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Indochina Refugees - President's Advisory Committee: General (3)
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19077071
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Indochina Refugees - President's Advisory Committee: General (3)
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Theodore C. Marrs Files (Ford Administration)
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The original documents are located in Box 11, folder "Indochina Refugees - President's
Advisory Committee: General (3)" of the Theodore C. Marrs Files at the Gerald R. Ford
Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 11 of the Theodore C. Marrs Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Velnu
June 15, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JULIA V. TAFT
FROM:
ROGER D. SEMERAD
SUBJECT:
COORDINATION BETWEEN THE PRESIDENT"S
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REFUGEES AND
THE INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE
Now that we have assembled the staff for the President's Advisory
Committee on Refugees, we are in the process of developing a series
of projects which will require coordination with the Interagency Task
Force (IATF). The Committee staff will of necessity be working
closely with the members of the Committee. In particular, they
will be scheduling various speaking and television appearances as
appropriate for each member. I would appreciate it if you and your
principal staff would please keep us informed of any communication
you have with the members of the Committee. In this manner, I
believe, we can insure that proper coordination is accomplished
and that neither the LATF nor the Committee staff are unnecessarily
duplicating efforts.
It goes without saying that any requirements asked of the executive
departments by us will be coordinated with the Interagency Task
Force.
As we continue with the development of our plans and they become
more firm, we will communicate them at the earliest.
cc: Dr. Marrs
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
JOHN S. D. EISENHOWER
VALLEY FORGE
PENNSYLVANIA 19481
ASFRINGTONA 1975 F/MV JO PM 17
ALWAYS
WAS
USE
200
975
CODIO
19481
Dr. Theodore C. Marrs
Room 103
Executive Office Building
The White House
Washington, D. C.
to
131,000 Refugees /
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
APS-73
(from J.SDE)
full
J. Eisenhower
(personal)
-
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 18, 1975
TO: Velma Shelton
Room 103
Old Executive Office Building
Velma:
Attached is a list of staff members for the President's
Advisory Committee on Refugees.
Thank you again for your assistance of yesterday in
securing some pictures for our new quarters.
JJD elaney
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
THE PRESIDENT'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REFUGEES
John S. D. Eisenhower
Chairman
Roger D. Semerad
Executive Director, PACR
James J. Delaney II
Deputy Director, Sponsorship
Voluntary Agency Liaison
Walter V. Kallaur
Deputy Director, Interagency Task Force
Federal Agency Liaison
Noel C. Koch
Special Consultant, Public Relations
Intergovernmental Affairs
Frank W. Daniel
Associate Director, Public Relations
Intergovernmental Affairs
Carolyn F. Akin
Administrative Assistant
Catherine C. Purnell
Committee Management Specialist
D. David Morin
White House Summer Intern
Marie Dene
Secretary
Maude A. Bowie
Secretary
GERALD R. FORD
Linda Smith
Secretary
Dr. T hindore
C. marre
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
ON REFUGEES
June 18, 1975
Dear
I apologize for this impersonal way of communicating; but if I
am to convey certain thoughts to all Committee members before our
June 25 meeting, I must resort to the copy machine.
As you well know, the Refugee Program, especially the Interagency
Task Force, has come under criticism from the Senatorial Subcommittee
on Refugees. I have disagreed publicly with this criticism, largely
on the basis that I believe the Task Froce has done a fine job in the
face of unprecedented imponderables.
However, I am in agreement with the Subcommittee report insofar
as it recommends that our Presidential Advisory Committee should
immediately launch a public information program. Since we are not in
the nuts-and-bolts business, it seems obvious that this publicity effort
can be identified as our most immediate task. We have a lot of
horsepower on this Committee, and I believe that collectively we can
exert a great deal of constructive influence in this regard.
Before we can launch a publicity effort, of course, we must first
of all be sure of our product. That product is the question of
sponsorship: what is required of an individual or group that agrees
to sponsor a Vietnamese or Cambodian family?
Writing as one of the seventeen members of the Committee, I am
inclined to believe that the current sponsorship requirements are a bit
stringent on a family-to-family basis, given the current state of the
Economy and the possible lack of a sense of urgency among the public.
Therefore, I propose that the first two substantive items on our
agenda for the June 25 meeting be (1) an examination of the current
sponsorship requirements, considering a possible split-off of family
as opposed to group responsibilities and (2) having decided on the first,
how to augment the efforts of the Task Force in promoting public
understanding of the sponsorship program - where to go and how much is
expected of everyone.
Based on the experience of June 3, this next meeting, scheduled
for 10:00 a.m. on June 25, can go on through the afternoon - or the
next morning, if necessary.
Sincerely,
John S. D. Eisenhower
Chairman
JSDE/ajh
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 19, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR: MR. ALLAN WOODS
FROM:
MR. ROGER SEMERAD
SUBJECT:
MR. FRANK DANIEL
I have been informed that June 30, 1975 is the final day
of Mr. Frank Daniel as consultant to the Department of
the Treasury, from which he was detailed to the President's
Advisory Committee on Refugees. Mr. Daniel is serving
as Associate Director of the Committee. I am requesting
appropriate action be taken to assure his continued
employment and availability to the Advisory Committee.
If there is a problem, please let me know. Your usual
cooperation and assistance is appreciated.
cc: Dr. Ted Marrs
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
1
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Rtile** 6/19
Ted,
Comments V .
They
4/5
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 12, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
ROGER D. SEMERAD
FROM:
WALTER V. KALLAUR
lith
Based on my brief exposure to the operation of the IATF, I would like
to acquaint you with what I feel to be the major problem areas facing
the refugee resettlement effort.
1. There has been no apparent consideration given to any form of con-
tingency planning, should the voluntary agency-private sector approach
fail to place the refugees. While there is no need to publicize any
planning of such a negative nature, such a planning effort does not
necessarily acknowledge the inevitability of failure, but does come to
grips with the fundamental proposition that even the best intentioned
efforts on occasion fail. Accordingly, the IATF should be considering
what actions to be taken in care of:
a. Collapse of volunteer agency effort
b. Insufficient numbers of sponsors
c. Medical emergencies
d. Long range care of non-placeable refugees
I detect a mind-set in the Task Force management that focuses on daily
organizational problems but has not demonstrated any desire or capability
of dealing with or anticipating problems in the future. It may be that
by ignoring the problems that may be anticipated over the next 30 to 60
to 90 days, the Task Force will be forced into a major restructuring and
reorientation in terms of procedures and objectives.
2. The Volunteer Agencies with whom the IATF has established contractural
dealings have set and retained as a ceiling the placement of 60-65,000
refugees. That is less than half of the number to be placed. Clearly,
the first groups that were resettled were relatives, dependants, etc.,
and may not be counted against the Volunteer Agencies quotas or goals.
Nevertheless, even if the Volunteer Agencies all perform as stated (an
unlikely prospect) there will still be a great number that will require
placement--some 30-60,000. The IATF has not made plans to meet this
shortfall.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
Page 2
3. The offers of sponsorship that have come in through governmental
means--toll free number, correspondence, military and public agencies--
have not been screened or verified. In fact, only in the past week have
these offers been acknowledged. The volunteer agencies generally rely
on their own constituencies for sponsorship support and have not utilized
the IATF computer files.
