en route. We are also lining up alternative available
planes. The flights will begin within the next 36 to
48 hours and possibly sooner. We are arranging to have
the children met at Travis Air Force Base and/or other
locations on the west coast and to be cared for upon
arrival.
World Airways brought 57 orphans into Oakland last night
at 11:30 p.m. This was an unauthorized flight because the
South Vietnam Government, the FAA, and the U.S. Mission in
Saigon considered the rice cargo plane to be unsafe and
unsuitable for a long flight of infants across the Pacific.
We would welcome World Airways participation as long as
its flights are safe and appropriate arrangements for
medical care made.
FORD
is
GERALD
The following agencies with branches
in Vietnam are active in
intercountry adoption work. All are either licensed or in the pro-
cess of being licensed by the Ministry of Social Welfare of the
Republic of Vietnam to handle such adoptions.
Prospective adoptive parents should contact one of the following
agencies:
Holt Children's Service
P.O. Box 2420
1195 City View Street
Eugene, Oregon 97402
Telephone: (503) 687-2202
TAISSA (Traveler's Aid--International
Social Services of America)
345 East 46th Street, Room 715
New York, New York 10017
Telephone: (212) 687-2747
Friends For All Children
445 South 68th Street
Boulder, Colorado 80303
Telephone: (303) 494-7305
United States Catholic Conference
201 Park Avenue, South
New York, New York 10003
Telephone: (212) 475-5400
Friends of Children of Vietnam
600 Gilpin
Denver, Colorado 80211
Telephone: (303) 321-8251 or 8262
Pearl S. Buck Foundation
2019 DeLancey Place
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Telephone: (215) 732-1030
World Vision Relief Organization
919 West Huntington Drive
Monrovia, California 91016'
Telephone: (213) 357-1111
FORD
[4/3/75?]
We are seeing a great human tragedy as untold numbers
of Vietnamese flee the North Vietnamese onslaught. The United
States has been doing and will continue to do its utmost to assist
these people.
I have, for example, directed all available naval ships
to stand off Indochina to do whatever is necessary to assist.
We have appealed to the United Nations to use its moral influence
to permit these innocent people to leave, and we call on North
Vietnam to permit the movement of refugees to areas of their
choice.
The requirements for the care and ultimate disposition
of all those who are fleeing from the war will be heavy. Because
of the large numbers involved and the overwhelming need for
assistance, I will soon be asking the Congress for additional funds
to meet this humanitarian requirement. We will as well be working
with the humanitarian agencies to do everything humanly possible
to relieve the tragic plight of these refugees.
A.I.D. is working with
the Republic of Vietnam to expedite transportation to the
United States for about 2,000 Vietnamese orphans now in
Saigon. I have directed that funds from a $2 million
children's assistance allocation be used to airlift them
in suitable and safe aircraft as soon as possible, and
that the USAID Mission in Saigon move immediately to cut
through any red tape or bureaucratic obstacles.
These orphans are now in the custody of licensed adoption
agencies operating in Vietnam. They were already in the
process of adoption by American families living in various
parts of the United States. Those few who do not have
families arranged will be placed with families now on
waiting lists of the agencies.
We do not now need foster care homes or additional spon-
soring families. Adoption agencies involved which have
U.S. offices will be contacting the prospective parents.
Inquiries from families in the U.S. who are in the process
of adopting Vietnamese children should be made to the
appropriate adoption agencies. (A list is attached).
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
A.I.D. has been working with the Government of Vietnam and
U.S. voluntary agencies in Vietnam for two weeks to expedite
the transportation and placement of these orphans in U.S.
homes, because of the overloading of voluntary agency
facilities in Saigon caused by the refugee situation.
We presently are lining up one or two C-5A planes and
equipping them to ensure safe transportation and care
en route. We are also lining up alternative available
planes. The flights will begin within the next 36 to
48 hours and possibly sooner. We are arranging to have
the children met at Travis Air Force Base and/or other
locations on the west coast and to be cared for upon
arrival.
World Airways brought 57 orphans into Oakland last night
at 11:30 p.m. This was an unauthorized flight because the
South Vietnam Government, the FAA, and the U.S. Mission in
Saigon considered the rice cargo plane to be unsafe and
unsuitable for a long flight of infants across the Pacific.
We would welcome World Airways participation as long as
its flights are safe and appropriate arrangements for
medical care made.
FORD LIBRARY
The following agencies with branches in Vietnam are active in
intercountry adoption work. All are either licensed or in the pro-
cess of being licensed by the Ministry of Social Welfare of the
Republic of Vietnam to handle such adoptions.
Prospective adoptive parents should contact one of the following
agencies:
Holt Children's Service
P.O. Box 2420
1195 City View Street
Eugene, Oregon 97402
Telephone: (503) 687-2202
TAISSA (Traveler's Aid--International
Social Services of America)
345 East 46th Street, Room 715
New York, New York 10017
Telephone: (212) 687-2747
Friends For All Children
445 South 68th Street
Boulder, Colorado 80303
Telephone: (303) 494-7305
United States Catholic Conference
201 Park Avenue, South
New York, New York 10003
Telephone: (212) 475-5400
Friends of Children of Vietnam
600 Gilpin
Denver, Colorado 80211
Telephone: (303) 321-8251 or 8262
Pearl S. Buck Foundation
2019 DeLancey Place
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Telephone: (215) 732-1030
World Vision Relief Organization
919 West Huntington Drive
Monrovia, California 91016'
Telephone: (213) 357-1111
BERMAD FORD LIBRABA
APR S 1974
To: Jack marsh
From: Drent Scrwauft
We are seeing a great human tragedy as untold numbers
of Vietnamese flee the North Vietnamese onslaught. The United
States has been doing and will continue to do its utmost to assist
these people.
I have, for example, directed all available naval ships
to stand off Indochina to do whatever is necessary to assist.
We have appealed to the United Nations to use its moral influence
to permit these innocent people to leave, and we call on North
Vietnam to permit the movement of refugees to areas of their
choice.
The requirements for the care and ultimate disposition
of all those who are fleeing from the war will be heavy. Because
of the large numbers involved and the overwhelming need for
assistance, I will soon be asking the Congress for additional funds
to meet this humanitarian requirement. We will as well be working
with the humanitarian agencies to do everything humanly possible
to relieve the tragic plight of these refugees.
QERALD R. FORD
We are seeing a great human tragedy as untold numbers
of Vietnamese flee the North Vietnamese onslaught. The United
States has been doing and will continue to do its utmost to assist
these people.
I have, for example, directed all available naval ships
to stand off Indochina to do whatever is necessary to assist.
We have appealed to the United Nations to use its moral influence
to permit these innocent people to leave, and we call on North
Vietnam to permit the movement of refugees to areas of their
choice.
The requirements for the care and ultimate disposition
of all those who are fleeing from the war will be heavy. Because
of the large numbers involved and the overwhelming need for
assistance, I will soon be asking the Congress for additional funds
to meet this humanitarian requirement. We will as well be working
with the humanitarian agencies to do everything humanly possible
to relieve the tragic plight of these refugees.
is
FOR
GERALD
APR 7 1974
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON Date 4/7/75
TO: Jack morse
FROM: PATRICK E. O'DONNELL
FORD
/
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20523
ASSISTANT
ADMINISTRATOR
April 4, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR: Mr. Pat 0' 'Donnell
SUBJECT:
A.I.D. and Congress Week of March 31, 1975
Although the House and Senate were not in session this week,
A.I.D. Congressional activity was heavy nonetheless.
