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This file contains material relating to Operation Babylift, orphan airlift.
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7552135
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4/5/75 - Evacuation of Vietnamese Refugees (4)
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7552135
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document
title
4/5/75 - Evacuation of Vietnamese Refugees (4)
description
This file contains material relating to Operation Babylift, orphan airlift.
citationUrl
collections
John O. Marsh Files (Ford Administration)
John Marsh's War Powers Notifications Files
subjects
Vietnam (Republic)
Presidential powers
Refugees
Vietnam War, 1961-1975
Wars
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7552135
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1975-04-30
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4
year
1975
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1975-04-01
month
4
year
1975
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The original documents are located in Box 122, folder "4/5/75 - Evacuation of Vietnamese
Refugees (4)" 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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
ship Phone Calls 4/5/75
Senate & House Leader- -
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
z
HOUSE AND SENATE LEADERSHIP
CALLS APRIL XX 5, 1975
FORD LIBRARY & GERALD RALD
23
April 5, 1975
FORD & LIBRARY RALID
MEMORANDUM FOR:
DON RUMSFELD
30
FROM:
JACK MARSH
I would appreciate your passing to the President the following report from Bill
Kendall prepared after advising the Senate Leadership of the President's message
to the Speaker and President Pro Tempore of the Senate, concerning the War
Powers matter. I particularly call to your attention Senator Mansfield's request
contained in his comment:
Senator
Place
Time
Comment
Mansfield
Florida
12:45
O.k. Appreciates being kept informed.
Asked me to tell President he is calling
Democratic Policy Committee meeting
Monday morning to discuss energy,
refugee and Indo-China situation.
Griffin
Maryland
12:50
Has no problem with it. Asked to be
(suburbs)
informed if there is any "flak."
Bryd,R.
D.C.
12:55
This is proper role for President.
Thinks President is handling a
terribly difficult situation very well.
ALL APPRECIATED BEING KEPT INFORMED.
/e/ WILLIAM T. KENDALL
Senator Hugh Scott in Spain is being advised in care of the U.S. Ambassador there.
April 5, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
DON RUMSFELD
FORD .A. LIBRARY BRAR RALD
FROM:
JACK MARSH
30
I would appreciate your passing to the President the following report from Charlie
Leppert prepared after advising the House Leadership of the President's message
to the Speaker and President Pro Tempore of the Senate, concerning the War
Powers matter.
Rep.
Place
Time
Comment
Michel
Peoria,Ill.
12:55
"No Comment"
/0/ CHARLES LEPPERT
Tip O'Neill in Israel is being advised in care of the U.S. Ambassador there.
Termination of
Indochina War
TERMINATION OF INDOCHINA WAR
Public Law 93-50 (the Second Supplemental Appropriation Act):
Sec. 307. None of the funds herein appropriated
under this Act may be expended to support directly or
indirectly combat activities in or over Cambodia, Laos,
North Vietnam and South Vietnam oz off the shores of
Cambodia, Laos, North Vietnam and South Vietnam by
United States forces, and after August 15, 1973, no
other funds heretofore appropriated under any other
Act may be expended for such purpose.
Public Law 93-52 (the Continuing Resolution Authority for
FY 1974):
Sec. 108. Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, on or after August 15, 1973, no funds herein or
heretofore appropriated may be obligated or expended
to finance directly or indirectly combat activities by
United States military forces in or over or from off
the shores of North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Laos or
Cambodia.
Public Law 93-155 (the Military Procurement Authorization Act):
Sec. 1107. Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, upon enactment of this Act, no funds heretofore
or hereafter appropriated may be obligated 02 expended
to finance the involvement of United States military
forces in hostilities in or over or from off the shores
of North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia,
unless specifically authorized hereafter by the Congress.
Public Law 93-126 (the Department of State Appropriations
Authorization Act of 1973):
Sec. 15. Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, on or after August 15, 1973, no funds heretofore
or hereafter appropriated may be obligated or expended
to finance the involvement of United States military
forces in hostilities in or over or from off the shores
of North Victnam, South Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia,
OF RALD
A. FORD LIBRART
- 2 -
unless specifically authorized hereafter by the
Congress. Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
upon enactment of this Act, no funds heretofore or
hereafter appropriated may be obligated or expended
for the purpose of providing assistance of any kind,
directly or indirectly, to or on behalf of North
Vietnam, unless specifically authorized hereafter by
the Congress.
