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4/3/75 - Phnom Penh Evacuation
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1564063
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4/3/75 - Phnom Penh Evacuation
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John O. Marsh Files (Ford Administration)
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The original documents are located in Box 122, folder "4/3/75 - Phnom Penh Evacuation"
of the John Marsh Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald R. Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 122 of The John Marsh Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
3
IRS are presented in their homes or places of work
They
come across like common-man heroes of a Frank Capra movie and
the IRS is left to play the role of unfeeling villain.
---
Arnold R. Isaacs, Baltimore Sun, Phnom Penh: Losing a
war is not a simple matter, and some of the complexities are
coming into view as the United States Embassy here gets deeper
into planning the possible evacuation of Americans and other
foreigners remaining in Cambodia. The "bugout plan," as it
is usually referred to, does not sound complicated, but it is,
as was shown this week when the U. S. Ambassador, John Gunther
Dean, tried to begin cutting down the staffs of relief agencies.
Because the beginning of an American pullout might cause panic
among the Cambodians, Mr. Dean had to reverse course when
word of his order leaked out. The whole episode was denied
officially, but not before it had given a glimpse of the
ambassador in the position of a man trying to pull playing
cards out of the middle of an intricate card-house without
causing the whole structure to collapse -- and without letting
anyone know that he was doing anything at all.
---
Wall Street Journal, Panama City, Panama: The government
of Panama has decided to take over the Cerro Colorado copper
property in Panama being developed by Canadian Javelin Ltd.
Gen. Omar Torrijos Herrera, President of Panama, said in a
statement the decision follows the breakdown of talks earlier
this month between the government and a group Canadian Javelin
had formed to develop the copper deposit, which is reportedly
one of the world's largest. "Gen. Torrijos said: "Our
negotiating team made every effort to conclude an arrangement
for an exploitation concession. Unfortunately this wasn't
possible, and by mutual consent the negotiations were terminated.
We have therefore decided to indemnify and compensate.
We
will make an initial payment of $5 million." Canadian Javelin
earlier this month said its investments and advances for all
phases of the Cerro Colorado project totaled about $25 million.
---
Christian Science Monitor, "Stage Manager for Panama Peace, "
by Benjamin Welles: Gen. Omar Torrijos unchallenged authority
in this nation of 1.6 million people appears to be a key factor
in the current U. S.-Panamanian negotiations for a new canal
treaty -- and for a better political relationship. General
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD RALD 30
70 members (Democrat)
who mit today with
mc elashey are are
apposed U sid mode
event for attack on
muting as midia
Priniclential spuck
Truted m' elashing
with uncivility
+ misults.
OCRALD RALD 10 R. FORD ABRART
Stimmi - has Scheduled
hearings on
Prividenti request
for Tursday!
Mcelellan - quat sputh, but
we an throwing
would simply
money away Z
prolong fighting to
Beluner is
late.
Case - reaction was
neutral Doubtful
about getting
and thru.
manefield called a muting
of Sinate Foreign Relations
Committee at 2P.M.
tommow
FORD IF LIBRARY GERALD RALO
TALKING NOTES FOR PHONE CONFERENCE WITH HOUSE AND
SENATE LEADERS CONCERNING PHNOM PENH EVACUATION
1. The President has authorized our Ambassador in Phnom
Penh to begin evacuation of the American staff under our established
evacuation plans. Phase One will begin immediately and will reduce
down to a bare minimum essential staff those Americans remaining.
It will utilize fixed-wing aircraft and the civilian airport. Most US
citizens, some third-country nationals, and some Khmer will be
lifted out under Phase One.
2. Should it become essential--because of security developments
in Phnom Penh--to remove the remaining minimum staff, this will
be done. You should be aware that this final step could require,
in extreme circumstances, the use of helicopters and limited number
of Marine security forces to secure landing zones.
3. It is essential that information be held in strictest confidence
to prevent any publicity that could jeopardize the safety of the remaining
Americans in Phnom Penh.