Vietnam Refugees
Telephone Inquiries. Congressional interest in the Vietnam
refugee situation was intense this week, as evidenced by the
huge volume of calls (some 150-200 on Thursday alone) from
Congressional offices and members themselves to the Indochina
Emergency Humanitarian Relief Center in A.I.D. On Wednesday
and Thursday, the main areas of concern expressed were:
(1) Is the U.S. doing everything to expedite the evacuation
of the 2,000 orphans (they do not want "bureaucratic red tape"
to impede that operation) ?
(2) How can people arrange to adopt the orphans?
(3) What can be done to get American citizens' Vietnamese
relatives out of Vietnam and into the United States?
(4) What is the U.S. doing for all refugees (the fear
being that people, especially children, will be left behind and
killed by the Vietnamese)? Is it enough to move them from
location to location in Vietnam--should they not be moved to
other areas?
(5) What can citizens do to help?
On Friday, the calls followed most of those concerns with the
addition of questions regarding the crash of the U.S. plane
carrying some 230 orphans.
Although Wednesday's callers voiced only general concern
and interest in obtaining information on the overall situation,
subsequent callers asked many more specific and pointed
questions and took an adamant position that the U.S. do all
necessary to help the suffering Vietnamese.
- 2 -
Briefings. Mr. Parker met with several members of the House
International Relations Committee (including Congressmen Riegle,
Harrington, and du Pont) at their request to brief them on the
refugee situation. In addition to that briefing, two others
have been scheduled at the request of Congress. On Monday,
April 7, Administrator Parkerorhis Assistant Administrator for
East Asia (Arthur Gardiner) and back-up people will participate
in a briefing for representatives being arranged by Cong.
Paul E. Tsongas (D.-Mass.). The Congressman has indicated
particular interest in assistance to children. Then on Thursday,
April 10, at the request of the House Republican Policy Committee,
Mr. ParkerorMr. Gardiner, and back-up people will participate in
a briefing for Hill staffers.
Hearing. The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Refugees and
Escapees (Kennedy) has scheduled a hearing for Tuesday morning,
April 8. Mr. Parker, the principal witness, will testify on
the refugee situation in South Vietnam and will be asked to
comment on Senator Kennedy's S. 1350, authorizing $100,000,000
for humanitarian assistance to South Vietnam and Cambodia
for expenditure by organizations other than A.I.D. the UN,
other international organizations, multilateral institutions
and private voluntary agencies.
FY 1976 Foreign Economic Assistance Legislation
A preliminary meeting with members of the Senate Foreign
Aid Subcommittee staff was held this week to discuss generally
the FY 1976 authorization legislation. A similar type meeting
is scheduled early next week with key House International
Relations Committee staffers.
A.I.D. Personnel Practices
The House Government Operations Subcommittee on Government
Information and Individual Rights (Abzug) has scheduled a
hearing for next Tuesday, April 8, on A.I.D.'s policies
and practices relating to assignment of direct-hire and con-
tract personnel to determine whether there are any denials
of individual rights based on race, sex, religion, or ethnicity.
Mr. H. B. Hopkins, A.I.D.'s Director for Personnel and Manpower,
will be the Agency witness.
Matthew I Starvey
Matthew J. Harvey
Assistant Administrator
for Legislative Affairs
Legislative Status
Subject:
FY 1976 authorization legisla-
tion for famine and disaster
relief and reconstruction, to
provide for famine and disaster
relief and reconstruction, to
provide for overseas distribu-
tion and production of agricultural
commodities, and for development
assistance.
House Bill:
H.R. 2492 (International Disaster,
Food and Development Assistance
Act of 1975)
House Status:
Referred to Committee on Foreign
Affairs
Senate Bill:
None introduced.
A.I.D. -- 1974
LEGISLATION:
Administration Proposal: Foreign Assistance Act of 1974; S. 3394 and H.R. 17234
Current Legislation:
S. 3394 -- Foreign Assistance Act of 1974 (PL 93-559)
H.R. 4592 -- Foreign Assistance and Related Programs
Appropriations Bill, 1975 (Pending)
PROVISIONS:
1. Administration Proposal: The Administration requested $225.3 million
for food and nutrition; $3.9 million for international organizations and
programs; $100 million for Middle East special requirements; $939.8 million
for Indochina postwar reconstruction; $385.5 million for security supporting
assistance.
2. Authorization: The House and Senate authorized $209.0 million for food and
nutrition; $20 million for population planning and health; $2.0 million
for education and human resources; $15.0 million for international organizations
and programs; $40.0 million for famine and disaster relief; $100.0 million
for Middle East special requirements; $617.0 million for Indochina postwar
reconstruction; $660.0 for security supporting assistance.
3. Appropriation: The House and Senate approved appropriations in the
amount of $574 million for Development Assistance (including $300.0 million
for food and nutrition), $125 million for international organizations and
programs, $440 million for Indochina Postwar Reconstruction, $660 million
for security supporting assistance and $100 million for the Middle East
special requirements fund.
STATUS:
Authorization: The President signed the authorization bill on December 30,
1974 (PL 93-559)
Appropriation: The President signed the appropriation bill on March 26,
1974 (PL 94-11).
TONO
19/4
from
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAMS
upp UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
COORDINATION STAFF
NOTE
D FOR: Mr. April Russell 7, 1975 this Rourke
Attached is a list of the Senators
and Representatives from whose
offices calls were received by the
Emergency Center on Mietnam on
Friday, April 5th. AS I mentioned
on the phone, most of the calls
concerned orphans and refugees.
Director Christopher H. Russell
Office of Legislative Affairs
Agency for International Development
FORD LIBRARY is GERALD 0708
Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20523 Telephone: 632-3652
SENATORS
refrees
Bellmon, Henry (Okla.)
Byrd
Curtis, Carl (Nebr.)
Cranston, Alan (Calif.)
Domenici, Pete (N. Mex.)
Eagleton, Thomas (Mo.)
Goldwater, Barry (Ariz.)
Humphrey, Hubert (Minn.)
Javits, Jacob (N.Y.)
Magnuson, Warren (Wash.)
Mathias, Charles (Md.)
McGovern, George (S. Dak.)
Mondale, Walter (Minn.)
Montoya, Joseph (N. Mex.)
Packwood, Bob (Oreg.)
Pearson, James (Kansas)
Potter
Schweiker, Richard (Pa.)
Scott
Stafford, Robert (Vt.)
Taft, Robert (Ohio)
Thurman, Strom (S.C.)
Tower, John (Tex.)
Tunney, John (Calif.)
CONGRESSMEN
Alexander, Bill (Ark.)
Anderson, Glenn (Calif.)
Beard, Edward, (R.I.)
Bedell, Berkely (Iowa)
Bonker, Don (Wash.)
Breaux, John (La.)
Burton, Philip (Calif.)
Cederberg, Elford (Mich.)
Cohen, William (Me.)
Collins
Edwards, Don (Calif)
Emery, David (Me.)
English, Glenn (Okla.)
Evans
Fenwick, Millicent (N. J.)
Flood, Daniel (Pa.)