4. In the meeting of the IATF on June 11, part of the discussion addressed
the reduction of the daily placement goal from 1,500 to 700. The strategy
as best I could understand is that with a 1,500/day goal, a daily place-
ment of 900 represents failure, while an 800/day placement rate with a 700/
day goal is a success. This would seem to be a diversion of effort from
goal orientation to a public relations orientation.
In closing, I do not think the resettlement effort is proceeding as
well as the Task Force would have us believe. I have been exploring an
approach to sponsorship which I will submit for your review shortly.
FORD & LIBRAR GERALD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 19, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
CHAIRMAN EISENHOWER
FROM:
ROGER D. SEMERAD RWS
SUBJECT:
U. S. SAVINGS BOND ADVERTISEMENT
The material the Department of the Treasury currently
uses to promote sales of savings bonds is primarily
created for the Department by a voluntary service of
the Leo Burnett Company, Chicago, Illinois. The business
press advertisement is the work of Hutchins/Darcy, Rochester,
New York. Both agencies donate their services as part of
the Advertising Councils' contribution.
Enclosed is a set of radio announcement scripts sent each
month to approximately 4,000 stations, a news print proof
of two advertisements offered monthly to all daily news
print and some weeklies. Also, a set of television announce-
ment scripts sent each month to all commercial TV stations.
Jim Delaney has contacted Mr. Lewis W. Shollinberger, Vice
President of the Advertising Council, to explore ways in
which they could assist us. They were most interested in
our ideas for a public service advertising campaign which
include TV, publications, billboards, car cards, etc. However,
I believe that timing mitigates against us moving in this
direction. If the Advertising Council began work today they
would not have a TV spot announcement or other media completed
until sometime in mid or late September. Therefore, an in-
government effort would probably prove more productive. With
your concurrence we will proceed in this direction.
Enclosures
CC: Dr. Ted Marrs
GERALD R. FORD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 16, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
Roger D. Semerad
FROM:
Walter Kallaur
WF
SUBJECT:
Visit to Indiantown Gap
June 15, 1975
Mr. Robert Pooley, AID, arranged for me to meet with a large
group of Cambodian refugees and a spokesman for the Vietnamese
refugees in an effort to develop some understanding of the resettle-
ment problem from the refugee point of view. There was great
consistency on the part of the refugees with whom I spoke in terms
of identifying the problem areas. (I have included as an attachment
a listing of the requests and problem areas identified.) Some of
the requests are clearly impractical at this time, but may be of
importance later should there develop a long term refugee
population.
Considerable anxiety was expressed that educational opportunities
in terms of language training, information on American life and
customs, work opportunities and qualifications for hous ing and
medical assistance had not been properly explained.
In regard to the programs in progress at the camps, the refugees
felt that these were too superficial to be of help, particularly for
the refugees that will have problems in placement because of lack
of language skills. It would seem that the orientation booklet which
is being prepared by the IATF may offer some relief in this area,
but will not of itself be sufficient.
For a significant number of refugees, young males, unmarried or
separated from their families, military service may be the only
mode to exit the camps. This group has been identified by the
Volags as a problem placement group and the Task Force and the
Committee may wish to consider what alternatives to sponsorship
may need to be developed for this group.
SERALD FORD
-2-
Subsequent to meeting with the refugees, I spoke with Mr. Friedman,
Civil Coordinator; Mr. Francis, Deputy Civil Coordinator, and
BG Cannon. These gentlemen were unanimous in their rejection
of any immediate camp life improvements and were very concerned
that the Committee or even the Task Force might be diverted from
a placement to a maintenance orientation. While one can be
sympathetic to their immediate concerns it is also essential too
that planning should commence for possible problem placements
and for other contigencies as of September 1 or later.
It had been my intent to select a few current residents of the camp
to participate in the Vietnamese/Cambodian Advisory Group.
However, Mr. Friedman took vigorous exception to this proposal
and stated it had been camp policy not to permit any day trips
out of the camp. In view of his objections and since recently
placed refugees wo uld be available, I decided not to pursue
the question.
In summary, I was very impressed by the realistic attitude displayed
by the refugees toward the problems they will face. With the
exception of minor complaints about some environmental problems
of camp life, the discussions focused on longer term issues, the
sort of issues that might be of particular concern to the Advisory
Committee.
Attachment
FORD & LIBRARY
Concerns Expressed by the Vietnamese/Cambodian Refugees
at Indiantown Gap - June 15, 1975
1. Opportunities for service in armed forces-what is the policy?
When will it be announced?
2. Training
a. Educational
(1) to permit school age children to resume studies
at equivalent levels
(2) to provide language training to adults
(3) technical language training for certain vocational
groups
b. Vocational
(1) assistance in identifying and matching skills of
refugees with U.S. equivalent job names/titles
(2) Help in identifying potential career fields/training
for those without workable skills
3. For individuals who will remain in the camps for an extended period
of time, will any provision be made for:
a. exit rights for head of household to seek employment
off camp while family remains in camp
b. referral service of job opportunities on camp or in
the vicinity of the camp
c. a system that will afford some opportunity to earn some
money even though a camp resident
4. Information
a. Eligibility on business loans--housing - legal requirements -
travel - documentation
b. Relations with sponsor/requirements
C. American customs/prohibitions
GESALO R. FORD
Date:
6/19
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
TO:
W. KALLAUR
J. DELANEY
F. DANIEL
N. KOCH
D. MORIN
C. AKIN
C. PURNELL
TED
M. MARRS
FROM: ROGER D. SEMERAD
FYI
APPROPRIATE ACTION
COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
SEE ME
STANDARD RESPONSE
SPECIAL RESPONSE
OTHER
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 17, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
Roger D. Semerad
FROM:
Walter Kallaur
of
6/17/75
SUBJECT:
An Approach at Generating Sponsorships
Proposal
That the Task Force permit direct sponsorship by individuals or groups
of individuals without Vol Ag screening or participation, except that
provisions be made for financial support of Vol Ag expenditures if the
initial placement fails, and the refugee family applies for assistance
to that Vol Ag.
Assumptions
1. That the Vol Ags will not expand operations beyond the placement
of 60-65 thousand.
2. That the Vol Ags prefer to identify sponsors and other resources
through their own constituencies.
3. That the offers of sponsorship that have been received through
the toll free number
a. have not been verified or utilized, and
b. that no organized effort has been established for screening
or verifying these offers.
Role of Advisory Committee
The Committee may take a lead role in explaining the need for additional
sponsors, emphasizing that not everyone can do all of the things that a
sponsor needs to do. However, if an individual wants to participate in
any way as a sponsor he or she should:
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
(1) Attempt to organize a group of friends/business associates etc.
in order to collectively offer sponsorship, or
(2) Make his or her individual or specialized offer known to the
local Red Cross chapter so that the Red Cross could attempt to assemble
the various required items of sponsorship.
NOTE: I have taken the liberty of utilizing the Red Cross in
this organizational role. Any reputable organization or group
with national membership could serve in this verification/brokerage
role.
Role of Red Cross/Verification Agency
In the case of (1) above, the Red Cross would verify:
1. The good character and reputation of the sponsor (s) and
2. Notify Red Cross National Headquarters of the valid sponsorship
offer including:
a.
