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Interagency Task Force on Indochina Refugees: April 27 - May 8, 1975
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Interagency Task Force on Indochina Refugees: April 27 - May 8, 1975
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White House Special Files Unit Files
Issue Decision Papers for the President
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Vietnam (Republic)
Presidential appointments
Refugees
Vietnamese Americans
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The original documents are located in Box 4, folder "Interagency Task Force on Indochina
Refugees: April 27 - May 8 1975" of the White House Special Files Unit Files at the Gerald
R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Funding - O'Nell looking
People - Pols,
P. Critena
liver Groups
Size - why 35 1/2
2 People
- Man & woman
- SOP & Dem -
- How well they
actually work-
How much
emphasis does it deserve ??
Approved Sang Schnever -te
-PC
- Armstrong will serve-
Steps
1. Criteria -
Lets look
-Dem Pol ?
at list -
2. Deade Rec
when have
we done
3. Set to serve
this before
- -wd
4. Bet Ready To Announce -
- Clemency Bl-
& We are about to have a disaster !!
what should we do today -
-Announce Chozz?
- -How are we going topay
-
Digitized from Box 4 of the White House Special Files Unit Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
4 Ralph gourbraugh-
& BlWagua
&
FORD i LIBRARY 07V839
Marrs -
Service Clubs
/. see Insped by P-, All met with brown-
Siving material to them-
-
26 major civic groups-
-
Val. agencies-
Ellie Peterson-
-Red Cross
-uso_
+ hiberal
+6 Voluntee Agencies-
Chuch Staver
-/
2- 2-Bens
-Rampton 6 Evans
//
My
Rowmen
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
Where is Ps decision
p end Viet Nam Benefit
MEMORANDUM
ACTION
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 27, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
THEODORE MARRS
GERALL
BRENT SCOWCROFT
JOHN MARSH
SUBJECT:
Presidential Advisory Committee
on Refugees
The Interagency Task Force on Refugees is meeting its operational role
in regard to initial movement and care of refugees. Its intragovern-
mental role would be complemented by:
1. Establishing a Presidential Advisory Committee on Refugees. This
is believed by Secretary Kissinger and Ambassador Brown to be
a much needed complement to the task force operation.
2.
A Presidential anneal tn the major civic organizations for their
support. You will have an opportunity to do this at a Tuesday,
April 29 meeting which will be attended by twenty-five Presidents of
major civic clubs. You are scheduled for a few words and picture
taking with them.
A paper which describes the Advisory Committee on Refugee concept
is attached at Tab A.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve concept as presented in Tab A
Approve concept with modification
Disapprove
If the concept of the President's Committee on Refugees is approved
there should be a prompt announcement of a chairperson. That person
will then, in consultation with us, select other members of the committee.
2
The following names (in alphabetical order) are suggested for your
consideration as chairperson:
Approve
Disapprove
Anne Armstrong
Caleb Boggs
Winfield Dunn
John Harper
Presidential Advisory Committee on Refugees
Purpose: To advise and assist in an expeditious and coordinated
orientation and resettlement of refugees from Southeast Asia.
Composition: Leaders from the private sector including representation
from labor and business; religion; law and medicine; the Vietnamese-
American community.
Liaison: Will establish lines of communication with the Interdepartmental
Task Force, with the voluntary agencies who will play a leading role,
the Domestic Council, Naturalization and Immigration Service and
the Vietnamese-American community and others as needed to enhance
understanding and coordination.
Scope: Will give consideration to all aspects of orientation and resettlement
including the following:
1. Moral responsibility.
2. Economic impacts.
3.
Community reaction to the refugees and refugee reaction to the
community.
4. Food -- adequacy and appropriateness.
5. Transport and geography of resettlement.
6. Social and traditional factors.
7. Health and environmental matters.
8. Interrelationship of governmental and volunteer roles.
9. Education - bilingual, work oriented and other.
10. Housing -- temporary and permanent.
11. Cultural understanding.
Administration: Meetings to be arranged through Office of
Public Liaison.
2
"Up front" administrative support from OMB and other White House
offices should be directed to insure the prompt development needed for
effectiveness. Staff office should be in EOB.
Meetings will be in accord with legal requirements for advisory
groups and Counsel will provide a specific point of contact.
Public understanding will be supported by keeping the White House
Press and Congressional Liaison offices informed as well as by
contact with civic and other private associations.
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.:
Date: April 28, 1975
Time:
FOR ACTION:
Bill Baroody
Phil Buchen
on Ron Nessen
de (for information)
Jim Cannon
Bill Seidman or
Jim Lynn
Bill Walker gr
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
TODAY, April 28, 1975
Time: 5:00 p.m.
