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Thailand: November 7-10, 1979 [1]
Folder Citation: Collection: Records of the First Lady's Office; Series: Mary Hoyt's Foreign
Trip Files; Folder: Thailand: November 7-10, 1979 [1]; Container 27
To See Complete Finding Aid:
http://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/library/findingaids/First_Ladys_Office.pdf
WITHDRAWAL SHEET (PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARIES)
FORM OF
CORRESPONDENTS OR TITLE
DOCUMENT
DATE
RESTRICTION
memo
Aaron to Carter, 4 pgs
11/3/79
A
w/attachment
memcon
Labouisse, Bloomfield, 10 pgs
11/28/79
A
report
Visit of Ms. Carter..., 38 pgs
11/8-10/79
B
list
Manifest, 1 pg
11/7/79
B
list
Manifest, 1 pg
11/7/79
B
FILE LOCATION
Records of the First Lady's Office, Mary Hoyt's Foreign Trip Files (Press), Box 27, Thailand, November 7-10, 1979
RESTRICTION CODES
(A) Closed by applicable Executive Order governing access to national security information.
(B)
Closed by statute or by the agency which originated the document.
(C)
Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in the donor's deed of gift.
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
NA Form 14029 (1-98)
WITHDRAWAL SHEET (PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARIES)
FORM OF
DOCUMENT
CORRESPONDENTS OR TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
memo
Aaron to Carter, 4 pgs
11/3/79
A
w/attachment
memcon
Labouisse, Bloomfield, 10 pgs
11/28/79
A
report
Visit of Ms. Carter , 38 pgs
11/8-10/79
B
list
Manifest, 1 pg
11/7/79
B
list
Manifest, 1 pg
11/7/79
B
FILE LOCATION
Records of the First Lady's Office, Mary Hoyt's Foreign Trip Files (Press), Box 27, Thailand, November 7-10, 1979
RESTRICTION CODES
(A) Closed by applicable Executive Order governing access to national security information.
(B)
Closed by statute or by the agency which originated the document.
(C) Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in the donor's deed of gift.
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
NA Form 14029 (1-98)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 6, 1979
Office of the First Lady's Press Secretary
THE WHITE HOUSE
First Lady Rosalynn Carter will visit Thailand this week to observe first
hand the plight of refugees there, particularly the conditions of Kampuchean
refugees.
Mrs. Carter will depart on Wednesday, November 7, and return on Saturday,
November 10. She will be accompanied by Dr. Julius Richmond, the Surgeon
General of the United States. Other members of the delegation will be
announced later.
The purpose of her trip will be to learn of the needs of the refugees
fleeing Kampuchea, look at ways to increase the flow of relief supplies
and food into Kampuchea, and report her findings to the President in order
to help accelerate effective support for the international relief programs.
During her visit to Thailand, Mrs. Carter will visit refugee camps and
consult with Thai Prime Minister Kriangsak and his cabinet. She will
discuss with him the burdens created for Thailand by its humanitarian
acceptance of the vast influx of refugees. Mrs. Carter will also meet
with international relief and American officials in Thailand. Her trip
will provide a focus at the highest level of the U.S. government for the
effective concentration and utilization of U.S. resources, both public
and private, to meet this human tragedy.
The Surgeon General will provide the expert judgment needed on the extent
of medical aid necessary and the medical application necessary to aid
those suffering from malnutrition and other diseases. The plight of the
Cambodian people and the special needs of those who have made their way
to Thailand make this an urgent mission for the U.S. and for the First Lady.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DECEMBER 9, 1979
Office of the First Lady's Press Secretary
THE WHITE HOUSE
First Lady Rosalynn Carter will address the Council on Foreign
Relations on Wednesday, December 12, 1979.
Mrs. Carter will speak about her recent trip to refugee camps
in Thailand.
Per custom of the Council on
Foreign Relations, the speech
will be closed to the press.
REPORT OF MRS. ROSALYNN CARTER ON CAMBODIAN RELIEF
November 8-10, 1979
I visited Thailand November 8-10 to express
the concern of all Americans over the tragedy unfolding in
Cambodia, to pay tribute to the Thai government for the
actions it has taken to alleviate the plight of Indochinese
refugees, and to consider what additional steps the United
States and other nations might take to provide food and
medical care to those who have fled Cambodia as well as
those who remain there.
At the refugee camps in Thailand, I witnessed incredible
starvation, disease, dislocation and suffering. At the
Sakeo Holding Center for Cambodians I saw many children
separated from their parents, afflicted with mal aria and
malnutrition. In the Lao Refugee Camp at Ubon, conditions
were substantially better, yet many of the camp's inhabitants
have waited three or four years for approval to resettle
abroad. They wait, hoping not to be forgotten by the world.
At the Refugee Transit Center in Bangkok, I observed overcrowded
and humiliating conditions which refugees awaiting final
processing for emigration must endure. These were emotionally
wrenching scenes, and I shall never forget them.
As bleak as these conditions were, however, they pale
in horror by comparison to those which must be experienced
by those still living in Cambodia. In particular, I was
informed that nearly a quarter of a million people
- 2 -
gathered near Sisophon close to the Thai border face the
most desperate situation. Intensified fighting -- anticipated
in the coming weeks -- will probably send them into Thailand
where they may overwhelm existing capabilities to provide relief.
The plight of the children is particularly distressing.
Indeed, a generation of Cambodian children is in danger of
being lost. We saw few children under five at Sakeo, and
there were virtually no toddlers. I held one infant who had
survived despite malnourishment because aid was available. We
must not allow others to die because our assistance was either
too little or too late.
The Thai government is dealing with the massive influx of
refugees with compassion. They have opened their borders to
fleeing Lao and Cambodian as well as Vietnamese boat people.
And they are now establishing holding centers to handle these
displaced people away from the border areas where fighting
threatens.
These decisions pose risks and pressures for the government
of Prime Minister Kriangsak. Failure by the international
community to provide visible and demonstrable political, economic,
and security support to the Thais could undercut their current
humanitarian approach. We must give Thailand our support and
understanding.
The relief efforts of international agencies and voluntary
- 3 -
groups in Bangkok is impressive. They have performed heroic
services under the most trying circumstances. Yet I return with the
conviction that coordination of such efforts in Thailand must be
improved to assure maximum use of limited financial and human
resources.
The most urgent issue is to get more food and medical supplies
into Cambodia and to see that they are more widely distributed.
UN Agency representatives have stated that the authorities
in Phnom Penh may be willing to increase the amount of
international relief reaching Cambodia. The Phnom Penh authorities
have said they will permit delivery of food and medicines
up the Mekong River, as well as expanded air and sea deliveries.
These are vitally important. However, implementation is bogged down by
political
bottlenecks, and proposals for essential land deliveries into
Cambodia from Thailand remain stymied.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
With these circumstances in mind, I believe the United
States must act urgently to stimulate and contribute to
expanded international efforts to relieve the suffering of
refugees in Thailand and to find additional ways of delivering
food and medicine to people in Cambodia. To this end we
should consider the following actions:
1) The United States is fully committed to the principle
that food should
reach all the people of Kampuchea. Right now, the overwhelming
- 4 -
problem facing the relief effort is how to deliver food to the
people who remain in Kampuchea. During my visit, I discussed
the problem of approval by the authorities in Phnom Penh with
Congresswoman Holtzman's delegation before their departure for
Cambodia. I raised the issue of land deliveries with
Prime Minister Kriangsak who affirmed his approval of the delivery of food
from Thailand with the approval of the appropriate authorities.
The continued delivery of food to the Thai-Cambodian border area
is essential. Finally, the relief effort based in Phnom Penh should
be commensurate with the task at hand. The international agency
presence there -- currently thirteen people -- is clearly inadequate.
2) While commodities and services are essential, so is
cash. We must disburse available funds immediately to permit the
procurement of goods and services urgently needed in Kampuchea
and in the Thai holding centers. We should immediately provide
$2 million from our refugee funds to cover the U.S. share
of World Food Program requirements through the end of 1979, and we must
tap the generosity of the American people to supplement through
private charity those programs to which we are contributing
government funds. In this connection, the United States
Commission on the International Year of the Child has already
launched an appeal for Americans to give a special offering
this Thanksgiving to "Children Without." High on the priority
is the refugee child. Contributions are to be donated to the
charity of one's choice with a list of relief organizations
available. We must help to save the children of Cambodia by
urging all Americans to participate in this fund-raising effort.
- 5 -
3) To meet urgent requirements in Thailand we should
initiate immediately an airlift to provide, in full cooperation
with pertinent international agencies, vegetable oils and
special foods needed for infants and small children, mobile
equipment to provide water to refugee holding camps, and
communications equipment to improve coordination between the
refugee camps and support agencies in Bangkok. Subject to the
concurrence of authorities in Phnom Penh, we should also be
prepared to transport by air such equipment as fork lifts and
cranes to facilitate handling and distribution of food and medical
supplies arriving at the seaport of Kompong Son and the river port
at Phnom Penh.
4) We need to work with the international relief agencies
and voluntary groups in Thailand to develop integrated contingency plans
for coping with a massive influx of additional Cambodian refugees
across the Thai border during the weeks immediately ahead. The
identification of sites for additional holding. centers should
be expedited, construction materials for hospitals identified
and earmarked, and plans initiated for providing food, water
and medical services.
5) In the light of additional heavy burdens anticipated by
the Thai, we should earmark more of the monthly refugee entry
allocations to Thailand during the next quarter. This would help
offset large numbers of new arrivals from Cambodia and offer more
equitable resettlement possibilities in other camps such as Ubon.
- 6 -
Thailand's need is so great that it demands special attention
and support.
6) We must also urge the UNHCR to construct new facilities
for refugees transiting Bangkok. For our part we must accelerate
the paperwork involved in processing requests for resettlement
abroad.
7) We must increase the numbers of American volunteers
participating in the relief effort. I was proud of the
contributions being made by Americans. More can be done. The
UNHCR in particular needs assistance, and I believe the Peace
Corps should be asked to make volunteers available to the UNHCR
at once.
8) Because malnutrition complicates and intensifies other
disease problems, all efforts should be made to provide adequate
food supplies to the populations of the refugee camps, in the border
areas and in Cambodia. And for purposes of extending medical
services to these people, the Surgeon General of the United
States Public Health Service should work with the voluntary
health organizations to assure that a national clearing house
and response capacity for the refugee health volunteer
effort is established.
9) In view of the desperate situation in Western Cambodia,
some of the representatives of voluntary agencies with whom
I spoke in Bangkok proposed initiating unilateral early truck deliveries
from Thailand. While there are practical difficulties and
risks associated with this proposal, I believe that it should be
- 7 -
given serious consideration as a last resort measure.
10) We must renew our efforts to increase the contributions
of other countries as we increase ours. When I stopped in Japan,
for example, I discussed this matter with the new Foreign Minister
by telephone and with the Japanese press.
11) We must swiftly appoint a new Coordinator for Refugee
Affairs who can relate larger U.S. contributions -- including
initiatives stemming from my mission -- to a broader inter-
national relief and refugee resettlement effort.
FROM: Mary Finch Hoyt
TO: Ambassador Morton Abramowitz
PLEASE DELIVER 00B
Following National Press expected to travel with Mrs. Carter to total eleven
persons:
(2) Time Magazine writer and photographer (Christopher Ogden & Diana Walker)
(1) Voice of America correspondent (Jane Bleyer) Berger)
(1) CBS correspondent (Lee Thornton)
(1) NBC Correspondent
(1) ABC Correspondent
(1) UPI Photographer
(1) RKO General correspondent (Clifford Evans)
(1) Chicago Tribune writer (Aldo Beckman) (coffey)
(1) Los Angeles Times writer (Marlene Cimons)
(1)
Reuters correspondent (Ralph Harris)
:<
Following press expected to pick up press party in Bangkok to total sixteen
persons:
(2) Newsweek writer and photographer
(3) ABC crew
(3) NBC Crew
(3) CBS Crew
(1) UPI writer
(2) AP writer and photographer
(1) New York Times (Henry Kamm)
(1) Washington Post (John Burgess)
Please ascertain how many other correspondents or photographers need to be
added to this group to accompnay Mrs. Carter on all activities. Suggest your
press office pick 10-12 representatives from Thai, foreign press and others
already in country.
This would total 37-to 40 press which would need to be accommodated in addition
to official travel party. Extra plane would need to be considered.
ANDREWS DEPARTURE STATEMENT
ROSSLYN CARTER TRIP
TO THAILAND
The sorrow of Kampuchea is one which we all share. A
once peaceful nation of seven million has been devastated
by war and brutality. Its people now face annihilation
from famine and disease.
The images we all see in the news media of young
mothers cradling in their arms their dying infants, the
hopeless stare of both children and adults so weakened by
starvation and disease they cannot even stand compel all
of us to do more; to commit ourselves and all our energy
to ending their senseless suffering.
The President has asked me to visit refugee camps in
Thailand. I will share with the people there Jimmy's and
the American people's profound concern over this unprece-
dented human tragedy. Our delegation will explore additional
ways in which we can further use our resources to ease the
suffering.
The U.S. Government has already pledged $69 million
to assist in international relief efforts. But the needs
are too great, too urgent to be satisfied by governments
alone. That is why, on our mission, we will particularly
be looking for ways to enhance the efforts of private
voluntary agencies.
REPORT OF MRS. ROSALYNN CARTER ON CAMBODIAN RELIEF
November 8-10, 1979
I visited Thailand November 8-10 to express the concern
of all Americans over the tragedy unfolding in Cambodia, to
pay tribute to the Thai government for the actions it has
taken to alleviate the plight of Indochinese refugees, and
to consider what additional steps the United States and other
nations might take to provide food and medical care to those
who have fled Cambodia as well as those who remain there.
At the refugee camps in Thailand, I witnessed incredible
starvation, disease, dislocation and suffering. At the Sakeo
Holding Center for Cambodians I saw many children separated
from their parents, afflicted with maleria and malnutrition.
In the Lao Refugee Camp at Ubon, conditions were substantially
better, yet many of the camp's inhabitants have waited three
or four years for approval to resettle abroad. They wait,
hoping not to be forgotten by the world. At the Refugee
Transit Center in Bangkok, I observed overcrowded and humili-
ating conditions which refugees awaiting final processing for
emigration must endure. These were emotionally wrenching scenes,
and I shall never forget them.
As bleak as these conditions were, however, they pale in
horror by comparison to those which must be experienced by
those still living in Cambodia. In particular, I was informed
2 -
that nearly a quarter of a million people gathered near Sisophon
close to the Thai border face the most desperate situation.
Intensified fighting -- anticipated in the coming weeks -- will
probably send them into Thailand where they may overwhelm
existing capabilities to provide relief.
The plight of the children is particularly distressing.
Indeed, a generation of Cambodian children is in danger of
being lost. We saw few children under five at Sakeo, and there
were virtually no toddlers. I held one infant who had survived
despite malnourishment because aid was available. We must not
allow others to die because our assistance was either too little
or too late.
The Thai government is dealing with the massive influx of
refugees with compassion. They have opened their borders to
fleeing Lao and Cambodians as well as Vietnamese boat people.
And they are now establishing holding centers to handle these
displaced people away from the border areas where fighting
threatens.
These decisions pose risks and pressures for the government
of Prime Minister Kriangsak. Failure by the international
community to provide visible and demonstrable political, economic,
and security support to the Thais could undercut their current
humanitarian approach. We must give Thailand our support and
understanding.
The relief efforts of international agencies and voluntary
groups in Bangkok is impressive. They have performed heroic
services under the most trying circumstances. Yet I return
with the conviction that coordination of such efforts in
Thailand must be improved to assure maximum use of limited
financial and human resources.
The most urgent issue is to get more food and medical
supplies into Cambodia and to see that they are more widely
distributed. UN Agency representatives have stated that the
authorities in Phnom Penh may be willing to increase the amount
of international relief reaching Cambodia. The Phnom Penh
authorities have said they will permit delivery of food and
medicines up the Mekong River, as well as expanded air and sea
deliveries. These are vitally important. However, implementa-
tion is bogged down by political bottlenecks, and proposals for
essential land deliveries into Cambodia from Thailand remain
stymied.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
With these circumstances in mind, I believe the United
States must act urgently to stimulate and contribute to expanded
international efforts to relieve the suffering of refugees in
Thailand and to find additional ways of delivering food and
medicine to people in Cambodia. To this end we should consider
the following actions:
1) The United States is fully committed to the principle
that food should reach all the people of Cambodia. Right now,
the overwhelming problem facing the relief effort is how to
deliver food to the people who remain in Cambodia. During
my visit, I discussed the problem of approval by the authorities
in Phnom Penh with Congresswoman Holtzman's delegation before
their departure for Cambodia. I raised the issue of land
deliveries with Prime Minister Kriangsak who affirmed his
approval of the delivery of food from Thailand with the approval
of the appropriate authorities. The continued delivery of food
to the Thai-Cambodian border area is essential. Finally, the
relief effort based in Phnom Penh should be commensurate with
the task at hand. The international agency presence there --
currently thirteen people -- is clearly inadequate.
2) While commodities and services are essential, so is
cash. We must disburse available funds immediately to permit
the procurement of goods and services urgently needed in
Cambodia and in the Thai holding centers. We should immediately
provide $2 million from our refugee funds to cover the U.S.
share of World Food Program requirements through the end of
1979, and we must tap the generosity of the American people to
supplement through private charity those programs to which we
are contributing government funds. In this connection, the
United States Commission on the International Year of the Child
has already launched an appeal for Americans to give a special
offering this Thanksgiving to "Children Without." High on the
priority is the refugee child. Contributions are to be donated
to the charity of one's choice with a list of relief organizations
available. We must help to save the children of Cambodia by
urging all Americans to participate in this fund-raising effort.
3) To meet urgent requirements in Thailand we should
initiate immediately an airlift to provide, in full cooperation
with pertinent international agencies, vegetable oils and
special foods needed for infants and small children, mobile
equipment to provide water to refugee holding camps, and
communications equipment to improve coordination between the
refugee camps and support agencies in Bangkok. Subject to the
concurrence of authorities in Phnom Penh, we should also be
prepared to transport by air such equipment as fork lifts and
cranes to facilitate handling and distribution of food and
medical supplies arriving at the seaport of Kompong Son and the
river port at Phnom Penh.
4) We need to work with the international relief agencies
and voluntary groups in Thailand to develop integrated contingency
plans for coping with a massive influx of additional Cambodian
refugees across the Thai border during the weeks immediately
ahead. The identification of sites for additional holding centers
should be expedited, construction materials for hospitals identi-
fied and earmarked, and plans initiated for providing food, water
and medical services.
5) In the light of additional heavy burdens anticipated by
the Thai, we should earmark more of the monthly refugee entry
allocations to Thailand during the next quarter. This would help
offset large numbers of new arrivals from Cambodia and offer more
6
equitable resettlement possibilities in other camps such as Ubon.
Thailand's need is SO great that it demands special attention
and support.
6) We must also urge the UNHCR to construct new facilities
for refugees transiting Bangkok. For our part we must accelerate
the paperwork involved in processing requests for resettlement
abroad.
7) We must increase the numbers of American volunteers
participating in the relief effort. I was proud of the contri-
butions being made by Americans. More can be done. The UNHCR
in particular needs assistance, and I believe the Peace Corps
should be asked to make volunteers available to the UNHCR
at once.
8) Because malnutrition complicates and intensifies other
disease problems, all efforts should be made to provide adequate
food supplies to the populations of the refugee camps, in the
border areas and in Cambodia. And for purposes of extending
medical services to these people, the Surgeon General of the
United States Public Health Service should work with the voluntary
health organizations to assure that a national clearing house
and response capacity for the refugee health volunteer effort
is established.
9) In view of the desperate situation in Western Cambodia,
some of the representatives of voluntary agencies with whom
I spoke in Bangkok proposed initiating unilateral early truck
deliveries from Thailand. While there are practical difficulties
and risks associated with this proposal, I believe that it
should be given serious consideration as a last resort measure.
10) We must renew our efforts to increase the contributions
of other countries as we increase ours. When I stopped in Japan,
for example, I discussed this matter with the new Foreign Minister
by telephone and with the Japanese press.
11) We must swiftly appoint a new Coordinator for Refugee
Affairs who can relate larger U.S. contributions -- including
initiatives stemming from my mission -- to a broader inter-
national relief and refugee resettlement effort.