S. 1443 (the Foreign Assistance Act of 1973):
Soc. 29. No funds authorized or appropriated
under this or any other law may be expended to finance
military or paramilitary operations by the United
States in or over Vietnam, Laos, or Combodia.
FORD & LIBRARY OF RALD
30
11/19/73
Cables to and From
RUMSFELD
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 4, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JACK MARSH
BRENT SCOWCROFT
FROM:
DONALD RUMSFELD
The President signed the cables to the Speaker of the House of
Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate
(reference WH 50624) at 1734 Pacific Coast time, April 4, 1975
in San Francisco, California. Please see that the texts are
transmitted to the appropriate approved addresses in a timely
manner.
cc: Dick Cheney
FORD & LIBRARY RALD
30
007
*******
SECRET
*******S COPY
OP IMMED
DE WTE #1892 0950115
0 050121Z APR 75
FM THE SITUATION ROOM
TO DONALD RUMSFELD - SAN FRANCISCO
SECRET WH50625
APRIL 4, 1975
FOR:
DONALD RUMSFELD
FROM:
BRENT SCONCROFT
FOLLOWING ARE THE DETAILS YOU REQUESTED SURROUNDING THE
INCIDENT WHICH LED TO THE REPORT TO CONGRESS UNDER THE WAR
WAR POWERS RESOLUTION:
1. ON 1 APRIL 1975, JCS AUTHORIZED FOUR USN AMPHIBIOUS
SHIPS TO APPROACH WITHIN ONE MILE OF THE RVN COAST TO CONDUCT
HUMANITARIAN CIVILIAN REFUGEE EVACUATION.
2. ON 3 APRIL 1975, THE USS DURHAM (LKA-114) PENETRATED
RVN TERRITORIAL WATERS IN THE VICINITY OF PHAN RANG SVN, AT
0308002, APRIL 1975. A TOTAL OF 1,404 REFUGEES WERE PICKED
UP BY THE DURHAM,
3. AUTHORITY FOR PENETRATION OF RVN TERRITORIAL WATERS
WAS GRANTED IN JCS 6039/010216Z, APRIL 1975 MESSAGE TO
CINCRAC.
4. RADM WHITMIRE IS COMMANDER, AMPHIBIOUS TASK FORCE,
SEVENTH FLEET (CTF 76) WHO HAS THE DURHAM UNDER HIS COMMAND.
0179
FORD A. LIBRARY RALD
GE
WHSR COMMENT
SCOWCROFT, SEC FILE
RECALLED
PSN:051687
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FLASH
DE WTE #1907 0950429
7 050443Z APR 75
FM THE WHITE HOUSE
TO DONALD RUMSFELD - SAN FRANSISCO
UNCLAS WH50629
APRIL 5, 1975
TO:
DONALD RUMSFELD
FROM: JACK MARSH
PLEASE ADVISE THE PRESIDENT HIS MESSAGE WH50624 DISPATCHED TO:
SPEAKER ALBERT
PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE U.S. SENATE
AND COPIES TO THEIR REPRESENTATIVES
MICHAEL REED, FOR THE SPEAKER
WILLIAM SIMPSON, FOR PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE
AS WELL AS COPY OF SPEAKERS MESSAGE TO JOHN MCFALL, SPEAKER
PRO TEMPORE AND HIS STAFF ASSISTANT IRVINE SPRAGUE.
0108
FORD A. LIBRARY RALD
OF
PSN:051945 PAGE 01
OF 01
TDR:095/04:29Z
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*******U NCLASSIFI E D*******S COPY
0
935
*******UINCLIAS
EFT 0*******S COPY
DP IMMED
Z 0501542 APR 75
FM DONALD RUMSFELD
TO ZEN/JACK MARSH AND GENERAL BRENT SCOWCROFT
UNCLAS EF T 0
TO JACK MARSH AND GENERAL BRENT SCOWCROFT
THE PRESIDENT SIGNED THE CABLES FOR THE SPEAKER OF THE
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE PRESIDENT PRO TEM
OF THE U.S. SENATE, REFERENCE WH 50624, AT 1734 PACIFIC
COAST TIME, ON APRILI 4, 1975, IN SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA.