RALD GE R. FORD UBRART
November 7, 1973
- 5 -
Pub. Law 93-148
SEPARABILITY CLAUSE
SEC. 9. If any provision of this joint resolution or the application
thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of
the joint resolution and the application of such provision to any other
person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby.
EFFECTIVE DATE
SEC. 10. This joint resolution shall take effect on the date of its
enactment.
CARL ALBERT
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
JAMES 0. EASTLAND
President of the Senate pro tempore.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S.,
November 7, 1973.
The House of Representatives having proceeded to reconsider the resolution
(H. J. Res. 542) entitled "Joint resolution concerning the war powers of
Congress and the President", returned by the President of the United States
with his objections, to the House of Representatives, in which it originated, it
was
Resolved, That the said resolution pass, two-thirds of the House of
Representatives agreeing to pass the same.
Attest:
W. PAT JENNINGS
Clerk.
I certify that this Joint Resolution originated in the House of Representa-
tives.
W. PAT JENNINGS
Clerk.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
November 7, 1973.
The Senate having proceeded to reconsider the joint resolution (H. J. Res.
542) entitled "Joint resolution concerning the war powers of Congress and the
President", returned by the President of the United States with his objections
to the House of Representatives, in which it originated, it was
87 STAT. 559
87 STAT. 560
RALD 18 R. FORD UBRART
Pub. Law 93-148
- 6 -
November 7, 1973
87 STAT. 560
Resolved, That the said joint resolution pass, two-thirds of the Senators
present having voted in the affirmative.
Attest:
FRANCIS R. VALEO
Secretary.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
HOUSE REPORTS: No. 93-287 (Comm. on Foreign Affairs) and No. 93-547
(Comm. of Conference).
SENATE REPORT No. 93-220 accompanying S. 440 (Comm. on Foreign
Relations).
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 119 (1973):
June 25, July 18, considered and passed House.
July 18 - 20, considered and passed Senate, amended, in
lieu of S. 440,
Oct. 10, Senate agreed to conference report.
Oct. 12, House agreed to conference report.
WEEKLY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS, Vol. 9, No. 43:
Oct. 24, vetoed; Presidential message.
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 119 (1973):
Nov. 7, House and Serate overrode veto,
FORD
&
GERALD
RALD
LIBRARI
BRAR
6PO 09-130
30
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 3, 1975
MEMO FOR:
DON RUMSFELD
FROM:
JACK MARSH gm
Attached for the President's consideration
is the report on Congressional contacts in
re the Phnom Penh matter.
Since he had departed before this was
completed, please inform Henry.
Thanks.
July
Attachment
FORD & LIBRARY RALE
3
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 3, 1975
Notification of Phnom Penh evacuation
Senator Case
Time: 9:30 p.m.
Place reached: D.C.
Comment: O.K. Believes War Powers Act does not cover rescue operation.
mandaee
FORD & LIBRARY RALD
GELE
DEPARTMENT OF 88 STATE
CAPY 12 OF 15 COPIES
*
Department of State
-
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
TELEGRAM
SECRET
NOD860
PAGE 01 STATE 075748
00
ORIGIN NODS-00
S
INFO OCT-01 /001 R
DRAFTED BY H-KJENKINS,MT
APPROVED BY H-KEMPTON JENKINS
NBC my GEN. SCOWCROFT
L OCR MR. LEIGH
DOD - MR. FRYKLUND
WH - MR. WOLTHIUS
EA - MR. HABIB
M - MR. EAGLEBURGER (SUBS)
S/S - MR. ORTIZ
101575
0 0321557 APR 75 ZFF4
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO AMEMBASSY MAURID IMMEDIATE
SECRE T STATE 075748
S
NODIS
E.O. 116521 GOS
TAGS: PFOR, OREP, (SCOTT, HUGH)
A
SUBJECT: CAMSODIA
1. PLEASE PASS THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE FROM JOHN MARSH,
WHITE HOUSE, TO SENATOR HUGH SCOTT ASAP:
2, BEGIN MESSAGE: THE PRESIDENT HAS AUTHORIZED OUR
AMBASSADOR IN PHNOM PENH TO BEGIN EVACUATION OF THE AMERI-
CAN STAFF UNDER OUR ESTABLISHED EVACUATION PLANS. PHASE
ONE WILL BEGIN IMMEDIATELY AND WILL REDUCE DOWN TO A BARE
MINIMUM ESSENTIAL STAFF THOSE AMERICANS REMAINING. IT
WILL UTILIZE FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT AND THE CIVILIAN AIRPORT.