Florio, James (N. J.)
Gilman, Benjamin (N. Y.)
Gradison, Willis (Ohio)
Gravel
Gude, Gilbert (Md.)
Hayes, Philip (Ind.)
Harrington, Michael (Mass.)
Heckler, Margaret (Mass.)
Holt, Marjorie (Md.)
Holzman, Elizabeth (N. Y.)
- 2 -
Hughes, William (N. J.)
Jeffords, James (Vt.)
Johnson, James (Colo.)
Kasten, Robert (Wis.)
Lehman, William (Fla.)
Mathis, Dawson (Ga.)
Mc Closkey, Paul (Calif.)
McDaniels
McDonald, Larry (Ga.)
Mezvinsky, Edward (Iowa)
Mosher, Charles (Ohio)
Myers
O'Neill, Thomas (Mass.)
Richmond, Frederick (N.Y.)
Seiberling, John (Ohio)
Solarz, Stephen J. (N. Y.)
Smith, Neal (Iowa)
Steiger, Sam (Ariz.)
Taylor
Teague, Olin (Tex.)
Van Deerlin, Lionel (Calif.)
Wydler, John (N.Y.)
Zablocki, Clement (Wis.)
SENATORS
Bellmon, Henry (Okla.)
Byrd
Curtis, Carl (Nebr.)
Cranston, Alan (Calif.)
Domenici, Pete (N. Mex.)
Eagleton, Thomas (Mo.)
Goldwater, Barry (Ariz.)
Humphrey, Hubert (Minn.)
Javits, Jacob (N.Y.)
Magnuson, Warren (Wash.)
Mathias, Charles (Md.)
McGovern, George (S. Dak.)
Mondale, Walter (Minn.)
Montoya, Joseph (N. Mex.)
Packwood, Bob (Oreg.)
Pearson, James (Kansas)
Potter
Schweiker, Richard (Pa.)
Scott
Stafford, Robert (Vt.)
Taft, Robert (Ohio)
Thurman, Strom (S.C.)
Tower, John (Tex.)
Tunney, John (Calif.)
CONGRESSMEN
Alexander, Bill (Ark.)
Anderson, Glenn (Calif.)
Beard, Edward, (R.I.)
Bedell, Berkely (Iowa)
Bonker, Don (Wash.)
Breaux, John (La.)
Burton, Philip (Calif.)
Cederberg, Elford (Mich.)
Cohen, William (Me.)
Collins
Edwards, Don (Calif)
Emery, David (Me.)
English, Glenn (Okla.)
Evans
Fenwick, Millicent (N. J.)
Flood, Daniel (Pa.)
Florio, James (N. J.)
Gilman, Benjamin (N. Y.)
Gradison, Willis (Ohio)
Gravel
Gude, Gilbert (Md.)
Hayes, Philip (Ind.)
Harrington, Michael (Mass.)
Heckler, Margaret (Mass.)
Holt, Marjorie (Md.)
Holzman, Elizabeth (N. Y.)
- 2 -
Hughes, William (N. J.)
Jeffords, James (Vt.)
Johnson, James (Colo.)
Kasten, Robert (Wis.)
Lehman, William (Fla.)
Mathis, Dawson (Ga.)
Mc Closkey, Paul (Calif.)
McDaniels
McDonald, Larry (Ga.)
Mezvinsky, Edward (Iowa)
Mosher, Charles (Ohio)
Myers
O'Neill, Thomas (Mass.)
Richmond, Frederick (N.Y.)
Seiberling, John (Ohio)
Solarz, Stephen J. (N. Y.)
Smith, Neal (Iowa)
Steiger, Sam (Ariz.)
Taylor
Teague, Olin (Tex.)
Van Deerlin, Lionel (Calif.)
Wydler, John (N.Y.)
Zablocki, Clement (Wis.)
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 17, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR.
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
PHILIP BUCHEN
JOHN MARSH
GENERAL SCOWCROFT
Section 212 (d) (5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act
provides inter alia that "The Attorney General may in his
discretion parole into the United States temporarily under
such conditions as he may prescribe for emergent reasons
or for reasons deemed strictly in the public interest " any
alien applying for admission to the United States
A history of the use of this authority is provided at
Tab A.
From April 3 through April 15, 1,703 orphans have been
flown out of Vietnam/Cambodia. The parole process has
been applied in these cases. An updated report of this
action is attached at Tab B.
On April 13, authorization for movement of families
accompanying U. S. citizens returning from Vietnam was
given. Parole is being used in this action. It is
estimated that between 3,000 and 5,000 persons are involved.
It is now essential to consider additional actions:
1. There are 1,000 Cambodians now in Thailand who were
evacuated as part of "Fagle Pull" and who may wish to
come to the United States. The Thai Government has made
it clear that it urgently desires their onward movement.
State and Justice request your authorization to proceed
with parole for these persons We recommend your approval.
AGREF
DISAGREE
FORD is LIBRARY 9ERVID
2
2. There are about 100 South Vietnamese at Clark Air
Force Base whose presence is straining our relationship
with the Philippine Government. Those who qualify for
immigrant status under the INA should be paroled into
the United States as soon as possible. State recommends
that the remainder also be paroled. INS agrees "provided
that the number admitted is subtracted from the total
number of parolees finally admitted." We recommend parole
without caveat.
AGREE
DISAGREE
3. There are approximately 3,000 Vietnamese relatives of
American citizens or permanent resident aliens in the United
States for whom petitions for entry have already been filed
and who would otherwise be admissible in due course under
normal immigration procedures. State and INS recommend the
use of parole to permit their processing to be completed
while they are in the United States. Their status will
then be converted to the appropriate INA preference as soon
as feasible after their arrival here as parolees. We recom-
mend your approval.
AGREE
DISAGREE
4. There are also Vietnamese nationals (estimated to number
between 10,000 and 75,000) who are immediate relatives of
American citizens and permanent residents and for whom
petitions have not as yet been filed. The number of those
who would and could accept an offer of parole is unknown.
State and Justice both recommend parole. We recommend
your approval.
AGREE
DISAGREE
5. Approximately 5,000 Cambodian diplomats and other
refugees in third countries may face forcible return or
expulsion, as in India. If the worst should come to pass,
the same parole authority will be required for Vietnamese
diplomats and other refugees in third countries, also
roughly estimated at 5,000. State will make every effort
to assist and persuade the UNHC for Refugees to arrange
for the relocation of refugees throughout the world, but
State also wishes the President to request the Justice
FORD is LIBRARY SERVIC
- 3 -
Department to authorize entry into the United States of all
such persons by parole whenever State determines that the
efforts of the UNHC for Refugees are not successful.
We recommend that the State Department position be accepted.
AGREE
DISAGREE
6. Planning is also now required for the potential evacuation
of certain high risk Vietnamese. These include U. S. employees,
labor leaders engaged in the free trade labor movement (parti-
cularly those who have worked with U. S. unions), governmental
personnel and others along with their dependents. There is no
clear indication of just how great the number will be. Every
effort will be made to involve third countries, both directly
and through international mechanisms such as the UNHCR and the
International Committee for European Refugees. Nevertheless,
it is apparent that a large number will wish to come to the
United States. This will require the Attorney General's use
of parole.
State and INS agree that parole should be exercised for such
Vietnamese, but differ sharply as to numbers.