PLEASE SEE THAT THE TEXTS ARE TRANSMITTED TO THE
APPROPRIATE ADDRESSEES IN A TIMELY MANNER.
SIGNED
DONALD RUMSFELD
BT
0087
GERALD OF
FORD A LIBRARY RALD
PSN:051946
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OF 01
TOR:095/02:01Z
DTG:050154Z APR 75
*******UNICLIAS
ERFITIO*******S:COPY
D
908
INCLAS E F T O*******S COPY
me Fall
OP IMMED
Z 0501547 APR 75
FM DONALD RUMSFELD
201-823-3141
TO ZEN/JACK MARSH AND GENERAL BRENT SCOWCROFT
UNCLAS E F T O
TD JACK MARSH AND GENERAL BRENT SCOWCROFT
THE PRESIDENT SIGNED THE CABLES FOR THE SPEAKER OF THE
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE PRESIDENT PRO TEM
OF THE U.S. SENATE, REFERENCE WH 50624, AT 1734 PACIFIC
COAST TIME, ON APRIL 4, 1975, IN SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA.
PLEASE SEE THAT THE TEXTS ARE TRANSMITTED TO THE
APPROPRIATE ADDRESSEES IN A TIMELY MANNER.
SIGNED
DONALD RUMSFELD
BT
0087
4/4/1090 Park Md
7514 Wellesley ONE
GR4-7514
Manteca
FORD H LIBRARY RALD
10
PSN:051756
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OF 01
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UNCLAS
EFT 0*******S COPY
0
989
*******
SECRET
*******S COPY
OP IMMED
DE WTE #1915 0950629
0 050706Z APR 75 ZFF-1
FM THE WHITE HOUSE//WASH 98//
TO USLD PEKING
SECRET WH50630
WASH 98
APRIL 5,1975
TO:
AMBASSADOR BUSH
FROM:
JOHN 0. MARSH JR.
I CONCUR WITH YOUR PLAN TO DELIVER THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE BY
COURIER TO CANTON.
PLEASE ADVISE SPEAKER ALBERT THAT A COPY OF THE PRESIDENTIS
MESSAGE WAS DELIVERED TO MIKE REED AND A COPY READ AND SENT TO
CONGRESSMAN JOHN MCFALL.
JOHN 0. MARCH, JR.
0106
GE GERALD
RALD ? FORD
PSN:052240
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OF 01
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Date 1/28/98 By KBH
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=
C
#
*******S COPY
DP IMMED
DE WTE #1915 0950629
0 0507067 APR 75 ZFF-1
FM THE WHITE HOUSE//WASH 98//
TO USLD PEKING
SECRE
T
VIA VOYAGER CHANNELS WH50630
WASH 98
APRIL 5, 1975
TO:
AMBASSADOR BUSH
FROM:
JOHN 0. MARSH JR.
I CONCUR WITH YOUR PLAN TO DELIVER THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE BY
COURIER TO CANTON.
PLEASE ADVISE SPEAKER ALBERT THAT A COPY OF THE PRESIDENTIS
MESSAGE WAS DELIVERED TO MIKE REED AND A COPY READ AND SENT TO
CONGRESSMAN JOHN MCFALL.
s
JOHN 0, MARCH, JR.
0106
Jack
RALD ? FORD
EE
PSN:052095
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OF 01
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SPCRET
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Date 1/28/98
By 903H
945
C
DATE 04/05/75
WHITE HOUSE SITUATION ROOM
PAGE 00
1
MESSAGE ANNOTATIONS:
NO MESSAGE ANNOTATIONS
MESSAGE:
FLASH
DE WTE30 #0082 0950500
Z 0504552 APR 75
TO THE WHITE HOUSE
FM USLD PEKING
s E C R E /SENSITIVE
PEKING 082
05 APRIL 1975
REF: WASH 97
TO: JACK MARSH
FM: AMBASSADOR BUSH
ALBERT PARTY AT THIS MOMENT ENROUTE FROM SHANGHAI TO CANTON.