Size of family
b.
Characteristics of family
c.
Employment (specific offer--or employment opportunities in
the community).
d.
Other information as required.
This information would be made available to Task Force or the Camp
Civil Coordinators in order for the match to be made. Once the match
is made notification could be made directly or through the Red Cross/
Verification Agency.
In case of (2) above, the local Red Cross chapter could collect offers
of assistance until a complete sponsorhip offer could be developed.
Then the offer would proceed as (1) above.
I believe this approach is administratively viable and will expand the
sponsorship base without imposing any obstacles on the current Vol Ag
effort.
FORD i LIBRARY BERALD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
6/19
Ted,
Observations only.
beace do nt Transmit
to Tash force
thank you
They
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
esc
educational systems corp.
Suite 603
1302 18th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 293-9160
GORDON KING
President
18 June 1975
Dear Roger:
I am attaching an unsolicited proposal for ESC to produce a
series of radio and television public service spots for the
President's Advisory Committee on Refugees. Our organization
represents not only high quality and creativity, but an
ability to provide these services almost immediately and in
a cost-effective manner as well.
ESC presents a sound understanding of the overall problem
being confronted, from the practical issues faced by planners
in the camps and communities to the more subtle long-range
political issues which could be encountered in the future if
resettlement is not accomplished quickly. Current estimates
by GAO, now receiving attention in the press and suggesting
that resettlement will take considerably longer than antici-
pated, point to the increased need to move quickly in this
direction to stimulate interest and attract sponsors.
I look forward to your reaction.
Sincerely,
Godon
Gordon King
GK:cs
Attachment: as stated
Mr. Roger D. Semerad
Executive Director
President's Advisory Committee
FORD & GERALD LIBRARY
on Refugees
4013 New Executive Office Building
Washington, D. C. 20506
The Refugees and Sharing America
A Proposal
esc
Mr. Gordon King, President
Educational Systems Corporation
1302 18th Street, N. W., Suite 603
Washington, D. C. 20036
(202) 293-9160
FORD DERALO & GERALD LIONARY
There is a pressing and immediate need to bring the Vietnamese
refugees -- who are right now waiting anxiously in camps across
America -- into the daily ebb and flow of American life. Because
a National Public Service Program could be immediately helpful in
triggering a national response, ESC proposes here a series of
television and radio spots designed to move public thinking
quickly in a constructive direction.
For both television and radio, we are proposing a series of one-
minute spots, a series of thirty-second spots, and a series of
ten-second spots. The spokesman or spokeswoman featured in each
spot will be a member of the President's Advisory Committee on
Refugees. At least seven of the committee members should be
invited to appear, and we feel also that the impact and prestige
of the entire program would be enhanced if President Ford
appeared in a spot. Thus, with eight "performers" appearing in
spots of varying length over a period of time, our work will
clearly have the repeated impact of a "series." It will reflect
a concerted effort to get something done fast. It will allow us
to restate our essential plea gracefully in a number of ways.
The plea itself is singular: "This is a search for some Ameri-
cans who are willing to sponsor a Vietnamese person or a Viet-
namese family in America."
FORD & LIBRARY
Regardless of length or medium, the spots will be created and
produced with the direct simplicity of a news program. Their
message will not be overtheatricalized or oversold. The message
carries enough emotional weight so that it can be stated directly,
without affectation or panic. The spots must come onto the
screen with an entirely different emotional key than the super-
ficial commercials that will surround them.
Television Spots
If the budget will allow, we shall make a strong effort to
shoot some of our speakers in their natural setting. Mayor
Alioto in San Francisco. Governor Evans at the capital in
Olympia. John Denver in the Rockies near Aspen. Elder Theodore
Tuttle in Salt Lake City. And the President in the White House.
This plan will give a visual variety and a nationwide dimension
to the series. Other speakers can be just as effectively pre-
sented from a studio. In Washington, D. C., we shall have
access to excellent facilities for this form of production.
Our writer will begin by working closely with each speaker in
the development of a personal one-minute television script. He
will be searching for what it actually is in the life of a speaker
that has led him to become a member of the committee, that has
led him to speak up on this issue. We want our viewers to act
on their own real feelings in responding, so it is appropriate
that our speakers reveal their real feelings, too.
esc-2
FORD & GERALD LIBRARY
Thus, a political person will speak of the constant arrival in
government of new and unexpected problems that must be solved
quickly. A religious leader can invoke his own feelings of
brotherhood that were in existence long before the Vietnam War.
John Denver can speak, perhaps even musically, about the humane
ideas that thread through his work. Mr. George Meany can remind
us of how we are, to a great extent, identified by our ability
to work -- that a person floating homeless and workless is no-
where. And President Ford might make the point that though he
constantly deals with problems on the national level, this is
a problem that in the final analysis can have only a local
solution -- indeed a personal solution. No legislation, no
funding, no programs can take the place of ordinary human con-
sideration and warmth.
There will be time in our one-minute spots to focus also on the
individuality of the refugees. They will not be presented as
a faceless, hopeless mass of people. There is, in fact, no
"typical" refugee. They cover a wide spectrum of ages and
skills. They comprise many different kinds of people. And so
there can be no "typical" way of dealing with them. Each person,
each family, must find a "good fit" in an American community.
And this leads us to the subject of "sponsorship."
esc-3
FORD R. GERALD LIGHARY
Since there will not be sufficient time even in our long spots
to explain the details of sponsorship, the task of the spot is
to introduce the word itself and to evoke, on the basis of the
evident concerns of our speakers, a feeling on the part of the
viewer of the rightness of sponsorship. The subtext of this is
that we should respond to the Vietnamese refugees not in some
exotic way, but simply as we respond to the feelings that carry
us through life each day. Thus sponsorship becomes worthwhile.
Sponsorship becomes less of a problem than one might believe.
Sponsorship can be rewarding to the person sponsored and also
to the person who becomes the sponsor. We do not have to generate
a final acceptance of all the details of sponsorship. All we
must do is get the viewer to pick up the telephone and make
a toll-free "800" call to get the complete information.
Each thirty-second television spot will show the speaker in his
same location, and the copy will be a "lift" from the copy of
the longer spot. This way it will have the value that comes
with repetition on television, and the shorter version will be
available if the longer time slots cannot be found.
All the ten-second television spots will have the same copy. They
will be brief and identical, a direct plea without the supporting
material. For this, we shall develop a slogan that can possibly
be used also in print media -- a slogan that will come to identify
esc-4
FORD is GERALD LIBRARY
the whole campaign. For example, the copy of a ten-second
spot might be approximately this:
"Hello. I'm John Denver. Is there any possible way that you
could help share America with a family from Vietnam? This is
the number to call."
All television spots, whether on location or in the studio,
will be shot using a direct-to-the-camera teleprompting
device.
Radio Spots
The one-minute and thirty-second radio spots will be edited
from an audio tape made in an informal interview with each
speaker just prior to the television taping. The spots will
be edited versions of the unscripted words of the speaker while
chatting with the writer or interviewer about the subject at
hand. The nature of the plea will be consistent, but these
spots will have a different tone and texture than the television
spots.
