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5/14/75 - Mayaguez Seizure (1)
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1564067
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5/14/75 - Mayaguez Seizure (1)
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John O. Marsh Files (Ford Administration)
John Marsh's War Powers Notifications Files
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Mayagüez Incident, 1975
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The original documents are located in Box 122, folder "5/14/75 - Mayaguez Seizure (1)" 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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.
Note
BECAUSE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF
SECURITY, I SUGGEST
T
YOU EMPHASIZE THE
aauoH этінW 3HT
NEED FOR SECURITY UNTIL THE OPERATION
0
ACTUALLY BEGINS.
FORD A LIBRAR RALD
,
Public Law 93-148
93rd Congress, H. J. Res. 542
November 7, 1973
Joint Resolution
Concerning the war powers of Congress and the President.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled,
War Powers
Resolution.
SHORT TITLE
SECTION 1. This joint resolution may be cited as the "War Powers
Resolution".
PURPOSE AND POLICY
SEC. 2. (a) It is the purpose of this joint resolution to fulfill the
intent of the framers of the Constitution of the United States and
insure that the collective judgment of both the Congress and the
President will apply to the introduction of United States Armed
Forces into hostilities, or into situations where imminent involvement
in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, and to the con-
tinued use of such forces in hostilities or in such situations.
(b) Under article 1, section 8, of the Constitution, it. is specifically USC pree.
provided that the Congress shall have the power to make all laws neces- title 1.
sary and proper for earrying into execution, not only its OWN powers
but also all other powers vested by the Constitution in the Govern-
ment of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof.
(c) The constitutional powers of the President as Commander-in-
Chief Lo introduce United States Armed Forces into hostilities, or
into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly
indicated by the circumstances, are exercised only pursuant to (1) a
declaration of war, (2) specific statutory authorization, or (3) a
national emergency created by attack upon the United States, its ter-
ritories or possessions, or its armed forces.
CONSULTATION
Sec. 3. The President in every possible instance shall consult with
Congress before introducing United States Armed Forces into hostili-
ties or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is
:
clearly indicated by the eircumstances, and Iter every such introdue-
RALD GE R. FORD! (BRAN
tion shall consult regularly with the Congress until United States
Armed Forces are no longer engaged in hostilities or have been removed
from such situations.
ONLINOJAM
Sec. 4. (n) In the absence of a declaration of war, in any case in
which United States Armed Forces are roduced-
(1) into hostilities or into situations where imminent involve-
ment in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances:
87 STAT. 555
(2) into the territory, airspace or waters of it foreign nation, 07 STAT. 556
while equipped for combat, except for deployments which relate
solely to supply, replacement, repair, or training of such forces;
or
(3) in numbers which substantially enlarge United States
Armed Forces equipped for combat already located in IL foreign
nation;
Pub. Law 93-148
- 2 --
November 7, 1973
the President shall submit within 48 hours to the Speaker of the House
of Representatives and to the President pro tempore of the Senate a
report, in writing, setting forth-
(A) the eircumstances necessitating the introduction of United
States Armed Forces;
(B) the constitutional and legislative authority under which
such introduction took place; and
(C) the estimated scope and duration of the hostilities or
involvement.
(b) The President shall provide such other information as the
Congress may request in the intillment of its constitutional responsi-
bilities with respect to committing the Nation to war and to the use of
United States Armed Forces abroad.
(c) Whenever United States Armed Forces are introduced into
hostilities or into any situation described in subsection (a) of this
section, the President shall, so long as such armed forces continue to be
engaged in such hostilities or situation. report to the Congress periodi-
cally on the status of such hostilities or situation as well as on the
scope and duration of such hostilities or situation, but in 110 event shall
he report to the Congress less often than once every six months.
CONGRESSIONAL ACTION
SEC. 5. (a) Each report submitted pursuant to section 1(a) (1) shall
be transmitted to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and to
the President pro tempore of the Senate on the same calendar day.
Each report SO transmitted shall be referred to the Committee on
Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and to the Committee
on Foreign Relations of the Senate for appropriate action. If, when
the report is transmitted, the Congress has adjourned sine die or has
adjourned for any period in excess of three calendar days, the Speaker
of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the
Senate, if they deem it advisable (or il petitioned by at least 30 per-
cent of the membership of their respective Houses) shall jointly request
the President to convene Congress in order that it may consider the
report and take appropriate action pursuant to this section.