-2-
I call upon all Americans to assist these groups in
their efforts to alleviate the crisis by making generous
contributions to these private efforts.
We must get help to the people SO desperately in need
by working in concert with international relief groups and
other concerned governments, such as the government of
Thailand which has been so generous in providing temporary
haven for Khmer fleeing across the border. I pray that we
can quickly act to ease the burden of a people who have
suffered too much, too long.
Thank you.
With the gracious permission of His Royal
Highness, I should like to say a few words to bid
farewell to Mrs. Rosalynn Carter and Party upon the
completion of their mission in Thailand.
Twwodays ago, the Thai Government and people
were pleased to welcome you to
Thailand on a mission
in the behalf of the President of the United States to
learn at first hand the refugge situation in our
country. We very much appreciated the extraordinary
effort you have made to demonstrate the genuine concern
of the American Government and people for the catastrophe
that has befallen our fellow human beings in this corner
of the globe.
Although you have been among us for only a
short time, we have been touched by your courage, spirit
and compassion. We have been overwhelmed by the affection
of a wife and mother that you have shown towards the
starving, the sick, the young orphans. You have struck
a deep and tender chord in the hearts of all mothers in
Thailand and I am sure of human beings all over the world.
Your deep emotional experience will focus greater
international attention on the tragic plight of the
Indochinese refugees in our country. You have brought
renewed hope to the suffering thousands. I am confident
that your mission will quicken the momentum of the
international effort towards securing for the Kampuchean
/ people
. 2 -
people a just and humane existence.
As demonstrated by your mission here Mrs. Carter,
the conscience of the world has been indeed awakened to
the great suffering ofbthe Kampuchean people. The problem
d
has now been comprehened, the international expressions of
concern have been made; future generations will not forgive
sprech
us if we were to be found wanting in the sustained efforts
needed to alleviate the suffering.
And let us have the courage and stamina to walk
the extra mile. In feeding and clothing the destituee
people of Kampuchea, we should attempt further to restore
to them not only peace in their homeland but also their
dignity as a free and self-governing nation. Only by
doing so can we in the longer term bring meaningfor relief
to the men, women and children of Kampuchea.
Mrs. Carter, it is clear to us in this region
that your husband's Administration has acted with wisHom
in the decisine application of American influence and
prestige to help resolve the major issues in the Asian and
Pacific region. We are glad to have been able to witness
at first hand the continuing application of this wise and
prudent policy.
Mrs. Rosalynn Carter, you came to us as Fitst
Lady of the United States, you leave as a shining hope of
the refugees and I trust, as a friend of Thailand. May I
take the opportunity to ask you to convey to President
Carter and the American people our best wishes and affection.
CAMBODIA:
A Preventable Holocaust
FACT: Since 1975, over 3 million Cambodians have died.
FACT: 2 to 3 million more people face starvation in the days and
months to come.
FACT: Today, over 800,000 Cambodians are amassed in camps in
Thailand and along the border. Nearly half a million more are
now fleeing to that border.
Our immediate commitment is needed SO that the Cambodian people
will survive. We can act now. We must.
NATIONAL CAMBODIA
CRISIS COMMITTEE
The White House
Washington, D.C.
January 29, 1980
NATIONAL CAMBODIA CRISIS COMMITTEE
Biafra, Bangladesh, Uganda and, now, Cambodia
the names
ring like an elegy through recent human history.
People in these countries shared common experiences --
repression, war, disease, starvation and death -- in huge
measure.
The world community now stands aghast, as it did when
the Nazi Holocaust was finally revealed in all its horror and
as it did when Biafra and Bangladesh seared themselves on human
conscience. It is numbed by the sheer magnitude of the tragedy
which has befallen Cambodia.
The Cambodian people have suffered the effects of war and/or
repression for more than a decade. Now they are suffering from
the "fruits" of those experiences -- starvation, disease and
death.
We Are All Linked
The days when famine and disease existed "over there" in
some distant country or continent are long gone. Now we are
all inextricably linked, connected by electronic impulses which
flash through cables or via satellites, bringing us not only
the sight but the sound of the hungry, the diseased and the
dying. Now we cannot escape our responsibility for suffering
fellow humans by cowering behind a wall of unawareness.
For now we KNOW what its like "over there." Television
and radio and photographs and a flood of printed words bring
into our homes and offices the images and sounds and descriptions
of life and suffering and death. We can see the effects of
starvation and disease
the wasted bodies, the lassitude
of the sick and dying, the hollow, vacant stares of bewildered,
uncomprehending children.
There is no escaping our responsibility, not only for what
has happened or is happening but for how we try to shape the
future course of human history.
For no longer can we be prisoners of all that has gone
before us. The time has now come for the human race to stand
and say: Enough, we are all of this world; together we shall
take a stand against starvation and disease.
Our Resources
At our disposal are massive resources -- materials, skills
and talent. It's all there and we can use it to help alleviate
starvation and disease. But the most potent resource exists
within ourselves. For if each of us accepts a personal re-
sponsibility then in that very moment of acceptance we become
NATIONAL CAMBODIA CRISIS COMMITTEE - PAGE 2
an integral part of a future solution for all of the Biafras
and Bangladeshes and Cambodias.
Within this context of overall responsibility to try to
relieve the world of starvation and disease is our immediate
concern for the plight of the Cambodian people.
Not since the Nazi Holocaust has there been such ruthless
slaughter and continuing disregard for human beings on such
a massive scale as has been occurring in Cambodia.
Statistics of those years almost defy comprehension.
Probably several million of Cambodia's pre-war population of
some 8,000,000 people are dead -- either executed by the forces
of ousted Premier Pol Pot or victims of starvation and enforced
hardships during his rule.
Hundreds of thousands of Cambodians have fled their home-
land in the past few months. Nearly a whole generation of
children was wiped out or, because of the prevailing conditions,
was never even conceived. Hundreds of thousands of families were
decimated or dispersed or both. And for several million
Cambodians still living in their homeland, the specter of
starvation looms in the months ahead unless massive food aid
is rapidly forthcoming.
We Can All Help
Together with other nations and private relief organizations
the United States government and many American relief agencies
are already rushing food and medical aid to try to forestall
a tragedy of mind-numbing magnitude. But this is only a start.
Much more is necessary -- in money, effort and time.
With this very much in mind, a cross-section of American
leaders -- from such fields as religion, education, business,
politics, entertainment, the media and consumer groups -- has
been called together today to chart a course for action.
Known as the National Cambodia Crisis Committee, the group
will draw on its members' vast and varied expertise and
influence to mobilize the American people to take a stand on
aid to Cambodia and to give a resounding cry of "NO" to this
potential Holocaust.
On the urgency of their effort -- and the extent of their
success -- probably depends the best chance the United States
and the international community have to help prevent the total
devastation of the gentle Khmer people, their country and
their culture.
Cambodia Still Needs Help
Doubts are plaguing many private citizens who
food flown and shipped to central Cambodia is being
tried for months to prevent starvation in Cambodia.
distributed. Private groups dealing only with Phnom
Reports that food is just stacking up in warehouses
Penh and not its enemies have gained a measure of
there have caused the International Red Cross and
cooperation. The pile-ups at the docks have unquestion-
Unicef to curtail shipments. Now American volunteers
ably been made worse by the insensate refusal of Cam-
wonder if they, too, should withdraw. Someone phoned
bodians, Vietnamese and Russians to get the job done
to ask: "Should we keep giving? Can we honestly col-
or let other foreigners do it. Nonetheless, much more
lect money even from schoolchildren?" The answer is
food will be needed to prevent famine once this spring's
yes. Give. Keep pushing to get the food through. Shout
meager rice crop is devoured.
bloody murder. It has helped before.
A few months ago, the surviving half or two-thirds
Cambodia's grief continues. Besides the food bot-
of the Cambodian people - about 4 million - were
tlenecks there are gun battles near Thailand among
starving. The response of private citizens has helped
factions of anti-Vietnamese Cambodians. Guerrillas
turn back genocide. The aid agencies they supported
there are eating food intended for children, as invading
are still helping and drawing the world's attention to
Vietnamese may be doing elsewhere. Vietnam wants to.
Cambodia despite grave crises elsewhere. However
crush its enemies before the dry season ends. The war
frustrated, they are saving lives. The moral and politi-
and devastation, the use of Cambodia as a power pawn,
cal pressure they exert on Congress and the President
the ruthlessness, the anarchy, aren't about to end.
should not slacken. Stronger official action may yet be
How can people be fed in such circumstances?
needed if the signs increase that food is being deliber-
Well, many have been fed; more will be. Food deliv-
ately held back. But volunteers, and the contributions
ered to Thailand is filtering into Cambodia. And some
that sustain them, are still needed.
Editorial
The New York Times
January 8, 1980
THE ROLE OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES
IN
KAMPUCHEA AND THAILAND
The American Council of Voluntary Agencies for Foreign
Service is a thirty six year old confederation of 44 member
agencies, headquartered in the U.S. which has major programs
overseas in the fields of development assistance, material
assistance and refugee assistance. The American Council serves
as a professional forum for voluntary agency executives to
discuss common problems and pragmatic approaches to solving
these problems. It also serves in a liaison capacity between
its member agencies, the U.S. Government and the United Nations.
Within its membership are those major agencies involved with
U.S. Government food commodities through the Office of Food
for Peace.
Acquaintance with the countries and governments of
Cambodia and Thailand is not new to the private non-profit
sector of the United States. Voluntary agencies have worked
in these countries for many years. A 1974 report produced
by the Technical Assistance Information Clearing House (TAICH)
indicates that 11 voluntary agencies were providing develop-
ment or technical assistance to Cambodia in that year.
These organizations were working especially in the areas of
education, housing, medicine and health, food production
as well as supplying equipment and material aid.
VOLUNTARY AGENCIES-PAGE 2
In the country of Thailand, a 1977 report issued by
the Technical Assistance Information Clearing House, shows
that some 45 U.S. based voluntary agencies were involved in
various development assistance programs during that year.
As in Cambodia, the programs of these agencies were highly
diverse covering areas of education, food production and
agriculture, industrial development, medicine and public
health and community development. During that year, 31 of
these agencies reported expenditures of over six million dollars.
Once again, the focus of overseas programming in Asia
is on Thailand and Cambodia. Not only have voluntary agencies
continued their good work in the area, but they have expanded
their programming capabilities in the past few months. As
of mid-December 1979, this expansion has involved
over 15 million relief dollars which these agencies have raised
from their own constituents found in every village, town,
city and state in America. This tremendous effort is a
direct reflection of the will of the American people to
render a helping hand to those in need, through what most of
them perceive as their own voluntary agency.
CAMBODIAN REFUGEE HEALTH CLEARINGHOUSE
In response to the urgent need for medical personnel
in the Thai refugee camps, a national clearinghouse has been
set up by the National Council for International Health. The
Cambodian Refugee Health Clearinghouse functions as a tele-
phone information service for persons wishing to volunteer
their services for Cambodian refugees in Thailand, as well
as to assist the Private and Voluntary Organizations (PVOs)
fill their medical personnel requirements and to disseminate
information about the activities of PVO's, medical equipment
needs, and volunteer training materials. The Clearinghouse
is operating under the coordination of Peggy Cronyn.
The National Council for International Health was or-
ganized in 1971 by nine national health and religious as-
sociations. Dr. Russell E. Morgan, Jr. is the Executive
Director.
For more information, contact:
Cambodian Refugee Health Clearinghouse
Coordinator: Peggy Cronyn
c/o National Council for International Health
2121 Virginia Ave. , N.W., Suite 302
Washington, D.C. 20037
(202) 298-5901 (Phones open 24 hours a day)
AGENCIES OPERATING RELIEF PROGRAMS IN THAILAND/CAMBODIA
UNICEF/ICRC
United Nations Children's Fund
International Committee of the Red Cross
U. S. Committee for UNICEF
331 E. 38th Street
New York, New York 10016
President: C. Lloyd Bailey, 212/686-5522
Information Staff: Johanna Grant
American Red Cross
National Headquarters
17th and D Streets, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20006
Director, International Services: Dorothy Taaffe, 202/857-3574
Assistant Director: Robert Martin, 202/857-3573
Oxfam-America
302 Columbus Avenue
Boston, MA 02116
Executive Director: Joseph Short, 617/247-3304
Information Staff: John Wong
UNHCR
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
1785 Massachusetts Avenue, N. W.
Suite 405
Washington, D. C. 20036
Director, Washington Office: Gary Perkins, 202/387-8546
Information Staff: Christopher Thorne
Church World Service
(U.S. affiliate of the World Council of Churches)
475 Riverside Drive
New York, New York 10027
Executive Director: Reverend Paul McCleary, 212/870-2257
Information Staff: Evie Moore, 212/870-2818
Catholic Relief Services
1011 First Avenue
New York, New York 10022
Executive Director: Most Reverend Edwin Broderick, 212/838-4700
Information Staff: Monty Sonaggere
OPERATING AGENCIES-PAGE 2
International Rescue Committee
386 Park Avenue South
New York, New York 10016
Executive Director: Charles Sternberg, 212/679-0010
Information Staff: Bob Devecchi, 212/679-0090
CARE, Inc.
660 First Avenue
New York, New York 10016
Executive Director: Louis Samia, 212/686-3110
Information Staff: Donald Sanders
World Vision International
919 West Huntington Drive
Monrovia, CA 91016
President: Dr. W. Stanley Mooneyham, 213/357-1111
Information Staff: Robert Ash; Reuben Macagba, 213/357-7979
American Friends Service Committee
1501 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Executive Secretary: Louis W. Schneider, 215/241-7000
Information Staff: Rick Boardman, 215/241-7154
Seventh-Day Adventist World Service, Inc.
6840 Eastern Avenue, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20012
Executive Secretary: Howard Burbank, 202/723-0800
Food for the Hungry International
3331 North Hayden Road, Suite #1
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
President: Dr. Larry Ward, 602/941-0307
Information Staff: Bill Moy
CAMA
The Christian and Missionary Alliance
Division of Overseas Ministries
350 North Highland Avenue
Nyack, New York 10960
Executive Director: Dr. Louis L. King, 914/353-0750
Director, S. E. Asia: Robert Reed
U. S. VOLUNTARY AGENCIES SUPPORTING RELIEF OPERATIONS IN
THAILAND/CAMBODIA
American Refugee Committee
310 Fourth Avenue South - Rm 410
Minneapolis, MN 55415
National Director: Stan Breen, 612/332-5365
Information Staff: Nan Satterlee
American Baptist Churches
Board of International Ministries
Valley Forge, PA 19481
Executive Secretary: Reverend Chester Jump, Jr., 215/768-2000
Information Staff: Reverend Raymond W. Beaver
Baptist World Alliance
1628 16th Street, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20009
Interim Staff Director: Dr. C. Ronald Goulding, 202/265-5027
Information Staff: Erna Redlich
Southern Baptist Foreign Mission Board
3806 Monument Avenue
Richmond, VA 23230
Executive Director: Baker James Cauthen, 804/353-0151
Information Staff: Winston Crawley
Assemblies of God
Foreign Service Committee
1445 Boonville Avenue
Springfield, MO 65802
Executive Director: J. Philip Hogan, 417/862-2781
Information Staff: Nelda Ammons
Direct Relief Foundation
404 East Carrillo Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Director: Dennis Karzag, 805/966-9149
Information Staff: Kathryn Cody
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee
60 East 42nd Street
New York, New York 10017
Executive Vice-President: Ralph Goldman, 212/687-6200
Information Staff: Murray Kass
SUPPORTING AGENCIES-PAGE 2
Heifer Project International
825 West Third Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Executive Director: Terry Ford, 501/376-6836
Information Staff: Charles Burwell
Holt International Children's Services
1195 City View
Eugene, Oregon 97402
Executive Director: John Adams, 503/687-2202
Information Staff: David Kim
International Human Assistance Programs, Inc.
360 Park Avenue South
New York, New York 10010
Executive Vice President: Myles Ren, 212/684-6804
Lutheran World Relief, Inc.
360 Park Avenue South
New York, New York 10010
Executive Director: Dr. Bernard Confer, 212/532-6350
Information Staff: Ove Nielsen
MAP International
327 Gundersen Drive
Carol Stream, IL 60187
President: J. Raymond Knighton, 312/653-6010
Information Staff: Calvin Williams
Meals for Millions/Freedom from Hunger Foundation
1800 Olympic Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90404
President: Peter Davies, 213/829-5337
Information Staff: Michael Hayes
Mennonite Central Committee
21 South 12th Street
Akron, PA 17501
Executive Secretary: William Snyder, 717/859-1151
Information Staff: Vern Preheim
Rescue Now
555 Market Street, Apt. #309
San Francisco, CA 94105
Director: John Berwalt, 415/894-6551
The Salvation Army World Service Office
1025 15th Street, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20005
Director, Overseas Programs: Lt. Col. Ernest Miller, 202/833-5646
SUPPORTING AGENCIES-PAGE 3
Save the Children Federation
48 Wilton Road
Westport, CT 06880
President: David Guyer, 203/226-7271
Information Staff: Pratima Kale
World Relief
450 Gundersen
Wheaton, IL 60187
Executive Director: Jerry Ballard, 312/665-0235
Information Staff: Bill Hewlett
YMCA
International Division
291 Broadway
New York, New York 10007
Executive Director: Robert Harlan, 212/374-2085
Executive Director, International Division: Frank Kiehne
Information Staff: Boris Kazimiroff
World Concern
19303 Fremont Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98133
President: Dr. Clarence Reimer, 206/546-7201
Information Staff: Tim Burgess
THE CAMBODIA CRISIS CENTER
The Cambodia Crisis Center* is a humanitarian effort to
increase public awareness about the plight of the Cambodian
people and to support the work of relief agencies trying to help
them. As the operational arm of a national, private sector
mobilization effort for Cambodian relief, it will provide
coordination, resources and information for these activities.
The Center is a cooperative project created out of a set
of consultations on Cambodian relief convened in October and
November, 1979, by the Overseas Development Council, Father
Theodore Hesburgh and others. The Center is operating under
the auspices of the American Council for Voluntary Agencies and
is being funded by private organizations, foundations and
individuals.
It is hoped that the work of the Cambodia Crisis Center
will raise public consciousness about the tragedy and its
devastating impact on the 3.5 to 4 million surviving Cambodians.
The Center will do this by creating a climate of understanding
and support for the relief effort on behalf of the Cambodian
people.
*The Cambodia Crisis Center is a project of the Indochina
Refugee Action Center (IRAC). IRAC was created by a consortium
of foundations in August, 1979, to work on issues involving the
domestic resettlement of Indochinese refugees and on the Cambodian
crisis. IRAC is a non-profit organization incorporated under the
laws of the District of Columbia. The Crisis Center receives
administrative support from IRAC.
THE CAMBODIA CRISIS CENTER - PAGE 2
The work of the Center is divided into three distinct yet
interrelated areas:
1) National Clearing-House
The Center will serve as a clearing-house and
referral service for non-medical volunteers,
public inquiries and other activities relating
to the relief and redevelopment effort. An
initial activity in this regard has been to
take over the operation of the Cambodian Relief
hot-line that has been managed for the past
two months by the U.S. Committee for UNICEF.
The new hot-line number is (800) 424-5051.
It will operate from 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M.
six days a week and will be connected to an
answering device at all other times.
2) Information Resources
The Center will provide a centralized, reliable
and up-to-date information gathering and dis-
semination network. It will focus on present
needs and long-term redevelopment efforts. It
will also provide information on current and
planned activities of the relief organizations.
The Center will produce regular information up-
dates, media releases, articles, and materials
for public and educational use.
3) Mobilization
The Center will coordinate and support the
efforts of individuals and agencies to raise
public awareness and participation. Focusing
both on major national campaigns and on grass-
roots efforts, it will seek to involve large
sectors of society that have previously not
been included. It will provide resources and
materials to interested people and assist them
in designing and implementing projects. The
first mobilization project of the Cambodia
Crisis Center has been to coordinate the pro-
duction of a sixty-second Public Service
Announcement for television by First Lady
Rosalynn Carter.
In addition to these functions, the Cambodia Crisis Center
will provide administrative, informational and resource support
to the members of the National Cambodia Crisis Committee.