S
MOST US CITIZENS, SOME THIRD-COUNTRY NATIONALS, AND SOME
KHMER WILL BE LIFTED OUT UNDER PHASE ONE.
SECRET
WHM 1/27/98
FORD A. LIBRARY RALD
NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIV E SECRETARY
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Department of State
UNITED STATES COLLEGUE OF
TELEGRAM
SECRET
PAGE 02 STATE 075748
3. SHOULD IT BECOME ESSENTIAL BECAUSE OF SECURITY DEVELOP-
S
MENTS IN PHNOM PENH- - TU REMOVE THE REMAINING MINIMUM STAFF,
THIS WILL BE DONE. YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT THIS FINAL
STEP COULD REQUIRE, IN EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES, THE USE OF
HELICOPTERS AND LIMITED NUMBER OF MARINE SECURITY FORCES
TO SECURE LANDING ZONES.
4. IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THIS INFORMATION BE HELD IN
STRICTEST CONFIDENCE TO PREVENT ANY PUBLICITY THAT COULD
JEOPARDIZE THE LIVES OF THE REMAINING AMERICANS IN
PHNOM PENH. END MESSAGE.
5. PLEASE CONFIRM WHEN MESSAGE HAS BEEN DELIVERED. KISSINGER
S
SECRET
RALD RAL GE R. FORD LIGRAR
NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETA
COPY /20F 15 COPIES
OF STATE
Department of State
UNITED AMERICA
SECRET
NOD863
TELEGRAM
STATES OF
PAGE 01 STATE 075749
ALBeRT
K
RHODES
00
ORIGIN NODS-00
7
Up
INFO OCT-01 1001 R
DRAFTED BY KJENKINS/MT
APPROVED BY H-KEMPTON JENKINS
NSC - GEN. SCOWCROFT
L - MR. LEIGH
DOD as MR. FRYKLUND
WH 59 MR. WOLTHIUS
EA - MR. HABIB
M - MR. EAGLEBURGER (SUBS)
S/S " MR, ORTIZ
101654
0 032156Z APR 75 ZFF4
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO USLO PEKING IMMEDIATE
SECRET STATE 075749
S
NODIS
E.O. 11652: GDS
TAGS: PFOR, OREP, CALBERT, CARL) CRHODES, JOHN)
N
SUBJECT: CAMBODIA
FOR THE AMBASSADOR
1. PLEASE PASS THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE FROM JOHN MARSH,
WHITE HOUSE, 10 REPS. ALBERT AND RHUDES ASAP:
2. BEGIN MESSAGE: THE PRESIDENT HAS AUTHORIZED OUR
AMBASSADOR IN PHNOM PENH TO BEGIN EVACUATION OF THE AMERI-
CAN STAFF UNDER OUR ESTABLISHED EVACUATION PLANS. PHASE
ONE WILL BEGIN IMPEDIATELY AND WILL REDUCE DOWN TU A BAKE
MINIMUM ESSENTIAL STAFF THOSE AMERICANS REMAINING. IT
WILL UTILIZE FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT AND THE CIVILIAN AIRPORT.
