Notes of the Cabinet Meeting Regarding the Evacuation of Saigon, South Vietnam

- 2 - The President asked if there were any questions. Secretary Morton asked about the status of other foreign nationals. Secretary Kissinger responded that all Embassies except the French had departed. The President noted that more Americans (100-200) than previously estimated appeared for evacuation. He indicated that the next two hours would be extremely delicate but that thus far the panic problem had been generally kept in hand. Secretary Kissinger pointed out that we had to publicly fight for aid so long as a governmental structure remained in Saigon. Otherwise he was sure that a serious panic would have resulted at an early stage in the evacuation. Secretary Schlesinger indicated that panic at Tan Son Nhut had prevented the use of C-130's. Acting Secretary Tabor inquired about the total number of evacuees. Secretary Kissinger indicated that about 4650 have been taken out in the last two days, of which 500-600 were Americans. He also noted that although the President had directed that South Vietnamese were to be evacuated when it appeared that C-130's would be available, in the present circumstances the President's only direct order was to get the Americans out. The decision was made on the ground to include South Vietnamese. The President reiterated that a total of 43-45000 South Vietnamese will have been evacuated. Secretary Morton asked where would the South Vietnamese go. The President responsed that State was working on the problem, that three U. S. military bases had been set up here. He noted some Congressional objections. He indicated that we would have to motivate charitable organization to assist and asked the Cabinet officers for their help in doing so. GERALE .