CAMBODIA CRISIS CENTER
CHAIR
ROBERT J. STEIN
STAFF
MANAGEMENT GROUP
DIRECTOR
DEBORAH A. HARDING
SPECIAL PROJECTS
TED CARPENTER
OFFICE MANAGER
LATIFA KAMARA
SECRETARY
VERNA SUPEL
MOBILIZATION GROUP
DIRECTOR
DENI FRAND
ORGANIZER
CAROL BLUM
ORGANIZER
JONATHAN S. DEULL
ORGANIZER
KRIS JACOBS
PLANNING CONSULTANT
LAEL STEGALL
INFORMATION GROUP
POLICY DIRECTOR
ROSS GILLIGAN
IMPLEMENTATION DIRECTOR
POLLY DEMENT
ACTION UPDATE EDITOR
ELINOR KOCH
INFORMATION SPECIALIST
MARIJA FUTCHS FINE
INFORMATION SPECIALIST
JEREMY MARK
INFORMATION SPECIALIST
KATHLEEN O'PELLA
CLEARINGHOUSE GROUP
DIRECTOR
LLOYD FEINBERG
CAMBODIAN RELIEF PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
As a result of suggestions made at the November 13th
consultation on Cambodian relief held at The White House,
First Lady Rosalynn Carter has done a sixty, thirty and
ten-second Public Service Announcement (PSA) for television.
A story board of the spot is attached.
Callers to the special toll-free number* receive a
list of participating relief organizations and a business
reply envelope. They are asked to make their contributions
to the organization of their choice.
The PSA project was coordinated by the Cambodia Crisis
Center. The spot was produced on a pro-bono basis by
Ketchum, MacLeod and Grove. Funds for duplication,
distribution and associated costs were provided on a
no-interest loan basis by The Hunger Project. Costs
incurred will be repaid by the participating organizations
at a fixed cost per contribution received.
*
This special toll-free number (800-331-1700) is used only
for responses to Mrs. Carter's appeal. It is not an
information or referral service.
A Cambodian relief information hot-line operates out of
the Cambodia Crisis Center. Its toll-free number is (800)
424-5051.
CAMBODIAN RELIEF
Public Service Messages
60 SECOND AND 30 SECOND
COLOR VIDEOTAPE TV
60 SECOND SPOT
Rosalynn Carter: It is almost
I have held starving children in my
I have seen thousands of human
impossible to describe the devas-
arms.
beings-young and old-who are
tating conditions of the refugees
homeless-bewildered-diseased
from Cambodia. But I have seen for
myself this human suffering.
At this very moment, their futures-
But there is a way for us to reach out
They need our contributions of
in fact, their very lives-are at stake.
and help. The people of Cambodia
money. Please send your contribution
need our prayers.
for Cambodian relief to your church,
your synagogue or to the inter-
national relief agency of your choice.
Help the
Cambodians.
Through the denomination
A public service message
or relief agency of your choice.
on behalf of American Council of Voluntary
Agencies for Foreign Service.
Or call
1-800-331-1700
For a list of relief agencies. call the
Let's help save the people of
toll-free number 800-331-1700
Cambodia.
CAMBODIA FACT SHEET
THE PEOPLE
The current population of Cambodia is between 3.5-4.5
million, reduced from about 8 million in 1970.
Nearly one million people are amassed along the Thailand/
Cambodian border and inside Thailand. About 680,000 are
in makeshift camps along the border, and about 120,000
are in special "holding centers" in Thailand, which are
maintained by the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees and the Thai government.
The border camps in Cambodia are largely controlled by
different factions of the Khmer Serei (Free Khmer) guerilla
troops. Violence among these factions often drives hund-
reds of thousands of civilian refugees across the border
into the Thai holding centers.
There are untold numbers of people living in areas of
Cambodia that have not been "stabilized" by the Vietnamese-
backed government in Cambodia (Heng Samrin regime) whose
villages have remained largely beyond the reach of relief
agencies working in Cambodia.
THE POLITICAL SITUATION
From 1975-78, Cambodia was controlled by the Khmer Rouge,
under the leadership of Pol Pot who systematically executed
untold numbers of Cambodians--particularly the educated
classes.
In January 1979 the Vietnamese army and anti-Khmer Rouge
Cambodians toppled the Pol Pot regime and installed a new
government under the leadership of Heng Samrin.
China, the United States and most other countries condemned
the invasion by Vietnamese troops, and the U.N. voted in
October 1979 to continue recognizing the Pol Pot government.
The U.S.S.R. and Vietnam support the Heng Samrin regime.
The Pol Pot forces are now in control of a small area of
Cambodia in the southwest mountain area. Pol Pot has been
replaced by Khieu Samphan as Prime Minister, but retains
authority over the Khmer Rouge armed forces.
FACT SHEET-PAGE 2
The Vietnamese troops in Cambodia--numbering around
200,000--are expected to launch a dry-season offensive
against opposition forces in the Thai border region in
early 1980.
INSIDE CAMBODIA TODAY
Transportation is a major problem. Roads are nearly
impassable; the limited railway system is badly in
need of repair; only three airports are in working order.
There are virtually no telephone or postal systems, and
the telegraph system is severely limited. No relief agency
is able to have a direct radio link from Phnom Penh to
cities outside the country.
Only a fraction of the arable land has been planted;
although there has been a recent small rice harvest, it
was not a good one. Relief agencies expect that when the
present harvest is used up, the Cambodian people will
again be almost totally dependent on outside aid.
Agricultural and industrial equipment is needed to rebuild
a destroyed internal economy.
There is no monetary system. Rice serves as a form of
exchange.
RELIEF EFFORTS
To date, about $240 million has been raised or pledged
by international relief agencies, private U.S. voluntary
agencies and individual governments for Cambodian relief
efforts. This is far short of the OXFAM and UNICEF/
ICRC budget projections of nearly $400 million just for
the first phase of the relief effort.
At least 1,000 tons of food a day is needed to ward off
starvation for the estimated 2 million Cambodians immed-
iately facing that threat.
A diet adequate to rehabilitate and strengthen these
people requires about 2,000-2,500 tons a day.
Since the beginning of western relief efforts in August
to the end of 1979, about 65,000 tons of food had been
shipped to Cambodia and an additional 10,000 tons to
the Thai border camps.
FACT SHEET-PAGE 3
Thousands of tons of additional relief supplies--
including medical supplies and equipment, agricultural
tools, clothing and utensils--have also been shipped in
the last three months.
About 775 medical personnel and working with Cambodian
refugees in camps along the Thai/Cambodia border.
High-protein foods are in greatest demand now, particu-
larly at the Thai border camps.
Agricultural tools, industrial equipment for reconstruction
of a demolished internal economy and an eventual return
to self-sufficiency are needed.
DISTRIBUTION
Workers at the Cambodian port of Kompong Som are able
to offload approximately 1,000 tons daily--up from
250 tons in October, 1979.
Barges may now travel up the Mekong as far as Kompong
Cham--about 75 miles north of Phnom Penh.
UNICEF/ICRC's three daily flights into Phnom Penh airport
can bring in about 100 tons a day.
Most roads are nearly impassable, and bridges are in a
state of extreme neglect.
A train from Kompong Som to Phnom Penh carries 500-700
tons every other day. Technicians have been sent in by
UNICEF/ICRC to help repair the railroad system.
An estimated 300 trucks, as well as additional cranes
and forklifts, have been delivered to Cambodia to help
with offloading and internal distribution. The U.S.S.R.
has reportedly donated an additional 200-250 trucks.
Logistical problems, an unskilled workforce, and an
unstable political situation in Cambodia have contributed
to the stockpiling of thousands of tons of food in port city
warehouses.
The World Food Program has temporarily ceased food ship-
ments to Cambodia until the stockpiled food has been
moved out of the warehouses.
Relief agency officials are remaining in Cambodia, despite
the temporary cessation of food shipments by sea, to
assist the Heng Samrin government in improving its food
distribution program.
SHORT CHRONOLOGY OF KAMPUCHEA'S* HISTORY
9th to 14th Century
1973
Angkor Empire
August 15- American bombing of Kampuchea
1394
is ended by an act of Congress.
Capture of Angkor followed bya 100-year war
1975
with Thailand and Vietnam.
April 17- Khmer Rouge enter Phnom Penh
1863
and begin evacuating the city.
Kampuchea becomes French protectorate.
May 3- Khmer Rouge forces attack Viet-
namese border areas and fighting breaks out
1953
between Vietnamese and Kampuchean border
Prince Norodom Sihanouk gains Kampuchea's
forces on off-shore islands.
independence from France.
1977
1954
December 31 - Phnom Penh breaks diplomatic
The Geneva Conference on Indochina recog-
relations with Vietnam.
nizes Kampuchea's neutrality.
1978
1966
Fighting escalates on the Kampuchea-Vietnam
Sihanouk allows Vietnamese communists to
border.
use Kampuchea's border area.
December 3- The formation of the Kampu-
1969
chean United Front.
The U.S. begins "secret" bombing of com-
December 25-Vietnamese and Heng Samrin
munist sanctuaries inside Kampuchea.
forces invade Kampuchea.
1970
1979
March 18 -Sihanouk deposed by General Lon
January - Heng Samrin government installed
Nol. Lon Nol's government is quickly recog-
in Phnom Penh.
nized by the U.S.
February China invades Vietnam in retali-
March 3-Sihanouk and the Khmer Rouge
ation for Vietnam's invasion of Kampuchea.
form the National United Front of Kampuchea
February 19- Heng Samrin signs a treaty of
to fight against the Lon Nol government.
peace, friendship and cooperation with Viet-
April 30-American and South Vietnamese
nam.
troops invade Kampuchea.
Source:
Indochina Issues, December 1979, a publication of the
Center for International Policy, Indochina Project.
*
Cambodia is also called Kampuchea or Democratic Kampuchea.
REPUBLIC
OF
BURMA
VIETNAM
CHINA
CHINA
(Taiwan)
LAOS
KAMPUCHEA (CAMBODIA) And Neighboring
Countries
THAILAND
PARACEL
ISLANDS
PHILIPPINES
(Map from December 1979 issue of Indochina
KAMPUCHEA
Issues, a publication of the Center for
International Policy, Indochina Project)
SPRATLY
ISLANDS
BRUNEI
MALAYSIA
3
I
Det
Samrong
Chedm
Siem
Signg:
Ksan
Pang
Virachei
14
If
bunis
Phnom Thbeng
Meanchey
Teni-
Point
Labansiek
Stung
Sisaphon
Trent
Lemphat
Siem Reap
Phum Revieng
Tonie
Siepor
Ballambang
Tonie
Pailin
Sang
Moung
Kompeng Them,
Sap
Sandan
Pursel
Kratie
Senmonorom
Krakor
Baray,
Stung
Prek
0 Rang
Kak
Meking
Traf
Kompong Chhnango
Chhlong
Skoun
Snuol
12
Prionic Bet
12
Kompong Cham
Six
Chup
0
Phsar Dudong
Let
Mimot
Ko
An Lac
Kut
Bokrong Koh
Phnom Penh
Kong
Kompong Popil
Oprey Veng
Kompong
Techmas
Tay
Koh
Kirirom
Banam
List
Kong
Spev
Vietnam
Weak Long
Sre
Umbell
Sway Rieng)
Taken
Has
XREE
Many -
Koh Rong
Year Renh
Use Pos
Salgon
2
Kompong Som
Boker
440
City
Kampol
Kampong
Trach
Tich
Read
Kep
Las Last
Na Tien
TM
Less Leyes
Cong
lung Tau
Its
True
South China
Dao Phu
Long
Sea
Quoc
Rick
-10
Can in
10
o
Gulf of
Hon Rai
Thank
Democratic
Thailand
0 Quan Dec
Khast In
Kampuchea
Nam Du
(Cambodia)
I
International boundary
Bas Up
D
Hon
O
National capital
The Chau
Casa
Railroad
Lang
Road
Trail
0
50 Kilomaters
0
50 Miles
NAMES AND BOUNDARY REPRESENTATION
104
ARE NOT NECESSARILY AUTHORITATIVE
106
518582 4.77
Map Courtesy of U.S. State Department, September 1977
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Contents
-- Cambodian Relief: 1979
An in-depth report on the chronology, progress
and current status of Cambodian relief efforts
-- History
An overview of the political development of
Cambodian society, providing an historical
context for the present crisis
-- Funds Raised by U.S. Voluntary Agencies for Aid to
Cambodia
-- Data on Relief Efforts by U.S. and International
Agencies
-- Coping With Famine
A synopsis of the article by Dr. Jean Mayer,
President, Tufts University
-- The Role of the Voluntary Agency in Disaster
Mitigation, Preparedness and Relief
A synopsis of the article by Leon Marion,
Executive Director, American Council of Volun-
tary Agencies for Foreign Service
-- Glossary of Names and Terms
CAMBODIAN RELIEF EFFORTS: 1979
It was in February 1979 that the U.S. Embassy in
Bangkok first began to alert Washington to the possibility
of famine in Cambodia. The following month the U.S.
Department of State released evidence of a possible food
shortage in Cambodia and urged the international community,
through diplomatic channels, to undertake contingency planning
for such an occurrence.
By the early summer, relief agencies such as UNICEF,
Catholic Relief Services and OXFAM, began to plan efforts
to bring food and medical aid to the Cambodian people. In
late June, Catholic Relief Services began delivering food
and supplies to Cambodians along the Thai border, at
the invitation of the Royal Thai Government. The Thai
government recognized that the situation in Cambodia could
bring thousands of new refugees across the border into
Thailand, a situation they feared greatly.
In July, UNICEF and the International Committee of the
Red Cross began negotiations with the Vietnamese-controlled
government in Cambodia (headed by Heng Samrin) in an attempt
to gain permission to begin relief operations in Cambodia.
These early negotiations were bogged down by Heng Samrin's
apparent reluctance to acknowledge the magnitude of the
problem, and by his reluctance to admit the international
CAMBODIAN RELIEF EFFORTS-PAGE 2
agencies into a country still not fully under his regime's
control. (The Vietnamese-installed Heng Samrin government,
bolstered by 175,000 - 200,000 Vietnamese troops, were
still attempting to destroy the remaining strongholds of
Pol Pot, whose regime the Vietnamese had overthrown in
January, 1979.) Although UNICEF and ICRC were able to
send in their first joint airlift of food and medicine in
August, it took months of tedious negotiations with the
Heng Samrin government before they could begin a full-
scale operation in October.
By August, reports in the world press painted a
catastrophic picture of conditions in Cambodia--often
comparing the situation to a "second Holocaust." Reports
indicated that:
Almost no food was being grown or produced in
the entire country. Only about 5% of the rice
paddies appeared to be in cultivation--and people
were eating seedlings in order to stay alive.
80 - 90% of the Khmer children were severely mal-
nourished. Malaria, dysentary, intestinal parasites
and respiratory diseases were epidemic.
The Cambodian population had been reduced--by war,
purges, disease and starvation--from approximately
8 million in 1970 to 4-5 million in 1979.
War, and the excesses of the recently overthrown
Pol Pot regime, had left Cambodia with virtually
no transportation, communication system, telephones,
books, medical supplies, machines and other aspects
of modern civilization.
CAMBODIAN RELIEF FFFORTS-PAGE 3
There were only 55 doctors in the entire country
(out of more than 500 practicing before the Pol
Pot regime came to power in 1975), and very few
hospitals. A substantial proportion of the educated
people living in Cambodia before 1975--doctors,
teachers, engineers and other professionals--were
killed between 1975 and 1979.
O As many as 2.5 million people or more faced star-
vation, unless aid was forthcoming immediately.
In August, the U.S. State Department made representations
to over 30 nations, urging them to support the joint UNICEF/
ICRC planned relief program. In addition, various agencies
of the United Nations, as well as a number of other govern-
ments, played a role in alerting the world community.
The British-based relief organization, OXFAM (working
in conjunction with OXFAM-America and other voluntary relief
agencies) began negotiations in August with Phnom Penh
officials to begin an aid program in Cambodia. A joint
relief flight by OXFAM and the French Medical Committee to
Aid the Cambodian People arrived in Phnom Penh August 26.
It wasn't until October, however, that the Heng Samrin
authorities permitted a full-scale, four-to-six month relief
program by OXFAM and an OXFAM-led international consortium
of 30 non-governmental relief agencies (NGO Consortium).
The Heng Samrin regime outlined specific conditions under
which it would accept the consortium's aid. These
conditions precluded OXFAM from providing aid to the Pol
Pot occupied territories along the Thai border.
Mid-October saw the beginning of large-scale aid
efforts to Cambodia from Western countries. On October 19,
CAMBODIAN RELIEF EFFORTS-PAGE 4
U.N. Secretary General Kurt Waldheim and UNICEF Director
Henry R. Labouisse announced the joint UNICEF/ICRC relief
operation and made an international appeal for support.
UNICEF and ICRC released a projected six-month budget of
$111 million to meet the most basic needs of the Cambodian
people and to insure their immediate survival. They estimated
that 165,000 tons of food and additional amounts of medical
and relief supplies would be needed to prevent massive
starvation and epidemic disease.
On October 24, President Carter announced a U.S.
pledge of $69 million for Cambodian relief efforts, most
of which was to be channeled through UNICEF/ICRC and the
World Food Program. The U.S. share of the world effort was
later enlarged to $106 million by various acts of Congress
and the Administration.
In early November, UNICEF and ICRC expanded their
joint relief budget projection to $251 million for a full
year's operation. On November 5, an international pledging
conference was held at the U.N. A total of $210 million
was pledged by participating member nations, some of which
was directed to the UNICEF/ICRC program. The remainder was
to be channeled through other governmental and non-governmental
agencies or through aid sent directly to Thailand or
Cambodia. The revised U.N. budget also projected an
additional $60 million for the United Nations High Commissioner
CAMBODIAN RELIEF EFFORTS-PAGE 5
for Refugees, to support holding centers for the hundreds
of thousands of Cambodians who had fled to the Thai border.
During the spring and summer of 1979, the Royal Thai
Government had considered new arrivals from Cambodia to
be "illegal entrants." (In June 1979, Thailand had
forced 42,000 Cambodian refugees back over the border into
Cambodia.) On October 19, however, the Thai Prime Minister
reversed his government's previous approach, and announced
an "open door" policy, pledging that Thailand would receive
all Cambodians seeking refuge from the war and famine
in their country. On November 1, the Royal Thai Government
formally requested UNHCR assistance in providing care for
the more than 300,000 Cambodians then in Thailand. The
UNHCR immediately began planning construction of emergency
holding centers for these people.
It must be noted, however, that the Cambodians who
arrived in Thailand during this period were not accorded
full refugee status. Unlike their fellow Khmer in "first
asylum" refugee camps--who had fled Cambodia a few years
before the recent Khmer arrivals were not assured that
they would not be returned to their homeland, and were
not automatically considered candidates for resettlement
in other countries. Their future remains uncertain.
U.S. Relief Efforts
By late October 1979, a national campaign to raise
U.S. public awareness of the scope and nature of the
CAMBODIAN RELIEF EFFORTS - PAGE 6
Cambodians' plight, and to garner support for relief
activities, was in full swing. A substantial number of
agencies began to raise funds, either for one of the relief
efforts already underway (such as UNICEF/ICRC, OXFAM,
Church World Service, etc.), or for their own relief efforts.
The response from the American public was immediate and
generous. By the end of the year, the American Council
of Voluntary Agencies for Foreign Service (ACVAFS)
reported that 27 U.S. agencies* had raised an aggregate
total of $15,120,210.
A toll-free information hotline was set up in the
United States to handle public inquiries, offers of
monetary and commodity donations, and volunteer assistance.
Many of these agencies had formed coalitions or alliances
to coordinate deliveries or to establish arrangements with
the Heng Samrin government in Phnom Penh or with Thai
authorities. Church World Service initiated a U.S.
consortium--called Action for Relief and Rehabilitation in
* American Friends Service Committee, American Jewish Joint
Distribution Committee, American Red Cross, American Refugee
Committee, Assemblies of God, Baptist World Alliance, CARE,
Catholic Relief Services-USCC, Church World Service, Direct
Relief Foundation, Food for the Hungry International, Holt
International Children's Services, International Human
Assistance Programs, International Rescue Committee, Lutheran
Church-Missouri Synod, MAP International, Mennonite Central
Committee, Oxfam-America, Save the Children Federation,
Seventh-Day Adventist World Service, Synagogue Council of
America, U.S. Committee for UNICEF, Wisconsin Indochina
Refugee Relief Program, World Concern, World Relief, World
Vision Relief Organization, YMCA-International Division
CAMBODIAN RELIEF EFFORTS-PAGE 7
Kampuchea (ARRK) to coordinate its members' relief activities
through an office' in Phnom Penh. Members of ARRK included
Church World Service, CARE, YMCA-International Division, Heifer
Project International, Lutheran World Relief and Meals for
Millions/Freedom from Hunger Foundation.