A great deal of flexibility is available here. The speakers
can introduce themselves or they can be introduced by an
announcer who might say something like this:
"Dr. Malcolm C. Todd, who heads the American Medical Association,
is worried that the Vietnam refugees will have to learn twice
about America -- first in a refugee camp, and then in a real
American town."
CERALD ? FORD
esc-5
On a cross fade, we hear Dr. Todd's developing concern as part
of a natural conversation, and then we return to the announcer
at the end:
"Is there any possible way that you could help share America
with a family from Vietnam? If so, the number to call is
800-000-000."
The ten-second radio spots, like the ten-second TV spots, will
have identical brief copy. The speaker will identify himself
and make an unadorned plea using the repeated slogan.
Some Basic Themes
Certain underlying themes will be woven through these spots.
What follows is not narration, but simply a way of touching on
what some of the themes will be.
"Time is short. We are faced with a reality. Whatever our
feelings about the rightness or wrongness of the war or their
arrival, they are here. We must deal now with a current, living
situation."
"The refugees from Vietnam represent a problem, but they can
also represent a unique opportunity. Some of them will need
much help, but others are ready right today to make a real
contribution to American society and American life."
GERALD R. FORD
esc-6
"It's easy enough to forget them. The war is over. They're
here in camps that we do not see. But camp life is not American
life. It is only a way station
"
"We are asking for your time and your humanity even more than
we are asking for your money."
"Though our government can provide financial and technical
support to local institutions, in the final analysis, it is
only through our warmth and our friendship that the people from
Vietnam will make a successful transition into American life."
The Telephone Response
Nothing is more important to the success of the entire program
than what happens when the prospective sponsor, having been
touched by the spot, calls the "800" toll-free number. This is
a critical moment. The viewer has already been "turned on,"
and the task at this point is to keep his or her interest high
while an explanation of "sponsorship" is made, and while he or
she is asked to take the next step. This response should be
scripted as carefully as the spots themselves. The tone must
be right. The information must be specific.
One final note. The one-minute and thirty-second television
spots will be structured with an approximate four seconds of
silence at the end. The "800" number will remain superimposed
over the final action -- or final frozen frame -- and there will
be time for an audio addition of any local or state committee
that is already at work with the Vietnam refugees.
esc-7
PRESIDENT'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REFUGEES
CHAIRMAN
JOHN S. D. EISENHOWER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
ROGER D. SEMERAD
JAMES J. DELANEY II
FORD is LIBRARY 07V833
LABOR-MANAGEMENT MEETING
ON THE RESETTLEMENT AND EMPLOYMENT OF
INDOCHINESE REFUGEES
June 24, 1975
Dr. Theodore Marrs
Special Assistant to the President
Leo Perlis
Director
Department of Community Services
AFL-CIO
Richard L. Breault
General Manager
Program Development
and Implementation
Chamber of Commerce
Thomas P. Walsh
Associate Director
Education and Manpower
Chamber of Commerce
Major General John C. Condon
President
National Alliance of Businessmen
Forest I. Rettgers
Senior Vice President
Policy Program Division
National Association of Manufacturers
Frank E. Fitzsimmons
General President
International Brotherhood
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of Teamsters
Walter J. Shea
Administrative Assistant
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Stephen Schlossberg
General Council
United Auto Workers
John J. McManus
Assistant Director
Department of Community Services
AFL-CIO
Charles Bradford
Executive Director
Human Resources Development
Institute
AFL-CIO
John R. Woodrum
Administrative Assistant
to the President
United Mine Workers
John S. D. Eisenhower
Valley Forge. Pennsylvania 19481
June 26, 1975
Mr. Jack Walsh
San Diego County Supervisor
NACo Health & Education Committee Chairman
County Administration Center
San Diego, California 92101
Dear Mr. Walsh:
Thank you for your letter of June 23. I appreciate
your personal interest in the vital matter of Indo-Chinese
refugee resettlement. Your views are remarkably parallel
to the thrust of the discussions we held in the Advisory
Committee meeting of June 25.
It is becoming obvious that our initial concept of
almost complete dependence on the volunteer agencies was
not realistic. I am not for a moment criticizing the
efforts of the VOLAGS, nor am I suggesting that their
role should in any way be diminished. But from the
beginning the VOLAGS have promised the Interagency Task
Force that they could resettle only some 65,000 refugees;
and'it is possible that we have been a little slow in
realizing that this figure only represents half of the
total.
To rectify this situation we are thus far doing
three things: (a) going full speed ahead to give maximum
publicity to the need for sponsors (b) encouraging the
idea of group sponsorship (rather than family) to be
monitored by the Red Cross and (c) sending letters to
encourage the various State Governors to adopt aggressive
plans similar to those devised by Governor Dan Evans of
Washington early in the game.
While none of these activities exactly parallel your
plan, they are being done in the same spirit of community
participation. Therefore, I am sending your letter to the
Executive Director of the Committee, Mr. Roger Semerad, for
immediate study as to its feasibility. Naturally we will
consult with the Task Force, who are the operators (in
contrast to the advisors) in this business.
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Mr. Jack Walsh
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Please let me know if you have not received a more
definite answer to your proposal within the next couple
of weeks.
Sincerely,
John S. D. Eisenhoure Eisenhower
Chairman
Presidential Advisory
Committee on Refugees
JSDE/ajh
cc: Dr. Theodore C. Marrs
Mr. Roger Semerad
Mr. Noel Koch
BRAC R. FORD
JackWalsh
supervisor
COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO
COUNTY ADMINISTRATION CENTER, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92101 TELEPHONE
236-2249
June 23, 1975
Mr. John Eisenhower, Chairman
President's Advisory on Refugees
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania 19481
Dear Mr. Eisenhower:
As an elected official whose county includes one of the largest encamp-
ment of Indochina refugees and, as the Southern California Coordinator for
local/state/federal cooperation in refugee resettlement, the slowdown in efforts
to sponsor and place the refugees is of grave concern to me.
The current federal approach to sponsorship relies largely on generous
individuals volunteering to take a small number of refugees into their homes.
The overseer and screening agent for these individual sponsors currently are
8 major voluntary agencies like United States Catholic Conference and the
Church World Service and so forth.
At the outset, this plan worked well and it appears the federal government,
with a few notable exceptions like education costs, is acknowledging its responsi-
bility to state and local government to pick up expenses generated by the influx
of the Indochinese.
Now, however, the sponsorships have lessened to a trickle and the refugees
are being processed slowly. Family units of four and five are being sent across
the country to new and strange homes. Separated in some cases by thousands of
miles from any other person with a similar heritage, culture, religion or back-
ground. This is a situation which disturbs me. I feel, as years go by and the
loneliness for peers increases, when family economics allow, the refugees will
relocate to areas where kindred people live, creating a polarization and even,
perhaps, new ghettos.
The proposal which is attached is a step in the direction of a solution.
It would be entirely in keeping with our heritage for our cities, our counties
and our states to accept, on behalf of our citizens, responsibility for sponsoring
larger groups of the Indochina refugees. Then working through civic, fraternal,
cultural, service and social organizations as well as major local employers
and unions within our political subdivisions, specific placements of individual
refugees and refugee families could be obtained. The community would gain new
ambitious citizens and would preclude some of the absolute cultural and language
loneliness.