(b) Within sixty calendar days after a report is submitted or is
required to be submitted pursuant to section 4(a) (1), whichever is
earlier, the President shall terminate any use of United States Armed
Forces with respect to which such report was submitted (or required
to be submitted), unless the Congress (1) has declared war or has
enacted a specific authorization for such use of United States Armed
Forces, (2) has extended by law such sixty-day period, or (3) is
physically unable to meet as il result of an armed attack upon the
United States. Such sixty-day period shall be extended for not inore
than an additional thirty days if the President determines and certi-
fies to the Congress in writing that unavoidable military necessity
respecting the safety of United States Armed Forces requires the
A.
FORD
continued use of such armed forces in the course of bringing about
n prompt removal of such forces.
(c) Notwithstanding subsection (b), at any time that United States
Armed Forces are engaged in hostilities outside the territory of the
07 STAT, 556
United States, its possessions and territories without a declaration of
RALD GE
LIBRARY
07 Siki, 557
war or specific statutory authorization, such forces shall be removed
by the President if the Congress SO directs by concurrent resolution.
November 7, 1973
- 3 -
Pub. Law 93-148
67 SPAT. 557
CONORESSIONAL PRIORITY PROCEDURES FOR JOINT RESOLUTION OR BILL
Sec. 6. (n) Any joint resolution or bill introduced pursuant to see-
tion (b) at least thirty calendar days before the expiration of the
sixty-day period specified in such section shall be referred 10 the Com-
mitteo on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives or the
Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, as the case may be, and
such committee shall report one such joint resolution or bill, together
with its recommendations, not later than twenty-four calendar days
before the expiration of the sixty-day period specified in such section,
unless such House shall otherwise determine by the yeas and mays.
(b) Any joint resolution or bill SO reported shall become the pend-
ing business of the House in question (in the case of the Senate the
time for debate shall be equally divided between the preponents and
the opponents), and shall be voted on within three calendar days there-
after, unless such House shall otherwise determine by yeas and nays.
(c) Such a joint resolution or bill passed by one House shall be
referred to the committee of the other House named in subsection
(a) and shall be reported out not later than fourteen calendar days
before the expiration of the sixty-day period specified in section (b).
The joint resolution or bill SO reported shall become the pending
business of the House in question and shall be voted on within three
calendar days after it has been reported, unless such House shall other-
wise determine by yeas and nays.
(d) In the case of any disagreement between the two Houses of
Congress with respect to a joint resolution or bill passed by both
Houses, conferees shall be promptly appointed and the committee of
conference shall make and file n report with respect to such resolution
or bill not later than four calendar days before the expiration of the
sixty-day period specified in section 5 (b), In the event the conferees
are mable to agree within 48 hours, they shall report back to their
respective Houses in disagreement. Not withstanding any rule in either
House concerning the printing of conference reports in the Record or
concerning any delay in the consideration of such reports. such report
shall be neted on by both Houses not later than the expiration of such
sixty-day period.
CONGRESSIONAL PRIORITY PROCEDURES FOR CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Sec. 7. (a) Any concurrent resolution introduced pursuant to sec-
tion 5(c) shall be referred to the Committee on Foreign-Atfairs of the
House of Representatives or the Committee on Foreign Relations of
the Senate, as the case may be, and one such concurrent resolution shall
be reported out by such committee togerher with its recommendations
within fifteen calendar days, unless such ] Iouse shall otherwise deter-
mine by the yeas and mays.
(b) Any concurrent resolution So reported shall become the pending
business of the House in question (in the case of the Senate the time
for debate shall be equally divided between the proponents and the
opponents) and shall be voted on within three calendar days there-
after, unless such House shall otherwise determine by yeas and mays.
(c) Such a concurrent resolution passed by one House shall be
referred to the committee of the other House named in subsection (a)
A.
FORD
and shall be reported ont. by such committee together with its recom-
mendations within fifteen calendar days and shall thereupon become
RALD
the pending business of such House and shall be voted upon within
GF
Pub. Law 93-148
4 -
November 7, 1973
37 STAT. 558
three calendar days, unless such House shall otherwise determine
by yeas and nays.
(d) In the case of any disagreement between the two Houses of
Congress with respect to a concurrent resolution passed by both
Houses, conferees shall be promptly appointed and the committee of
conference shall make and file a report with respect to such concurrent
resolution within six calendar days after the legislation is referred to
the committee of conference. Notwithstanding any rule in either House
concerning the printing of conference reports in the Record or con-
cerning any delay in the consideration of such reports, such report
shall be acted on by both Houses not later than six calendar days after
the conference report is filed. In the event the conferees are unable to
agree within 48 hours, they shall report back to their respective llouses
in disagreement.