SUBJECT:
Marrs/Scowcroft/Marsh memo (4/27/75) re:
Presidential Advisory Committee on Refugees
ACTION REQUESTED:
X
For Necessary Action
For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X
For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
5p REMARKS: - Barordy has WCB not 625 Barordyok sun approved
Buchen Cannon dor,the dr topewriter
Aynn Patel R web
Furcen
sit E FORD
GERALO,
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
delay in submitting the required material, please
Jerry H. Jones
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
Staff Secretary
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM.
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.:
Date: April 28, 1975
Time:
FOR ACTION:
Bill Baroody
XXXXXXXXXXX:
Phil Buchen
Ron Nessen
Jim Cannon
Bill Seidman
Jim Lynn
Bill Walker
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
TODAY, April 28, 1975
Time: 5:00 p.m.
SUBJECT:
Marrs/Scowcroft/Marsh memo (4/27/75) re:
Presidential Advisory Committee on Refugees
ACTION REQUESTED:
X
For Necessary Action
For Your Recommendations
Prepore Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
Good idea - would
make Co clian persons -
Harper and amoting
jus
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
dulay in submilling the required maierial, please
Jerry H. Jones
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
Staff Secretary
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 28, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR THE STAFF SECRETARY
FROM:
ALAN WOODS alahbod
SUBJECT:
Marrs/Scowcroft/Marsh memo (4/27/75) re:
Presidential Advisory Committee on Refugees
We concur with the recommendations and the individuals
for consideration as Chairperson in the following priority:
John Harper
Winfield Dunn
Anne Armstrong
Caleb Boggs
UTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.:
bie: April 28, 1975
Time:
FOR ACTION:
Bill Baroody
XXXXXXXXXXX):
Phil Buchen
Ron Nessen
Jim Cannon
Bill Seidman
Jim Lynn
Bill Walker
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
TODAY, April 28, 1975
Time: 5:00 p.m.
SUBJECT:
Marrs/Scowcroft/Marsh memo (4/27/75) re:
Presidential Advisory Committee on Refugees
GERALD FORD
ACTION REQUESTED:
X
For Necessary Action
For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
CANNON RECOMMENDATION:
Approves concept with modification. "I think the
effort should be led by a woman.
Additions to list on Page 2
Ross Perot
Republican from Texas
Bess Myerson
Democrat from New York
Grace Rohrer
Republican from North Carolina
Secretary of Cultural Resources
of North Carolina
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
delay in submitting the required maierial, please
Jerry H. Jones
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
Staff Secretary
MEMORANDUM
ACTION
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 27, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
THEODORE MARRS
JOHN MARSH
BRENT SCOWCROFT, Bank
SUBJECT:
Presidential Advisory Committee
on Refugees
The Interagency Task Force on Refugees is meeting its operational role
in regard to initial movement and care of refugees. Its intragovern-
mental role would be complemented by:
1. Establishing a Presidential Advisory Committee on Refugees. This
is believed by Secretary Kissinger and Ambassador Brown to be
a much needed complement to the task force operation.
2. A Presidential appeal to the major civic organizations for their
support. You will have an opportunity to do this at a Tuesday,
April 29 meeting which will be attended by twenty-five Presidents of
major civic clubs. You are scheduled for a few words and picture
taking with them.
A paper which describes the Advisory Committee on Refugee concept
is attached at Tab A.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve concept a.s presented in Tab A
Approve
concept I Think with modification the effort should be led by a
Disapprove
woman.
there If the concept should be of a the prompt President's announcement Committee of a on chairperson. Refugees is That approved person Ave
will then, in consultation with us, select other members of the committee.
2
The following names (in alphabetical order) are suggested for your
consideration as chairperson:
Approve
Disapprove
Anne Armstrong
Caleb Boggs
Winfield Dunn
John Harper
Additions made by Cannon:
Ross Perot
Republican from Texas
Bess Myerson, Democrat from New York
Grace Rohrer, Secretary of Cultural Resources
of North Carolina - Republican
BEHALOR
Presidential Advisory Committee on Refugees
Purpose: To advise and assist in an expeditious and coordinated
orientation and resettlement of refugees from Southeast Asia.
Composition: Leaders from the private sector including representation
from labor and business; religion; law and medicine; the Vietnamese-
American community.
Liaison: Will establish lines of communication with the Interdepartmental
Task Force, with the voluntary agencies who will play a leading role,
the Domestic Council, Naturalization and Immigration Service and
the Vietnamese-American community and others as needed to enhance
understanding and coordination.