GOOD GOVERNMENT DEMANDS THE INTELLIGENT INTEREST OF EVERY CITIZEN
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Mr. John Eisenhower
2-
June 23, 1975
In a practical vein, the County, City or State would also gain a handle
on the larger Indochinese refugee situation. As you know, the federal government
allows $500 per capita to the sponsoring agency for resettlement costs. If
state and local governments became those agencies, they would assure account-
ability of individual sponsors and could utilize the funds on a pooled basis
for the best solution to specific resettlement problems if and as they develop.
Since state and local government will have the final responsibility for break-
downs in sponsorship anyway, it would be wise to eliminate the problems before
they occur. Collective political sponsorship would also strengthen our hand in
dealing with the federal government on refugee financial questions.
But, most important, the involvement of state and local government and of the
people of the United States would generate understanding and sympathy and would
eradicate fears about the Indochinese. It would provide a means for many citizens
to participate in this latest manifestation of our immigrant heritage
and,
I think, during this, our bicentennial period, that is a positive thing. I urge
you as Chairman of the President's Advisory Committee on Refugees to seriously
consider this proposal.
Peace,
Jam Wall
Supervisor
Committee Chairman
Attachment
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GUIDELINES FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT GROUP SPONSORSHIPS
AT CAMP PENDLETON
1. AGREEMENT TO INITIATE GROUP SPONSORSHIP
As a first step, State and local governments interested
in undertaking group sponsorship should bring together
political, business, union, church and voluntary
leadership to decide:
--if group sponsorship is desirable,
--what, numbers of refugees can best be absorbed
into the area or community (e.g. some considerations
are labor market, housing availability, and
community services.
--How to organize a task force or appropriate
mechanism to coordinate the group sponsorship.
If there is enough leadership consensus to move forward,
an initial contact should be made with the Civil Coordinator
at Camp Pendleton (714-725-7007 or 725-7019)
2. ESTABLISHMENT OF A REFUGEE TASK FORCE
Having agreed to initiate group sponsorship, and after pre-
liminary discussions with the Civil Coordinator, an
operational coordinating body, representative of public
and private sector organizations, should be established to
set up procedures in the context of a proposal to be
discussed in person with the Camp Pendleton Task Force.
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3. PROPOSAL DISCUSSION WITH CAMP PENDLETON TASK FORCE
The proposal will be reviewed and discussed with the
Chief Civilian Coordinator and his senior staff at
Camp Pendleton. If approved by this group, the State
or local representative returns to his or her homesite.
4. IDENTIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION OF SPONSORSHIP
The State or local Task Force should set up a system to
solicit sponsorships. Such offers need to be checked
in order to certify the ability of sponsor volunteers
to perform sponsorship responsibilities. Once an
adequate number of certified sponsorship offers are in
place a Task Force representative will return to Camp
Pendleton. The Task Force will further clarify and issue
to each potential sponsor a policy and requirements state-
ment in advance.
5. SIGN MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
Memorandum between the State or local official and the
three Interagency Task Force officials will be signed
confirming the terms. of the group sponsorship policies
and procedures, and outlining the continuing responsi-
bilities of the Interagency Task Force.
6. SELECT REFUGEES AND ASSIST IN TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
With the assistance of the Task Force, the State/local
representative will select refugees to participate in
the group sponsorship and arrange for transportation.
The costs of transportation of refugee families from Camp
is
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Pendleton to the sponsors' locations will be borne
by the Federal Government.
7. SUGGESTIONS
--State or local governments may wish to consider
formation of a nonprofit organization to
administer the resettlement program. The possi-
bility of receiving tax-deductible contributions
to defray nonreimbursable administrative expenses
might be explored with the Internal Revenue Service.
--In calling for sponsorship offers, the State or
local organization should concentrate on identifying
actual family sponsors, but should encourage
individual offers of housing, employment, clothing,
etc. as part of the total sponsorship program.
These latter types of offers can be matched with
possible requirements of individual family sponsors.
The Interagency Task Force will provide its full
assistance to the sponsors in dealing with all
other Federal agencies.
--A clear and substantial financial commitment pro-
cedure should be added requiring the sponsor to
insure that the appropriate fiscal bonds, escrow
funds, trust agreements, are provided before
sponsorship is finalized.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN STATE
OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND INTERAGENCY TASK
FORCE AT CAMP PENDLETON ON GROUP SPONSORSHIPS
This Memorandum of Understanding sets forth the terms between
State or, local governments and the Interagency Task Force
(Department of State, Department of Health, Education and
Welfare, and the Immigration and Naturalization Service)
regarding group sponsorship and resettlement of Indochina
refugees.
(1) That
(State or Locality)
desires to act as the sponsoring agent for (
)
Refugees
(2) That, consistent with this desire,
(Name of Chief Elected Official and Title)
fully understands refugee sponsorship requirements;
has secured and verified individuals and organizations
to be sponsors of refugees within
(State or local jurisdiction)
will coordinate mobilization of community resources
to meet the social, cultural, educational and employ-
ment seeking needs of the refugee group; will find
second sponsorship placement if initial sponsorship
arrangement breaks down; and, fully understands that
public welfare is only a last resort support after all
other sponsorship alternatives have been exhausted and
failed.
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(3) That
(Name of Chief Elected Official)
will receive from the State Department/Interagency
Task Force, Washington, D.C. up to $500 per capita
for performing group refugee resettlements in
. Other
(Name of State or Locality)
refugees, than those specifically identified by
, placed in the
(Name of State or Locality)
community by the voluntary agencies working on camp
sites, will not be the primary responsibility of the
, since under
(State or Local Government)
separate agreement the voluntary agency has received
$500 for this placement and has assumed this obliga-
tion. Efforts should be closely coordinated between
0 and the volunteer agencies
including the option to share the $500 per capita
surplus if needed.
(4) That
will
(Name of State or Local Official)
register and select its refugee group at the camp
site among all refugees in order to assure a broad
cross-section of education, labor skills and financial
responsibility.
(5) That the Department of State will pay the travel costs
of the refugee group to their sponsor destination.
BERALD FORD FIBRANA
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(6) The Interagency Task Force agrees to:
a. Screen and assure all appropriate Federal
actions.
b. Promptly issue the $500 per individual.
C. Maintain a quarterly follow-up program for
a period of two years after each refugee is
"sponsored."
d. Make available to all sponsors, if needed
and documented by the sponsor, Program
for Local Services (PLS) money.
The signatories below agree to the above stated terms and are
fully satisfied that they will be met.
Civil Coordinator
Chief Elected State or Local
Official
INS Officer
HEW Coordinator
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FORDS
GERALD
John S. D. Eisenhower
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania 19481
June 27, 1975
Mr. Roger Semerad
Room 103
Executive Office Building
The White House
Washington, D. C.
Dear Roger:
I left Washington with considerable glow, a far
different atmosphere from that of June 3. Aside from
the fact that we allowed enough time, I think the
reason for the success is that it may be we are finding
out where we are going.
On reflection, I believe that Rumsfeld was correct
in having us print up our own stationery. For one thing
it makes the Committee more independent - which is good -
and further, it protects the sanctity of White House
stationery, which should not be spread around too much.