INTERPRETATION OF JOINT RESOLUTION
SEC. 8. (a) Authority to introduce United States Armed Forces into
hostilities or into situations wherein involvement in hostilities is clearly
indicated by the circumstances shall not be inferred—
(1) from any provision of law (whether or not in effect before
the date of the enactment of this joint resolution), including any
provision contained in any appropriation Act, unless such pro-
vision specifically authorizes the introduction of United States
Armed Forces into hostilities or into such situations and states
that it is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization
within the meaning of this joint resolution; or
(2) from any treaty heretofore or hereafter ratified unless such
treaty is implemented by legislation specifically authorizing the
introduction of United States Armed Forces into hostilities or
into such situations and stating that it is intended to constitute
specific statutory authorization within the meaning of this joint
resolution.
(b) Nothing in this joint resolution shall be construed to require
nny further specific statutory authorization to permit members of
United States Armed Forces to participate jointly with members of
the armed forces of one or more foreign countries in the headquarters
operations of high-level military commands which were established
prior to the date of enactment of this joint resolution and pursuant to
59 Stat. 1031.
the United Nations Charter or any treaty ratified by the United States
prior to such date.
"Introduction
(c) For purposes of this joint resolution, the term "introduction of
of United
United States Armed Forces" includes the assignment of members of
States Armed
such armed forces to command, coordinate, participate in the move-
Forcos."
ment of, or accompany the regular of irregular military forces of any
foreign country or government when such inilitary forces are engaged,
or there exists an imminent threat that such forces will become
engaged, in hostilities.
(d) Nothing in this joint resolution-
(1) is intended to alter the constitutional authority oi the Con-
gress or of the President, or the provisions of existing treaties; or
(2) shall be construed us granting any authority to the President
with respect to the roduction of United States Armed Forces
FORD A. RACED LIBRARY
into hostilities or into situations wherein involvement in hostilities
is clearly indicated by the circumstances which authority he would
not have had in the absence of this joint resolution.
November 7, 1973
- 5 -
Pub. Law 93-148
at 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 O. EASTLAND
President of the Senate pro tempore.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S.,
November 7, 1973.
Contains Assess
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. 500
even RALD A. FORD
GE
Pub, Law 93-148
M 6 -
November 7, 1973
BY STAT. 560
Resolved, That the said joint resolution pass, two-thirds of the Senators
present having voted 1:1 the attirmative.
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 end 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:
Ost, 24, vetoed; Presidential message,
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 119 (1973):
Nov. 7, House and Senate overrode veto,
R. FORD
November 7, 1973
- 3
Pub. Law 93-148
07 STAT. 557
CONGRESSIONAL PRIORITY PROCEDURES FOR JOINT RESOLUTION 000 1111.1.
SEC. 6. (n) Any joint resolution or bill introduced pursuant to see-
tion 5(h) nt least thirty calendar days before the expiration of the
sixty-day period specified in such section shall be referred to the Com-
mitteo on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives or the
Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, us the case may be, and
such committee shall report one such joint resolution or bill, together
with its recommendations, not later than twenty-four calendar days
before the expiration of the sixty-day period specified in such section,
unless such House shall otherwise determine by the yeas and nays.
(b) Any joint resolution or bill SO reported shall become the pend-
ing business of the House in question (in the case of the Senate the
time for debate shall be equally divided between the proponents and
the opponents), and shall be voted on within three calendar days there-
after, unless such House shall otherwise determine by yeas and mays.
(c) Such a joint resolution or bill passed by one House shall be
referred to the committee of the other House named in subsection
(a) and shall be reported out not later than fourteen calendar days
before the expiration of the sixty-day period specified in section (b).
The joint resolution or bill so reported shall become the pending
business of the House in question and shall be voted on within three
calendar days after it has been reported, unless such Honse shall other-
wise determine by yeas and nays.
(d) In the case of any disagreement between the two Houses of
Congress with respect to a joint resolution or bill passed by both
llouses, conferces shall be promptly appointed and the committee of
conference shall make and file It report with respect to such resolution
or bill not later than four calendar days before the expiration of the
sixty-day period specified in section 5(b). In the event the conferees
are mable to agree within 48 hours, they shall report back to their
respective Houses in disagreement. Notwithstanding any rule in either
House concerning the printing of conference reports in the Record or
concerning any delay in the consideration of such reports. such report
shall be acted on by both Houses not later than the expiration of such
sixty-day period.