SECRET
WHM 1/27/98
FORD A GERALD LIBRARY
NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
OF
STATE
CA
tment of State
TELEGRAM
TATES OF
SECRET
PAGE 132 STATE 075749
MOST US CITIZENS, SOME THIRD-COUNTRY sa NATIONALS, AND SUME
KHMER WILL bE LIFTED OUT UNDER PHASE ONE.
3. SHOULD IT BECOME ESSENTIAL BECAUSE OF SECURITY
DEVELOPMENTS IN PHNOM PENA TO REMOVE THE REMAINING MINIMUM
STAFF, THIS HILL bE DONE, YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT THIS
FINAL STEP COOLD REQUIRE, IN EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES, THE
/
USE OF HELICOPTERS AND LIMITED NUMBER OF MARINE SECURITY
FORCES TO SECURE LANDING ZONES.
4. IT 1S ESSENTIAL THAT THIS INFORMATION BE HELD IN
STRICTEST CONFIDENCE TO PREVENT ANY PUBLICITY THAT
COULD JEOPARDIZE THE LIVES OF THE REMAINING AMERICANS IN
PHNOM PENH. END MESSAGE.
5. PLEASE CONFIRM WHEN MESSAGE HAS BEEN DELIVERED. KISSINGER
GE
FORD a LIBRARY
SECRET
WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION O; THE EXECUTIVE
Y
/20F 15 COPIES
OF STATE
Department of State
UNITED AMERICA
SECRET
N00859
TELEGRAM
STATES OF
PAGE 01 STATE 075750
00
ORIGIN NODS-00
S
INFO OCT-01 /001 R
DRAFTED BY H:KBJENKINS:RMS
APPROVED BY A - KEMPTON JENKINS
M-MR. EAGLEBURGER (SUBS)
L-MR.LEIGH
EA-MR. HABIB
A
DOD-MR.FRYKLUND
WH-MR, WULTHIUS
ONEILL
-
NSC-GEN. SCONCROFT
&
PRICE
S/S - MR. ORTIZ
101540
0 0321582 APR 75 ZFF4
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV IMMEDIATE
AMCONSUL JERUSALEM NIACT IMMEDIATE
SECRET STATE 075750
NODIS
E.O. 11652: GDS
/
TAGS: PFOR, OREP CO'NEILL, THOMAS; PRICE, MELVIN)
SUBJECT: CAMBODIA
0
FOR THE AMBASSADOR
1. PLEASE PASS THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE FROM JOHN MARSH,
WHITE HOUSE, TO CONGRESSMEN THOMAS U'NEILL AND MELVIN PRICE
ASAP:
2. BEGIN MESSAGE; THE PRESIDENT HAS AUTHORIZED OUR
AMBASSADOR IN PHNOM PENH TO BEGIN EVACUATION OF THE AMERI-
CAN STAFF UNDER OUR ESTABLISHED EVACUATION PLANS. PHASE
ONE WILL bEGIN IMMEDIATELY AND WILL REDUCE DOWN TO A BARE
SECRET
WHM 1/27/98
FORD A. AALD LIBRAR
NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
OF
STATE
Department of State
SECRET
PAGE 02 STATE 075750
MINIMUM ESSENTIAL STAFF THOSE AMERICANS REMAINING.
IT WILL UTILIZE FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT AND THE CIVILIAN AIR-
PORT. MOST US CITIZENS, SOME THIRD - COUNTRY NATIONALS, AND
SOME KHMER WILL BE LIFTED OUT UNDER PHASE ONE.
3. SHOULD IT BECOME ESSENTIAL BECAUSE OF SECURITY DEVELOP-
MENTS IN PHNOM PENH--TO REMOVE THE REMAINING MINIMUM STAFF,
THIS WILL BE DONE. YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT THIS FINAL
STEP COULD REQUIRE, IN EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES, THE USE OF
HELICUPTERS AND LIMITED NUMBER OF MARINE SECURITY FORCES TO
SECURE LANDING ZONES.