At the U.S. State Department, a Kampuchea Working
Group was created, with representatives of various government
departments (as well as representatives from the American
Council of Voluntary Agencies). The function of this Working
Group was to aid in the coordination of government activities
in the relief effort and to provide the public with information
on the Cambodian crisis.
A November visit by Rosalynn Carter to the Thai holding
centers sparked further White House initiatives to encourage
private and public support for relief activities.
In December, a Cambodia Crisis Center was formed at
the initiative of Father Theodore Hesburgh (President of the
University of Notre Dame and Chairman of the Overseas Devel-
opment Council), a consortium of national and international
relief agencies, and the federal government. It's role was to
provide information on the Cambodia effort, to act as a public
clearinghouse, and to mobilize support for voluntary agency
relief efforts in Cambodia.
CAMBODIAN RELIEF EFFORTS-PAGE 8
Shipment and Distribution of Aid
The World Food Program assumed responsibility for all
food shipments by UNICEF/ICRC and several individual donor
countries. By the end of 1979, WFP reported food shipments
totaling about 70,000 metric tons. In addition to the
51,000 metric tons of food supplied by UNICEF/ICRC (this
figure is included in the WFP total), private U.S. relief
agencies and the OXFAM-led consortium had delivered over 17,000
metric tons of food to Cambodia by December 1979.
Accompanying the food shipments were deliveries of
medical supplies and equipment, agricultural tools, clothes,
kitchen utensils, blankets, industrial supplies, seeds (rice,
maize and vegetable) and transportation equipment. OXFAM
had over 70 trucks in Cambodia by the end of the year, as well
as several forklifts and landrovers. UNICEF/ICRC had sent
in 225 trucks and nine cranes by the end of 1979, to assist
with offloading of aid and the internal distribution of supplies
and food to the outlying provinces. There were unconfirmed
reports that the U.S.S.R. had supplied another 200-250 trucks
by the end of the year.
While all of the relief agencies were concerned with
the immediate needs of the Cambodians, whose country had been
decimated and its population displaced by the ravages of war
and famine, long-term efforts toward the eventual reconstruction
and rehabilitation of the country were also begun. OXFAM, in
particular, focused its efforts on rebuilding local industry
and agriculture, and on the general reconstruction of the
CAMBODIAN RELIEF EFFORTS-PAGE 9
country. That emphasis was reflected in the relief shipments
sent by OXFAM, which included cotton yarn for textile mills,
aluminum sulfate for water purification and nylon twine for
fishing nets.
The distribution of food and supplies within Cambodia
remained a major problem through the end of the year. In
December there were numerous reports that thousands of tons of
food and some supplies were stockpiled in warehouses at the
ports of Kompong Som and Phnom Penh. On December 6, President
Carter issued a statement, based on U.S. State Department and
intelligence reports, which voiced the suspicion that Vietnam
and the Heng Samrin government may have been deliberately
blocking food and aid to the Cambodian populace. An editorial
appearing in The Economist (Dec. 22, 1979) stated succinctly
the current lines of thought concerning the stockpiling at
that time:
There are three possible explanations. One
is that the Vietnamese and their Cambodian clients
are genuinely trying but are not up to the job,
and would rather let a lot of Cambodians starve
than lose face by allowing the aid agencies to take
over the distribution. But the American government
(and many of the Cambodian refugees who have recently
poured into Thailand) do not accept this incompetence
theory. So the second explanation is that Vietnam
is deliberately blocking the distribution of food as
a means of applying pressure to the population of
occupied Cambodia. After all, the Vietnamese army
has trucks and drivers enough to shift food around
the country (indeed, the Vietnamese at one point
offered to rent trucks to the aid agencies):
The third possibility, which is gaining cre-
dence among aid officials, is that Vietnam is stock-
CAMBODIAN RELIEF EFFORTS -PAGE 10
piling the food against a possible shortage next
summer in case the dry-season harvest in April-
May fails. Things are not too bad right now, so
this theory goes: a small wet-rice harvest has
just been got in; perhaps as much as a fifth of
Cambodia's population has fled to Thailand and
is being fed there; and a lot of aid was sent in
by Russia and Vietnam before the western operation
started.
These theories are not mutually exclusive;
the truth may well contain elements of all three
As the year ended, debate continued over the reasons
for the distribution problems. Certainly the logistical
situation was hampered by railroads in poor repair, roads
that were at times impassable, and continued fighting between
the Vietnamese troops and Pol Pot's forces. The relief
agencies were allowed only a limited number of personnel in
the country (UNICEF/ICRC had 16 people in Phnom Penh at the
end of the year), and monitoring of actual distribution of
supplies was sporadic at best. Distribution was in the
hands of the People's Revolutionary Council of Kampuchea,
and its distribution reports were not generally verifiable
by the relief agencies themselves. A number of relief
agency officials who visited Cambodia in late November and
in December, however, reported witnessing some food dis-
tribution and also noted the presence of Russian corn and
Vietnamese rice. Most of these agency representatives were
allowed to travel a well-beaten route along the main highways
(routes #5 and #6) to areas in the northwest of the country--
areas that had been "stabilized" by Vietnamese forces. In
CAMBODIAN RELIEF EFFORTS - PAGE 11
late December UNICEF/ICRC and OXFAM reported that the Phnom
Penh government was allowing their monitors increased access
to distribution convoys. The number of relief agency staff
members allowed to remain in the country remained unchanged,
however.
Thailand and the Border Area
Relief agencies carried on efforts throughout the
summer and fall, aiding Cambodians who had fled to the Thai
border. During the summer, it was estimated that there were
about 50,000 Khmer refugees seeking food and safety in Thailand.
By mid-November, after the implementation of the Thai govern-
ment's "open door" policy, the Khmer population in Thailand
swelled to about 380,000. By the year's end, there were
an estimated 900,000 Cambodians massed at the Thai border--
in holding centers established by the Thai government and the
UNHCR, in makeshift camps in Thailand, in enclaves straddling
the border, and in areas a few miles inside Cambodia.
In the early months of relief efforts at the Thai
border, agencies were allowed only to distribute food and
supplies at the border (to Cambodians who carried the aid
back across the border), without being able to monitor dis-
tribution inside Cambodia. By the end of the year, however,
Catholic Relief Services reported that it was not only allowed
to distribute food and supplies at the border, but could at
times cross into Cambodia to reach people encamped a few miles
from the immediate border area. All relief convoys to the
CAMBODIAN RELIEF EFFORTS-PAGE 12
border were accompanied by Royal Thai Military troops.
During November, at the request of the Thai government,
the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees undertook to aid
the Thai authorities in setting up facilities inside Thailand
to feed, house and provide medical aid to the tens of thousands of
Cambodians encamped along the Thai border. By the end of
December 1979, holding centers had been established for this
purpose at Sa Kaeo, Khao I Dang and Kamput, and several others
were being planned or under construction (at Mai Rut, Kab
Cherng and Chonburi--as well as an additional holding center
adjacent to the one at Sa Kaeo). At the close of 1979 about
110,000 people were living in those centers.
A sizeable number of voluntary agencies joined in the
relief effort at the holding centers, including UNICEF/ICRC,
Catholic Relief Services, CARE, International Rescue Committee,
World Vision International, American Refugee Committee, World
Relief, Seventh-Day Adventist World Service, and Save the
Children Federation.
The health conditions of the people in the holding centers
improved considerably by the end of the year. Although over-
crowding was a problem (particularly at Sa Kaeo), and medical
teams were greatly overworked and understaffed, discernable signs
of hope were evident.
By December 1979 the relief agencies and the Thai Ministry
of Health were discussing the need to move beyond "curative"
CAMBODIAN RELIEF EFFORTS -PAGE 13
medical care and to develop community outreach programs that
would promote preventative health measures that the Cambodians
could continue in years to come-after the emergency medical
relief operations had ended.
The Thai Ministry of Health was given principal respon-
sibility for refugee assistance, and a subcommittee on health
was established by the Thai Ministry in conjunction with the
UNHCR and the International Committee of the Red Cross. The
ICRC was responsible for deployment of medical personnel, with
the International Rescue Committee playing a major role in the
medical field. At the end of the year, ICRC reported that
about 775 medical personnel were working in the holding centers
and field units at the Thai border.
***
Most of the encampments on the Cambodian side of the
border were under the control of various factions of the Khmer
Serei (Free Khmer) or, to a lesser extent, Pol Pot forces.
During November, access to the people in these camps was
hampered by shelling from battles being waged between Vietnamese
and Khmer Serei troops.
In early December, it was discovered that most of the
estimated 250,000 people in the border encampments near the
Thai town of Aranyaprathet--under the control of "Prince"
Norodom Soryavong and other scattered leaders--were being
forceably prevented from leaving those camps and entering the
holding centers in Thailand. The Khmer Serei leaders claimed
CAMBODIAN RELIEF EFFORTS-PAGE 14
they needed to retain a civilian population base in order to
be considered a credible governing force in Cambodia. In a
move to free those who wanted to enter Thailand, the Thai
military command ordered the temporary cessation of all relief
shipments to these encampments. The order was rescinded after
five days, when the Khmer Serei leadership promised to allow
the people to leave. Additional refugees from these encamp-
ments did enter the Thai holding centers, although not to
the extent that the Thai government and relief agencies had
hoped.
Conclusion
While there was continuing concern over the logistics
and degree of distribution within Cambodian territory by the
Vietnamese-backed Heng Samrin government, the end of 1979 saw
the continuation of a massive aid effort in Cambodia and
Thailand. While reports of aid from Eastern bloc countries
were inconclusive, the response from the Western countries
has been extraordinary and at nearly unprecedented levels in the
history of world disaster relief. At the close of 1979 the
fate of the Cambodian nation and the control of its territory
remained uncertain, but the immediate threat of massive
starvation and death by epidemic disease was being greatly
reduced by collective world action.
HISTORY
Pre-colonial Cambodian civilization, records of which can be
traced to a First Century kingdom, reached its peak of regional
influence and internal cohesion during the Angkor period (800 A.D. -
1400 A.D.). By the mid-Nineteenth Century, Cambodia had been
reduced to a vassal state of Thailand and Vietnam. However, the
French Protectorate (1864 - 1953) impeded further Thai and Vietnamese
territorial encroachments, and in the 1950's an independent, neutral
Cambodia emerged under Prince Sihanouk.
Sihanouk's careful balancing of international and domestic
political forces was upset by the Vietnam War: By the mid-1960's
Cambodia served as a staging area for North Vietnamese and Viet
Cong forces, leading to secret United States bombings of the
eastern border provinces. Sihanouk was deposed by a coup on
March 18, 1970, and a pro-U.S. Khmer Republic led by Marshal Lon
Nol was set up. A number of political groups ranging from
Sihanoukists to communists subsequently established the Royal
Government of National Union of Kampuchea (GRUNK) and a bloody civil
war erupted.
During the following five years, Cambodia was devastated by
ground warfare and aerial bombardments; hundreds of thousands of
people died. The Lon Nol government, crippled by corruption and
military incompetence, was soon confined to the larger towns and
cities. Phnom Penh and other cities fell to the Khmer Rouge in
April 1975.
HISTORY-PAGE 2
After the fall of the Lon Nol government, drastic changes took
place in Cambodia. Prince Sihanouk's GRUNK emerged from the war
victorious, but power was actually held by the Kampuchean Communist
Party and the army which it controlled. All cities and towns were
forcibly evacuated, the entire population was forced onto rural
agricultural collectives and Cambodia was sealed off from the
outside world. The new government renamed the country Democratic
Kampuchea.
Communist rule in Democratic Kampuchea was extremely harsh,
regimented and austere. Large numbers of former Lon Nol government
officials and soldiers, as well as businessmen, intellectuals and
others were executed. In addition, many non-communist members of
the wartime coalition were purged. Although it is impossible to
obtain accurate figures, it is probable that hundreds of thousands
of people were killed. Moreover, the population was further decimated
by starvation and disease during the first two years of the new
political order.
In April 1976, Sihanouk resigned as head of state and was
replaced by Khieu Samphan. Under Prime Minister Pol Pot, schools
were closed, money was abolished, and most aspects of traditional
Khmer culture, such as traditional village life, and observance
of the Buddhist religion were eradicated.
By 1978 the food situation in Cambodia appears to have improved
somewhat, but Pol Pot's government faced a number of serious
security threats. Relations with Vietnam, already strained in 1975,
had been steadily deteriorating. Periodic skirmishing along the
border developed into largescale fighting by the end of 1977. On
HISTORY - PAGE 3
December 31, 1977, Phnom Penh broke relations with Vietnam.
Throughout this period, Democratic Kampuchea developed close trade
and military ties with the Peoples Republic of China.
There were a number of reported uprisings, attempted coups
and purges in Cambodia during 1978. In one reported revolt, army
units in the eastern region of the country rebelled and crossed
into Vietnam, where they joined tens of thousands of refugees who
had already fled Pol Pot's rule. The Vietnamese government began
recruiting and training "liberation forces" from amongst these exiles.
Extensive fighting with Vietnam again broke out during Autumn
1978. Finally, on December 25, 1978, the Vietnamese army and forces
under the "Kampuchean United Front for National Salvation" launched
a massive invasion of Cambodia. Phnom Penh, almost all other towns,
and major lines of communication were quickly captured.
The Pol Pot government fled to the jungles of the mountainous
southwest region after the invasion, and embarked on a guerrilla
war. Non-communist Khmer groups also declared their opposition
to the Vietnamese invasion, and during 1979 some of them launched
guerrilla campaigns along the Thai border. China announced that
it would provide logistical support to any group willing to fight
the Vietnamese. (Also, in early 1979, China launched a short-term
punitive invasion of northern Vietnam, a move obviously linked
to the events in Cambodia).
The Kampuchean Peoples Revolutionary Council government under
Heng Samrin was proclaimed in January 1979, and has since had the
crucial backing of the Vietnamese military forces and the Soviet
bloc. Few other countries have recognized this government; during
Autumn 1979 the United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly
HISTORY - PAGE 4
to seat the Pol Pot government.
Many of the worst aspects of Pol Pot's rule have been relaxed
by the new regime. Dispersed families have been allowed to
reunite and village life has also begun to re-emerge. Traditional
religious activities are once again permitted. However, the
collective structures of the previous government appear to have
been retained in modified form.
Heng Samrin's efforts to stabilize Cambodia since the 1978
invasion have been severely hampered by continuing warfare, wide-
spread starvation and disease, and the movement of hundreds of
thousands of people to the Thai border region and their former
homes. The transportation and communications network has been
almost totally destroyed and trained personnel are scarce. In
addition, the Vietnamese-installed government must gain the con-
fidence of a people who traditionally have expressed a strong emity
towards Vietnam.
In December 1979, the communist authorities based in the
Southwest announced that Prime Minister Pol Pot had been replaced
by Khieu Samphan, and that Democratic Kampuchea's socialist consti-
tution had been abolished. However, Pol Pot reportedly still holds
his posts as commander in chief of the armed forces and secretary
general of the Kampuchean Communist Party. The Vietnamese are
expected to launch a 1980 dry season offensive against Pol Pot's
forces.
Also during 1979-80, Sihanouk began to tour world capitals to
obtain support for an effort to achieve an acceptable negotiated
solution to the Cambodian problem. A number of governments began
HISTORY - PAGE 5
to officially and unofficially withdraw their support of the Pol Pot
government. One of the governments to announce derecognition has
been Great Britain. On January 3, 1980, the government of Thailand
announced that it would allow Sihanouk to visit refugee camps along
the Cambodian border and to use Thai territory to enter his country.
FUNDS RAISED BY U. S. VOLUNTARY AGENCIES
FOR AID TO CAMBODIANS
December 1979
Voluntary Agency
Funds Raised
To Date
American Friends Service
Committee
$1,000,000.
12-17
American Jewish Joint
Distribution Committee
52,000.
12-12
American Red Cross
500,000.
12-17
American Refugee Committee
400,000.
12-17
Assemblies of God
27,000.
12-17
Baptist World Alliance
24,000.
12-13
CARE, Inc.
325,000.
12-4
Catholic Relief Services-USCC
5,000,000.
12-14
Church World Service
652,886.
12-6
Direct Relief Foundation
25,000.
12-14
Food for the Hungry International
100,000.
12-17
Holt International Children's
Services
appeal issued 12-14
International Human Assistance
Programs
10,000.
12-10
International Rescue
Committee
500,000.
12-17
Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod
50,000.
12-17
MAP International
90,000.
12-1
Mennonite Central Committee
30,411.
11-30
Oxfam-America
1,750,000.
12-17
Save the Children Federation
57,000.
12-14
Seventh-Day Adventist
World Service
243,670.
12-17
Synagogue Council of America
25,000.
12-17
U. S. Committee for UNICEF
750,000.
12-7
Wisconsin Indochina Refugee
Relief Program
160,000.
12-14
World Concern
(100,000.)
12-17
(to WVRO )
World Relief
328,243.
12-11
World Vision Relief Organization
3,000,000.
12-17
Young Men's Christian
Association International
Division
20,000.
12-17
Grand Total
$15,120,210.
AGENCY
END OF YEAR TOTAL RELIEF
COMMENTS
UNICEF/ICRC
51,000 MT* food by sea
Three daily aircraft (from Aus-
tralia, France and the Nether-
Over 2000 MT food, 120 MT
lands) fly in about 100 MT a
medical supplies, additional
day to Phnom Penh
relief goods (including 225
trucks) by air
UNICEF/ICRC monitors were aboard
23-truck convoy to Siem Reap
8900 MT food and over 95 million
liters water to border camps
Cash shortage of $35 million
in Thailand
reported as of 12/13/79, about
2/3 of which could come from
$92 million in commitments and
existing pledges SO far not re-
expenditures made or to be made
ceived. Additional contribu-
in near future
tions required.
OXFAM
Six barges, carrying 6113 MT food,
Barge 7 being loaded. Barges
plus about 2400 MT agricultural
8-10 planned for Jan. shipment.
equip., 150 MT industrial goods.
RELIEF DATA BY AGENCY
Also medical supplies and equip.,
$13.2 million committed for next
transportation equip. (50 trucks
three months (until 3/15/80)
7 landrovers, 4 forklifts, diesel
fuel), and misc. supplies
Ship is en route with 20 addi-
tional trucks
$8.8 million spent to date
Permission gained for smaller
barges to travel up Mekong as
far as Kompong Cham
* metric tons
AGENCY
END OF YEAR TOTAL RELIEF
COMMENTS
Church World
4 shipments by air (10 MT
Initiated Action for Relief and
Service
rice, 5 MT lactose IV solution,
Rehabilitation in Kampuchea
5 MT glucose IV solution)
(ARRK), a coalition of 6 U.S.
agencies to coordinate relief
$25,000 to UNICEF for mosquito
efforts in Cambodia (see section
netting
on Mobilization)
1 barge (1200 MT food)
$1,458,992 spent to date
World Council of Churches/
Christian Conference on Asia
2 air shipments (10 MT medical
equipment, 98 MT raw pharmaceu-
tical supplies and medical equip.)
4 barges (5300 MT food)
American Friends
joint flight with Operation Cal-
1/10/80 flight with 15 tons: 1/3
Service Committee
ifornia (11/22) ; AFSC collected
canned meat (from Mennonite Cen-
about half of 37.5 tons on board
tral Committee) ; 1/3 seeds (from
(medical supplies, canned meat)
AFSC) ; 1/3 vitamins and medi-
cines (from drug companies)
2 tons electrolyte solution to
ICRC in Thailand
Projections: 1) sending barge
with rice up Mekong; 2) flights
400 tons rice (on OXFAM barge)
to Phnom Penh with specific spe-
cial supplies as needed;
$200,000 spent to date
3) sending team 1/10/80 to ex-
plore long term project at Kom-
pong Cham and Kratie
RELIEF DATA - PAGE 2
AGENCY
END OF YEAR TOTAL RELIEF
COMMENTS
Operation
joint flight with AFSC 11/22
donations from manufacturers
California
carrying 37.5 tons medicines,
(medicines, high protein food,
canned meat
infant formula)
12/25 flight with 37.5 tons
OXFAM donated funds for 12/25
medicines, infant formula, high
flight; Shell Oil donated fuel
protein food
approx. $100,000 spent to date
18 tons supplies on ICEM* flight
(* Intergovernmental Committee
for European Migration)
Mennonite Central
$50,000 to NGO Consortium
5 tons canned meat on AFSC
Committee
flight 1/10/80
16 tons canned meat, vegetable
seeds on 11/22 AFSC/Operation
part of OXFAM-led NGO Consortium
Calif. flight
$109,000 spent to date
Catholic Relief
40 mercy convoys (avg. 36 tons
Has joined OXFAM consortium and
Services
each) to border camps
another consortium of European
and Canadian Christian agencies
10 doctors, 30 nurses, 6 nutri-
working in Cambodia; CWS will
tionists, 4 paramedics
contribute money to these efforts
in addition to continuing its
feeding kitchens at Sa Kaeo and
own program in Thailand
Khao I Dang
$2.5 million spent to date
RELIEF DATA - PAGE 3
AGENCY
END OF YEAR TOTAL RELIEF
COMMENTS
American Baptist
$200,000 committed to Cambodian
medical team (2 doctors, 3
Churches in USA
relief efforts
nurses) to leave in Jan.