State believes that we should take our fair share of refugees
who are unable to be settled elsewhere, and recognizes that
the total number, given logistical and political limitations
could be approximately 200,000. INS would limit the use of
parole to 50,000 or 40% of the total number to be evacuated,
whichever is less. It is their view that (1) the domestic
impact on our society of admitting a large number is undesir-
able and (2) the Cuban experiences, wherein the President
permitted 675,000 persons to enter the United States, should
not be repeated. The INS also believes that it may be
necessary to publicly announce this limit to prevent a mass
exodus based on false hopes.
The State Department has now accepted the INS limitation
based upon presently perceived political problems with the
U. S. Congress.
We recommend that planning begin at once to process parole
candidates from the category of "high-risk" Vietnamese but
that we not attempt to set a limit now. When planning is
completed and when efforts of International cooperation have
gone further you will better be able to determine what is
possible. Practically, it may not be possible to reach the
LIDERAL GERALD FORD
4 -
level of 200,000 that the State Department originally fore-
saw.
AGREE
DISAGREE
7. We recommend that you direct establishment of a small
full-time task force with the necessary authority to improve
your decision making data base, assume interdepartmental
coordination, and advise you in this emergency. This task
force should include high level representatives from the
Departments of State, Justice, Labor, HEW and HUD.
AGREE
DISAGREE
FORD is LIBRARY 078820
HISTORY OF THE USE OF PAROLE
Parole is a device by which an inadmissible alien seeking
entry is permitted to proceed into the United States, but
in contemplation of law is considered to be standing at
the water's edge. He is not deemed to be in the United
States within the meaning of the expulsion provisions or
other provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Standing at the water's edge, as it were, he may be re-
moved only in exclusion proceedings.
Parcle is resorted to only in exceptional situations such
as emergent medical treatment, avoiding unwarranted deten-
tion, and prosecution of criminals returned to the United
States. It has also been used for refugees and orphans.
The first express statutory authorization for parole
appeared in the Immigration and Nationality Act which
became effective December 24, 1952. 1/ The statute provides
that the Attorney General in his discretion may parole any
alien seeking admission for emergent reasons or for reasons
deemed strictly in the public interest.
Before 1952 parole was utilized as an administrative
expedient. It's peculair status was recognized by the
Supreme Court 50 years ago in the case of Kaplan V, Toa. 3/
There has never been any question concerning the authority
to parole individual aliens. However, questions have been
raised by the Congress concerning authority to parole groups
of aliens. For example, a question was raised after 224
Russian Orthodox Old Believers were paroled into the United
States in June 1963. In the House Report on the 1965 Amend-
ments, which established permanent Legislation for the con-
ditional entry of refugees, the following statement was made:
"The parole provisions were designed to authorize the Attorney
General to act only in emergent, individual and isolated situa-
tions, such as the case of an alien who requires immediate medi-
cal attention, and not for the immigration of classes or groups
outside of the limit of the law. If 47
Nevertheless, under the general parole authority of the 1952
Act, large numbers of refugees have been allowed to come into
the United States after, as well as before publication of the
House Report. 5/ These include:
Over 30,000 refugees from the 1956 Hungarian Revolution,
GERALD LISAARY FORD
by direction of President Eisenhower.
Over 600,000 refugees from Cuba who began to come to the
United States in an almost unbroken stream for more than
a decade after the Castro takeover in 1959. (In 1965 when
-2-
he signed into law the abolition of the National
Origins System, President Johnson revived the Cuban
parole program despite the House report.)
15,000 Chinese refugees from Hong Kong, by direction
of President Kennedy in 1962.
6,500 Czechoslovak refugees after the Soviet invasion
of that country in 1968, at the urging of Congress.
Several hundred Soviet Jews and other minorities in
the U.S.S.R., at the urging of Congress in 1971.
1,000 stateless Ugandan-Asians, authorized in 1972,
at the urgent request of the State Department.
Following the suppression of the abortive Hungarian revolt
in the Fall of 1956 over 200,000 Hungarian refugees fled
the country, especially to Austria (180,000) and to Yugo-
slovia (20,000). Resettlement missions from many countries
were eager to accept Hungarian refugees, and the asylum
countries --- especially Austria -- served as staging areas.
President Eisenhower and the American people in general were
eager to accept a generous quota of the Hungarians. Fewer
than 7,000 refugee visas remained available, however, under
the Refugee Relief Act of 1953 as amended. These were quickly
used for Hungarians. AL this juncture the decision was made
to invoke Section 212 (d) (5) of the Immigration and National-
ity Act in order to parole larger numbers of Hungarian refu-
gees into the United States.
The sympathetic 85th Congress enacted P.L. 85-559, which
provides for adjustment of status of paroled Hungarians
to that of permanent immigrants to the U.S. The majority of
the refugees were brought in from Austria into a U.S. staging
area, in Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, administered by the Depart-
ment of the Army. The refugees were resettled from Camp
Kilmer, primarily through the efforts of interested voluntary
agencies. A total of 30,701 Hungarian refugees regularized
their status in the United States under P.L. 85-559 during
1953-59. This represented the overwhelming majority of the
Hungarian refugees who were paroled into this country.
The Cuban refugee situation differs from others in that the
United States was the country of first asylum. From 1957-
72 this country admitted 621,403 Cuban nationals who fled
from Cuba. That exodus was generally divided into three
distinct periods: from the advent of the Castro government
in 1959 to the breaking of diplomatic relations in January
1961; from 1961 until the end of commercial travel in
October, 1962; the subsequent period. While diplomatic
DERALD FORD
-3-
relations existed, Cubans who wanted to leave Cuba went to
the consulate in Havana. They were issued B-2 (tourist
visas) which documented them and enabled commercial carriers
to bring them to the United States. On arrival (usually
Miami) the B-2 visa was cancelled by the Immigration Service
(INS) and they were paroled into the United States under the
purole provisions of the Immigration Act. The B-2 visa was
pro-forma" documentation to enable travel to commence.
After the break in diplomatic relations, the United States
initially avoided the use of parole for Cubans fleeing the
island the resorted to the device of waiving the visa re-
cuirement on a mass basis on the theory that each case
represented an unforeseen emergency because of the unavail-
ability of consular services in Cuba. This program largely
terminated at the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962
because travel out of Cuba became impossible.
In October 1962, all commercial transportation between Cuba
and the U.S. ended. The Cuban refugee flow was reduced to
a trickle. In December 1962 the American Red Cross began
sponsoring airflights and vessels which brought Cuban refu-
gees to the United States, primarily relatives of Cubans
already here and prisoners from the "Bay of Pigs" invasion.
These people were directly paroled.
In 1965. Castro announced that certain Cubans who wanted to
Leave were free to do so. President Johnson responded that
the U.S. would accept all. Direct parole was the method of
entry. Some Cubans went to third countries (primarily Spain)
2S they were unable to get places on the airlifts. Those with
close relatives in, the U.S. were given "pre-parole" documenta-
tion (medicals, affidavit of support, security clearance) by
OUR consulate in Madrid. When they arrived at the U.S. port
of entry, they were paroled into the U.S. by INS. In October,
1973, the Attorney General agreed to a one year parole pro-
gram for those without close relatives here. Documentation
was prepared by the consulates as with the pre-parole program,
but INS personnel interviewed and issued the actual parole
document in Madrid. Cubans in the U.S. were received and
processed by the Cuban Refugee Center in Miami run by HEW.