4. IT 15 ESSENTIAL THAT THIS INFORMATION BE HELD IN
STRICTEST CONFIDENCE TO PREVENT ANY PUBLICITY THAT COULD
JEOPARDIZE THE LIVES OF THE REMAINING AMERICANS IN PHNOM
PENH. END MESSAGE.
5. PLEASE CONFIRM WHEN MESSAGE HAS BEEN DELIVERED. KISSINGER
SECRET
GERALD 140 R. FORD ПВНАЯ
NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
SECRET
CONGRESSIONAL LEADERSHIP
CONTACTS- PHNOM PENH
EVACUATION
4/3/75
HOUSE
Albert - Hope oh! oh: have to your have to
Rhodes O'Neill - Cont for you supper)/ / Que- TKs
-
Michel
Price - expected this. Tks.
Wilson - Glum news. Tks.
-
Morgan
Broomfield TKs
J/cues
- McFall - Expected, seemed ok!
SENATE
Eastland Spt then. Godsjand
Mansfield - Get them out. Air cover.
Scott, Griffin H. - - Tks, concerned about s/v
Byrd, R. - unance till 9:45
-
Stennis Thurmond - sk! Hop can take Comboat
Sparkman -
7:20 Case - IN + at.
Pleased to her fives taby plan
Bed speak bis even heard
SECRET
FORD OF CERALD LIBRARY
Determined to be Administrative Marking
Date 1/28/98 By KBH
MEMORANDUM
SECRET
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 3, 1975
TO:
DON RUMSFELD
FROM:
JACK MARSH
Bill Kendall reached Seantor Case tonight at 9:30 re the Phnom Penh
matter. You will recall that Case was a principal author of the War
Powers Legislation.
In response to the information Kendall gave him, Case responded that
the Senate Foreign Relations staff had prepared for the signature of
Sparkman and himself, a letter requiring consultation in reference to
the evacuation type operations which he, Case, had refused to sign
and therefore was abandoned.
Case advised the staff the War Powers Act does not cover rescue
operations and therefore Congressional consultation is not necessary.
He indicated his approval of the President's plan.
We believe it best not to go public at this time with Case's comment
until we can do some further background which we will do first thing
tomorrow.
RALO OF R. FORD VIBRARY
Determined to be Administ ative M.. king
Date 1/28/98 By KBH
SECR
SECRET/NODIS
DRAFT CABLE
FOR THE AMBASSADOR
1. Please inform (Senator
) (Congressman
) of the
following developments ASAP:
2. BEGIN MESSAGE: The President has authorized our Ambassador
in Phnom Penh to begin evacuation of the American staff under
our established evacuation plans. Phase One will begin immediately
and will reduce down to a bare minimum essential staff those
Americans remaining. It will utilize fixed-wing aircraft and the
civilian airport. Most US citizens, some third-country nationals
and some Khmer will be lifted out under Phase One.
3. Should it become essential--because of security developments
in Phnom Penh--to remove the remaining minimum staff, this will
be done. You should be aware that this final step could require,
in extreme circumstances, the use of helicopters and limited
number of Marine security forces to secure landing zones.
4. It is essential that information be held in strictest confidence
to prevent any publicity that could jeopardize the lives of the remaining
Americans in Phnom Penh. END MESSAGE.
5. Please confirm when message has been delivered.
/s/ John O. Marsh, Jr.
RALD GE R. FORD VIBRARY
Determined to be Administrative Marking
Counsellor to the President
Date 1/28/98 By KBH
SECRET
TALKING NOTES FOR PHONE CONFERENCE WITH HOUSE AND
SENATE LEADERS CONCERNING PHNOM PENH EVACUATION
1. The President has authorized our Ambassador in Phnom
Penh to begin evacuation of the American staff under our established
evacuation plans. Phase One will begin immediately and will reduce
down to a bare minimum essential staff those Americans remaining.
It will utilize fixed-wing aircraft and the civilian airport. Most US
citizens, some third-country nationals, and some Khmer will be
lifted out under Phase One.