NEXT PLANE TO CANTON IS 06 APRIL. WILLSEND COURIER PEKING TO CANTON
A.S.A.P. MESSAGE WILL NOT GET TO ALBERT UNTIL TOMORROW. I ASSUME
YOU WANT MESSAGE DELIVERED IN PERSON, NOT BY UNSECURE TELEPHONE.
WARM REGARDS,
GEORGE BUSH
FORD & LIBRARY RALO
GE
PSN: 051970
TOR: 095/051072
DTG: 0504552 APR 75
C
R
E
0
Determined to be Administrative Marking
Date 140 1/28/98
By
Message to Albert
924
*******
SECRET
*******S COPY
FLASH
DE WTE #1902 0950256
Z 0503172 APR 75 ZFF-1
FM THE SITUATION RDOM//WASH 9711
TO USLD PEKING
SECRETWH50627
WASH 97
THE HONORABLE CARLI ALBERT
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTIVES
PEKING, CHINA
C/O AMBASSADOR BUSH
FORD & LIBRARY RALD
CE
APRIL 4, 1975
AS YOU KNOW, LAST SATURDAY I DIRECTED UNITED STATES PARTICIPATION
IN AN 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 VIOLATIONS 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
PSN:051847 PAGE 01
TOR:095/02:56Z DTG:050317Z APR 75
*******
SECRET
*******3 COPY
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Date 1/28/98 By KBH
SECRET
*******S COPY
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 TRANPORT 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 HUMANITARIAN 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 AUTHORTY
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 HOSTILITES DR CONDITIONS RELATING TO
HOSTILITIES IN SOUTH VIETNAM.
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.
GERALD R. FORD
A
FORD
MESSAGE FOR THE SPEAKER:
RALD of
LIBRARY
Y
WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR INFORMING REPRESENTATIVE RHODES
OF: THE CONTENTS OF THIS MESSAGE. JACK MARSH.
0648
PSN:051847
PAGE 02
OF 02
TOR:095/02:567
DTG:050317Z APR 75
SECRET
*******S COPY
0
925
U
NCLASSIF
ITE
COPY
FLASH
me ATF #1992 9950256
7. 3523177 APR 75 LFF-1
PM THE STTUATION 800W//WASH 9711
TO ORLD PEKING
INCLAS 4457627
WASH 07
THE HONORABLE CARL ALBERT
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTIVES
FORD A LIBRARY GERALD RALD
PEKING, CHINA
C/O AMBASSADOR BUSH
APRIL ", 1975
AS YOU KNOW, LAST SATURDAY I DIRECTED UNITED STATES PARTICIPATION
IN AM INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN RELIEF FRFORT TO TRANSPORT
REFUGEES FROM DANANG AND OTHER SEAPORTS TO SAFER AREAS FARTHER
SOUTH TN VIETNAM. THE UNITED STATES HAS PEEN JOINED IN THIS
HUMANITARIAN EFFORT BY A NUMBER OF OTHER COUNTRIES WHO ARE
OFFERING PEOPLE, SUPPLIES AND VESSELS TO ASSTST 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
PEEN BROUGHT ABOUT BY LARGE-SCALE VIOLATIONS OF THE AGREEMENT
ENDING THE MAR AND RESTORING THE PEACE IN VIFTNAM BY THE NORTH
VIETNAMESE WNO HAYS 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 IF SECTION
4(1) (2) OF THE WAR POWERS RESOLUTION (PUBLIC LA- 73-1483,
I. HISH 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
PSN:05186 PAGE 11
07610583172 APR 75
*******1)
NCLASSIFIE ********S S COPY
A
SST
COPY
AND APPROXTMATELY 700 MARTNES. THESE NAVAL VESSELS
HAVE SEE AUTHORIZED to APPROACH THE COAST OF soura VIETNAM
TO PICK 10 REFUGRES AND U.S. NATIONALS, ann TRANPORT THEM
TO SAFFIY. CARINES ARE BEING OFTAILED TO VESSELS
PARTICIPATING TV THE RESCUE MISSION. THE FIRST VESSEL ENTERED
SOUTH VILINAM TERRITORIAL WATERS AT 4400 A.M. FOT (1N
APRIL , 1975,
ALTHOUGH THESE FORCES ARE EQUIPPED FOR COMBAT WITHIN THE
MEANING OF SECTION (A) (2) OF PUBLIC LAN 93-148, THEIR SOLE
MISSION is in ASSIST IN THE EVACUATION INCLUDING THE MAINTENANCE
OF ORDER 03 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
AM INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN 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, A5 WELL AS UNITED STATES
NAVAL VESSELS WITH MILITARY CREWS. THIS EFFORT 15 BEING
UNDERTAKEN PURSUANT TO THE PRESIDENT'S CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORTY
AS COMMANDER-IN-CHTEF AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE IN THE CONDUCT OF
FOREIGN RELATIONS AND PURSHANT TO THE FOREIGN ASSISTANCE ACT OF
1961, AS AMENDED, WHICH AUTHORIZES HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE
TO REFUGRES, CIVILIAN WAR CASUALTIES AND OTHER PERSONS
DISADVANTAGED BY HOSTILITES OR CONDITIONS RELATING TO
HOSTILITTES IN SOUTH VIETNAM.