First of several rotating teams.
Direct Relief
6.4 tons medical supplies
Foundation
pharmaceuticals to AFSC/Operation
Calif. 11/22 flight
Also contributed to Operation
Calif. 12/25 flight
Seventh-Day Adven-
3 medical teams (30 people) in
tist World
Thailand
Service
Assemblies of God
Mission personnel working with
World Relief at Sa Kaeo
$25,000 spent to date
CARE
10 MT fresh vegetables delivered
proposal with UNHCR to feed up
daily at Khao T Dang
to 4,000 children in as many as
20 kitchens
Delivered over 15,000 welcome kits
at Khao I Dang 12/14-20. (Includes
fourth feeding kitchen awaiting
mosquito nets, towels, soap, pen,
arrival of more refugees
writing pads, misc. food items)
3 feeding centers (serve 5000 children)
3 nurses in Thailand
MAP* International
4 tons medical supplies donated to
RELIEF DATA - PAGE 4
(Medical Assistance
OXFAM, at cost of $122,000
Programs)
"COPING WITH FAMINE"
Jean Mayer
Foreign Affairs, October 1974
SYNOPSIS OF ARTICLE
Throughout history, there has been a devastating famine
in some part of the world. Historically, the world has been
ill-prepared to cope with famine. Until the last few years
individual nations, international voluntary agencies and
especially official international organizations have dealt
with mass starvation as an unexpected crisis. "Whoever is
faced with the present famine usually acts as though there
were no lesson to be derived from the melancholy succession
of previous famines and previous efforts to cope with them.
Starvation for many centuries was essentially inevitable
since means of information and transportation were not
available. In the present day, however, transportation,
technology, and communications are available and can be
mobilized in a famine situation. "Therefore, we have
obligations that did not exist in past generations.
A true famine can be defined as a severe shortage of food
accompanied by a significant increase in the death rate
in the local area or region of the country affected. In a
true famine, people die in large numbers. Most famines result
from widespread crop failures. "These, in turn, may be
caused by drought, crop diseases or pests, the impact of
war or civil disturbances, or a combination of disturbances
hitting both crops and farmers". The most immediate effect
of famine is widespread deaths from starvation. The number
of deaths is an indicator of the severity of the famine;
consequently, a decrease in the number of deaths indicates
that measures to control the famine situation have been
effective. In famines, the most vulnerable groups of people
are the elderly and the children. Special measures, therefore,
are needed to insure their survival. A second consequence
of famine is the state of social disruption which usually
involves large scale panic. People who have no food tend
to leave their homes in search of food elsewhere. Families
COPING WITH FAMINE-PAGE 2
are often separated and children are lost in this process.
A third serious consequence of famine is the spread of epidemics.
In addition, domestic animals and seeds for future crops are
usually destroyed. "If one is to speak of coping with famine,
one must include follow-on measures to restore the food supply
and rehabilitate the area - or if this cannot be done, to
resettle the population elsewhere".
Famine situations include the element of politics to one
degree or another. Mich of the relief assistance rendered
comes from outside of the country, notably from major inter-
national organizations such as UNICEF and international
voluntary agencies. Individual nations also contribute food
and medical supplies and provide transportation in an
international relief effort. Consequently, "some adjustment
and cooperative arrangement between the political entities
involved is the first essential for coping with a famine -
if this is smooth, all becomes much easier; if not, the
drag is immense". A second crucial step is the procurement
of sufficient amounts of food to avert widespread famine,
maintain a balance in the population, and eventually re-
habilitate the population. The third requirement in a famine
relief effort involves the need for authority and assignment
of responsibility. Decisive leadership and developed managerial
skills are necessary. Often it is expedient for the agencies
involved to appoint a relief director to manage and coordinate
relief operations.
The most pressing priority for those administering relief
efforts is to develop the organizational capacity to collect
and distribute available information. It is important for
agencies to mobilize among themselves in order to check statis-
tical data. The causes of death need to be noted so that
additional deaths can be averted by appropriate treatment.
Economic information regarding food and other stocks, prospects
for harvest, repair shops, fuel, trucks, and the state of
roads and communications needs to be monitored closely. A
working logistical and communication system is of the utmost
importance.
The distribution of food and medical services can begin
to take place more efficiently after a system of organization
has been established. The preferred method of food distri-
bution should be to set up as many distribution points as
possible near the areas of starvation. The food used must be
acceptable to people in terms of food habits and religion.
The type of food supplied would consist of a few staple foods
that are high in nutritional value and easy to transport, store
and distribute. Likewise, medical services are utilized the
COPING WITH FAMINE-PAGE 3
most when facilities are decentralized. A small number
of famine hospitals are more practical than one large hospital
removed from the area of the emergency.
Other lessons from past international relief efforts
show the need for price controls to avoid the selling of
food and other commodities by persons intent upon making
a profit from such circumstances. It is also crucial to
maintain law. and order to avoid looting and other disturbances.
And, as relief assistance is usually short-term, planning
for rehabilitation and development of the area affected by
famine is an essential next step, particularly when the
emergency is expected to continue for some time.
The worst type of famine is that precipitated by war
when one or more political factions argue that it is an
"internal matter". "In such cases, the humanitarian instincts
of the international community may be dulled by political
motives. There is essentially no chance, under the present
conventions of international behavior, for a war-related
famine to end anything but tragically
An international
agreement to outlaw starvation as a weapon of war should
be supplemented by one empowering suitable international
organization such as UNICEF to enter a famine area to feed
the noncombatant victims of starvation without prior authoriza-
tion
The time has come when, through international agreement
and action, man-created famines should be eliminated".
"THE ROLE OF THE VOLUNTARY AGENCY IN DISASTER MITIGATION,
PREPAREDNESS AND RELIEF"
Leon Marion, Executive Director,
American Council of Voluntary Agencies for Foreign Service,
June 1979.
SYNOPSIS OF ARTICLE
Introduction
The past decade has seen an increase in the ability to
impart information on disasters worldwide as a result of
modern communications. Voluntary agencies are involved in
this process for they play an essential role in international
relief efforts.
The Nature of Voluntary Agencies
Most of the work of voluntary agencies is based on
humanitarian concerns which often stem from religious
convictions. Many voluntary agencies, particularly reli-
giously based groups, have already been working in host
countries, usually in development assistance programs, prior
to the occurrence of a disaster situation. The prior
existence of an operational relief or development program
by a voluntary agency within a particular country is a key
factor in the success of a disaster relief effort.
Funding for the programs of voluntary agencies, worldwide,
in the fields of humanitarian and development assistance,
according to the Paris based Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development (OECD) averages 2 billion dollars
annually. The majority of funds come from the support of
private individuals. National governments contribute additional
funds and commodities, particularly food. The U.S. Agency
for International Development is the main channel for such
assistance to American voluntary agencies. However, it is
important to realize that the "efforts of voluntary agencies,
with only limited amounts of funds and supplies, can only
supplement what usually needs to be accomplished in disaster
relief and disaster preparedness by the host government, coupled
with whatever bilateral government assistance might be rendered."
AGENCIES AND RELIEF-PAGE 2
A major strength of the voluntary agency is its flexible
working relationships with the host government concerning
disaster preparedness and disaster relief programs. Most
voluntary agencies are not as burdened with bureaucratic
procedures for obtaining aid as is often the case with
bilateral government assistance programs. And field
representatives, based in the host country, are aware of
conditions in the country and relief needs as soon as a
disaster situation occurs. These factors, in particular,
enable voluntary agencies to respond both quickly and
efficiently in an emergency situation.
Voluntary Agencies and Communications
A network for communicating and coordinating information
with regard to the relief needs of the country affected and the
relief programs of the agencies involved is essential. The
American Council of Voluntary Agencies for Foreign Service
provides a forum for cooperation, joint planning, and the
exchange of ideas and information to coordinate the relief,
rehabilitation and development programs of American voluntary
agencies. In addition to maintaining close contact with the
voluntary agencies themselves, ACVA consults with the Office
of Foreign Disaster Assistance within the Department of
State and the United Nations Disaster Relief Office in Geneva.
"These systems of communication make it possible for the inter-
national sector, the national sector, and the private sector
to communicate rapidly about need assessment and to share
periodic situation updates concerning the flow of finances
and commodities into the disaster event country."
Nature of Disaster Preparedness and Relief Assistance
"The capability of voluntary agencies to assist with
either preparedness programs or disaster relief is completely
dependent on the types of ongoing activities in which they
are involved in the disaster event country." "There are
relatively few voluntary agencies which have specialized
capabilities to render immediate post-disaster relief assistance;
however, development assistance programs can play a role
in the mitigation of conditions which might lead to disasters."
The major categories of assistance provided by voluntary agencies
in times of disaster are food, health and medicine, housing,
and water.
The Red Cross
The Red Cross, through the League of Red Cross Societies
and the International Committee of the Red Cross, is uniquely
organized to provide relief assistance both before and after
a disaster occurs. The Red Cross is the only worldwide
organization whose total program is committed to disaster
related events, both nationally and internationally. The
national or League of Red Cross societies maintain an inter-
AGENCIES AND RELIEF-PAGE 3
national communications network with each other and with
the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva.
In this manner, financial and commodity assistance and the
expertise of Red Cross personnel are made available to the
country concerned. National societies of the Red Cross are
found in almost every country of the world. "There is no
other organization which spends as much time in training, pre-
paredness, and refining of their own relief capabilities as
the Red Cross.'
The Place of Authority
In all disaster relief operations, coordination is of
crucial importance. However, without acknowledged authority,
effective coordination is not possible. In most disasters,
the government of the affected country has the major authority
and control over disaster relief efforts. At times, this
authority is shared with international agencies such as the
United Nations Disaster Relief Office.
In the case of international relief efforts in Cambodia
and Thailand a joint relief program is being led by the United
Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the International Committee
of the Red Cross (ICRC). These two agencies, working together,
share the primary responsibility for relief operations in
Cambodia. The British organization, OXFAM, also has a
major role in relief and development assistance within
Cambodia. A number of voluntary agencies, particularly
American ones, are working with the refugee populations in
Thailand. The overall coordinating group on refugee assistance
in Thailand is composed of the Thai government, the United
Nations group (UNICEF, the World Food Programme, the UN High
Commissioner for Refugees), the International Committee of
the Red Cross, the Thai League of Red Cross Societies, the
U. S. Embassy, and the voluntary agencies.
GLOSSARY
ACVAFS (American Council of Voluntary Agencies for Foreign Service) :
Founded in November 1943, in order to provide a professional
forum for cooperation, joint planning and the exchange
of ideas and information for the 44 member International
Relief Agencies.
ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) :
Organization including Thailand, The Philippines,
Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia that has taken the
lead in bringing the Kampuchean problem before the U. N.
and in seeking a peaceful solution based upon the principles
of the U.N. Charter. It has persistently used its
direct contacts with Vietnam to urge withdrawal and a
peaceful solution; through its participating members,
it has provided first asylum for hundreds of thousands
of refugees.
CAMBODIA REFUGEE HEALTH INFORMATION OFFICE:
Located in Washington, D.C.; set up by the National Council
for International Health; acts as a clearinghouse for
American medical personnel who want to volunteer to go
to the Thai camps; telephone is (202) 298-5901
CENTERS/CAMPS,HOLDING:
Located along the Thai-Cambodian border and in Thailand;
the six that are currently operating include:
- Mai Rut (Trat, formerly Klongyai)
10,000
refugees
- Aranyaprathet- 12,000
- Kamput 20,000
- Sa Kaeo (best equipped of the six, though still primitive;
one camp is built, with 31,000 refugees, another camp
is being built)
- Khao I Dang 52,000 refugees
- Ban Nong Samet----160,000
Other camps/holding centers planned for include:
- Kab Cherng and Wattana Nakorn.
DEMOCRATIC KHMER:
Also called Democratic Kampuchea, Democratic Rouge and
Democratic and Patriotic Front for National Unity (DPFNU),
Pol Pot's political front organization, which controls
a tenth or less of the people (mostly in Western Kampuchea
near the Thai border).
FOOD FOR PEACE:
Food channeled through voluntary agencies by the U.S.
government under Title II of Public Law 480 for the dis-
posal of U.S. excess food supplies; $25 million for PL 480
commodities has been appropriated by Congress for the U.N.
World Food Program for use in Cambodian Relief efforts.
GLOSSARY - PAGE 2
GENEVA ACCORDS (1954) :
Resulted in the agreements for: a temporary division
of Vietnam into North and South; recognition of
Cambodia's neutrality and territorial integrity; the
guarantee that the Viet Minh would withdraw from
Cambodia's eastern areas that the Viet Minh had used
in their war against the French; and committing
Cambodia to elections based on universal suffrage.
HENG SAMRIN:
Vietnamese-and Soviet-backed leader situated with his
People's Republic of Kampuchea government in Phnom
Penh; president of KPRCG, also president of the
Kampuchean United Front for National Salvation (KUFNS).
IENG SARI:
Cambodian Marxist who fled Phnom Penh 1963; Deputy
Prime Minister charged with foreign affairs in the
government of Democratic Kampuchea, 1975-1978.
INTERAGENCY KAMPUCHEA WORKING GROUP:
U. S. State Department group concentrating on Cambodia
Crisis; Director is Tom Barnes.
KHIEU SAMPHAM:
Replaced Pol Pot as Prime Minister of Democratic
Kampuchea December 1979; previous to that was head
of state; prepared a doctoral dissertation while
studying in Paris, a paper that became a key influence
in developing the rural economy of Cambodia along the
lines of collectivism; Minister of Defense in Royal
Government of National Union of Kampuchea, 1970-75.
KHMER LIBERATION MOVEMENT:
Currently a third force, opposes both Heng Samrin and
Pol Pot; believed to control some areas of Cambodia--
where and to what extent are not officially known.
KHMER ROUGE:
Left-wing insurgents in the countryside, so called by
Prince Sihanouk; under the leadership of Pol Pot ,
took over control of Kampuchea April 1975.
KHMER SEREI:
(Free Khmer) --an anti-Sihanouk, right-wing group under
Son Ngoc Thanh's leadership emanating from the anti-
French resistance movement called Khmer Issarak; currently,
these anti-communist fighters (who oppose both Pol Pot
and Heng Samrin) attach themselves to the sprawling
shanty towns around the Thai border towns (Ban Nong
Samet and Ban Nong Mak Moon) ; Thai military sources
estimate the total number of participating members
number no more than 400; however, the UNHCR and the
Thai government have been hindered by the refusal of
Khmer Serei leaders to allow the bulk of the Cambodians
GLOSSARY - PAGE 3
to move from encampments to holding centers.
KOMPONG SOM:
Formerly Sihanoukville ; the main seaport located on
the southern tip of Cambodia on the Gulf of Thailand;
it was the port through which Vietnamese Communists
conducted a thriving covert business and through
which substantial amounts of supplies and foodstuffs
are currently channeled to Cambodians.
KRIANGSAK CHOMANAN:
Prime Minister of Thailand who announced an open-door
policy for Cambodian refugees; suggested a plan for
Thai holding centers, including a national center.
LON NOL, GENERAL:
Minister of Defense and Prime Minister of Cambodia
before 1970; co-author of the coup that overthrew
Prince Norodom Sihanouk, March 1970; Prime Minister,
Commander in Chief and Head of State of the Khmer
Republic, 1970-75; fled to Hawaii, April 1975.
MEKONG RIVER:
Flows southward from Laos, down through Cambodia's
northeastern provinces region, the central rice-growing
region, the capital Phnom Penh, the eastern border
region and on out through the Mekong Delta (through
southern Vietnam) and finally into the South China
Sea; it has figured prominently as a distribution route
during wartime and in the current effort at transporting
foodstuffs to areas where famine exists.
NGO:
See voluntary agency.
PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KAMPUCHEA:
The official name of Cambodia since the advent of
Heng Samrin's Kampuchean People's Revolutionary
Council Government, (KPRCC), established January 8, 1979).
POL POT (previously known as Saloth Sar)
Currently Supreme Commander previously Prime Minister
of Democratic Kampuchea (1976-1979); Cambodian Marxist
who fled Phnom Penh 1963; Secretary General, Central
Committee of the Communist Party of Kampuchea, 1963-
1978; in September 1979, the U. N. voted to continue
the Pol Pot government as the official U. N. representative.
PVO:
See voluntary agency.
GLOSSARY - PAGE 4
RELIEF AID:
Relief assistance programs overseas are provided by
both governmental and non-governmental organizations
and are geared to meeting people's immediate needs of
food, medicine, shelter and water resulting from an
emergency situation.
SIHANOUK, PRINCE NORODOM:
Crowned King of Cambodia 1941; abdicated in favor of
father 1955; ruled Cambodia as prince until deposed in
1970; head of government in exile, Royal Government
of National Union of Kampuchea, 1970-75; returned to
Phnom Penh under Khmer Rouge rule, as nominal head of
state, 1975; forced into retirement 1976.
STHANOUKVILLE:
See Kompong Som.
TONLE SAP (GREAT LAKE) :
Located in the northwestern part of Cambodia, next to
the great central plain area; the Great Lake and Mekong
River valley are the most fertile, rich lands in the
country; as a result, Cambodia vied for centuries for
the domination of these two areas, resulting in frequent
wars and armed revolts with neighbors, Vietnam and Thailand.
UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)
Works cooperatively with the Royal Thai Government in
establishing 6 holding camps near the Cambodian border
and one national holding center far from the border;
ultimate responsibility for the establishment and
running of these centers rests with the Thai government.
VOLAG:
See voluntary agency.
VOLUNTARY AGENCY:
(Also called Volag, PVO--private and voluntary organi-
zation, and NGO---non-governmental organization) ;
according to the ACVAFS a volag-PVO-NGO is a non-profit
organization established by a group of private citizens
for a stated philanthropic purpose, supported primarily
by voluntary contributions from private individuals
with additional funding and supplies provided by national
governments such as the U.S. AID.
WFP (World Food Program)
Handles food shipments for UNICEF/ICRC, 17 nations,
the European Economic Community and 14 non-governmental
organizations and agencies; see Food for Peace.
TAKE CHARGE OF EMBARGOED LINES WEST OF MILES CITY,
MONT.
UPI 11-06 01:11 PES
UP-065
R W
1ST ADD ROSALYNN, WASHINGTON (UP-047)
MRS. CARTER TOLD REPORTERS AFTER MEETING WITH TOP OFFICIALS OF
INTERNATIONAL REFUGEE AND RELIEF AGENCIES, "WE CAN'T LET PEOPLE
STARVE."
SHE SAID SHE HOPES HER FOUR-DAY TRIP "WILL FOCUS WORLD ATTENTION"
ON THE FAMINE IN CAMBODIA.
MRS. CARTER SAID IT WAS FIRST SUGGESTED, THROUGH GOVERNMENT
CHANNELS, THAT PRESIDENT CARTER MAKE THE JOURNEY TO EMPHASIZE U.S.
CONCERN. BUT, "JIMMY CAN'T GO AT THIS TIME."
THE FIRST LADY SAID SHE AND THE PRESIDENT HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT
THE CAMBODIAN TRAGEDY "FOR SEVERAL DAYS ABOUT WHAT COULD BE DONE TO
CALL ATTENTION TO THE NEED.