2. Should it become essential--because of security developments
in Phnom Penh--to remove the remaining minimum staff, this will
be done. You should be aware that this final step could require,
in extreme circumstances, the use of helicopters and limited number
of Marine security forces to secure landing zones.
3. It is essential that information be held in strictest confidence
to prevent any publicity that could jeopardize the safety of the remaining
Americans in Phnom Penh.
Determined to be Administrative Marking
Date 1/28/98 By KBH
FORD & LIBRARY RALD 25
SECRE
CONGRESSIONAL LEADERSHIP
CONTACTS - PHNOM PENH
EVACUATION
4/3/75
House
Albert
cable/China via U. S. Ambassador
Rhodes
cable/China via U. S. Ambassador
O'Neill
cable/Egypt via U. S. Ambassador
Michel
see notes attached
Price
cable/Egypt via U. S. Ambassador
Wilson
cable/Egypt via U. S. Ambassador
Morgan
see notes attached
Broomfield
see notes attached
McFall
see notes attached
Senate
Eastland
see notes attached
Mansfield
see notes attached
Scott, H.
cable/Spainvia U. S. Ambassador
Griffin
see notes attached
FORD a RALD LIBRA
Byrd, R.
see notes attached
30
Stennis
see notes attached
Thurmond
see notes attached
Sparkman
see notes attached
Case
unable to reach - travel status (contacted subsquent
to preparent in this
summary, see
notes infra )
gm
Determined to be Administrative Marking
Date 1/28/98 By KBH
TRANSMITTED BY:
RECEIVED BY:
(Date & Time Stamp)
(Date & Time Stamp)
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Operations Center
OF STATE
LDX MESSAGE RECEIPT
'75 APR 3 PM 1.54
1975 APR 3 PM 1 54
S/S #
Bcan
LDX MESSAGE NO.
136 , CLASSIFICATION
SECRET
, NO. PAGES 1
DESCRIPTION OF MSG.
draft telegram
FROM: K. Jenkins
H
,
, 23436
, 7256
Officer
Office Symbol
Extension
Room Number
LDX TO:
DELIVER TO:
EXTENSION:
ROOM NUMBER:
NSC
,
Gen. Scowcroft
, 456-2255
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
#
,
FOR:
CLEARANCE XXX / INFORMATION / / PER REQUEST
/
/
COMMENT
REMARKS:
VALIDATED FOR TRANSMISSION BY:
Executive Secretariat an Officer
See
itions
FORD & LISTAN GERALD RALD
on
SECRET/NODIS
DRAFT CABLE
FOR THE AMBASSADOR
1. Please inform (Senator
) (Congressman
) of the
following developments ASAP:
2. BEGIN MESSAGE: The President has authorized our Ambassador
in Phnom Penh to begin evacuation of the American staff under
our established evacuation plans. Phase One will begin immediately
and will reduce down to a bare minimum essential staff those
Americans remaining. It will utilize fixed-wing aircraft and the
civilian airport. Most US citizens, some third-country nationals,
and some Khmer will be lifted out under Phase One.
3. Should it become essential--because of HX security developments
in Phnom Penh--to remove the remaining minimum staff, this will
be done. You should be aware that this final step could require,
in extreme circumstances, the use of heli copters and limited
number of Marine security forces to secure landing zones.
4. It is essential that this information,be held in strictest
confidence You can understand that any publicity/could that jeopardize
to srevent
Lives
the
of the remaining Americans in Phnom Penh. END MESSAGE.
5. Please confirm when message has been delivered.
Clearances: L - Mr. Leigh
DOD - Mr. Fryklund
RA40 140 Pr FORD
WH - Mr. Wolthius
EA - Mr. Habib
M - Mr. Eagleburger
Determined to be Administ ative Marking
Date 1/28/98 By KBH
SECRET
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 3, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JACK MARSH
THRU:
MAX FRIEDERSDORF RRW
VERN LOEN
FROM:
CHARLES LEPPERT, JR. Googa.