Scope: Will give consideration to all aspects of orientation and resettlement
including the following:
1. Moral responsibility.
2. Economic impacts.
3. Community reaction to the refugees and refugee reaction to the
community.
4. Food -- adequacy and appropriateness.
5. Transport and geography of resettlement.
6. Social and traditional factors.
7. Health and environmental matters.
8. Interrelationship of governmental and volunteer roles.
9. Education - bilingual, work oriented and other.
10. Housing -- temporary and permanent.
11. Cultural understanding.
Administration: Meetings to be arranged through Office of
Public Liaison.
2
"Up front" administrative support from OMB and other White House
offices should be directed to insure the prompt development needed for
effectiveness. Staff office should be in EOB.
Meetings will be in accord with legal requirements for advisory
groups and Counsel will provide a specific point of contact.
Public understanding will be supported by keeping the White House
Press and Congressional Liaison offices informed as well as by
contact with civic and other private associations.
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM.
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.:
Date: April 28, 1975
Time:
FOR ACTION:
Bill Baroody
XXXXXXXXXXX):
hil Buchen
Ron Nessen
Jim Cannon
Bill Seidman
Jim Lynn
Bill Walker
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
TODAY, April 28, 1975
Time: 5:00 p.m.
SUBJECT:
Marrs/Scowcroft/Marsh memo (4/27/75) re:
Presidential Advisory Committee on Refugees
ACTION REQUESTED:
X
For Necessary Action
For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X
For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
approve subject to grount made
by Jun Lynn that Commettee effraves
are chargeable to budget r White House.
Based 800m
P.W.B.
meeting this im.
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
delay in submitting the required material, please
Jerry H. Jones
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
Staff Secretary
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 28, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE STAFF SECRETARY
FROM:
RON NESSEN RAN
SUBJECT:
Presidential Advisory Committee on Refugees
I don't have any particular recommendation on the President's
Advisory Committee on Refugees. I do feel that the President
should do something or say something almost immediately to turn
off what I believe to be a growing public and Congressional opinion
that few if any refugees should be taken into the United States.
I get a number of questions at my briefing each day and I see
comments from the public and from politicians suggesting that the
United States does not have the resources, housing, jobs, or support
money to take care of Vietnamese refugees.
I believe a strong Presidential statement recalling America's
tradition of compassion for the helpless victims of war would help
turn around this growing public opposition to take in the refugees.
OMB
Generally, no prbblems. Problems are:
1. Title -- ought to reflect specific area
(i. e., SE Asia)
2. President should announce the intent
rather than he will because there are some
major problems with who will support it
(OMB doesn't have the funds, nor WH).
Possible, HEW (they funded essentially the
same thing for the Cubans). This would have
to be studied.
3. Would rather see it an Advsiory Committee
to State or HEW rather than the President.
4. Would be good if President
could line up Chairman when he announced intent.
C
5. most like Hungarian
the Dec 1956 12/12/56
camp Kilmer Ng
military in chairman
Cuban - no advisory
comm. (HEW)
Consolidated purflemental plinding
2/3 to HEIN
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 1, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
TED MARRS
FROM:
JERRY M
Attached is your memorandum to the President regarding a
Presidential Advisory Committee on Refugees and OMB's comments
on the subject. You should get together with General Scowcroft and
Jack Marsh and incorporate OMB's suggestions in your memorandum
to the President.
Thank you.
GERALDY
OFFICE PTR PRESIDENT STATES a UNITED
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
MAY 1 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. JERRY H. JONES, STAFF SECRETARY
CERALE
Subject: Advisory Committee on Refugees
The Marrs/Scowcroft/Marsh memo which we have reviewed poses
significant problems.
Use of action verbs like "assist in
orientation
and resettlement" and "will give consideration to all
aspects," including transport, food, housing. This
language gives the flavor of a heavy management and
directive role for the Committee, rather than a
convener/facilitator role. In a management role, the
Committee would be totally unacceptable to the voluntary
agencies, whose role is essential in the resettlement
operation.
We have major reservations in the Committee becoming
a coordinative body with a broad scope of management
responsibilities. This is the appropriate role of
the voluntary resettlement agencies who will receive
contracts for this purpose, and not of this Advisory
Committee.
By not stressing the availability of crucial private
resources and roles in the assistance which will be
required, the U.S. Government might have to assume
full financial and program responsibility.
We have prepared an alternative concept paper, attached.
Financing for this Committee is expected to be provided with
funds appropriated under the Vietnam Humanitarian Assistance
and Evacuation Act of 1975.