"THEN WHEN WE WERE AT CAMP DAVID (LAST WEEKEND) WE GOT A MESSAGE
SUGGESTING I GO,' SHE SAID. MRS. CARTER SAID SHE AND THE PRESIDENT
DECIDED YESTERDAY SHE SHOULD MAKE THE TRIP.
"I CAN SEE THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL REASONS FOR ME TO GO," SHE
ADDED. "IT'S ONE OF THE MORAL ISSUES OF OUR TIME. IT'S AN
INTERNATIONAL ISSUE. WE CAN'T LET PEOPLE STARVE. WE CAN FOCUS WORLD
OPINION ON IT... IN ORDER TO GET ACTION."
UPI 11-06 01:15 PES
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ROSALYNN-REFUGEES LEAD (TOPS N39)
BY MAUREEN SANTINI
WASHINGTON (AP) -- ROSALYNN CARTER WILL VISIT CAMBODIAN REFUGEE
CAMPS IN THAILAND THIS WEEK IN BEHALF OF HER HUSBAND, PRESIDENT
CARTER, THE WHITE HOUSE ANNOUNCED TODAY.
THE FIRST LADY, ACCOMPANIED BY DR. JULIUS B. RICHMOND, THE U.S.
SURGEON GENERAL, WILL LEAVE WEDNESDAY AND RETURN SATURDAY.
''THE PURPOSE OF HER TRIP WILL BE TO LEARN OF THE NEEDS OF THE
REFUGEES FLEEING KAMPUCHER (CAMBODIA), LOOK AT WAYS TO INCREASE THE
FLOW OF RELIEF SUPPLIES AND FOOD INTO KAMPUCHER AND REPORT HER
FINDINGS TO THE PRESIDENT IN ORDER TO HELP ACCELERATE EFFECTIVE
SUPPORT FOR THE INTERNATIONAL RELIEF PROGRAMS,' ACCORDING TO A WHITE
HOUSE STATEMENT.
AFTER A 45-MINUTE MEETING AT THE WHITE HOUSE TODAY WITH HER STAFF
AND UNITED NATIONS AND RED CROSS REPRESENTATIVES, MRS. CARTER TOLD
REPORTERS: "I CAN SEE THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL THINGS THAT NEED TO BE
DONE. IT'S ONE OF THE MORAL ISSUES OF OUR DAY. WE CAN'T LET PEOPLE
STARVE.''
SHE SAID THAT AT FIRST HER HUSBAND HAD BEEN ADVISED TO MAKE THE
TRIP, BUT COULD NOT FOR UNEXPLAINED REASONS, SO IT WAS DECIDED SHE
WOULD GO INSTEAD.
''IT'S IMPORTANT THAT THIS EFFORT IS SEEN AS AN INTERNATIONAL
EFFORT,'' DR. CHARLES EGGERS, ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL OF UNICEF,
TOLD HER.
ALSO ATTENDING THE MEETING WERE POUL HARTLING, U.N. HIGH
COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES, AND JEAN-PIERRE HOCKE, DIRECTOR OF
OPERATIONS FOR THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS.
AP-WX-1106 1222EST
751
UNCLASSIFIEDM D*******S COPY
OP IMMED
DE RUMJQB #6185 3150316
0 1103152 NOV 79 ZFF-4
FM AMEMBASSY BANGKOK
TO WHITEHOUSE WASHDC NIACT IMMEDIATE
UNCLAS BANGKOK 46186
PASS TO FIRST LADY'S AIRCRAFT
E.O. 12065IN/A
TAGS: OVIP (CARTER, ROSALYNN)
SUBJ: FIRST LADY'S VISIT TOTHAILAND
1. PER TELECON, THE FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE CARD LEFT
IN MRS. CARTER'S SUITE:
I
BEGIN TEXT -- MRS. CARTER, THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF
WOMEN OF THAILAND WISH TO EXTEND A CORDIAL WELCOME AND TO
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONCERN ABOUT THE REFUGEE PROBLEM.
(SIGNED) KHUNYING CHANDHANEE SANTAPUTRA, PRESIDENT, NOWT
END TEXT.
2. AS MENTIONED KHUNYING IS A TITLE AND SHE SHOULD BE
ADDRESSED AS KHUNYING CHANDHANEE. ABRAMOWITZ
BY
WHSR COMMENT
GA, DEN, (MARY HOYT)
E033BLOOM, PLATT, OSKEN
PSN#002503
PAGE 01
OF 01
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******** N CLASSI FI E D*******S COPY
0
DRAFT REMARKS/ MEETING RE CAMBODIAN RELIEF
I AM PLEASED TO WELCOME YOU HERE TODAY, As THE PRESIDENT
HAS SAID, I WENT TO THAILAND ON HIS BEHALF TO EXPRESS
THE PROFOUND CONCERN OF THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY FOR
THE TRAGEDY THAT IS UNFOLDING IN INDOCHINA, My VISIT TO
THAILAND WAS BRIEF, BUT ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
IN MY LIFE.
I CAME AWAY (WITH A HEART) FILLED WITH ADMIRATION FOR THOSE
REPRESENTATIVES OF YOUR ORGANIZATIONS WHO ARE STRUGGLING
WITH THE MASSIVE, COMPLEX PROBLEM OF PROVIDING RELIEF TO
THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF HUMAN BEINGS WHO ARE STARVING
AND HOMELESS AND BEREAVED, AND I CAME AWAY FILLED WITH
GRATITUDE FOR THE EFFORTS OF THE PEOPLE OF THAILAND AND
THE THAI GOVERNMENT.
I AM SURE THAT EVERY PERSON IN THIS ROOM KNOWS WHAT FACES
US IN THE COMING WEEKS,
WHILE OUR INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS HAVE BROUGHT VAST IMPROVEMENTS --
AND I SAW IN THE REFUGEE CAMP AT SAKAEO THE BEGINNINGS OF
HOPE FOR THOSE PITIFUL FEW BROUGHT BACK FROM THE BRINK OF
DEATH -- THE PICTURE IN THE NEAR FUTURE LOOKS DANGEROUSLY
BLEAK. A WAVE OF NEW REFUGEES ESTIMATED IN NUMBER ANYWHERE
FROM 100,1000 TO ONE QUARTER OF A MILLION IS EXPECTED IN
THE VERY NEAR FUTURE.
-2-
FOR THOSE OF US WHO HAVE SEEN WITH OUR OWN EYES THE
DIMENSION OF THE PROBLEM, THE THOUGHT IS ALMOST TOO
MUCH TO BEAR.
LET ME TELL YOU BRIEFLY ABOUT OUR TRIP. As YOU KNOW,
I WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THOSE WHO ARE HERE WITH ME TODAY
(INTRODUCE THEM)
SOME OF US WORKED TOGETHER,
OTHERS DISPERSED TO GATHER TECHNICAL INFORMATION AND
TO INTERVIEW.
AT THE REFUGEE CAMPS IN THAILAND, WE WITNESSED INCREDIBLE
STARVATION, DISEASE, DISLOCATION AND SUFFERING, AT
THE SAKEO HOLDING CENTER FOR CAMBODIANS, WE SAW MANY
CHILDREN SEPARATED FROM THEIR PARENTS, AFFLICTED WITH
MALARIA AND MALNUTRITION.
IN THE LAO REFUGEE CAMP AT UBON, CONDITIONS WERE
SUBSTANTIALLY BETTER, YET MANY OF THE CAMP'S INHABITANTS
HAVE WAITED THREE OR FOUR YEARS FOR APPROVAL TO RESETTLE
ABROAD. THEY WAIT, HOPING NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN BY THE
WORLD.
AT THE REFUGEE TRANSIT CENTER IN BANGKOK, WE OBSERVED
THE OVERCROWDED AND HUMILIATING CONDITIONS WHICH REFUGEES
AWAITING FINAL PROCESSING FOR EMIGRATION MUST ENDURE, THESE
WERE EMOTIONALLY WRENCHING SCENES, AND I SHALL NEVER FORGET
THEM.
-3-
WHILE WE WERE THERE, WE HAD CANDID DISCUSSIONS WITH
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS
TO DISCUSS THEIR GOALS -- FRUSTRATIONS -- AND THE NEED FOR
BETTER COORDINATION.
WE ALSO MET WITH THE KING AND QUEEN OF THAILAND TO DISCUSS
another
THE BROAD SPECTRUM OF THE REFUGEE SITUATION -- AT WHICH
and
TIME I PRESENTED THE QUEEN, WHO IS THE HEAD OF THE THAI
RED CROSSI A CHECK OF $100,000 DRAWN FROM OUR REFUGEE
FUNDS, TO ASSIST THE THAI RED CROSS EFFORTS,
WE HAD A LONG AND FRUITFUL DISCUSSION WITH PRIME MINISTER
KRIANSAK ABOUT THE MOUNTING POLITICAL AND FOREIGN POLICY
RISKS FACING THE THAI GOVERNMENT UNLESS THE INTERNATIONAL
COMMUNITY PROVIDES VISIBLE AND DEMONSTRABLE POLITICAL,
ECONOMIC AND SECURITY SUPPORT TO THE THAIS,
As WE FLEW BACK TO WASHINGTON, OUR GROUP PREPARED A
REPORT FOR THE PRESIDENT WHICH WOULD STRESS THE URGENCY OF
THE SITUATION AND LAY OUT SPECIFIC RECOMMENTATIONS. WE
WILL GIVE YOU THAT REPORT THIS MORNING. WE NEED YOUR
CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF OUR RECOMMENDATIONS; WE NEED
YOUR CREATIVE IDEAS FOR HOW TO IMPLEMENT THEM; YOUR SUPPORT;
YOUR CONCENSUS. I DO NOT KNOW WHEN I HAVE FELT SUCH A
SENSE OF URGENCY ABOUT CUTTING RED TAPE AND UNBLOCKING
LOGJAMS AND MOVING AHEAD.
-4-
I THINK I CAN SAY WITH SOME ASSURANCE THAT THE AMERICAN
PEOPLE ARE ALREADY MOBILIZING TO HELP US, BUT THEY NEED
TO KNOW HOW TO HELP NOW. WHERE TO TURN
NOW.
WHAT IS NEEDED
NOW. AND IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO
GIVE THEM SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT WAYS THEY CAN REACH
OUT TO THEIR FELLOW MAN. WE MUST NOT LOSE PRECIOUS TIME.
I AM PLEASED TO KNOW THAT MOST OF YOU HERE HAVE PREPARED
BRIEFING PAPERS ABOUT YOUR PROGRAMS AND YOUR PROBLEMS,
AND I KNOW THAT YOU WILL BE ADDRESSING YOURSELVES TO
THESE ISSUES THROUGHOUT THE DAY,
BUT BEFORE THEN, I WOULD LIKE TO CALL ON THOSE MEMBERS
OF MY TRAVELING PARTY WHO HAVE BROUGHT BACK NEW INFORMATION
WHICH MIGHT BE HELPFUL -- AND THEN I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE
WITH YOU OUR RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE PRESIDENT -- AND HIS
ACTIONS IN RESPONSE.
FIRST
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 13, 1979
Office of the First Lady's Press Secretary
Mrs. Carter's Meeting With Voluntary Agencies
Partial List of Participants
Mr. Lloyd Bailey
Mr. James P. Grant
U.S. Committee for UNICEF
Overseas Development Council
Ms. Marjorie Craig Benton
Mr. Eugene Grubbs
Save the Children Foundation
Southern Baptist Convention
Bishop Edwin Broderick
Mr. David Guyer
Catholic Relief Services
Save the Children Foundation
Mr. Henry Brodie
Rev. J. Harry Haines
United States Catholic
Board of Global Ministries
Conference
United Methodist Church
Mr. Howard D. Burbank
Father J. Bryan Hehir
Seventh Day Adventist
United States Catholic Conference
World Services, Inc.
Ms. Carol Capps
Rev. Peter Henriot
Interreligious Task Force
Center of Concern
on U.S. Food Policy
Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C.
Rev. Robert L. Charlebois
University of Notre Dame
Catholic Relief Services
Mr. Leo Cherne
Mr. Murray Heibert
International Rescue Committee
The Indochina Project
Mr. Jerald Ciekot
Ms. Joan Holmes
World Hunger - American
The Hunger Project
Friends Service Committee
Mr. Bernard Confer
Ms. Corrine Johnson
Lutheran World Relief
American Friends Service Committee
Bishop Marcus Cummings
Rev. Paul McCleary
American Council of Voluntary Agenices
Mr. Charles Egger
Mr. Martin M. McLaughlin
UNICEF
Overseas Development Council
Mr. David Elder
Rabbi Bernard Mandelbaum
American Friends Service
Synagogue Council of America
Committee
Mr. Deni Frand
Mr. Leon Marion
Indochina Refugee Action Center
American Council of Voluntary Agencies
for Foreign Service
Mr. Ralph Goldman
American Jewish Joint Distribution
Committee
-2-
Mr. Ove R. Neilsen
Mrs. Gay Vance
Lutheran World Relief
Charles William Maynes
Ms. Erna Redlich
Assistant Secretary of State
Baptist World Alliance
for International Organizations
Mr. John Richardson
Thomas Ehrlich, Director
International Rescue Committee
International Development
Cooperation Agency (IDCA)
Mr. Louis Samia
CARE
Jessica Einhorn
Staff, IDCA
Mr. Joseph Short
OXFAM America
Ruth Greenstein
Staff, IDCA
Rev. Arthur Simon
Bread for the World
Pat Moran, U.S. Commission on
International Year of the Child
Mr. Edward Snyder
Friends Committee on National
Robert Pomeroy, U.S.
Legislation
Commission on IYC
Dr. Eugene Stockwell
Frederick Green, M.D., U.S.
National Council of Churches
Commission on TYC
Mr. Edgar Stoesz
Nate Stark
Mennonite Central Committee
Undersecretary of HEW
Ms. Dorothy Taaffe
Gary Perkins, Office of the
The American Red Cross
UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Mr. Paul Van Oss
Mr. Zia Rizvi, Office of the
World Vision Relief Organization
UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Mr. Michel Veuthey
Matthew Nimetz
Delegate to International Organizations
Action U.S. Coordinator for Refugees
of the International Red Cross
John A. Baker
Mr. Charles W. Whalen, Jr.
Director of Refugee Programs
New Directions
Department of State
Ms. Patricia Young
Thomas Barnes, Director
Church Women United
Working Group on Cambodia
Department of State
Julius Richmond, M.D.
Surgeon General
Richard Holbrooke
Assistant Secretary of State
William Foege, M.D.
for East Asian Affairs
Director, Center for
Disease Congrol
Howard Davis
Assistant to Mr. Nimetz
Lt. Gen. Joseph M. Heiser
Rev. Bob Maddox
Senator James Sasser
Mrs. Mary Sasser
FOR YOUR GUIDANCE ONLY
NOVEMBER 6, 1979
Office of the First Lady's Press Secretary
VISIT OF THE FIRST LADY TO
THAILAND
NOVEMBER 7-10, 1979
Weather Forecast:
Clear skies. No rain expected, Daily
average temperature: 82°
High: 89° Low: 75° 78% Humidity
All times are local
Wednesday, November 7, 1979
7:15 am
Press check-in, Special Air Missions
Counter, Andrews AFB
7:25 am
THE FIRST LADY DEPARTS THE WHITE HOUSE VIA MOTORCADE
ENROUTE ANDREWS AFB
Open Press Coverage
Press Note: Press pick-up in
West Wing press office:
7:15 am
8:00 am
THE FIRST LADY ARRIVES ANDREWS AFB, BOARDS AIRCRAFT
AND DEPARTS ENROUTE ELMENDORF AFB, ALASKA
Flying time: 7 hours, 20 minutes
Gain 5 hours
10:20 am
THE FIRST LADY ARRIVES ELMENDORF AFB FOR REFUELING
11:50 am
THE FIRST LADY DEPARTS ELMENDORF AFB ENROUTE YOKOTA AFB,
JAPAN
Flying time: 7 hours, 15 minutes
Gain 9 hours
Thursday, November 8, 1979
2:15 pm
THE FIRST LADY ARRIVES YOKOTA AFB, JAPAN FOR REFUELING
3:45 pm
THE FIRST LADY DEPARTS YOKOTA AFB ENROUTE BANGKOK,
THAILAND
Flying time: 7 hours, 15 minutes
Lose 2 hours from Japan time; gain 12
hours from Washington time
9:00 pm
THE FIRST LADY ARRIVES BANGKOK, THAILAND AND IS
GREETED BY THE CROWN PRINCE
Open Press Coverage
FIRST LADY REMARKS
RON
ERAWAN HOTEL, BANGKOK
-MORE-
-2-
Friday, November 9, 1979
Morning
Depart Bangkok by aircraft for tour of refugee
centers
3:30 pm
Audience with the King and Queen of Thailand
7:00 pm
Arrive Bangkok - free evening
Saturday, November 10, 1979
8:30 am
Meeting with representatives of international and
voluntary organizations at the Ambassador's Residence
10:30 am
Meeting with the Prime Minister and his cabinet
12:15 pm
Depart Bangkok enroute Yokota AFB, Japan
Flying time: 6 hours, 35 minutes
Gain 2 hours
8:50 pm
Arrive Yokota AFB to refuel
10:20 pm
Depart Yokota AFB enroute Elmendorf, AFB, Alaska
Flying time: 6 hours, 35 minutes
Lose 9 hours
9:55 am
Arrive Elmendorf AFB to refuel
11:25 am
Depart Elmendorf AFB enroute Andrews AFB
Flying time: 6 hours, 30 minutes
Lose 5 hours
10:55 pm
Arrive Andrews AFB
#
#
#
REPORT ON TRIP TO THAILAND
I visited Thailand last Friday and Saturday to express
the concern of all Americans about the tradegy unfolding in
Cambodia, to pay tribute to the Thai Government for the
action it has taken to alleviate the plight of Indochinese
refugees, and to consider what additional steps the United
States might take to provide food and medical care to those
who have fled Cambodia as well as those who remain there.
At the refugee camps in Thailand, we witnessed incredible
starvation, disease, dislocation and suffering. At the Sakeo
the
Holding Center for Cambodians V saw many children separated
from their parents, afflicted with Malaria and malnutrition.
In the Lao Refugee Camp at Ubon, conditions were substantially
better, yet many of the camp's inhabitants have waited three or
four years for approval to resettle abroad. They wait, hoping
not to be forgotten by the world. At the Refugee the Transit
Center in Bangkok, observed the hum humiliat ti overcrowded and
humiliating conditions
which refugees awaiting final processing
for emigration must endure. These were emotionally wrenching
scenes, and I shall never forget them.
As bleak as these conditions were, however, they pale in
horror by comparison to those which must be experienced by
those still living in Cambodia. In particular, I heard that
nearly a quarter of a million Cambodians gathered near Sisophon
close to the Thai Border face the most desperate situation.
(
Intensified fighting --anticipated in the coming weeks -- will
probably send them into Thailand where they may overwhelm
existing capabilities to provide relief.
The plight of the children is particularly distressing.
Indeed a generation of Cambodian children has already been
is in danger of being
virtually lost We saw few children under five at Sakeo, and
there were virtually no toddlers. I held one infant who had
survived despite malnourishment because aid was available. We
must not allow others to die because our assistance was either
too little or too late.
I am pleased to welcome you here today. As the President
has said, I went to Thailand on his behalf to express the
profound concern of the people of this country for the
tragedy that is unfolding in Indochina. My visit in Thaialand
was brief, ghut one of the most significant profound events in my life.
trial a heart
Impammawayn I came away filled with admiration for Marrin those
representatives the your organizations who are
struggling with the massive, complex pmogahnnmponmnmpmobhamsnm
problem of providingre relief to thousands apon thousands
ofnstanmingm human beings who are starving omnhomeheannm
and homeless and bereaved. And I came away
fuled
cruth
adminmnmnmwnthnm
with
a
heart filled with gratitude for
the efforts of the people of Thailand and the Thai Government.