SUBJECT:
Member Contact and Reaction on
Status in Cambodia
Member contact and reaction on the above subject are attached.
FOUR Reports AttAched.
RALD A. FORD
30
Determined to be Administrative Marking
Date 1/28/98 By KBH
SECRET
Member:
Bill Broomfield
Date:
4/3/75
Time:
2:39 p.m.
Place:
Washington, D. C.
Available:
Yes - spoke personally w/Member
Message:
Read message as status report to Member
Comments:
"No comments. President doing proper thing under
the circumstances. 11
RALD 717 P FORD
Determined to be Administrative Marking
Date 1/28/98 By KBH
SECRET
Member:
Bob Michel
Date:
4/3/75
Time:
2:43 p.m.
Place:
District Office, Peoria, Ill.
Available:
Yes - spoke personally w/member
Message:
Read message as status report
Comments:
"No more than what we could expect."
RALD I ? FORD
30
Determined to be Administrative Marking
Date 1/28/98 By KBH
SECRET
Member:
Thomas "Doc" Morgan
Date:
4/3/75
Time:
2:59 p.m.
Place:
Washington, PA.F. efg
Available:
Yes, spoke personally with Member
Message:
Read message on status report to Member
Comments: "Doesn't sound very good. Thank you. "
SE RALD
A. FORD LIB:
Determined to be Administrative Marking
Date 1/28/98 By KBH
SECRET
Member:
John McFall
Date:
4/3/75
Time:
3:15 p.m.
Place:
Yosemite National Park, Calif.
Available:
Yes, spoke personally with Member
Message:
Read message as status report
Comments: No comments -- Kind of expected that. Spoke of
call from Rep. Ed Pattison of N. Y. on his invite
to Paris by Society of Friends in N. Y. Asked that
we help Pattison. Advised that we would assist
Pattison on information that State Dept. has on the
proposed Paris meeting.
Determined to be Administrative Marking
RALD 717 A. FORD
Date 1/28/98 By KBH
OF
SECRE
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 3, 1975
Notification of Phnom Penh evacuation
Senator Thurmond by Kendall
Time: 3:15 p.m.
Place reached: South Carolina
Comment: Hopes President does all he can to help South Vietnam and Cambodia
wordall
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FORD
Determined to be Administrative Marking
OF RALD
Date 1/28/98 By KBH
SECRET
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 3, 1975
Notification of Phnom Penh evacuation:
Senator Griffin by Kendall
Time: 7:15 p.m.
Place reached: Las Vegas
Comment: Made no comment on the message, but did not indicate
an adverse position.
NOTE: First attempts to reach Griffin were not successful
because he was in travel status
BALD FIT ? FORD
Determined to be Administrative Marking
Date 1/28/98 By KBH
SECRET
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 3, 1975
Notification of Phnom Penh evacuation
Senator Eastland by Kendall
Time: 7:35 p.m.
Place reached: Mississippi
Comment: Agrees with it, but said, "Why in the hell don't
we drop the bomb on North Vietnam".
&
FORD
ALD
Determined to be Administrative Marking
Date 1/28/98 By KBH
SECRET
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 3, 1975
Notification of Phnom Penh evacuation
Senator Robert Byrd by Kendall
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Place reached: Washington, D. C.
Comment: This is something that has to be done.
FORD & LTC. RALE
Determined to be Administrative Marking
Date 1/28/98 By KBH
SECRE
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 3, 1975
Notification of Phnom Penh evacuation
Senator Mansfield by Kendall
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Place reached: Florida
Comment: Little bit leery of use of Marines. Ought to be plenty of time
to get out.
Willerfall
FORD A LIE. RALE
Determined to be Administrative Marking
Date 1/28/98 By KBH
SECRET
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 3, 1975
Notification of Phnom Penh evacuation
Senator Sparkman by Kendall
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Place reached: Alabama
Comment: Certainly a mess. Appears to be a good plan.