Finally, while we believe that the formation of this Committee
is urgent, we would strongly recommend that the President not
announce its establishment until there has been a commitment
by a qualified chairman.
James T. Lynn
Director
Attachment
National Advisory Committee on Indo-China Refugees
39. FORD )
Purpose: Because of the numerous expressions of interest
received from the private sector, and the immeasurable
contribution that can be made by American voluntary
agencies, it is recommended that the President
establish immediately a National Advisory Committee
on Indo-China Refugees which would identify and
mobilize private resources to assist in the resettle-
ment of Indo-Chinese refugees entering the United
States.
These efforts would be designed to marshall available
resources to provide general resettlement assistance,
employment opportunities, scholarships, and other
social services that will be required by these refugees.
will
The Committee should be chaired by a private American
citizen with international prestige, who would be the
mul
President's personal representative. He would be
assisted by a group of about twenty similarly well
Juses
known people from a broad spectrum of the private
sector, including businessmen, educators, labor leaders,
voluntary organizations civil rights leaders, and
including members of the Vectriment
private citizens An executive staff would be estab
lished to facilitate the operations of the Committee
and to supervise the allocation of resources to
reception sites located in the United States.
2
The U.S. Government would have representatives on the
Committee, but its primary role would be to provide
resources otherwise unobtainable, overcome legal and
governmental barriers, and provide general backup
support where required.
The Committee should call upon all Americans to
contribute time, money, and resources to this effort.
The Committee would not be designed to coordinate
evacuation and resettlement activities, but would act
only to locate and elicit and help distribute the
private resources which will be available to assist
Cambodian and Vietnamese refugees in this country, to
assist the activities of the voluntary resettlement
agencies, and to provide advice and guidance on
refugee resettlement matters generally.
The concept as outlined above will provide Presidential leadership
in a unified national effort by stressing the very urgent and
crucial participation of the private sector in mobilizing a
humanitarian reception for these refugees into our society.
BERALD LIVERTY FORD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 2, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
FROM:
TED MARRS
JERRY JONES m.wrl
Consistent with your comments in your May 1 Memorandum,
the reworked memorandum is submitted, attached.
Enclosure
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 2, 1975
MR. PRESIDENT:
Attached is a memorandum recommending that a Presidential Advisory
Committee on Refugees be created. The reference in the memo to your
Tuesday, April 29, meeting is no longer appropriate; however, the
question of setting up a Commission to assist in developing those
resources necessary to conduct a refugee settlement program is an
important one and should be considered.
Staff views are as follows:
Lynn -- Questioned the original charter which was reworked to reflect
their concerns regarding purpose (comments at Tab I).
Buchen -- Approve if appropriate funding can be worked out.
Baroody -- Approves memo.
Cannon -- Approves concept with modification. "I think the effort should
be led by a woman. 11 Additions to consider for Chairperson are Ross
Perot (Republican from Texas); Bess Myerson (Democrat from New
York); Grace Rohrer (Republican and Secretary of Cultural Resources of
North Carolina).
Seidman -- Good idea; would make co-Chairpersons Harper and Armstrong.
Walker -- Priority for Chairperson would be John Harper, Winfield Dunn,
Anne Armstrong, Caleb Boggs.
Nessen -- Comments at Tab II.
Don
MEMORANDUM
ACTION
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 27, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
THEODORE MARRS
I'm
BRENT SCOWCROFT
JOHN MARSH
SUBJECT:
Presidential Advisory Committee
on Refugees
The Interagency Task Force on Refugees is meeting its operational role
in regard to initial movement and care of refugees. Its intragovern-
mental role would be complemented by:
1. Establishing a Presidential Advisory Committee on Refugees. This
is believed by Secretary Kissinger and Ambassador Brown to be
a much needed complement to the task force operation.
2. A Presidential appeal to the major civic organizations for their
support. You will have an opportunity to do this at a Tuesday,
April 29 meeting which will be attended by twenty-five Presidents of
major civic clubs. You are scheduled for a few words and picture
taking with them.
A paper which describes the Advisory Committee on Refugee concept
is attached at Tab A.
RECOMMENDATION.
Approve concept as presented in Tab A
my
Approve concept with modification
Disapprove
If the concept of the President's Committee on Refugees is approved
there should be a prompt announcement of a chairperson. That person
will then, in consultation with us, select other members of the committee.