The Act of November 2, 1966 enabled Cuban refugees to adjust
status to permanent residents.
FORD in 07V830 LIBRARY
16 April 1975
Point Paper for the Special Assistant to the Secretary and
Deputy Secretary of Defense
SUBJECT: Orphan Evacuation Program - Vietnam/Cambodia
MAIN THRUST OF POINT PAPER
-- Provides an update on the orphan evacuation program.
DISCUSSION
- On 3 Apr 75, DOD developed. procedures for orphan evacuation.
State/AID wholeheartedly concurred.
-- All orphans, upon verification by US Embassy in Vietnam
and Cambodia, would be airlifted on first available
military or commercial contract aircraft to Clark AB.
--- At Clark AB medical evaluation would be made to determine if
orphans should be hospitalized, proceed on normal airlift,
or be medically evacuated.
--- Flights then proceed to San Francisco or Los Angeles with
Seattle as backup where military and volunteer agency
personnel would further process them.
- From 3 through 15 April a total of 1703 orphans (52 Cambodians)
have been flown out of Vietnam/Cambodia. Military Airlift Command
(MAC) transported 883 through Clark AFB, Philippines, of which 43
are currently enroute. Non-DOD carriers, chartered by private
arrangements, transported the balance of 820 orphans.
-- 914 orphans have been moved to San Francisco.
--- 330 orphans have been moved to Los Angeles.
-- 409 orphans have been moved to Seattle.
--- 201 orphans have been moved to Fort Benning, Ga.
(These figures do not total 1703 due to double handling, i.e.,
L.A. and Benning)
- Number and location of orphans currently being processed:
-- Clark AB, Philippines - 5 hospitalized.
Hickam AB, Hawaii - 5 hospitalized.
San Francisco - 65
Los Angeles - 87
Seattle - 18
Fort Benning -- 170 (14 hospitalized)
FORD is LIBRARY
-- Enroute 43 from Clark AB to Los Alamedas Air Station, Ca.
- Deaths:
--- 5 April crash of C-5 -- 190 (figure not final)
-- One died enroute to Clark AB - cause of death, extreme
dehydration. (Infant)
--- One died at Clark AB Hospital - cause of death, sepsis
(absorption of pathogenic microorganisms into blood stream)
(Infant)
-- One died enroute to Los Angeles - cause of death, pneumonia,
dehydration and prematurity. Reported 24 days old.
-- Prognosis - No more deaths expected.
- Future orphan airlift requirements:
-- Known - zero - original "Reported 2000" all processed
-- Possible - 80 (Vietnam) Rumors of 500 to 5000 more.
Tracking this.
- Problems:
-- Despite the official State/AID/DOD system, certain individuals
have operated as free agents making arrangments for contract
flights and direct liaison with the orphanages.
--- This has caused considerable confusion and resulted in less
than desirable service for the orphans.
--- News reporters covering commercial arrivals at San
Francisco and Seattle (outside the State/AID/DOD system)
cited health problems with orphans on these flights.
- Current funding status (funded by State/AID) :
-- Airlift $1,156,772
-- Medical 166,938
--- Support
71,916
--- Total obligated as of 15 Apr - $1,395,626
Prepared by: MGEN M.F. Casey, USAF
DOD Orphan Lift Coordinator
OX 74121
FORD & G7V839 LIBRARY
2
867
COPY
FLASH
DE RUEADWW #2357 1188241
Z 2802472 APR 75 ZFF-1
FM THE WHITE HOUSE
TO CDR. 13TH AF/CLARK APB PHILI
N
*
To
#158789
ATTENTION: MAJOR GENERAL MANOR
1. IN THE EVENT YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED EARLIER COMMUNICATION
FROM LT. GEN, BRENT SCOWCROFT AUTHORIZING TRAVEL ABOARD USS,
MILITARY AIRCRAFT TO SAIGON FOR TOM STEBBINS, THIS MESSAGE
IS A RECONFIRMATION, IT ALSO REQUESTS THAT YOU CONTACT ON RECEIPT,
TOM STEBBINS, C/O CHAPLAIN RAGE, CLARK AFB, 33687 OR 62392,
2. STEBBINS IS ASSOCIATED WITH UnS, MISSIONARY EFFORT AND
EVACUATION OF SOUTH VIETNAMESE, HE IS WORKING WITH THE
MISSIONARY GROUP THERE.
3, REGARDS.
JOHN 0, MARSH, COUNCELLOR TO THE PRESIDENT
BT
Message delivered to General Manor at 2258 EDT, 27 April 1975.
*WHSR COMMENT
SCOWCROFT, MARSH
RECALLED
PSN#821581
PAGE 01
OF 01
TOR#118/02841Z
DTG#280247Z APR 75
COPY
Determined to be an administrative marking
Cancelled per E.O. 12356, Sec. 1.3 and
Archivist's memo of March 16, 1983
FORD is LIBRAR) 07V829
DDD NARG date 1/9/86
By
884
D*******8 COPY
ROUTINE
DE RHMDWLA #9289 1188331
UNCLAS SVC ZEQ-3 RUEADWW2358 1180314 280318Z APR 75
RHMIAAA 280330Z,
BT
Message delivered to Sea. Manor
an 2330 EDT 27 april
FORD is LIBRARY 07VR70
RECALLED:
PSN#021554
PAGE 01
OF 01
TOR:118/03139Z
*******U NCLASSIFIE D*******8 COPY
869
COPY
FLASH
DE RUEADWW #2358 1180314
Z 2803182 APR 75 ZPF-1
FM THE WHITE HOUSE
TO COR, 13TH AF/CLARK AFB PHILI
WH50770
ATTENTION: MAJOR GENERAL MANOR
1: MR. DREW SAWIN IS EXPECTED TO ARRIVE CLARK AIR FORCE BASE
WITMIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS FROM THE U.S, HE IS WORKING WITH DR, GRAMAM
AND THE EVACUATION EFFORT, HE WILL BE CONTACTING YOU AND I WOULD BE
GRATEFUL IF YOU COULD ARRANGE TO MEET WITH MIM.
2. REGARDS.
JOHN 0, MARSH, COUNCELLOR TO THE PRESIDENT
BT
Message delivered to General Manor at 2330 EDT 27 April, 1975.
GERALD LIBRARY FORD
WHSR COMMENT
SCOWCROFT, MARSH
RECALLED
PSN8021605
PAGE 01
OF 01
TOR:118/03:14Z
DTG:280318Z APR 75
COPY
Determined to be an administrative marking
Cancelled per E.O. 12356, Sec. 1.3 and
Archivist's memo of March 16, 1983
By
DAY NARS date 1/9/86
871
*******U INCLASSIFIE D*******S
COPY
OP IMMED
DE RMMICSA #9973 1180330
UNCLAS SVC...ZUI RUEADWW 2357 1180241 2 2802472 APR 75 ZFF=1
ZDF-2 ZUB 20258Z IU 2802582
BT
message delivered to Gen. manor
at 2258 EDT 27 april
FORD is LIBRARY
WHSR COMMENT
SCONCROFT, MARSH
RECALLED
PSN:021619 PAGE 01 OF 01 TOR#118/03,352
******** NCLASSIFIE D*******S COPY
0
sent ey TO mans
4/29%
SCOWCROFT FROM BROWN
Please pass following to. Jack Marsh as soon as possible.