Fam-sure-that-there-is-not-a-persen-in-this-room-whc
does-not-realize--
own-efferts-and-these
Eet-me-telt-yeu-a-tittte-bit-abeut-my-hminnananmymhmamahhing
companiens-whe-dispersed--
I am sure that every person in this room knows what faces
international
us
in the coming weeks. While our efforts have brought
about miracles--and I do believe that I saw amminsohemn
whahnanmimamnmnmnnhanminanhandfinfan%amomwhemndnfomnnmm
a kind the of miracle in the refugee kamp of Sa Kaeo
in
found. beginning Thope for finmhanmhmhdnanmamdmnmnmnm
who had brought back from the brink of death our-
in the near fiture
the picture looks horrendously bleak for the for next month
If we contemplate the expected at an expected number of new
ae
a
wave of new refugees estaimated number anywhere
from 100,000 to one quarter of a million early December.
osses the borders of Cambodia into Thailand. - is infected
For those of us who have seen themnmphightpmhhamthonghhmimnm
with our own eyes the dimension of the
the threght
problem, thismienahmoshmhmommmohnmombaamm is almost too
much to bear, thinking about
nnmhatmjanmedhmyanmambim Let me tell you briefly about our
trip. As-mest-ef-yeu-knew As you know, I was accompanied
those whoare here with me today ( introduce
them)
Wenwomkmnn Some of us worked together; others dispersed
to gather technical wimble information which we going to with
are to interview
you this morning. We visited hadcauded the-refugee-eamps discussions add paragraph
While we were there, we a with representatives of
the intennational voluntary organizations to discuss their
their goals their frustrations--and the need for
better coordination. I met with the King and Queen--in fact,
I presented the who is the
head of the Thai Red Cross
also
of thailaed spectrim broad of the refugee situation -
We time met with the King and Queen to discuss the ituation and at which
fact presented the Queen, who is the head of the Thai Red
Corss, a check fo $100,000 frommn , drawn from our refugee
to assist
we
funds theThai Red Cross efforts. A had a: long and fruitful
discussion with Prime Minister Kriansak about the mounting
political and foreign policy risks facing the Thai Government
unless the international community provides visible
and demonstrable political, economic and security support to
the Thais.
then,
As we feew back to Washington,
our group worked feverishly to prepare a report for the President
which would
stress the urgency of the situation and lay our the specific needs in a set
of recomendations. We Careful will give you that report later this
morning. We need yourgeth consideration of these our reccomendations;
we need your creative ideas your support; your concensus.
about
I do not know when I have felt such a sense of urgency amomhm
and
and
ammahhemnmnbnan cutting redtape unblocking logjams moving
ahead.
-think-that-we-agree-that-the-elimate-in-the-bnited-States-
is
I think I can say with some assurance thaat the American
Baophemamemsimphynwaitingm people are already mobilizing to
help us. But they need to know how they-ean-help-- to help. Now.
Where to turn Now. what is needed. And that is eur-repenbibility
Now.
And it is our reponsibility to give them specific information
about ways they can reach out to their fellow man. We
must nat premous time.
cannot lose
I am pleased to know that most of you here have prepared
breefing papers about your programs and your problems, and
I know that you will be addressing yourselves to themnform
these issues throghout the day. But before then, I would
like to call on those members of my traveling party who have
newminfonmatimnmhhahnmamnhrm brought back new information
which might be helpful- and then I would like to share with you
ymnmhhemneamomnm our recomendations to the President--and his
actions in response to Thme. First
First -
-2-
The Thai Government is dealing with the massive influx
of refugees with compassion. They have opened their borders
to fleeing Lao and Cambodians as well as Vietnamese boat
people. And they are now establishing holding centers to
handle these displaced people away from- the border areas
where fighting threatens. G These decisions expose the
Government of Prime Minister Kriangsak to mounting political
and foreign policy risks.
Failure by the international community to provide visible
and demonstrable political, economic, and security support to
the Thais could undercut their current humanitarian approach.
The relief efforts of international agencies and voluntary
groups in Bangkok is impressive. They have performed heroic
services under the most trying circumstances. Yet I return
with the conviction that coordination of such efforts in
Thailand must be improved to assure maximum use of limited
financial and human resources.
I heard from UN Agency representatives that the authorities
in Phnom Penh be softening their opposition to some
is
a
poesibil
now
forms of international relief in Cambodia. There of
willingness to accept delivery of food and medicines up the
Mekong River, and expanded air and sea deliveries. However,
implementation is bogged down by logistic and political
bottlenecks and proposals to initiate land deliveries into
Cambodia from Thailand remain stymied.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
With these circumstances in mind, I believe the United
States must act urgently to stimulate and contribute to
expanded international efforts to relieve the suffering of
refugees in Thailand and to find additional ways of delivering
food and medicine to people in Cambodia. To this end we
should consider the following actions:
TALKING POINTS FOR MRS. CARTER
-- The tragedy of the Khmer people is truly an event that
affects us all. Our willingness to respond to the needs of these
people who have been displaced by war, famine, and disease is a
test that we cannot fail. I am gratffied that so many private and
international agencies have given generously to ensure that the
Khmer people survive. Your presence here today testifies to the
we are
fact that the entire international community united in a common
moral effort to relieve line the suffering taking place in Southeast Asia.
-- As you known I have just returned from a visit to Thailand
to inspect the conditions among the refugees who have sought shelter
share
in that country, I would like to LEVIED the results of my trip with you
discuss the recommendations that I shall be making to the President,
and explore ways in which all of you can assist in providing the
human tiarian assistance that is so urgently needed.
Findings
-- The depth of the suffering among the Khmer people is almost
beyond description. I shall never forget the emotionally wrenching
scenes I witnessed in the refugee camps we visited.
-- At the Sakeo Holding Center, I observed terrible starvation,
disease, dislocation, and overcrowding. There were few children
under the age of five and virtually no toddlers. Those who had
survived the flight from Kampuchea were often afflicted with maleria
and other diseases, and were seriously malnourished.
-- As bleak as conditions were in the camps, the situation among
the Khmer people who are still in Kampuchea must be unimaginable
Intensifed fighting in the coming months will probably send them
of
- 2 -
2
inwThailand where they may overwhelm existing capabilities to
provide relief.
-- The Thai government has responaly/nobly responded with
compassion to the needs of these refugees. The/entire Despite the
risk of domestic political criticism, Prime Minister Kriangsak
has opened the border to fleeing Khmer and Laorians and provided
generous assistance in making the work of the private and
international agencies possible.
-- There is some hope that the authorities in Phnom Penh may
be willing to allow increased shipments of relief to Kampuchea,
either by meass of the Mekong river or through expanded air and sea
deliveries. If these avenues of assistance are opened, it will
be important that the international relief efforts not become
bogged down in dogistical or political bottlenecks.
Intro
MRS. CARTER'S REMARKS
I AM PLEASED TO WELCOME YOU HERE TODAY. As THE PRESIDENT HAS
SAID, I WENT TO THAILAND ON HIS BEHALF TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND
CONCERN OF THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY FOR THE TRAGEDY THAT IS UN-
FOLDING IN INDOCHINA. My VISIT TO THAILAND WAS BRIEF, BUT ONE OF
THE MOST SIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN MY LIFE.
I CAME AWAY WITH A HEART
FILLED WITH ADMIRATION FOR THOSE REPRESENTATIVES OF YOUR ORGANIZA-
TIONS WHO ARE STRUGGLING WITH THE MASSIVE, COMPLEX PROBLEM OF
PROVIDING RELIEF TO THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF HUMAN BEINGS WHO
ARE STARVING AND HOMELESS AND BEREAVED. AND I CAME AWAY FILLED
WITH GRATITUDE FOR THE EFFORTS OF THE PEOPLE OF THAILAND AND THE
THAI GOVERNMENT.
I AM SURE THAT EVERY PERSON IN THIS ROOM KNOWS WHAT FACES US
IN THE COMING WEEKS, WHILE OUR INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS HAVE BROUGHT
ABOUT MIRACLES -- AND I DO BELIEVE THAT I SAW A KIND OF MIRACLE IN
THE REFUGEE CAMP AT SAKAEO IN THE BEGINNINGS OF HOPE FOR A PITIFUL
FEW BROUGHT BACK FROM THE BRINK OF DEATH -- THE PICTURE IN THE NEAR
FUTURE LOOKS HORRENDOUSLY BLEAK -- AS A WAVE OF NEW REFUGEEES
ESTIMATED IN NUMBER ANYWHERE FROM 100,000 TO ONE QUARTER OF A MILLION
IS EXPECTED.
FOR THOSE OF US WHO HAVE SEEN WITH OUR OWN EYES THE DIMENSION
OF THE PROBLEM, THE THOUGHT IS ALMOST TOO MUCH TO BEAR.
LET ME TELL YOU BRIEFLY ABOUT OUR TRIP. As YOU KNOW, I WAS
ACCOMPANIED BY THOSE WHO ARE HERE WITH ME TODAY (INTRODUCE THEM).
SOME OF US WORKED TOGETHER; OTHERS DISPERSE TO GATHER TECHNICAL
INFORMATION AND TO INTERVIEW.
-2-
AT THE REFUGEE CAMPS IN THAILAND, WE WITNESSED INCREDIBLE
STARVATION, DISEASE, DISLOCATION AND SUFFERING. AT THE SAKEO
HOLDING CENTER FOR CAMBODIANS, WE SAW MANY CHILDREN SEPARATED FROM
THEIR PARENTS, AFFLICTED WITH MALARIA AND MALNUTRITION. IN THE
LAO REFUGEE CAMP AT UBON, CONDITIONS WERE SUBSTANTIALLY BETTER,
YET MANY OF THE CAMP'S INHABITANTS HAVE WAITED THREE OR FOUR YEARS
FOR APPROVAL TO RESETTLE ABROAD, THEY WAIT, HOPING NOT TO BE FOR-
GOTTEN BY THE WORLD. AT THE REFUGEE TRANSIT CENTER IN BANGKOK, WE
OBSERVED THE OVERCROWDED AND HUMILIATING CONDITIONS WHICH REFUGEES
AWAITING FINAL PROCESSING FOR EMIGRATION MUST ENDURE. THESE WERE
EMOTIONALLY WRENCHING SCENES, AND I SHALL NEVER FORGET THEM.
WHILE WE WERE THERE, WE HAD CANDID DISCUSSIONS WITH REPRESEN-
TATIVES OF THE INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS TO DISCUSS THEIR
GOALS -- FRUSTRATIONS -- AND THE NEED FOR BETTER COORDINATION. WE
ALSO MET WITH THE KING AND QUEEN OF THAILAND TO DISCUSS THE BROAD
SPECTRUM OF THE REFUGEE SITUATION -- AT WHICH TIME I PRESENTED THE
QUEEN, WHO IS THE HEAD OF THE THAI RED CROSS, A CHECK OF $100,000,
DRAWN FROM OUR REFUGEE FUNDS, TO ASSIST THE THAI RED CROSS EFFORTS,
WE HAD A LONG AND FRUITFUL DISCUSSION WITH PRIME MINISTER KRIANSAK
ABOUT THE MOUNTING POLITICAL AND FOREIGN POLICY RISKS FACING THE
THAI GOVERNMENT UNLESS THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY PROVIDES VISIBLE
AND DEMONSTRABLE POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND SECURITY SUPPORT TO THE
THAIS.
THEN, AS WE FLEW BACK TO WASHINGTON, OUR GROUP WORKED FEVERISHLY
TO PREPARE A REPORT FOR THE PRESIDENT WHICH WOULD STRESS THE URGENCY
OF THE SITUATION AND LAY OUT SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS. WE WILL GIVE
YOU THAT REPORT LATER THIS MORNING, WE NEED YOUR CAREFUL CONSIDERA-
TION OF OUR RECOMMENDATIONS; WE NEED YOUR CREATIVE IDEAS FOR HOW TO
-3-
IMPLEMENT THEM; YOUR SUPPORT; YOUR CONCENSUS, I DO NOT KNOW WHEN
I HAVE FELT SUCH A SENSE OF URGENCY ABOUT CUTTING RED TAPE AND
UNBLOCKING LOGJAMS AND MOVING AHEAD,
I THINK I CAN SAY WITH SOME ASSURANCE THAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE
ARE ALREADY MOBILIZING TO HELP US, BUT THEY NEED TO KNOW HOW TO
HELP
NOW. WHERE TO TURN
NOW. WHAT IS NEEDED
NOW. AND
IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GIVE THEM SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT
WAYS THEY CAN REACH OUT TO THEIR FELLOW MAN. WE MUST NOT LOSE PRECIOUS
TIME.
I AM PLEASED TO KNOW THAT MOST OF YOU HERE HAVE PREPARED
BRIEFING PAPERS ABOUT YOUR PROGRAMS AND YOUR PROBLEMS, AND I KNOW
THAT YOU WILL BE ADDRESSING YOURSELVES TO THESE ISSUES THROUGHOUT
THE DAY. BUT BEFORE THEN, I WOULD LIKE TO CALL ON THOSE MEMBERS OF
MY TRAVELING PARTY WHO HAVE BROUGHT BACK NEW INFORMATION WHICH MIGHT
BE HELPFUL -- AND THEN I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
TO THE PRESIDENT -- AND HIS ACTIONS IN RESPONSE.
FIRST
new - Speech fround include historical cultural aspect;
Personal; Potus human rights gurte; good examples of
Politics and government always have two faces. One regetentes
face is benign. It is the concept of limited government people in
that acts as the servant of the people. This is the concept U.S.
that Thomas Jefferson taught us. In our two societies, we
deeply believe in it. For those who cherish the concept of
limited government and inalienable rights, politics has a
benign face. People benefit from what their governments do
when the political process sees people not as abstractions
but as individuals.
The other face of government is a harsh face. People
are regarded as existing to serve the cause of their rulers.
They are victims of the dictates of strategy, of greed, of
fanatical ideologies that leaders put above the well-
being of their people. This creates many of the horrors
around us in our world.
Within states, people are often denied rights that we
hold as basic, above all the right to the sanctity of the
person. Those who disagree or fail to comply with the
dominant ideology are often jailed, sometimes without
trial and what we consider due process of law. In the
worst instances, they are left to rot in prison for years,
and even tortured. Or they are exiled, separated from
their families, which are held hostage.
-2-
Sometimes in the past we were told that national interest
dictates that we remain silent--that we not speak out, to
avoid embarrassing our foreign relations. But by any standard
of any decency and morality, denial of the basic rights of the
individual person constitutes a modern version of savagery that
simply is immoral.
The Carter Administration decided not to turn a blind
eye or to wink at such behavior, not to simply slap wrists,
or cross to the other side of the street to avoid being
involved. The President and his administration have spoken
out from the sources of our deepest national beliefs and
values. We have told other governments outright of our standards,
and of our concerns. We have even committed that diplomatic
sin of talking about such matters publicly.
Some have criticized that policy. In the real world,
where we like all countries have overriding interests, or
where American lives are at stake, or where a greater good
must be achieved, of course it is not always possible to be
completely even-handed or even consistent. Sometimes there are
overriding considerations of national security, for example
to avoid nuclear confrontation.
But I think the history books will show there are many
places in the world where, as a result of this administration's
policy, the political torture was stopped--prisoners of
-3-
conscience were let out of jail into the light of day--
unelected military regimes have been replaced by civilian
rulers who operate under popular constitutional rule.
I am proud of that record. Of course we Americans are
not the only ones who have this concern; far from it. The
international community has established a set of norms we all
ought to follow. These are found in the UN Universal Declara-
tion of Human Rights, and the various covenants of human
rights the great majority of nations have agreed upon. But
we can't rest on our laurels. The task remaining is endless.
But it will be made easier if the international community
takes more and more responsibility, and no single nation has
to play the role of monitor for others.
In one unhappy corner of the world--the Indochina
peninsula there are many new victims of government brutality,
and their wars of conquest. In Vietnam, the ruling regime
has forced into the sea masses of individuals who did not fit
in with the "new order." The "Boat People" surely reflect
that evil side of politics of which I spoke. The world's
conscience was awakened by that tragic spectacle, and the UN
and private organizations have already done much for the
hundreds of thousands of refugees who were either expelled
or fled from Vietnam. I am proud that the US is taking
14,000 a year into its own society, and in that sense has
done more than anyone else--as perhaps it should. Canada has
-4-
been extraordinarily generous. We and you have made tremendous
efforts, both public and private, to persuade the perpetrators
to cease their inhumane policies, and to convince other nations
to take in the homeless and the uprooted.
Now we have a new human tragedy in Kampuchea (which used
to be called Cambodia). I shudder to think how much worse it
could be if it were not for the action generous nations began
to take when those heartbreaking pictures were shown of fellow
humans in the last ghastly stages of starvation. How can one
begin to forgive governments who commit genocide on their own
population in order to win political control? The fact that
two Communist regimes are at each others' throats doesn't
make it any easier for the masses of people who are starving--
those tortured Cambodian people in whole names the war is
conducted.
The international efforts now underway to save the people
of Kampuchea from extinction is beginning to show--but it is
not enough. I have seen with my own eyes unbelievable scenes
of human degradation that should arouse the pity of every human
being fortunate enough to have food, shelter, a home, even a
family. The international effort to aid the victims of this
newest human outrage in Indochina will need our support for
a long time to come.
I am enough of a realist to know that there will be other
situations that call for our compassion--other places where
people are made the victims of the ambitions and cruelties of
their leaders. We must be unceasing in our witness to the
-5-
desparate plight of SO many of our fellow humans. I am
proud that the Carter Administration has tried to make real
its deep conviction that people, rather than real estate, or
strategy, or short-run advantages, represent the ultimate
human concern, and the highest political value. We occupy a
small planet. Those of us who have the advantages--and the
terrible responsibility-- of riches and power must always put
our humanitarian concerns at the forefront of policy. I am
proud that the human face of politics shows itself in my
country in a time when the world is becoming a global village
in which we are all neighbors--in which we, whether we choose
ir or not, are inescapably our brothers' and sisters' keepers.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 13, 1979
Office of the First Lady's Press Secretary
Presidential Actions in Response to
the First Lady's Report on Cambodian
Relief as Reported by Mrs. Carter
1) The President made a determination today to grant UNICEF an
additional two million dollars for the immediate purchase of
rice in Thailand. This will get food into the pipeline to
Cambodia more quickly.
2) We have told the United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees
that he can use immediately four million dollars of the
funds we recently allocated to his organization.
3) The President has approved my recommendation that, in full
cooperation with pertinent international agencies, we should
airlift a special shipment of vegetable oils and special foods
needed for infants and small children to meet urgent requirements
in Thailand. We will also urgently transport mobile equipment
to provide water to refugee holding camps, and communication
equipment to improve coordination between the refugee camps and the
support agencies in Bangkok.
4) The President has directed the State Department, through its
Diplomatic Missions, to work closely with all international agencies
and the Thai government to improve the contingency planning for
a possible exodus of one-quarter million Cambodians in the near
future.
5) The President has agreed that, as another demonstration of our
support for recent decisions of the Thai government, we will
earmark more of the monthly refugee entry allocation numbers
to Thailand during the next quarter. As I said in my report,
the Thai burden is so great that it demands special attention
and support.
6) The President has directed the Secretary of State to review the
procedures required to process refugees for resettlement with
a view to speeding up the American part of the effort, in accordance
with law and in close consultation with the Attorney General.
I have also communicated with the United Nations Refugee High
Commissioner Hartling about ways we can assist in improving the
quality of the refugee transit centers in Bangkok.
7) The President has directed the Peace Corps to accelerate its
support of the program of the UNHCR.
8) The Surgeon General of the United States Public Health Service
plans to work with the voluntary health organizations to insure
the creation of a clearing house for a quick national response
capacity for the volunteer refugee health effort. I am particularly
interested in this item because I believe that it is the spirit
of volunteerism in American that must be tapped if we are to make
a significant contribution tosolve this tragic problem, and I
intend to speak out on this issue in the coming weeks.
9) The President has directed that we continue to support all efforts
to open an authorized "land bridge" that we believe would be
the most efficient way of getting food to the people of Cambodia.
We shall continue to consider the initiation of unilateral truck
deliveries from Thailand as a last resort measure.
I have also reported to Secretary Waldheim about my trip.
-MORE-
-2-
Your work in the coming months will be of crucial importance
and the federal government stands ready to assist you in every
possible way. At the outset, I think it is important that we have
your views with regard to the following questions:
A.
How can we ensure smooth coordination between the government,
the private voluntary agencies, and the international agencies
working in this area?
B. How can we best raise the necessary private funds to support
the relief efforts that will be needed?
C.
How can we provide for better coordination of private programs
in the field?
D. How can we emphasize in private and governmental programs
the importance of meeting the nutritional needs of the
children in the area?
E. How can the U.S. Government be more helpful in assisting
your private efforts?