Noel Koch called me a little while ago with regards
to the fifty letters - or forty-nine - that I am to sign
tomorrow. I told him that I am not inclined to write a
letter to Secretary Schlesinger, instead I would prefer to
include the Committee's insipid recommendation (that the
Department of Defense look into the Vietnamese as a source
of recruits) along with the other recommendations that are
forwarded to the President through Ted Marrs.
Incidentally, I suggested to Noel that the final
recommendations emanating from these meetings be summarized
by the staff and sent forward in the form of a memo, probably
from you to Ted. If you think the form should be a monthly
memo from me to the President, then I am perfectly willing,
although it seems like a lot of trouble with me located so
far away.
I was truly sorry to hear that Julia Taft is developing
a state of heartburn. It seems inevitable that when you
have people with the desired degree of aggressiveness badly
organized - as is this effort - then they are going to wind
up stepping on each others toes in areas where both bodies
feel they have hegemony. And in a humanitarian effort like
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this it is particularly regrettable if cooperation breaks
down, particularly if it affects anyone's performance.
GERALD
Mr. Roger Semerad
Page 2
On the other hand, I am inclined to think that Julia
is out of her tree when she says the Committee should not
be writing to the Governors. If we cannot perform the
"public" function, then we have no reason to exist. I see
no reason to change our course.
I will be arriving at the Twin Bridges Marriott at
something like 5:30 p.m. Monday. If you want anything
signed, I can be reached there. I will probably be calling
you, however, before this letter arrives.
Best,
John
JSDE/ajh
cc: Dr. Theodore C. Marrs
P.S. The quicker you can get the arrangements made for
The Mike Douglas Show and the Today Show the better.
The summer schedule is beginning to clutter up. JSDE.
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THE PRESIDENT'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REFUGEES
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20506
July 1, 1975
AMBASSADOR JOHN EISENHOWER
MR. ROGER D. SEMERAD
CHAIRMAN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
(202) 456.7034
MAYOR JOSEPH ALIOTO
ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH BERNARDIN
MR. ASHBY BOYLE
DR. W. STERLING CARY
MR. JOHN DENVER
MRS. GAETANA ENDERS
GOVERNOR DANIEL EVANS
Dear Don:
MAYOR MAURICE FERRE
MR. MINOR GEORGE
Ted Marrs asked me to thank you for your letter
MR. EDGAR KAISER
of June 4 regarding the President's Advisory
MR. PHILIP KLUTZNICK
Committee on Refugee's visit to Ft. Chaffee on
MR. WILLIAM J. KUHFUSS
MR. GEORGE MEANY
May 20. Certainly the hospitality and briefings
MR. CLARKE REED
extended the Committee and White House Staff were
DR. MALCOLM TODD
excellent and most appreciated. As you know, in
ELDER A. THEODORE TUTTLE
most instances this was our first exposure to the
problem and what the Federal Government was actively
undertaking. Since that time we have become a bit
wiser and hopefully are in a better position to be
of assistance.
At some point in time it is our intention to recog-
nize and commend those individuals and organizations
who have contributed to the refugee resettlement
program. We thank you for the information and the
suggestions. On behalf of Ted Marrs and members of
the Committee, may I extend our best wishes to you.
Ty
Director
President's Advisory Committee
on Refugees
Mr. Donald G. MacDonald
Senior Civil Coordinator
"New Arrivals"
State Department Task Force
Fort Chaffee, Arkansas 72901
CC: Ted Marrs
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THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Date 6/16
TO: Rogu Semerad
FROM: DR. THEODORE C. MARRS
suspling
For your signature
For your coordination
For your information
Per our conversation
Roger: Holo for later action-
Other:
ie. commendation etc.
a thank you Note should he
sent.
Thank,
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
MEME
Washington, D.C. 20520
"NEW ARRIVALS" - TASK FORCE
FT. CHAFFEE, ARKANSAS 72901
June 4, 1975
Dr. Theodore C. Marrs
Special Assistant to the President
for Human Resources
Executive Office of the President
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D. C. 20500
Dear Doctor Marrs:
The visit of the President's Advisory Committe on Indo-China
Refugees on May 20 gave us all a lift. We thank you.
You asked that I send you names of individuals in the civilian,
Army and Vietnamese elements who have performed in an outstand-
ingly exemplary manner in our combined effort here. That's not
easy. Virtually everyone has done that.
On the Army side, great credit must go to Brigadier General
James W. Cannon, who arrived at Fort Chaffee Tuesday, April 29
and in two days readied Fort Chaffee to receive the first
Vietnamese on May 2. Also especially noteworthy were his Chief
of Staff, Colonel Thomas E. Mullins; Colonel Robert Travis, Deputy
to General Cannon; the Chief Medical Officer, Colonel Bruno Eisen;
the Provost Marshal, Lt. Colonel George L. Nipper; the 96th Civil
Affairs Battalion, Lt. Colonel Robert M. Weekly, whose civil affairs
unit was integrated into Mr. James Haley's civilian administered
New Arrivals Operation Center; and to chief of the Army's In-
Processing Center, Major Rowland P. Brown.
On the civilian side, I would cite my deputy, Francis J. Van Damm;
Regional Director, Department of Health, Education and Welfare,
Stuart Clarke; Regional Comptroller, Department of Health, Edu-
cation and Welfare, Donald Whitteaker; my Special Assistant for
Volunteer Agencies Operation, Mr. George H. Goss; Officer-in-Charge
of the New Arrivals Operation Center, Mr. James Haley, and my
Executive Officer, Mr. John J. Garney.
&
Countless numbers of Vietnamese have stepped forward to volunteer
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support services to the civilian operations. They man the several
messenger systems throughout the Vietnamese community, and between
GERALD
LIBRARY
Dr. Theodore C. Marrs
-2-
and among U. S. and volunteer agency offices; they teach school;
help run child day-care centers, etc., etc. As I informed you,
the Vietnamese have organized themselves. Mr. Nguyen Duc Hoa is
their leader, referred to as the "Mayor". A council of elected
representatives of each barracks works with him as do the chairmen
of its subcommittees, that is, health and sanitation, food, educa-
tion, etc., etc. I simply could not do justice to the many
Vietnamese by naming only a few who have contributed in an outstanding
way. I would suggest that consideration be given instead to a single
letter to Mr. Nguyen Duc Hoa commending the Vietnamese as a group.
This leads me to a similar recommendation with regard to the civilian
and military personnel. I have had the opportunity, over the years,
to be involved in some pretty challenging assignments and to exper-
ience that marvelous process through which a lot of human beings
rise together to do the impossible, but my experience here during
the first few weeks has been unique. I can count on the fingers
of less than one hand those who did not join in doing the impossible.
It is my strong belief that this is one of the rare situations in
which a unit citation or commendation is in order. If you think
well of this idea, there are, I think, alternative ways. There
might be a separate unit citation to the Army personnel, addressed
to the present Commander, Brigadier General Jack V. Mackmull - -
making special mention of Brigadier General James W. Cannon who
is now responsible for Army support of the Indiantown Gap Relocation
Center -- and a similar one addressed to the Senior Civil Coordinator.
I can provide you any specific data you wish in the preparation of
a unit commendation statement.