CONGRESSIONAL PRIORITY PROCEDURES FOR CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
SEC. 7. (n) Any concurrent resolution introduced pursuant to sec-
tion 5 (c) shall be referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the
House of Representatives or the Committee 011 Foreign Relations of
the Senate, as the case may be, and one such concurrent resolution shall
be reported out by such committee together, with its recommendations
within fifteen calendar days, unless such ] Iouse shall otherwise deter-
mine by the yeas and nays.
(b) Any concurrent resolution so reported shall become the pending
business of the House in question (in the ease of the Senate the time
for debute shall be equally divided between the proponents and the
opponents) and shall be voted on within three calendar days there-
after, unless such House shall otherwise determine by yeas and mays.
(c) Such a concurrent resolution passed by one House shall be
referred to the committee of the other House named in subsection (ii)
RALD GE R. FORD ABRART
and shall be reported out by such committee together with its recom-
mendations within fifteen calendar days and shall thereupon become
the pending business of such House and shall be voted upon within
FOR IMMEIDATE RELEASE
MAY 12, 1975
Office of the White House Press Secretary
THE WHITE HOUSE
STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY
We have been informed that a Cambodian naval vessel has seized
an American merchant ship on the high seas and forced it to the
port of Kompong Som. The President has met with the NSC. He
considers this seizure an act of piracy. He has instructed the
State Department to demand the immediate release of the ship.
Failure to do so would have the most serious consequences.
#
#
#
FORD R LIBRARY RALD on
98
Hawng Luk
102
106
Xam Nual
Nam Dinht
Burma
Muang
Pakening
Fang
Ching
Mekung
Laos
Ra
Lousngphrabang
North
Xiangkhoung
Vietnam
Gulf
at
P
Muang
Tonkin
Nan
Chiang Mai
r. Not
angviang
Vinh
Muang
Mae
Pakxan
Shring
kampang
Bung
Phrae
Vientiane
Kan
18
18
Nong Khai
Udon
Thank
Makhon Phanom,
Muang
Loei
Khammouan
Sakon
Nakhon
Micking
Tak
Philmanulok
Xeno
Kawhareik
Mukdahan
Moutmein
Savannakhet
Mile Nam
Phetchatiun
Khon
Kaer
Phone
0
Mas NamPaS.K
Ro EU
Khemmaral
Laos
Nakon Sawan
Chao
Mun
Ubon
Ye
Name
Rachathani
Pakie
Ward
Lop
Chamrap
Nakhon
Sun
Ratchasima
Sunn
Man Kinny
Suphan Burj
0
Phra Nakhon Si
Tavdy
Kanchanaburi
Ayulthaye
14
0
Bangkok
Kabin Bun
Andaman
Sisophon
Samut Patient
Rachoengsan
Sea
Rat Bun
Samul
Songkhram
Cambodia
was
Rayong
Kampang
MERGBI 2 of
Hua
Sattship
Thom
Margui
Pursan
Hin
0
Moxong
trat
Burma
Prachuap
Khiri Khan
CP
Phnom Penh
is
Gulf
Chumphon
Kompong Som
of
VinthLong
10
10
Ranong
Thailand
(Victnam)
South
30
Viotnam
0
Quan Lond
00
FORD is IBRAR
16
approximate location of
Nakhon S,
Mayaguez seizure.
Thammarat
(00948 N - 10253 E)
Phuket o,
Thailand
Phatthalung
Tuing
Railroad
Strait
Songkhia
Road
of
Hal Yar
Trail
Malacca
Pattern
Satun
Sadad
Alor
0
50
100
150 Miles
Setar
Kuta Bahalu
0
50
100
150 Kilometers
NAMES AND ROUNDARY REPRESENTATION
ARE NOT NECERSARILY AUTHORITATIVE
Mulaysia
1142
Kaula Keyal
: M
Base
May 13, 1975
Office of the White House Press Secretary
NOTICE TO THE PRESS
The following information was made availableat 3p.m. today at the Pentagon:
MEMORANDUM FOR CORRESPONDENTS:
MAY 13, 1975
The following Notice to Mariners (#NR45) was issued by the Defense
Mapping Agency Hydrographic Center at 7:15 p.m. EDT, May 12:
"Special Warning: Shipping is advised until further notice to remain more
than 35 nautical miles off the coast of Cambodia and more than 20 nautical
miles off the coast of Vietnam including off lying islands. Recent incidents
have been reported of firing on, stopping and detention of ships within
waters claimed by Cambodia, particularly in vicinity of Poulo Wai Island.