In closing, I would like to repeat and underline my husband's
appeal to Americans of all faiths to give generously for Cambodian
relief in their churches and synagogues on every Saturday and Sunday
in November, particularly between now and Thanksgiving. I am appealing
to men and women, boys and girls to help.
I am convinced all of us will give until it hurts. I hope business
organizations will make it easier for their employees to contribute.
You all know that a phone number (800-221-2870) exists which can be
called by anyone who wishes to contribute. I hope that Thanksgiving,
when each of us remembers our blessings, will call forth especially
generous donations.
#
#
#
WITHDRAWAL SHEET (PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARIES)
FORM OF
CORRESPONDENTS OR TITLE
DOCUMENT
DATE
RESTRICTION
memo
Aaron to Carter, 4 pgs
11/3/79
A
w/attachment
memcon
Labouisse, Bloomfield, 10 pgs
11/28/79
A
report
Visit of Ms. Carter 38 pgs
11/8-10/79
B
list
Manifest, 1 pg
11/7/79
B
list
Manifest, 1 pg
11/7/79
B
FILE LOCATION
Records of the First Lady's Office, Mary Hoyt's Foreign Trip Files (Press), Box 27, Thailand, November 7-10, 1979
RESTRICTION CODES
(A) Closed by applicable Executive Order governing access to national security information.
(B) Closed by statute or by the agency which originated the document.
(C) Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in the donor's deed of gift.
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
NA Form 14029 (1-98)
CAMBODIAN RELIEF
The following organizations are accepting financial contributions for Cambodian
relief:
UNICEF, U.S. Committee for
Lutheran World Relief
"Kampuchean Reliéf"
360 Park Avenue South
331 East 38th Street
New York, New York 10010
New York, New York 10017
212-532-6350
800-221-2870
212-686-5522. (New York only)
American Friends Service Committee
Oxfam America
1501 Cherry Street
302 Columbus Avenue
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
215-241-7154
617-247-3304
American National/Red Cross
World Relief Incorporated
"Kampuchea Relief"
Suite 801
2025 E Street, N.W.
1800 K Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
Washington, D.C. 20006
202-737-8300
202-785-4869
Catholic Relief Services
Seventh-Day Adventist World Service
1011 First Avenue
6840 Eastern Avenue, N.W.
New York, New York 10022
Washington, D.C. 20012
212-838-4700
202-723-0800
Church World Service
World Relief Commission
475 Riverside Drive
Post Office Box WRC
New York, New York 10027
Wheaton, Illinois 60187
212-870-2200
312-665-0235
CARE
World Vision Relief Organization
660 First Avenue
919 West Huntington Drive
New York, New York 10027
Monrovia, California 91016
212-686-3110
213-357-1111
International Rescue Committee
386 Park Avenue South
New York, New York 10016
212-679-0010
Medical Services
A clearing house has been established to accept offers of medical personnel,
equipment and supplies:
National Council of International Health
2121 Virginia Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20037
202-298-5908
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 6, 1979
Office of the White llouse Press Secretary
THE WHITE HOUSE
STATEMENT ON KAMPUCHEA
Starvation still threatens millions of Cambodian lives despite a
massive international relief effort.
This sad reality is due to no failure of global concern. The
international community has offered the means, and has the will, to
allay the suffering of the Cambodian people. Growing quantities of
food and medical supplies are now reaching that country.
But too often the relief cannot get through to those in need.
Instead the flow of aid is deliberately blocked and obstructed
by the Vietnamese and Heng Samrin authorities. Their
Soviet allies have not brought any discernible influence to bear
to alleviate the situation, while supporting Vietnam heavily.
-- Relief supplies are piling up in Phnom Penh and other
points of initial delivery because local and Vietnamese authorities
continually change or delay agreed arrangements for distribution.
-- Taxes and tariffs are collected on the delivery of relief
supplies -- in effect imposing a surcharge on human survival.
-- We continue to receive reports that relief supplies are
diverted or stockpiled for the use of military forces, and that
what distribution does take place is skewed to favor officials and
supporters of the Heng Samrin regime.
There is even interference with the attempts of the Kampuchean
people to feed themselves. For example, refugees have reported the
mining of rice fields to prevent a harvest.
In the face of widespread human anguish, this delay and diversion
of humanitarian efforts is unconscionable.
As many as two million Cambodians may have died under the brutal
Pol Pot regime. Now, in the wake of a Vietnamese invasion and
occupation of Cambodia, the long-suffering people of that country
face a new wave of oppression, hunger and disease.
To counter this mounting tragedy, we call upon responsible leaders
in both Hanoi and Moscow to recognize and act upon the compelling
humanitarian requirements of the Cambodian people, which they thus
far have not done. We call on them to cooperate fully with the
international community in opening all routes for supplies to enter
Cambodia, which they thus far have not done. We call on them to
take the steps necessary to speed the distribution of humanitarian
aid to starving people throughout all parts of that country, which
they thus far have not done. We call on them not to feed the flames
of war, but use aircraft and airfields to ferry food to feed the
people of Kampuchea.
#
#
#
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 6, 1979
Office of the White llouse Press Secretary
THE WHITE HOUSE
STATEMENT ON KAMPUCHEA
Starvation still threatens millions of Cambodian lives despite a
massive international relief effort.
This sad reality is due to no failure of global concern. The
international community has offered the means, and has the will, to
allay the suffering of the Cambodian people. Growing quantities of
food and medical supplies are now reaching that country.
But too often the relief cannot get through to those in need.
Instead the flow of aid is deliberately blocked and obstructed
by the Vietnamese and Heng Samrin authorities. Their
Soviet allies have not brought any discernible influence to bear
to alleviate the situation, while supporting Vietnam heavily.
-- Relief supplies are piling up in Phnom Penh and other
points of initial delivery because local and Vietnamese authorities
continually change or delay agreed arrangements for distribution.
-- Taxes and tariffs are collected on the delivery of relief
supplies -- in effect imposing a surcharge on human survival.
-- We continue to receive reports that relief supplies are
diverted or stockpiled for the use of military forces, and that
what distribution does take place is skewed to favor officials and
supporters of the Heng Samrin regime.
-- There is even interference with the attempts of the Kampuchean
people to feed themselves. For example, refugees have reported the
mining of rice fields to prevent a harvest.
In the face of widespread human anguish, this delay and diversion
of humanitarian efforts is unconscionable.
As many as two million Cambodians may have died under the brutal
Pol Pot regime. Now, in the wake of a Vietnamese invasion and
occupation of Cambodia, the long-suffering people of that country
face a new wave of oppression, hunger and disease.
To counter this mounting tragedy, we call upon responsible leaders
in both Hanoi and Moscow to recognize and act upon the compelling
humanitarian requirements of the Cambodian people, which they thus
far have not done. We call on them to cooperate fully with the
international community in opening all routes for supplies to enter
Cambodia, which they thus far have not done. We call on them to
take the steps necessary to speed the distribution of humanitarian
aid to starving people throughout all parts of that country, which
they thus far have not done. We call on them not to feed the flames
of war, but use aircraft and airfields to ferry food to feed the
people of Kampuchea.
#
#
#
Mrs. carter is going as a personal representative of the President of
Mrs Carter E trip has been arranged in haste as she and
the U.S.
the President feel a sense of urgneyby about the siatuion.
We have been aware of the differn objectives
of the Congressional women and have been in touch with
their staffs to
determine how we can pool am the information
and ideas ahat
-
each party
learn about this tragic, -situation.
tanbemamhimintmonmthamnapinmnm At this point there doesn't
seem to be any limit on the terrible need of these peoplenmnn
people. By doubling our efforts, I hope we can double
our effectiveness in assessing what more this country can do.
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
11/5/79
Jane, here are the names of the individuals for the 10:30 meeting
tomorrow with Mrs. Carter. They have been cleared for the West wing.
Poul Hartling, UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Jean Pierre Houcke, Director of Operations, Inernational Committee of
the Red Cross
Charles Egger, Assistant Secretary General, UNICEF
John Baker, Director, Office of Refugees Program
Matthew Nimetz, Counsel of the State Department, Acting Coordinator
Refugees Affairs
Ambassador Henry Owens, NSC
Jerry Schecter, Lincoln Bloomfield, NSC
Hachranke
Dabille
Cade
Richmand
Laborina
012
*******U N C L A 8 3 I F I E D*******5 COPY
OP IMMED
DE RUMJES #5550 3101832
0 0616307 NOV 79
PM AMEMBASSY SANGKOK
TO USICA WASHDC IMMEDIATE
INFO WHITEHOUSE WASHOC
SECSTATE WASHDC 4382
UNCLAS BANGKOK 45530
USICA
FOR HGM/P, FGM/T, YOA, EA, STATE FOR EA
ED 12065: NA
SUBJECT: MRS. CARTERIS THAILAND VISIT,
1. PLEASE ADVISE COVERAGE YOU REQUIRE FROM POST
FOR BUSJECT VISIT.
2. REQUEST USINED BIODATA ON OFFICIAL PARTY AND
GUIDANCE ON SUPPORT TO TRAVELING PRESS. USE
NIACT IMMEDIATE, ATTENTION CHATTEN. CHATTEN
ST
*WHSR COMMENT
*
GA DEN S/L 008
EGB:PLATT
RECALLED
PSN:053643
PAGE 31 OF 01 TOR:310/161382 DTG:0610302 NOV 79
*******U N CLASSIFIE D*******S COPY
2
133
N C LASSIFIE D******** COPY
OP IMMED
DE RUZADWW #9129 3102022
0 062137Z NOV 79 ZFF-1 ZFF-4
FM THE WHITE HOUSE
To AMEMBASSY BANGKOK
UNCLAS DELIVER AT OPENING OF BUSINESS WH92103
FROM: MARY FINCH HOYT
TO:
AMBASSADOR MORTON ABRAMOWITZ
FOLLOWING NATIONAL PRESS EXPECTED TO TRAVEL WITH MRS. CARTER TO
TOTAL ELEVEN PERSONS:
(2) TIME MAGAZINE WRITER AND PHOTOGRAPHER CCHRISTOPHER OGDEN
DIANA WALKER)
(1) VOICE OF AMERICA CORRESPONDENT (JANE BLEYER)
(1) CBS CORRESPONDENT (LEE THORNTON)
(1) NBC CORRESPONDENT
(1) ABC CORRESPONDENT
(1) UPI PHOTOGRAPHER
(1) RKO GENERAL CORRESPONDENT (CLIFFORD EVANS)
(1) CHICAGO TRIBUNE WRITER CALDO BECKMAN)
(1) LOS ANGELES TIMES WRITER (MARLENE CIMONS)
(1): REUTERS CORRESPONDENT CRALPH HARRIS)
FOLLOWING PRESS EXPECTED TO PICK UP PRESS PARTY IN BANGKOK TO TOTAL
SIXTEEN PERSONS:
(2) NEWSWEEK WRITER AND PHOTOGRAPHER
(3) ABC CREW
(3) NBC CREW
(3) CBS CREW
(1) UPI WRITER
(2) AP WRITER AND PHOTOGRAPHER
(1) NEW YORK TIMES CHENRY KAMM)
(1) WASHINGTON POST CJOHN BURGESS)
PLEASE ASCERTAIN HOW MANY OTHER CORRESPONDENTS OR PHOTOGRAPHERS
NEED TO BE ADDED TO THIS GROUP TO ACCOMPANY MRS. CARTER ON ALLI
ACTIVITIES. SUGGEST YOUR PRESS OFFICE PICK 10-12 REPRESENTATIVES
*WHSR COMMENT
MARY FINCH HOYT
PSN:053373
PAGE 01
TOR:310/20:222
DTG:062137Z NOV 79
*******U NCLASSIFIE D*******S COPY
******** NCLASSIFI E D*******S COPY
FROM THAI, FOREIGN PRESS AND OTHERS ALREADY IN COUNTRY.
THIS WOULD TOTAL! 37 TO 40 PRESS WHICH WOULD NEED TO BE ACCOMMODATED
IN ADDITION TO OFFICIAL TRAVEL PARTY. EXTRA PLANE WOULD HAVE TO
BE CONSIDERED.
DRAFTER BY MFH
X2164
11/6/79
DT
PSN:253373:
PAGE 02
OF 02
TOR:310/20:222
DTG:082137Z NOV 79
******** NCLASSIFEE D*******S COPY
0
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 1979
Office of the White House Press Secretary
THE WHITE HOUSE
Following are the members of the U.S. delegation to the United
Nations Pledging Conference on Refugee Relief:
Representative
Secretary of State Cyrus Vance
Deputy Representative
Ambassador Donald McHenry, U.S. Representative to the UN
Alternate Representatives
Hon. Matthew Nimitz, Counselor, Department of State
Ambassador William vanden Heuvel, U.S. Deputy Representative to the UN
Congressional Advisers
Senator Claiborne Pell
Senator Max Baucus
Senator John Danforth
Senator Jacob Javits
Senator James Sasser
Representative John Anderson
Representative Elizabeth Holtzman
Representative Clarence Long
Representative Lester Wolff
Representative C.W. "Bill" Young
Representative Clement Zablocki
Governors
Governor Richard D. Lamm
Governor William G. Milliken
Governor Robert D. Ray
Governor Richard A. Snelling
Senior Advisers
Hon. Marjorie Craig Benton, U.S. Representative to the Executive
Board of the UN Children's Fund
Hon. Beverly Carter, Ambassador at Large and Coordinator for
State and Local Governments
Rev. Theodore Hesburgh
Hon. Richard Holbrooke, Assistant Secretary of State for East
Asian and Pacific Affairs
Hon. Charles William Maynes, Assistant Secretary of State for
International Organization Affairs
Hon. Leo Perlis, AFL-CIO
Ambassador Richard W. Petree, U.S. Representative to the
UN Security Council
#
#
#
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 2, 1979
Office of the White House Press Secretary
THE WHITE HOUSE
FACT SHEET
KAMPUCHEA - U.S. AID
On Wednesday, October 24, President Carter pledged $60 million
for relief of starvation in Kampuchea. This pledge was in response
to the October 21 appeal of the International Red Cross (ICRC)
Committee and UNICEF for $111 million to fund a six months relief
campaign. At the same time, the President called on Americans
to contribute, through religious and other voluntary organizations,
to this campaign.
The American $60 million contribution consists of $5 million
out of existing PL-480 funds, $5 million out of existing emergency
funds, $20 million out of a PL-480 supplemental request now before
the Congress, and $30 million additional funds that are now being
authorized and appropriated by the Congress for the next phase of
Kampuchean relief.
These U.S. contributions are being paralleled by substantial
contributions from European and other countries. The $111 million
ICRC-UNICEF appeal will be met. That appeal was issued as soon as ICRC
and UNICEF had concluded negotiations with the Kampuchean authori-
ties, which ensured that foodstuffs would be admitted to Kampuchea
and that there would be enough monitoring of their distribution
to give some reasonable prospect of their reaching needy people.
At the same time as he pledged $60 million for relief of starva-
tion in Kampuchea, the President pledged $9 million primarily for
United Nations efforts to help starving Kampuchean refugees in
Thailand.
Following the Friday, October 19, ICRC-UNICEF appeal, the President
made his decision on relief on Monday, October 22. He consulted
with Congressional leaders on Tuesday, October 23, and as soon
as Congressional assent was secured, that day invited religious
leaders to meet with him at the White House on Wednesday, October 24,
just prior to announcement of the relief effort.
To date, the U.S. Government has already disbursed almost $7 million
of these funds to assist in the Kampuchean relief effort. This
amount includes $2 million and $3 million pledged to the ICRC-
UNICEF by the President, from the U.S. Refugees and Migration
Assistance Emergency Fund for use inside Kampuchea (for forklifts,
trucks and other unloading supplies) and $1.1 million given to
support Catholic Relief Services $300,000 provided to the ICRC,
and $450,000 for emergency tent shelter in the Thai-Khmer border area.
So far, nearly a million dollars of the $9 million for refugees in Thailand
has been expended. $500,000 of this $1.1 million has gone to
Catholic Relief Services and $450,000 for tents.
Late last year, we expanded our intelligence coverage of the situation
in Kampuchea, including thorough use of satellites. This satellite
coverage continued into 1979 and provided some of the earliest
warning of famine in Kampuchea which we made available to the inter-
national community in March 1979.
-- March 1979: The U.S. began alerting international
organizations to the prospect of war-
induced famine in Kampuchea, urging contingency
planning to meet a possible food emergency.
June:
U.S. began making contributions through inter-
national and voluntary agencies that as of
MORE
-2-
mid-October totaled about $7 million in
emergency assistance to the Kampuchean relief
effort.
--
Early July:
Secretary Vance in Canberra made a plea for
an international humanitarian relief effort
for the Khmer people. Later in testimony
before Congress, he reiterated this appeal.
-- August:
U.S. made demarches to over 30 nations, including
the Soviet Union, Vietnam, and China, urging that
they use their influence to expedite relief to
Kampuchea.
--
October 19:
ICRC-UNICEF appeal for $111 million.
--
October 24: President Carter pledged $30 million to inter-
national efforts over the next six months to aid
the victims of starvation, disease, and fighting
in Kampuchea and $9 million to support efforts to
assist Khmer entering Thailand. He also indicated
his support for Congressional initiatives which
could produce $30 million for the next phase.
#
#
#
WITHDRAWAL SHEET (PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARIES)
FORM OF
DOCUMENT
CORRESPONDENTS OR TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
memo
Aaron to Carter, 4 pgs
11/3/79
w/attachment
A
memcon
Labouisse, Bloomfield, 10 pgs
11/28/79
A
report
Visit of Ms. Carter 38 pgs
11/8-10/79
B
list
Manifest, 1 pg
11/7/79
B
list
Manifest, 1 pg
11/7/79
B
FILE LOCATION
Records of the First Lady's Office, Mary Hoyt's Foreign Trip Files (Press), Box 27, Thailand, November 7-10, 1979
RESTRICTION CODES
(A) Closed by applicable Executive Order governing access to national security information.
(B) Closed by statute or by the agency which originated the document.
(C) Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in the donor's deed of gift.
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
NA Form 14029 (1-98)
BANGKOK ARRIVAL STATEMENT, NOVEMBER 8, 1979
1.
I AM HERE BECAUSE MY HUSBAND, THE PRESIDENT OF THE
UNITED STATES, ASKED ME TO COME TO THAILAND TO EXPRESS THE
PROFOUND CONCERN OF ALL AMERICANS FOR THE SUFFERING PEOPLES
IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD. WE ARE FILLED WITH ALARM WHEN
WE CONTEMPLATE THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE CAMBODIAN PEOPLE ARE
FACING EXTINCTION AS A RESULT OF WAR AND FAMINE, WE REACH
HUNGRY
OUT TO ALL THOSE WHO ARE SICK AND HOMELESS AND BEREAVED
IN INDOCHINA.
IN ADDITION TO VISITING CAMBODIANS WHO HAVE COME TO
BANGKOK ARRIVAL
2.
THAILAND, I WILL ALSO VISIT REFUGEES WHO HAVE FLED AOS AND
VIETNAM. I WILL DISCUSS ADDITIONAL WAYS AND MEANS OF PROVIDING
ASSISTANCE FOR THESE TRAGIC VICTIMS,
AND I HAVE COME TO PAY RESPECTS TO THE GOVERNMENT AND
THE PEOPLE OF THAILAND FOR THE HUMANITARIAN EXAMPLE THEY SET
FOR ALL THE WORLD. THAILAND'S COMPASSIONATE AND COURAGEOUS
RESPONSE TO THE STAGGERING HUMAN MISERY OF ITS NEIGHBORS HAS
MEANT LIFE FOR THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE, WE OWE
THAILAND NOT ONLY OUR ADMIRATION, BUT ALSO OUR FULL SUPPORT.
support
I PLEDGE THAT TO YOU HERE TODAY,
longht
BANGKOK ARRIVAL
3.
I LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF
INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES TO CONSIDER WAYS IN WHICH THE UNITED
STATES CAN FURTHER CONTRIBUTE TO THE MASSIVE RELIEF EFFORT
THAT IS REQUIRED AND THAT MUST BE STRENGTHENED AND SUSTAINED.
AND I ANTICIPATE WITH PLEASURE MY MEETING WITH THE KING AND
QUEEN AND PRIME MINISTER KRIANGSAK, WHICH WILL GIVE ME THE
OPPORTUNITY -- ON BEHALF OF THE PRESIDENT AND ALL AMERICANS --
TO UNDERSCORE OUR COMMITMENT TO THAILAND.