2
The following names (in alphabetical order) are suggested for your
consideration as chairperson:
Approve
Disapprove
Anne Armstrong
Me7
Caleb Boggs
Marlow Cook
Winfield Dunn
Peter Frelinghuysen
MR7
John Harper
AR7
Reed Kirkland
MR7
John Love
Eugene McCarthy
MA7
Ross Perot
Sargent Shriver
MR7
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 28, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE STAFF SECRETARY
FROM:
RON NESSEN RAN
SUBJECT:
Presidential Advisory Committee on Refugees
I don't have any particular recommendation on the President's
Advisory Committee on Refugees. I do feel that the President
should do something or say something almost immediately to turn
off what I believe to be a growing public and Congressional opinion
that few if any refugees should be taken into the United States.
I get a number of questions at my briefing each day and I see
comments from the public and from politicians suggesting that the
United States does not have the resources, housing, jobs, or support
money to take care of Vietnamese refugees.
I believe a strong Presidential statement recalling America's
tradition of compassion for the helpless victims of war would help
turn around this growing public opposition to take in the refugees.
Presidential Advisory Committee on Refugees
Purpose: To advise in regard to an expeditious and coordinated
orientation and resettlement of refugees from Southeast
Asia. This role will be one of facilitating and convening
to insure obtaining resources not otherwise available, over-
coming legal and governmental barriers and providing general
backup support.
Composition: The Committee will be chaired by a private
American citizen with prestige. He will be assisted
by a group of about twenty well known people from a
broad spectrum of the private sector, including business-
men, educators, labor leaders, civil rights leaders, and
private citizens, including members of the Vietnamese/
American community. An executive staff would be estab-
lished to facilitate the operations of the Committee
and to supervise the allocation of resources to recep-
tion sites located in the United States.
Liaison: Will establish lines of communication with the Inter-
departmental Task Force, with the voluntary agencies who
will play a leading role, the Domestic Council, Naturaliza-
tion and Immigration Service and the Vietnamese-American
community and others as needed to enhance understanding
and coordination.
Scope: Will give consideration to the following:
1. Moral responsibility.
2. Economic impacts.
3. Community reaction to the refugees and refugee
reaction to the community.
4. Food--adequacy and appropriateness.
5. Transport and geography of resettlement.
6. Social and traditional factors.
7. Health and environmental matters.
8. Interrelationship of governmental and volunteer roles.
9. Education - bilingual, work oriented and other.
2
10. Housing -- temporary and permanent.
11. Cultural understanding.
The Committee should call upon all Americans to con-
tribute time, money, and resources to this effort.
The Committee would not be designed to coordinate
evacuation and resettlement activities, but would
act only to locate and elicit and help distribute
the private resources which will be available to
assist Cambodian and Vietnamese refugees in this
country, to assist the activities of the voluntary
resettlement agencies, and to provide advice and
guidance on refugee resettlement matters generally.
Administration: Meetings to be arranged through Office
of Public Liaison.
"Up front" administrative support from OMB and other
White House offices should be directed to insure the
prompt development needed for effectiveness. Staff
office should be in EOB.
Financing for this Committee is expected to be pro-
vided with funds appropriated under the Vietnam
Humanitarian Assistance and Evacuation Act of 1975.
Meetings will be in accord with legal requirements
for advisory groups and Counsel will provide a
specific point of contact.
Public understanding will be supported by keeping
the White House Press and Congressional Liaison
offices informed as well as by contact with civic
and other private associations.
II
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
MAY 1 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. JERRY H. JONES, STAFF SECRETARY
Subject: Advisory Committee on Refugees
The Marrs/Scowcroft/Marsh memo which we have reviewed poses
significant problems.
Use of action verbs like "assist in
orientation
and resettlement" and "will give consideration to all
aspects," including transport, food, housing. This
language gives the flavor of a heavy management and
directive role for the Committee, rather than a
convener/facilitator role. In a management role, the
Committee would be totally unacceptable to the voluntary
agencies, whose role is essential in the resettlement
operation.
We have major reservations in the Committee becoming
a coordinative body with a broad scope of management
responsibilities. This is the appropriate role of
the voluntary resettlement agencies who will receive
contracts for this purpose, and not of this Advisory
Committee.
By not stressing the availability of crucial private
resources and roles in the assistance which will be
required, the U.S. Government might have to assume
full financial and program responsibility.
We have prepared an alternative concept paper, attached.
Financing for this Committee is expected to be provided with
funds appropriated under the Vietnam Humanitarian Assistance
and Evacuation Act of 1975.
Finally, while we believe that the formation of this Committee
is urgent, we would strongly recommend that the President not
announce its establishment until there has been a commitment
by a qualified chairman.
BERGER
James T. Lynn
Director
Attachment
National Advisory Committee on Indo-China Refugees
Purpose: Because of the numerous expressions of interest
received from the private sector, and the immeasurable
contribution that can be made by American voluntary
agencies, it is recommended that the President
establish immediately a National Advisory Committee
on Indo-China Refugees which would identify and
mobilize private resources to assist in the resettle-
ment of Indo-Chinese refugees entering the United
States.