This warning in no way should be construed as United States recognition of
Cambodian or Vietnamese territorial sea claims or as derogation of the
right of innocent passage for United States flag vessels, or derogation of the
freedom of the high seas."
#
#
#
FORD IT LIBRARY 77
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
Presidential Libraries Withdrawal Sheet
WITHDRAWAL ID 09111
REASON FOR WITHDRAWAL
National security restriction
TYPE OF MATERIAL
Memorandum
CREATOR'S NAME
Jack Marsh
RECEIVER'S NAME
Phil Buchen
DESCRIPTION
Summary of the NSC Meeting
CREATION DATE
05/13/1975
VOLUME
2 pages
COLLECTION/SERIES/FOLDER ID
006701294
COLLECTION TITLE
JOHN O. MARSH FILES (WH Counsellor)
BOX NUMBER
122
FOLDER TITLE
5/14/75 - Mayaguez Seizure (1)-(2)
DATE WITHDRAWN
01/30/1998
WITHDRAWING ARCHIVIST
WHM
Partially copy declassified in open file
TOP SECRET
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 13, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
PHIL BUCHEN
FROM:
JACK MARSH
Summary of the NSC Meeting
At the NSC Meeting there was a discussion of the seizure of the American
ship which has not been taken into port on the mainland but is being held
at an off-shore island approximately 30 miles at sea. She has one anchor
down and one anchor up with some heat from the boiler and it is improbable
that the Cambodians can sail her. She has one tug and one high speed motor
beside her.
Some people, probably crew members, have been taken off and moved to the
island. It is believed that probably some crew members remain on the ship
which is being kept under Air Force surveillance.
The President was advised by General Jones that orders had been issued not
to allow the ship to move to port and to take such steps to prevent that short
of sinking her.
Anticipated Actions are:
1.
nearby air passes to frighten.
2.
damage by gunfire to the controls at the stern.
3.
if taken in tow, attack the tug.
At about 11: 30 a.m., the President issued instructions that U.S. forces would
interdict all craft moving to and from the island immediately in order to
prevent the Americans from being taken to the mainland. General Jones
indicated they would try to use search lights and flares from P-3 aircraft to
identify boat targets for the purpose of avoiding attack on small craft carrying
Americans.
&
FORD
DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12958 Sec. 3.6
TOP SECRET
HALDR.
HALD
With PORTIONS EXEMPTED
E.O. 12958 Sec. 1.5 ( )
Copy of doc in Buchen, MR 89-15 # 3
By KBH NARA, Date 1/29/98
TOP SECRET
-2-
The following actions are being comtemplated (Washington time)
1.
At 7:00 p.m. this evening there could be a helicopter assault by U.S.
Marines on the ship.
2.
At 6 a.m. Wednesday morning, the destroyer HOLT will arrive on the
scene and be able to prevent movement of the vessel as well as augment
the Marines if the assault takes place.
3.
At 7:00 p.m. Wednesday it is anticipated that if the crewmen have not
been returned or the ship has not been returned, the landing forces
of 1,000 Marines will assault the island to free the Americans.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
4.
Thursday, 3:00 a.m. the U.S. CORAL SEA should arrive on the scene.
5.
Friday, 4:00 a.m., the U.S. HANCOCK should arrive on the scene.
All of the above times are estimated Eastern Daylight Savings Time, Washington,
D.C.
It is admitted that Cambodia can and may sink the vessel at any time. The
number of Americans on the ship or on the island is uncertain.
The meeting adjourned to be recalled shortly this same day for the purpose of
deciding upon options to pursue. At the present time, the most immediate action
is a helicopter assault at 7:00 p.m. this evening which is considered to be a high
risk operation inasmuch as the containers on the deck are not believed to be
sufficiently strong to support a helicopter landing.
The landing will be achieved by
rappelling forces from the helicopter.
TOP SECRET
FORD HALAR of LIBRAR RALE
to
[5/13/75]
5pm
Status of the U.S. Merchant Ship Selzed
Hans
The S. S. Mayaguez, seized by Cambodian Communist forces, May 2,
is now about 20 miles outside the port of Kompony Sum, just north of Noh
Tang Island. The ship is dead in the water, and there is reason to collere
that most or all of its crew has been transferred to the island. The
ship is being kept under surveillance by U.S. reconnaissance aircraft.