YOU WILL APPRECIATE, I AM SURE, MY DIFFICULTY IN TELLING YOU
PRECISELY HOW LONG UNITED STATES FORCES MAY BE NEEDED IN THIS
EFFORT. ngR PRESENT ESTIMATE, HOWEVER, IS THAT THIS
OPERATION MAY INVOLVE THE PRESENCE OF UNITED STATES NAVAL
VESSELS To VIETNAWESE *ATERS FOR A PERIOD OF AT LEAST SEVERAL
NEEKS.
GERALD R. FORD
7548
GE GERALD
FORD A LIBRARY RALD
PSN:351854 PAGE 22 OF 22 TOR:395/02:557 076:0593172 APR
NCLASSTET F n*******S COPY
PUBLIC LAW 93-148
"War Powers Resolution"
Public Law 93-110
CONSULTATION
FORD IF LIBRARY RALD 30
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 circumstances, and after every such introduc-
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.
REPORTING
Sec. 4. (a) In the absence of a declaration of war, in any case in
which United States Armed Forces are introduced --
(1) into hostilities or into situations where imminent involve-
ment in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances:
(2) into the territory, airspace or waters of a foreign nation,
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 a foreign
nation;
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 circumstances necessitating the introduction of United
States Armed Forces;
(B) the constitutional and legislative authority under which
such introduction took place; and,
(C) the estaimted scope and duration of the hostilities or
involvement.
(b) The President shall provide such other information as the
Congress may request in the fulfillment 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 Congres periodi-
cally on the status of such hostilities or situation as well as on the
scope and duration of such hostitlities or situation, but in no event shall
he report to the Congress less often than once every six months.
Section 5 of Public Law
93-148 (Cong. Action)
Cable to McFall,
April 5, 1975
939
*******UNCLIASSIFIED*******S COPY
FLASH
DE RUEADWW #1906 0950347
N 0504112 APR 75
FM THE WHITE HOUSE
TO THE HONDRABLE JOHN MCFALL, 1106 W. YOSEMITE
BEST WESTERN MOTEL, MONTECA, CALIFORNIA
UNCLAS WH50628
THE HONORABLE JOHN MCFALL
SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1106 W. YOSEMITE
BEST WESTERN MOTELI
MONTECA, CALIFORNIA
209-823-3141
THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE HAS BEEN SENT FROM THE PRESIDENT TO
THE SPEAKER.
JOHN 0. MARSH JR., COUNSELOR TO THE PRESIDENT
A
FORD
THE HONORABLE CARLI ALBERT
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTIVES
PEKING, CHINA
GERALD
RALD
30
T
APRIL 4, 1975
AS YOU KNOW, LAST SATURDAY I DIRECTED UNITED STATES PARTICIPATION
IN AN 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 VIOLATIONS OF THE AGREEMENT
ENDING THE WAR AND RESTORING THE PEACE IN VIETNAM BY THE NORTH
PSN:051955 PAGE 01
TOR:095/03:477 DTG:050411Z APR 75
*******U N CLASSIFI E D*******S COPY
LASSIFIE D*******S COPY
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 TRANPORT 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
APRILI 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 HUMANITARIAN EFFORT INVOLVING VESSELS OF
SEVERALI 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 AUTHORTY
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 HOSTILITES ORI CONDITIONS RELATING TO
HOSTILITIES IN SOUTH VIETNAM.