RALD 1917 ? FORD
us
Determined to be Administrative Marking
Date 1/28/98 By KBH
SECRET
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 3, 1975
Notification of Phnom Penh evacuation:
Senator Stennis by Marsh
Time: 7:40 p.m.
Place reached: Alumni Hall, University of Mississippi,
Oxford, Mississippi
Comment: Appreciated the call. He had an understanding and
a cooperative attitude. Said he approved of whatever steps the
President had to take in this particular regard. Raised question
about level ammunition stocks available to South Vietnamese.
Mentioned he had planned to hold hearings on this subject Tuesday
but may defer pending developments.
NOTES: Efforts to reach Senator Stennis began at approximately
2 p.m., but were unsuccessful during the afternoon until it was
learned from his Administrative Assistant his whereabouts in
Mississippi. He was reached on the third attempt.
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FORD
Determined to be Administrative Marking
RALD
Date 1/28/98 By KBH
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 3, 1975
Notification of Phnom Penh evacuation
Senator Case
Time: 9:30 p.m.
Place reached: D.C.
Comment: O.K. Believes War Powers Act does not cover rescue operation.
mandace
RALD STATE 1. FORD
Text of President's Message to the Speaker of the House and President
pro tempore of the Senate
April 4, 1975
As you know, last Saturday I directed United States participation in an
BERACO
international humanitarian relief effort to transport refugees from DaNang
and other seaports to safer areas farther south in Vietnam. The United
States has been joined in this humanitarian effort by a number of other
countries who are offering people, supplies. and vessels to assist in this
effort. This effort was undertaken in response to urgent appeals from
the Government of the Republic of Vietnam because of the extremely grave
nature of the circumstances involving the lives of hundreds of thousands
of refugees. This situation has been brought about by large-scale viola-
tions of the agreement ending the war and restoring the peace in Vietnam by
the North Vietnamese who have been conducting massive attacks on the
northern and central provinces of South Vietnam.
In accordance with my desire to keep the Congress fully informed on this
matter, and taking note of the provision of Section 4(a) (2) of the War Powers
Resolution (Public Law 93-148), I wish to report to you concerning one
aspect of United States participation in the refugee evacuation effort.
Because of the large number of refugees and the overwhelming dimensions
of the task, I have ordered U.S. Naval vessels to assist in this effort,
including amphibious task group 76.8 with 12 embarked helicopters and
approximately 700 Marines. These Naval vessels have been authorized
to approach the coast of South Vietnam to pick up refugees and U.S.
Nationals, and transport them to safety. Marines are being detailed to
vessels participating in the rescue mission. The first vessel entered
South Vietnam territorial waters at 0400 a.m. EDT on April 3, 1975.
Although these forces are equipped for combat within the meaning of
Section 4(a) (2) of Public Law 93-148, their sole mission is to assist
in the evacuation including the maintenance of order on board the
vessels engaged in that task.
As stated above, the purpose of the introduction of United States Naval
vessels into Vietnamese waters is to assist in an international humani-
tarian effort involving vessels of several nations, including both military
and civilian craft. The United States' participation in this effort includes
the charter of commercial vessels, the use of military sealift command
vessels with civilian crews, as well as United States naval vessels with
military crews. This effort is being undertaken pursuant to the President's
constitutional authority as Commander-in-Chief and Chief Executive in the
conduct of foreign relations and pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of
1961, as amended, which authorizes humanitarian assistance to refugees,
civilian war casualties and other persons disadvantaged by hostilities
or conditions relating to hostilities in South Vietnam.
-2-
You will appreciate, I am sure, my difficulty in telling you precisely how
long United States Forces may be needed in this effort. Our present
estimate, however, is that this operation may involve the presence of
United States Naval vessels in Vietnamese waters for a period of at
least several weeks.
BENALD
FORD
LISAARY
/s/ GERALD R. FORD