These efforts would be designed to marshall available
resources to provide general resettlement assistance,
employment opportunities, scholarships, and other
social services that will be required by these refugees.
The Committee should be chaired by a private American
citizen with international prestige who would be the
President's personal representative. He would be
assisted by a group of about twenty similarly well
known people from a broad spectrum of the private
sector, including businessmen, educators, labor leaders,
voluntary organizations, civil rights leaders, and
private citizens. An executive staff would be estab-
lished to facilitate the operations of the Committee
and to supervise the allocation of resources to
reception sites located in the United States.
2
The U.S. Government would have representatives on the
Committee, but its primary role would be to provide
resources otherwise unobtainable, overcome legal and
governmental barriers, and provide general backup
support where required.
The Committee should call upon all Americans to
contribute time, money, and resources to this effort.
The Committee would not be designed to coordinate
evacuation and resettlement activities, but would act
only to locate and elicit and help distribute the
private resources which will be available to assist
Cambodian and Vietnamese refugees in this country, to
assist the activities of the voluntary resettlement
agencies, and to provide advice and guidance On
refugee resettlement matters generally.
The concept as outlined above will provide Presidential leadership
in a unified national effort by stressing the very urgent and
crucial participation of the private sector in mobilizing a
humanitarian reception for these refugees into our society.
[5/2/75)
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
2 have appooved above,
not as Ch pearm, but as
members.
should be "moke & famale"
co-Ch./Ban & G.O.P.
also, Busines, Inlor, etc.
m Committee.
Bess manyor would be
potutal.
ORIGINAL RETIRED FOR PRESERVATION
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 3, 1975
ADMINISTRATIVELY CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JACK
FROM:
JERRY 000
SUBJECT:
Presidential Advisory
Committee on Refugees
The President has reviewed your memorandum of May 2nd on the
above subject. He approved the concept of your memo as
presented at Tab A. He also initialed the approve line by the
following names suggested for his consideration as chairperson.
Anne Armstrong
Peter Frelinghuysen
John Harper
Reed Kirkland
Eugene McCarthy
Sargent Shriver
Finally, he made the following notation:
-- I have approved above (names), not as
Chairperson, but as members. (Chairperson) Should
be "male and female" Co-Ch., / Dem and G.O.P.
Also, Business, Labor, etc. on Committee.
Bess Myerson could be potential.
CC: Theodore Marrs
Brent Scowcroft
Donald Rumsfeld
William Walker
MEMORANDUM
ACTION
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 27, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
THEODORE MARRS
I'm
BRENT SCOWCROFT
JOHN MARSH Jun
SUBJECT:
Presidential Advisory Committee
on Refugees
The Interagency Task Force on Refugees is meeting its operational role
in regard to initial movement and care of refugees. Its intragovern-
mental role would be complemented by:
1. Establishing a Presidential Advisory Committee on Refugees. This
is believed by Secretary Kissinger and Ambassador Brown to be
a much needed complement to the task force operation.
i. A Presidential appeal in the majur civic organizations for their
support. You will have an opportunity to do this at a Tuesday,
April 29 meeting which will be attended by twenty-five Presidents of
major civic clubs. You are scheduled for a few words and picture
taking with them.
A paper which describes the Advisory Committee on Refugee concept
is attached at Tab A.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve concept as presented in Tab A
-
Approve concept with modification
Disapprove
If the concept of the President's Committee on Refugees is approved
there should be a prompt announcement of a chairperson. That person
will then, in consultation with us, select other members of the committee.
2
The following names (in alphabetical order) are suggested for your
consideration as chairperson:
Approve
Disapprove
Anne Armstrong
Caleb Boggs
Marlow Cook
Winfield Dunn
Peter Frelinghuysen
John Harper
Reed Kirkland
John Love
Eugene McCarthy
Ross Perot
Sargent Shriver
A
Presidential Advisory Committee on Refugees
Purpose: To advise in regard to an expeditious and coordinated
orientation and resettlement of refugees from Southeast
Asia. This role will be one of facilitating and convening
to insure obtaining resources not otherwise available, over-
coming legal and governmental barriers and providing general
backup support.
Composition: The Committee will be chaired by a private
American citizen with prestige. He will be assisted
by a group of about twenty well known people from a
broad spectrum of the private sector, including business-
men, educators, labor leaders, civil rights leaders, and
private citizens, including members of the Vietnamese/
American community. An executive staff would be estab-
lished to facilitate the operations of the Committee
and to supervise the allocation of resources to recep-
tion sites located in the United States.