As a precautionary measure, several U.S. Navy combat vessels
have been ordered to proceed to the general area of Koh Tang Island.
The U.S. has requested that Phnom Penh authorities have the ship
released immediately. We have, so far, received no reply.
An NSC meeting was convened this morning.
RALD THE A. FORD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 13, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JOHN MARSH
THROUGH:
MAX FRIEDERSDORF
FROM:
VERN LOEN VC
SUBJECT:
Congressional calls on Cambodian
seizure of the merchant ship MAYAGUEZ
FORD & LIBRO RALD
MEMBER:
Rep. John Rhodes (R-Ariz.)
DATE:
5/13/75
TIME:
5:50 p.m.
PLACE:
Office of Rep. Bob Wilson, (R-Calif) (SOS Club)
CONTACT:
Vern Loen spoke with Rep. Rhodes
COMMENTS:
Rhodes: "Are marines being sent in? "
Loen: "I have no such information. 11
Rhodes and Wilson: "Thanks for the report. 11
FORD EIE & RALD
m.
MEMBER:
Rep. George Mahon (D-Texas)
DATE:
5/13/75
TIME:
6:05 p.m.
PLACE:
Reached at his office
CONTACT:
Vern Loen spoke with Rep. Mahon
COMMENTS:
"Good. I think he should do that. I
appreciate this report very much. "
FORD LIBRAR & OERALD RALD
no
MEMBER:
Rep. William Broomfield (R-Mich.)
DATE:
5/13/75
TIME:
5:55 p.m.
PLACE:
Reached at his office by Vern Loen
CONTACT:
Vern Loen spoke with Rep. Broomfield
COMMENTS:
"Good, good. I'm all for it. Thanks for
the report. 11
FORD & LIBRARY RALO
13
MEMBER:
Rep. Mel Price
DATE:
May 13, 1975
TIME:
5:50 p.m.
PLACE:
Washington, D. C. in office
CONTACT:
Douglas P. Bennett personally spoke with Mr. Price
COMMENTS:
Fine, thank you.
FORD & LIBRAR RALD
MEMBER:
Rep. John McFall
DATE:
May 13, 1975
TIME:
11:00 p.m.
PLACE:
Washington, D. C. at home
CONTACT:
Douglas P. Bennett spoke personally with Mr. McFall
COMMENTS:
The President should keep going. He's doing the
right thing. Fine, thank you.
RALD ? FORD
13
MEMBER:
Rep. El Cederberg
DATE:
May 13, 1975
TIME:
5:55 p.m.
PLACE:
Washington, D. C. in office
CONTACT:
Douglas P. Bennett spoke personally with Mr. Cederberg
COMMENTS:
Can't allow it to happen
we must do what it takes
to get the ship back.
otherwise we may as well put
the Navy in mothballs.
Thank you.
FORD LIBRAR & HVH
MEMBER:
Rep. Bob Michel
DATE:
Tuesday, May 13, 1975
TIME:
5:59 p.m.
PLACE:
Congressional District Office, Washington, D.C.
CONTACT:
Charles Leppert spoke with Member personally
COMMENTS:
"That's good. Do we know where the crew is?"
Yes, there is reason to believe that most or all
of the crew has been transferred to the nearby
island.
That's the least we can do. I'm for doing more.
We can't let these birds horse us around.
FORD
&
8
RALD
MEMBER:
Rep. Thomas E. "Doc" Morgan
DATE:
Tuesday, May 13, 1975
TIME:
6:08 p.m.
PLACE:
At. Rep. Wayne Hay's party on Capitol Hill
CONTACT:
Charles Leppert talked to the Member personally.
COMMENTS:
"No. That's exactly what I think he should have
done. "
ALD A. $17 FORD
MEMBER:
Rep. Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill
DATE:
Tuesday, May 13, 1975
TIME:
6:14 p.m.
PLACE:
Majority Leader's office, Washington, D.C.
CONTACT:
Charles Leppert spoke personally with the Member.
COMMENTS:
"Where is the ship?
About 20 miles outside the port of Kompong Som.
"Where's the crew?"
There is reason to believe that most or all of the
crew has been transferred to the nearby island.
"Do we have ships there ?"
I believe there have been news reports on the
radio that we have ships steaming there.
11
"Those bastards, we can't let them get away with
this. They'll harass us forever. "
FORD ALD R LIBE # ALD