Herewith the list of the voluntary agencies who are
cooperating directly with us at this time on Vietnamese
relief. I think a phone call to Sternberg from the
White House would be useful. He should be told that the
Advisory Commission will bolster the efforts of the
VOLAGS and that the USG is confident that the agencies
will continue their great work and is deeply appreciative.
Pass to Ted Marrs via
Jun
1080 is LIBRARY GERALD
VOLUNTARY AGENCIES - BACKGROUND
Organization
--Central Agencies coordinating agency is American Council of Voluntary
--For refugees it has a Refugee and Migration Committee
headed by Charles Sternberg
cast of Characters
ni.
--Members of VOLAG Committee who may be present are:
(1) International Rescue Committee
-- Charles Sternberg, Exec. Director
(2) Church World Services
(Under National Council of Churches)
-- John Schauer
(3) Lutheran Refugee Committee
-- Donald Anderson
(4) Catholic Migration Conference
--- John McCarthy, Coordinator
(5) Tolstoy Foundation
-- Mr. Toma
Immignation and
(5) United HIAS (Hebrew Int 1 Assistance Service)
-- Gaynor Jacobson
(7) American Fund for Czech Relief
-- Dr. Papanek
Others
-- ICRC and YMCA may also be represented.
FORD s LIBRARY 07V839
[man 1975]
Differences Between The House and Senate Versions of the Refugee Authorization
Bill
The bill passed by the Senate on Friday differs from the House bill in these respects:
1.
The Senate bill has a ceiling of $405 Million - the House bill has
a ceiling of $507 Million.
2.
The Senate bill requires that the President make every effort to
retrieve all amounts previously authorized and appropriated for
assistance to South Vietnam and Cambodia and requires that the
amounts retrieved be deposited in the Treasury as miscellaneous
receipts. The House bill has no such provision. (The Senate,
in what is believed to be a major concession to the House, retreated
from its previous position of requiring the amounts retrieved to be
deducted from the $405 Million made available under the bill. It is a
provision which DOD and AID objected to because of the difficulty
and time that it would take to identify the assets of the pipeline and
to retrieve them.)
3.
The McGovern amendment in the Senate bill requires a survey
among refugees to determine which ones would desire to return to
South Vietnam and Cambodia, and makes available funds from
this act to provide commercial or military transportation or
through other means to their home land. That McGovern Amend-
ment had been rejected in the House and would not be acceptable
in the Senate passed bill. You will recall that on Friday, Senator
-mentioned to you that actually a substantial part of the requirement
of the McGovern Amendment was already a part of the basic law,
particularly as it relates to the survey of incoming immigrants.
-2-
4.
The Huddleston Amendment in the Senate bill imposes a detailed
reporting requirement upon the President to transmit a report
to the Senate Committees on Foreign Relations, Judiciary and
Appropriations, but in the House only to the Speaker, which is a
major point of disagreement with the House which in its version
required a much simpler reporting requirement to the House
Committee on the Judiciary in addition to the Senate Committee
on Foreign Relations. (The House Judiciary Committee which
feels very strongly about its over-sight role in refugee and migration
assistance matters, will fight to keep its prerogatives in this regard.
Also, the INS had indicated that this Huddleston reporting require-
ment would create an undue burden of paperwork and manpower to
provide such detailed information which they feel would be unwarranted.)
MAY 5 1975
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
m
May 5, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
MAX L. FRIEDERSDORF m.b.
SUBJECT:
"Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1975"
Congressmen Broomfield, Hutchinson and Fish today co-sponsored
in the House the new Administration package for migration and
resettlement of South Vietnamese refugees.
FORD & LIBRARY 07V939
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 6, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
RON NESSEN
SUBJECT:
Talking points for your news conference
and Cabinet Meeting on refugee aid.
1. We have a moral obligation to help these refugees resettle and begin
new lives in the United States. They fled from South Vietnam for two
reasons: They feared that they would be killed if they stayed and they
did not want to live under a Communist system of government.
2. By helping these refugees, many of whom fled their native land with
nothing but the clothes on their backs and a few small parcels, we are
living up to our heritage as a charitable and compassionate people. I
have spoken out strongly on this issue because I believe strongly that we
must do the right thing morally. We are a nation of immigrants and I
believe the inscription on the Statue of Liberty, which enunciates our
finest qualities as a people should be our guidepost in this tragic situation.
3. The maximum number of refugees expected is 150,000 at the most and it
probably will be less. Sixty percent of that number are children, the
innocent victims of this war who deserve a chance to live their life in
freedom and will certainly not be taking anyone's job away. Only 35,000
refugees are heads of households who will be looking for jobs; but many
of these have skills which will enable them to find employment. The number
of job seekers is a tiny fraction of 1% of the labor force in the U.S.
Even without the Vietnamese refugees, the U.S. has been opening its doors
to 400,000 immigrants a year without any impact on the job market. Since
the end of World War II, almost 1,400,000 refugees from Europe, Asia,
Hungary and Cuba have fled oppression and sought freedom in the United States.
They have made a rich contribution to our culture and our economy and we
expect the Vietnamese will do the same.
4. Many of the Vietnamese refugees coming here have close relatives or
sponsors in the United States so they will be no burden to the government.
Ambassader Brown's office at the State Department is using a computer
to match up the refugees job skills with the available jobs. The re-
settlement program is being carried out in such a way that the refugees
will be spread throughout the country without a heavy concentration in any
one area.
Page 2
5. We are working with other countries to resettle perhaps as many as
20,000 of the refugees outside the United States. Canada is welcoming
some. Some French-speaking countries in Africa have indicated that they
will take some.
6. I have received communications from Pope Paul, George Meany, and other
leaders praising the refugee resettlement program and urging that the
United States do everything it can to help these people. I want to
compliment the Members of Congress, the Governors, the private refugee relief
organizations, and the members of the public who have spoken out and acted
to help the refugees begin a new life in the United States.
7. I want to emphasize one point. It is my intention that none of
the aid money I am requesting from Congress will be spent by the United
States Government to help the Communists of North and South Vietnam.
I believe it is the responsibility of the nations which sent weapons of
war to the Communists to come forward now to repair the damage.
8. Let me emphasize once more my deep moral commitment to help these
refugees resettle and begin new lives in the United States. Despite the
opposition of a few, I believe the majority of the American people want
to live up to the finest traditions of our history and welcome these new
immigrants as we have welcomed so many immigrants to our bountiful land
in the past. We will be = better country and = better people for doing
it.
9. I know Americans want to forget the Vietnam war. But we must not take out
our frustration and anger on the innocent victims of that war. To do so
would dishonor the sacrifices America has made in good faith throughout
this long war.
MAY 6 1975
May 5, 1975
M
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
MAX L. FRIEDERSDORF
SUBJECT:
Republican Leadership Meeting
Secretary Kissinger has cancelled out of the leadership
meeting tomorrow morning and the refugee situation briefing
will be handled by General Brent Scowcroft, Dan Parker and
Dean Brown.