The alternative would be a single commendation addressed to the
Senior Civil Coordinator on behalf of all personnel, civilian,
military, and private organizations who have undertaken this inte-
grated effort. Whichever alternative is chosen, a separate letter
to the Vietnamese, addressed to Mr. Hoa would be in order.
Sincerely
JmacDonald
D. G. MacDonald
Senior Civil Coordinator
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July 2, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR
ROGER SEMERAD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PRESIDENT'S
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REFUGEES
Please advise this lady as to new sponsorship definitions.
The "Blue Book" definition she references has been
modified. This could be an active and effective support
group.
Theodore c. Marre
Special Assistant to the President
Enclosure
FORD & LIBRARY 078860
INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
313 E. 43rd St., New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel. (212) 689-1780 Cable: Amerifield, N.Y.
Stephen H. Rhinesmith
President
JUN 13 1976
11 June, 1975
William P. Orrick
Vice-President
Eric F. L. Backer
Treasurer
Robert Applewhite
Secretary
Dr. Theodore Marrs
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Dr. Marrs,
It was a great pleasure to share luncheon with you yesterday and to learn
first-hand of the deep and very personal Presidential interest in the
Bicentennial celebration. I was SO sorry that we did not have a chance to
talk at greater length but unfortunately I had a meeting at 3 o'clock some
distance from the State Department.
Dr. Rhinesmith, president of the American Field Service, attended the meeting
on the 19th of May at which the President's Advisory Committee on Refugees
was announced and returned with that large and very helpful blue book which
you provided. From that we excerpted the attached definition of sponsorship
which, hopefully, is the one to which you referred yesterday. Please let
me know if my assumption is incorrect.
Because I felt you did not have a sufficient number of papers under your (my)
chair and because you may have by now dealt with the problem of the tail-less
squirrel on the White House lawn, I have enclosed some additional reading
material for your leisure time. Once you have committed it to memory, you
are free to shred it! It will give you a greater idea of the various programs
sponsored by AFS and the extent to which we are stretching young people at
that magical age we discussed.
Please give our best to Pam Powell.
With kindest regards,
FORD
Kain Eiscle
Karin F. Eisele (Mrs. Paul M.)
Associate Director/Development
SPONSORSHIP
Sponsorship is not a formal legal commitment. However, the sponsor
undertakes a clear moral commitment to help the refugee to the best
of his ability.
A sponsor will be expected to:
1. Receive the refugee;
2. Provide shelter and food, until the refugee becomes self
sufficient. Shelter need not be in the residence of the
sponsor but must be adequate;
3. Provide clothing and pocket money;
4. Provide assistance in finding employment and in school
enrollment for children;
5. Cover ordinary medical costs or medical insurance.
The above was excerpted from "The Presidents's Advisory Committee on
Refugees"
Background Paper
GERALD R. FORD
THE PRESIDENT'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REFUGEES
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20506
July 3, 1975
AMBASSADOR JOHN EISENHOWER
MR. ROGER D. SEMERAD
CHAIRMAN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
(202) 456.7034
MAYOR JOSEPH ALIOTO
ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH BERNARDIN
MR. ASHBY BOYLE
DR. W. STERLING CARY
MR. JOHN DENVER
MRS. GAETANA ENDERS
GOVERNOR DANIEL EVANS
MAYOR MAURICE FERRE
Dear Mr. Campbell:
MR. MINOR GEORGE
MR. EDGAR KAISER
Ted Marrs has asked me to respond to your letter
MR. PHILIP KLUTZNICK
MR. WILLIAM J. KUHFUSS
of June 19 expressing frustration over the lack
MR. GEORGE MEANY
of a refugee skills inventory which would be
MR. CLARKE REED
extremely useful in the selection of refugees by
DR. MALCOLM TODD
sponsors having specific manpower needs. The
ELDER A. THEODORE TUTTLE
President's Advisory Committee has been advised
by the Interagency Task Force that this information,
which is now commuterized, will be available shortly.
I have taken the liberty of forwarding your request
to Mrs. Julia Taft, Director, Interagency Task Force,
so that she might send to you the occupational break-
down as soon as it is available for dissemination.
Your interest in this program is most appreciated
and we hope to be able to provide you with the
information you require in the near future.
Sincerely,
Roger D. Semerad
Mr. John M. Campbell
President
Miller & Paine
Lincoln, Nebraska 68501
CC: Ted Marrs
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STATE
Downtown
Lincoln
432-8511
Miller Paine
Conestoga Mall, Grand Island
384-5200
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA 68501
Gateway, Lincoln 464-7451
JOHN M. CAMPBELL
PRESIDENT
19 June 1975
Mr. Theodore C. Marrs
Special Assistant to the President
The White House
Washington D.C.
Dear Ted:
You were right when in your letter of June 16th you suggest that I am supportive
of the resettlement of Southeast Asia refugees. Supportive, yes, but also frustrated.
Following your suggestion, we contacted the Ambassador's office for help in secur-
ing a substantial list of specific skills from among the refugees with a firm job offer
to those who could demonstrate the skills needed. We were told that such questions
should be referred to a list of private social agencies, only one of which had a re-
mote connection in the Lincoln area. The local representative knew nothing about
the situation but promised to get information to us.
When the information we sought arrived, it primarily consisted of a long list of
"sponsor" responsibilities most of which dealt with the provision of travel expense,
education, community assimilation and other functions which are normally handled
by the social agencies themselves. Not a word about the specific job skills that we
were seeking. Also, not a word about the possibility as suggested in the material
you enclosed that a sponsor could be either for employment or for community
assimilation. We had made it clear that our participation was limited to the field
in which we were able to help the refugees.
If I am frustrated, I can imagine what the Vietnamese refugee who has a skill to
offer but has to go through all of the red tape imposed by first our government,
-
and then a group of well meaning social organizations before he can even be put
into contact with a potential employer.
Many people, including myself, will find it hard to understand why the government
in allocating the refugee funds appropriated by Congress, did not undertake to pay
the cost of transportation and initial relocation expenses of refugees who had secured
employment. It is totally unreasonable at this point of recession, high taxes, low
FORD & LIBRARY
NEBRASKA'S QUALITY DEPARTMENT STORES
Miller Paine
Mr. Theodore C. Marrs
19 June 1975
Page Two
profits to expect the pool of eligible Vietnamese to be absorbed by the civilian economy
if too many road blocks are put in the way.
It also is surprising to me that with the very experienced aptitude testing and job
assistance facilities of the military service, particularly the United States Army,
that this function was not delegated to those already in the business with the know-
how to be helpful. The development of a skills list should have been one of the
top priority items on the relocation program. The agencies selected by the govern-
ment are the least likely ones to be able to accomplish this task.
It is also inconceivable to me that the federally chartered American Red Cross
was not the prime vehicle for handling the social problems involved in relocation.
This organization has local chapters throughout the United States and an adequate
national organization to have been able to accomplish far more than the list of private
agencies that was utilized.
As I said at the start of the letter, I am frustrated. We have had no reply to our
request for specific employment skills. The contacts we have had with the private
agencies involved have been totally unsatisfactory. I believe new leadership is
urgently needed to bring order out of what appears to be total, unplanned chaos.