Liaison: Will establish lines of communication with the Inter-
departmental Task Force, with the voluntary agencies who
will play a leading role, the Domestic Council, Naturaliza-
tion and Immigration Service and the Vietnamese-American
community and others as needed to enhance understanding
and coordination.
Scope: Will give consideration to the following:
1. Moral responsibility.
2. Economic impacts.
3. Community reaction to the refugees and refugee
reaction to the community.
4. Food--adequacy and appropriateness.
5. Transport and geography of resettlement.
6. Social and traditional factors.
7. Health and environmental matters.
8. Interrelationship of governmental and volunteer roles.
9. Education - bilingual, work oriented and other.
2
10. Housing -- temporary and permanent.
11. Cultural understanding.
The Committee should call upon all Americans to con-
tribute time, money, and resources to this effort.
The Committee would not be designed to coordinate
evacuation and resettlement activities, but would
act only to locate and elicit and help distribute
the private resources which will be available to
assist Cambodian and Vietnamese refugees in this
country, to assist the activities of the voluntary
resettlement agencies, and to provide advice and
guidance on refugee resettlement matters generally.
Administration: Meetings to be arranged through Office
of Public Liaison.
"Up front" administrative support from OMB and other
White House offices should be directed to insure the
prompt development needed for effectiveness. Staff
office should be in EOB.
Financing for this Committee is expected to be pro-
vided with funds appropriated under the Vietnam
Humanitarian Assistance and Evacuation Act of 1975.
Meetings will be in accord with legal requirements
for advisory groups and Counsel will provide a
specific point of contact.
Public understanding will be supported by keeping
the White House Press and Congressional Liaison
offices informed as well as by contact with civic
and other private associations.
I
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
MAY 1 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. JERRY H. JONES, STAFF SECRETARY
Subject: Advisory Committee on Refugees
The Marrs/Scowcroft/Marsh memo which we have reviewed poses
significant problems.
Use of action verbs like "assist in orientation
and resettlement" and "will give consideration to all
aspects," including transport, food, housing. This
language gives the flavor of a heavy management and
directive role for the Committee, rather than à
convener/facilitator role. In a management role, the
Committee would be totally unacceptable to the voluntary
agencies, whose role is essential in the resettlement
operation.
We have major reservations in the Committee becoming
a coordinative body with a broad scone of management
Tesponsibilities. This is the appropriate role of
the voluntary resettlement agencies who will receive
contracts for this purpose, and not of this Advisory
Committee.
By not stressing the availability of crucial private
resources and roles in the assistance which will be
required, the U.S. Government might have to assume
full financial and program responsibility.
We have prepared an alternative concept paper, attached.
Financing for this Committee is expected to be provided with
funds appropriated under the Vietnam Humanitarian Assistance
and Evacuation Act of 1975.
Finally, while we believe that the formation of this Committee
is urgent, we would strongly recommend that the President not
announce its establishment until there has been a commitment
by a qualified chairman.
James T. Lynn
Director
Attachment
National Advisory Committee on Indo-China Refugees
Purpose: Because of the numerous expressions of interest
received from the private sector, and the immeasurable
contribution that can be made by American voluntary
agencies, it is recommended that the President
establish immediately a National Advisory Committee
on Indo-China Refugees which would identify and
mobilize private resources to assist in the resettle-
ment of Indo-Chinese refugees entering the United
States.
These efforts would be designed to marshall available
resources to provide general resettlement assistance,
employment opportunities, scholarships, and other
social services that will be required by these refugees.
The Committee should be chaired by a private American
citizen with international prestige who would be the
President's personal representative. He would be
assisted by a group of about twenty similarly well
known people from a broad spectrum of the private
sector, including businessmen, educators, labor leaders,
voluntary organizations, civil rights leaders, and
private citizens. An executive staff would be estab-
lished to facilitate the operations of the Committee
and to supervise the allocation of resources to
reception sites located in the United States.
2
The U.S. Government would have representatives on the
Committee, but its primary role would be to provide
resources otherwise unobtainable, overcome legal and
governmental barriers, and provide general backup
support where required.
The Committee should call upon all Americans to
contribute time, money, and resources to this effort.
The Committee would not be designed to coordinate
evacuation and resettlement activities, but would act
only to locate and elicit and help distribute the
private resources which will be available to assist
Cambodian and Vietnamese refugees in this country, to
assist the activities of the voluntary resettlement
agencies, and to provide advice and guidance on
refugee resettlement matters generally.