Although draft legislation for refugee resettlement was
introduced in the House today, official transmission of the
massage and bill will be made Tuesday.
bec: Don Rumsfeld
Jack Marsh
Brent Scowcroft
LISBARY GERALD A. FORD
mr marsh
MAY 13 1975
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
ACTION
MAY 13 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
JAMES T. LYNN
SUBJECT:
Availability of Funds to Meet
Indochina Refugee Requirements
There are three reasons for the slowdown in refugee
proceessing:
Inadequate funds.
Legal restrictions on the use of existing
funds for resettlement activities in the
U.S.
Administrative bottlenecks in processing
the refugees.
Funding Availabilities. AID has transferred to State
$98 million in economic assistance funds which had been
programmed for Vietnam. Against these availabilities,
the Task Force has identified $93 million in costs
which have been incurred, primarily by Defense. A1-
though this estimate may change somewhat, State and
Defense believe they are not legally able under the
Antideficiency Act to obligate funds above the avail-
able $98 million.
The only solution to this problem is to transfer already
appropriated Defense funds to State for the refugee pro-
gram. As much as $50-100 million may ultimately be de-
obligated from the canceled Defense Assistance to Vietnam
account and transferred to State. Although the final
availabilities will not be known for 30 days, Defense
is attempting to determine whether it has legal authority
to make an initial transfer ($17 million) to State within
the next few days. Defense is moving as fast as possible
to identify the amount and timing of further deobligations
from this source.
We have also explored the possibility of transferring
funds from other existing sources, particularly AID, as
suggested to you by Senators Scott and Mansfield. AID
is specifically prohibited by restrictions in the 1974
2
Foreign Assistance Act from transferring funds into the
Indochina Postwar Reconstruction account (which is the
only account that provides authority for refugee relief).
Although we are continuing to examine other alternatives,
we have been unable to discover any transfer authorities
which would enable us to utilize other funds.
Legal Restrictions. AID lawyers have ruled that they do
not have the authority to use the existing funds for re-
settlement of refugees once they have left the processing
centers in the United States. Because the funds are still
governed by the authorities of the Foreign Assistance Act,
the lawyers do not believe they can be used for resettle-
ment activities in the United States which are more in the
nature of domestic welfare activities. Nevertheless, the
lawyers recognize that a legally defensible case might be
made for use of these funds for resettlement, if necessary,
but argue that it would be stretching the interpretation.
The legal interpretation is critical since most refugees
cannot be moved out of the processing centers until funds
are provided to the voluntary agencies responsible for re-
settlement. There is no space for more refugees in the
centers, so no further progress will be possible until
new funds are appropriated for this purpose or a decision
is made to use the existing funds from foreign aid sources
to resettle refugees.
Administrative Bottlenecks. Even if funds were available
for resettlement, there are short-term administrative con-
straints on processing the refugees. Of particular concern
is the need to implement the security clearance procedures
promised to Congress. Five separate clearances are re-
quired (CIA, DIA, State, FBI, and DEA), and these are
proceeding slowly. As of yesterday, of the 6,000 names
submitted at Fort Chaffee, less than 100 had been cleared.
Once the clearance process has been fully implemented,
however, the Task Force expects to clear 3,000-5,000 per
day, perhaps as early as the end of the week.
As the flow of refugees from the centers increases, prob-
lems will intensify in arranging transportation and particu-
larly in locating and checking sponsors for the bulk of the
refugees who do not have direct sponsors. These constraints
will continue to slow the movement of refugees out of the
centers and would be causing a backup in the pipeline even
without the funding problems.
3
Recommended actions
Assuming that you wish to use existing funds wherever
possible, I recommend that you instruct OMB to (1) work
with Defense to transfer the maximum funds from Indo-
china military aid to State as soon as possible, and
(2) request AID to reexamine its preliminary legal judg-
ment to see whether the funds transferred to State could
not be used for refugee resettlement as well as processing
in the United States. I will provide a status report to
you on Thursday.
Approve
See me
THE WHITE HOUSE
May 14
WASHINGTON
Mr. Marsh --
Per Max's office:
The Senate Appropriations Committee
reported out the Refugee bill at
$405 Million. Expected to be on
the Senate Floor tomorrow.
donna
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
showed Jom
5-15
May 17, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR: THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
JACK MARSH
As you are aware, the problem has developed between the House
and Senate on the differences on the two versions of the Refugee
Assistance Act. Attached is a summary which points out the
basic differences between the two bills.
We are endeavoring to resolve this and hope to have more
complete information early Monday morning.
FORD & LIBRARY 079830
Differences Between The House and Senate Versions of the Refugee Authorization
Bill
The bill passed by the Senate on Friday differs from the House bill in these respects:
1.
The Senate bill has a ceiling of $405 Million - the House bill has
a ceiling of $507 Million.
2.
The Senate bill requires that the President make every effort to
retrieve all amounts previously authorized and appropriated for
assistance to South Vietnam and Cambodia and requires that the
amounts retrieved be deposited in the Treasury as miscellaneous
receipts. The House bill has no such provision. (The Senate,
in what is believed to be a major concession to the House, retreated
from its previous position of requiring the amounts retrieved to be
deducted from the $405 Million made available under the bill. It is a
provision which DOD and AID objected to because of the difficulty
and time that it would take to identify the assets of the pipeline and
to retrieve them.)
3.
The McGovern amendment in the Senate bill requires a survey
among refugees to determine which ones would desire to return to
South Vietnam and Cambodia, and makes available funds from
this act to provide commercial or military transportation or
through other means to their home land. That McGovern Amend-
ment had been rejected in the House and would not be acceptable
in the Senate passed bill. You will recall that on Friday, Senator
FORD LIBRARY is
Case-mentioned to you that actually a substantial part of the requirement
of the McGovern Amendment was already a part of the basic law,
particularly as it relates to the survey of incoming immigrants.
-2-
4.
The Huddleston Amendment in the Senate bill imposes a detailed
reporting requirement upon the President to transmit a report
to the Senate Committees on Foreign Relations, Judiciary and
Appropriations, but in the House only to the Speaker, which is a
major point of disagreement with the House which in its version
required a much simpler reporting requirement to the House
Committee on the Judiciary in addition to the Senate Committee
on Foreign Relations. (The House Judiciary Committee which
feels very strongly about its over-sight role in refugee and migration
assistance matters, will fight to keep its prerogatives in this regard.
Also, the INS had indicated that this Huddleston reporting require-
ment would create an undue burden of paperwork and manpower to
provide such detailed information which they feel would be unwarranted.)
FORD :- LIBRARY 078835
May 19
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
TO:
TED MARRS
FROM: JOHN O. MARSH, JR.
For Direct Reply
For Draft Response
For Your Information
Please Advise
For your advise and guidance. Thanks.
MAY 19. 1975
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 17, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR
JACK MARSH
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Vietnamese Jun Refugee Relocation
JIM CANNON
Several days ago, Roger Semeradmand wit
Ross Perob, at his suggestion, about Vietnam
refugees.
As you know, Ross.has had asstrong personalmi nterest
in U.S. prisoners in North Vietnam and with what pri
vate citizens might do to assist with the resolution*
of the Vietnamese war.
Ross had a specific proposal -- that the*President
invite the churches.of the country to sponsor them
settlement.of the Vietnamese refugee families, see
to it that they get transportation to their new
places of residence, placed in houses, and found jobs.