Sincerely,
you Campbell
JMC: blc
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NEBRASKA'S QUALITY DEPARTMENT STORES
FYI
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
yum
July 3, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD
FROM:
BARRY ROTH
BR
After Ted Marrs brought to my attention that HEW had allocated
$300, 000 to the Advisory Committee for television spots regarding
refugees, I spoke with Don Wortman, Deputy Assistant Secretary of
HEW, who is handling refugee matters. I indicated to him that I
only wanted to be sure that HEW had complied with the appropriate
procurement procedures in the award of this contract. He explained
they had andlindicated that was fine.
Ted Marrs has indicated that Julia Taft will also maintain some
oversight on the use of this money and the contents of the
advertisements.
FORD & 078830
John J. D. Eisenhower
Valley Forge. Pennsylvania 19481
July 3, 1975
Mr. Roger D. Semerad
Room 103
Executive Office Building
The White House
Washington, D. C.
Dear Roger:
In the wake of the turmoil over the funds for the
television spots I have a few other random thoughts.
R.
FORD
(1) The Committee should never again get in the
position where we have to ask any favors by way of support
GERALD
from the Task Force. Such a condition can only lead to
LIBRARY
exacerbating friction.
(2) On the other hand, it is up to us to use a lot
of imagination in exploring unofficial avenues for sponsor
support. For example, the enclosed letter may lead to
nothing, but I will probably follow up with Mr. Alin any
way.
(3) I have mentioned the idea of regularizing our methods
of reporting to the President. Ted Marrs is in agreement.
Any scheme that you and he agree on is OK by me so long as it
is done regularly.
(4) Possibly at the next meeting I should ask for
volunteers to make another sweep of the stateside refugee
camps. In order to avoid running up expenses for which we
would need reimbursement, we can doubtless find Committee
members who live close to one of the camps. For example,
between the July and August meetings I can take another glance
at Indiantown Gap and maybe Dr. Todd can take another look at
Pendleton. We may have to send someone on special trips to
Chaffee and Eglin. I don't think we should neglect our
inspection functions completely.
(5) I would be most appreciative if you would send me
a report every week on how the resettlement program is
progressing. The last figure I have is as of June 25, and I
would like to keep the latest numbers at my fingertips.
Mr. Roger D. Semerad
Page 2
(6) Assuming that the money is forthcoming for the
television spots, there is no reason to delay planning.
First and foremost we should decide on the names of the
speakers. At least four are obvious: President and Mrs.
Ford, John Denver, and George Meaney. (Maybe we should not
limit ourselves to members of the Committee.) Contrary to
what I said to Ted Marrs over the phone yesterday, I think it
desirable that neither Julia Taft nor I participate in these
spots. The idea is to get well-known figures and not to prove
how important Julia and I are - or think we are. She and I
can do our parts on things like the Mike Douglas Show.
End of random thoughts. Let's keep in touch.
Sincerely,
John
JSDE/ajh
cc:
Dr. Theodore C. Marrs
Mr. Noel Koch
FORD & 077835 LIBRARY
THE PRESIDENT'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REFUGEES
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20506
AMBASSADOR JOHN EISENHOWER
CHAIRMAN
R File
MR. ROGER D. SEMERAD
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
(202) 456.7034
MAYOR JOSEPH ALIOTO
ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH BERNARDIN
MR. ASHBY BOYLE
July 7, 1975
DR. W. STERLING CARY
MR. JOHN DENVER
MRS. GAETANA ENDERS
GOVERNOR DANIEL EVANS
Mr. Roger D. Semerad
MAYOR MAURICE FERRE
Room 103
MR. MINOR GEORGE
MR. EDGAR KAISER
Executive Office Building
MR. PHILIP KLUTZNICK
The White House
MR. WILLIAM J. KUHFUSS
Washington, D. C.
MR. GEORGE MEANY
MR. CLARKE REED
DR. MALCOLM TODD
Dear Roger:
ELDER A. THEODORE TUTTLE
Many thanks for your letter of July 3. I appreciate
your taking the time and trouble to pull things together
just before the weekend, after all the furor over television
money.
I do get frustrated over not being able to keep things
at my fingertips. Nevertheless I don't feel for a moment
that it is anybody's fault; it is simply built into this
situation. We have an unfortunate circumstance of my being
an unpaid volunteer, trying to write books one-hundred and
fifty miles away from the action - but nevertheless held
responsible in the minds of a certain percentage of the public.
Admitting that I am unusually prone to run a tight ship, I
believe that almost anyone would feel a bit apprehensive in
this situation.
Ted Marrs talked about the possibility of some joint
meeting between the Task Force and the Advisory Committee.
Such might be a useful thing; but I advised Ted that I was
not about to make a special trip, involving a couple of days
just to come to Washington and listen to Julia Taft complain.
He understood.
On the other hand, I think that Julia and I are open to
legitimate criticism if we don't get together and talk some
time. At the AFL-CIO dinner I offered to see her on July 22,
but she said she wanted to get together earlier. She offered
to come to Phoenixville. I don't know whether the offer was
serious, or whether she remembers it.
At any rate, if you all have a meeting down there in the
next few days, you might remind her of her offer to come up
here.
All in all, if we can make a successful publicity program,
then I believe that the "action" portion of our Committee's
work will be about complete. From that point on it seems to
FORD
CHALD
THE PRESIDENT'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REFUGEES
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506
AMBASSADOR JOHN EISENHOWER
MR. ROGER D. SEMERAD
CHAIRMAN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
(202) 456.7034
MAYOR JOSEPH ALIOTO
ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH BERNARDIN
MR. ASHBY BOYLE
DR. W. STERLING CARY
MR. JOHN DENVER
me that we should make periodic inspections of the various
MRS. GAETANA ENDERS
camps, listen to the gripes of the Vietnamese and Cambodians
GOVERNOR DANIEL EVANS
(largely through our monthly meetings) observe the
MAYOR MAURICE FERRE
performance of the Task Force, and report to the President
MR. MINOR GEORGE
MR. EDGAR KAISER
whatever merits his attention.
MR. PHILIP KLUTZNICK
MR. WILLIAM J. KUHFUSS
Toward the end of the year, when we would expect that
MR. GEORGE MEANY
the remaining refugees to be concentrated in perhaps one
MR. CLARKE REED
relocation center, we should probably address the long-term
DR. MALCOLM TODD
ELDER A. THEODORE TUTTLE
problem of how to handle what few hard-core non-releasables
remain. This will be an extremely tough question, but we
cannot avoid facing it.
Without trying to prejudge the issue, I am afraid that
we will have some non-releasables in a relocation center for
a long time, springing a few periodically as they get educated,
and hopefully - if we ever establish relations with South
Vietnam - returning the really hard-core cases home. Though
this position sounds defeatist, I cannot imagine any third
country taking the people that even the United States considers
undesirable.
All this is simply by way of outlining the direction I
think we should plan to follow. As the Committee pulls away
from operations, confining itself to the publicity and
information aspects, I would presume that the causes of friction
between ourselves and the Task Force would diminish.
With best regards,
Sincerely,
John John D. Eisenhower
JSDE/ajh
Chairman
cc:
Dr. Theodore C. Marrs
Mr. Noel Koch
FORD