The concept as outlined above will provide Presidential leadership
in a unified national effort by stressing the very urgent and
crucial participation of the private sector in mobilizing a
humanitarian reception for these refugees into our society.
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 28, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE STAFF SECRETARY
FROM:
RON NESSEN RAN
SUBJECT:
Presidential Advisory Committee on Refugees
I don't have any particular recommendation on the President's
Advisory Committee on Refugees. I do feel that the President
should do something or say something almost immediately to turn
off what I believe to be a growing public and Congressional opinion
that few if any refugees should be taken into the United States.
I get a number of questions at my briefing each day and I see
comments from the public and from politicians suggesting that the
United States does not have the resources. housing. jobs, or support
money to take care of Vietnamese refugees.
I believe a strong Presidential statement recalling America's
tradition of compassion for the helpless victims of war would help
turn around this growing public opposition to take in the refugees.
MAY 0 5. 1975
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 5, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JERRY JONES
FROM:
DICK CHENEY
D
Jerry, it's possible we will want to announce the Citizens Advisory
Committee on Vietnam Refugees Tuesday night at 7:30 when the
President holds a Press Conference.
You ought to have that in the mill in terms of timing for action.
We would want to announce all of the members at that time, and that
means we'll have to move fairly fast.
FOR
GERALD
RALD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 5, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
THRU:
COUNSELLOR MARSH
FROM:
TED MARRS
SUBJECT:
Membership of Presidential Advisory
Committee on Refugees
The attached list has been developed in conjunction
with the Personnel Office. It represents a broad
spectrum of this country's interests.
Assuming a committee membership of about 25, an
asterisk has been placed beside the 25 names deemed
most preferable. The remaining names are alternates.
Recommend you approve for membership those individuals
denoted by an asterisk.
Approve
Approve as changed
Disapprove
Authorization is requested to make direct contact with
those approved and alternates as needed.
Approve
Disapprove
ENCLOSURE
REPRESENTATION ON THE REFUGEE COMMITTEE
EDUCATION
*Kingman Brewster, President of Yale University
Malcomb Moos, former President, University of Minnesota
David Matthews, President, University of Alabama
LABOR
* Peter Bomarito, President, Rubber Workers Union
*Lane Kirkland, AFL/CIO
Ernie Lee, AFL/CIO
RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS
*Archbishop Joseph Bernardine, United States Catholic Conference
*Reverend W. Sterling Cary, President, National Council of Churches
*Philip Klutznick, former President, B'nai Brith
*Bishop James Matthews, The United Methodist Church
BUSINESS
Joe Danzansky, President, Giant Foods
Kim Firestone
John Harper, former Chairman of the Board, ALCOA
Edgar Kaiser, Chairman of the Board, Kaiser Industries
Al Rockwell, Chairman of the Board, Rockwell Industries
*Walter Wriston, Chairman of the Board, CITICORP
MEDIA
Helen Copley, Owner, San Diego Union
Frank Murphy, President, Times Mirror Corporation (Los Angeles)
*Ernesta Procope, Amsterdam News (Black Newspaper, NYC)
*Frank Stanton, formerly CBS, presently President, Red Cross
MEDICAL
*Dr. Kazumi Kasuga, Director, Indian Health Service (Albuquerque)
(experienced in refugee matters)
*Dr. Richard Meiling, past President, Ohio State Medical School
*Dr. Howard Rusk, prominent Humanitarian
-2-
HERITAGE
* Joe Benites, President, League of United Latin American Citizens
Tran Van Chuong, former Ambassador to the United States (Vietnamese)
*Minor George, prominent Arab-American, Republican
*John Slezak, successful businessman, immigrant
ENTERTAINMENT
*Pearl Bailey
*John Wayne
OTHER PROMINENT CITIZENS
Anne Armstrong
*Ashby Boyle, National Youth Chairman, March of Dimes
Douglas Dillon
*Gaetana Enders, wife of Assistant Secretary of State
Peter Frelinghuysen
*Jeannie Holmes, General, USAF
Ethel Kennedy
Eugene McCarthy, former Senator
Bess Myerson
*Ellie Peterson
George Romney
Robert Sargent Schriver
Elvis Stahr, Chairman, USO
Cornelia Wallace, wife of Governor Wallace
**recommended by State Department
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 6, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JERRY JONES
FROM:
TED MARRS
SUBJECT:
Funding
I have been advised by Paul O'Neill that $50,000 has
been made available for the Advisory Committee on
Refugees. This will be from a State Department source
that is appropriate for this particular use.
Hopefully, these funds will allow operations until the
Congress acts and additional monies are available.