Ross tronglynthat the churches would respond»
favorab. yato request from the President and that
the whole effort could be coordinated by one institution
acceptable to all churches -- the Salvation Army.
Ross says-he has discussed this with Father Hesburgh,
Billy Graham, and with leaders in both the Methodist
and Presbyterian churches. By his account, they are
enthusiastic and would be glad to work with the
President to carry out this program of resettlement
through churches, with each volunteering to take a
family and see to their location.
Ross also feels that this will work best if each church
is asked to bear the cost of each family and not to
FORD LIBRARY is GENALD
expect any federal financial assistance. but if any
initial money is needed to start the program, he would
be glad to assist personally in the financing.
June 9
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Mr. Marsh --
Ted Marrs dropped over
the attached for your
info.
Thanks.
donna
GERALD ANVEDIT . FORD
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
3
Washington. D C. 20520
JUN
9
MEMORANDUM FOR: THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
Mr. Ron Nessen
FROM:
alia
Julia Vadala Taft, Director, Inter-Agency
Task Force on Indochinese Refugees (IATF)
SUBJECT:
Comments on the Kennedy Subcommittee Report
A report released today by Senator Edward Kennedy,
Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Refugees
lists several recommendations related to the refugee
program. Cited below are those recommendations with a
brief statement of the Task Force position:
1. Up-Grading the Resettlement Program. Kennedy charges
a lack of Presidential commitment and urges immediate
upgrading of level of responsibility and Presidential
concern for resettlement. He states the program is
"scarcely off the ground and refugees could remain in
camps for months or years.'
IATF: The program has consistently received
Presidential support, and the Task Force remains a
White House level operation with its new director, Julia
Vadala Taft, reporting to the President and his advisor
for National Security Affairs. The program is off the
ground and progress is impressive. In seven weeks, almost
25% of the refugees have been released to third countries
or resettled in the United States.
2. Resettlement in Other Countries. The report accurately
states that the Administration estimated that 20,000 refugees
would resettle in third countries and charges that the much
fewer numbers (1900) reflects on the slowness on the part
of the President's program.
IATF: The initial progress of third country placement
was disappointing. But in recent weeks the Intergovernmental
Committee on European Migration has expanded its activities
on Guam and at stateside reception centers to a point that
3405 persons have been released and many additional refugees
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- 2 -
are in the process of registering for third countries.
3. Voluntary Repatriation to Cambodia or South Vietnam.
The Report comments on the "Administration's belated
recognition of the need to provide opportunities for
repatriation" but states that the Administration is working
with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
IATF: We have consistently supported the UNHCR's
traditional role to assist in repatriation. UNHCR has
representatives in Guam, Pendleton, Chaffee, Indiantown
Gap, and will visit Eglin later this week to process
questionnaires. Of the 131, 000 refugees, approximately
1,563 have requested repatriation.
4. Better Structuring of Task Force and Transfer to HEW.
The report concurs. with the continuation of the Task Force
headed by a Presidential appointee, but charges that HEW
should be the clearly defined focal point for resettlement.
IATF: No decision has been reached on final organiza-
tional location although the shift toward domestic agency
participation has been accelerating. The Director is a
senior HEW official and staff support from domestic
agencies, primarily HEW, is expanding.
5. Moving Refugees From Guam. The Report recommends that
due to deteriorating conditions in Guam and potential
typhoons that substantial numbers of refugees be processed
to stateside and that an additional reception center be
established.
IATF: No new centers are envisioned at this time.
With current rate of out-processing in the States, Guam will
have no more refugees by the end of July. In our initial
directive to Guam in May, we stated Guam should get prepared
to house/feed 50,000 for 3 months. We are on target.
6. Role of Voluntary Agencies. The report praises the
potential of the voluntary resettlement agencies and
chastises the ability of the Administration to work
effectively with them.
IATF: It is fair to say that initially the Volags
were unhappy with the guidance and limited planning that we
FORD & LIBRARY 076830
- 3 -
were able to offer to them. This was due, by and large,
to the tragic and rapid unfolding of events in Vietnam.
However, once the Task Force began organizing and became
fully operational, one of the first priorities was close
regular liaison with the Volags; in fact, senior Task
Force officials are in constant communication with the
Volags through regular meetings and through daily telephone
calls and visits. The principal officials of these agencies
have told us they have never enjoyed such close cooperation
with the Federal Government as on this issue.
7. Systematic Registration Procedures. The report also
criticizes the failure of the Task Force from the outset
to have uniform registration and data collection procedures.
IATF: Initially, this was a problem due to the crisis
nature of the operation. Now all procedures are uniform
and a major compatible data collection process is in
operation.
8. Reimburse State and Local Governments for Refugee
Expenses. The Report states that a clarification of
HEW reimbursement policy is long-overdue.
IATF: In Congressional testimony and communications
to Governors and State Welfare Agencies, the broad guidelines
for reimbursement have been explained. HEW will issue
regulations on reimbursement this week.
9. Training Programs for Refugees. The report charges
"indecision of the Task Force and bureaucratic roadblocks"
impeding the development of training programs.
IATF: English language and orientation classes are
offered at each reception center. Training materials are
being developed for school systems; HEW has made excellent
progress in registering health professionals to ensure
skills training and licensure.
10. Public Information on Refugees. The Report states that
the President's Advisory Committee on Refugees should
immediately launch a public information- program.
IATF: The Committee already has established this as
a high priority.
GERALD FORD LIBRAR
- 4 -
Two other recommendations which are outside the
IATF's responsibility relate to the need for the President
to establish diplomatic relations with Hanoi, Saigon and
Phnom Penh and to offer them humanitarian assistance.
In general, we think the report is slanderous,
based on false premises, contains more rhetoric than fact
and is a disservice to the thousands of military, civilian
and volunteer personnel who have dedicated extraordinarly
long hours in the last seven weeks to ensure the effective
movement and processing of the refugees to their new homes.
GERALD Be FORD FIBRARY
June 9, 1975
Indochina Refugee Resettlement
Statistical Fact Sheet
Total Number of Refugees
131,252
Number of Refugees in Overseas
Sites: Guam, Wake, Clark Air
Force Base, Subic Bay, Thailand
41,022
Number of Refugees in Stateside
Reception Centers or Enroute by
Air
59,177
Number of Refugees Released to Third
Countries
3,459
Number of Refugees Resettled into
American Communities
26,935
Number of Refugees Released from
Reception Centers within last 24 Hours
839
FORD is LIBRARY 076835
TASK FORCE STATEMENT RELEASED LAST NIGHT, SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 1975
The Interagency Task Force has not yet received a courtesy copy of the
Senate Judiciary Committee's report and is thus unable to discuss it in
detail. The seven weeks of our existence have not been without problems
of course but the cooperation of the military and civilian departments of
the Federal government, of the voluntary agencies and the private sector
and of the Congress has permitted an unprecedented undertaking in so
brief a time.
Today, seven weeks after the inception of the Task Force more than
130, 000 human beings who very recently were fleeing for their lives
can look forward to their new ones with confidence because of the
unceasing efforts of the dedicated Americans who are engaged in the
truly monumental resettlement task. While there continues to be ways
in which we can improve a program which was developed under crisis
conditions, we are satisfied now that the fundamental aspects of the
program are sound, coordination with resettlement voluntary agencies
is effective, and channels of communications are open to all who wish
to use them.
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