YOU WILL APPRECIATE, I AM SURE, MY DIFFICULTY IN TELLING YOU
GERALD R. FORD
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.
GERALD R, FORD
PSN:051955
PAGE
02
TOR:095/03:47Z DTG:050411Z APR 75
NCLASSIFIED*******S
COPY
Corrected Cy. of msg.
from P to Speaker &
President pro tempore
881
SECRET
COPY
FLASH
DE WTE #1887 0942345
Z 042352Z APR 75
FM JACK MARSH
TO DONALD RUMSFELD FOR THE PRESIDENT
SECRET WH50624
NOTE: CORRECTED COPY. PLEASE SUBSTITUTE THIS MESSAGE FOR
ONE SENT YOU EARLIER.
APRIL 4, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR: THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
DON RUMSFELD
FROM:
JACK MARSH
IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT THE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS OF
SECTION 4A (2) OF THE WAR POWERS RESOLUTION REQUIRING REPORTING
TO THE SPEAKER AND THE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE SHOULD BE OBSERVED,
THEY ARE APPLICABLE FOR THE REASONS SET OUT IN THE ATTACHED
DRAFT OF A LETTER ACCOMPANYING THIS MEMO. ATTACHED ARE THE
APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE WAR POWERS RESOLUTION.
THIS REPORT MUST BE MADE BY YOU TO THESE TWO CONGRESSIONAL
OFFICERS WITHIN 48 HOURS FROM THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT THAT
INVOKES THE STATUE. THIS OCCURRED AT 0400 A. M., EDT, APRIL 3.
THEREFORE, THIS REPORT MUST BE FILED BY YOU NO LATER THAN
0400 A.M., APRIL 5. BRENT HAS SENT A SIMILAR DRAFT OF THE
ATTACHED TO HENRY AT PALM SPRINGS. WE WILL STAND BY FOR YOUR
RALD A. FORD
RESPONSE AND SUGGESTIONS AS WELL AS ANY CHANGES WHICH YOU FEEL
SHOULD BE MADE IN THE ATTACHED REPORT.
3
YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT JOHN FINNEY OF THE NEW YORK TIMES
HAS THE STORY OF THIS INCIDENT, WHICH APPARENTLY INVOLVED
THE USS DURHAM, AND HAS MADE INQUIRY TO THE DEPARTMENT OF
DEFENSE. DEFENSE IS AWAITING GUIDANCE ON HOW TO RESPOND
TO BOTH THE ACTIVITIES OF THE VESSEL AND YOUR POSSIBLE ACTION
UNDER THE WAR POWERS WHICH WERE THE QUESTIONS FINNEY ASKED.
THE DETEMINATION OF THE APPLICATION OF THE WAR POWERS IS BASED
ON THE OPINION OF THE COUNSEL'S OFFICE AT: THE WHITE HOUSE,
DEFENSE# AND STATE. THE DRAFT LETTER IS THEIR JOINT EFFORT.
PSN:051574
PAGE 01
TOR:094/23:452 DTG:042352Z APR 75
SECRET
*******S COPY
Determined to be Administrative Marking
Date 1/28/98 By KBH
COPY
DRAFT LETTER:
APRIL 4, 1975
DEAR MR. SPEAKER: & (PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORED
AS YOU KNOW, LAST SATURDAY I DIRECTED UNITED STATES PARTICIPATION
IN AN 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 VIOLATIONS 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 TRANPORT 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.
RALD A. FORD
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 HUMANITARIAN EFFORT INVOLVING VESSELS OF
SEVERAL NATIONS, INCLUDING BOTH MILITARY AND CIVILIAN CRAFT.
PSN:051574 PAGE 02
TOR:094/23:457 DTG:042352Z APR 75
SECRET
*******S COPY
000000000SSSSSSS000000004CR-8
COPY
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 AUTHORTY
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 HOSTILITES OR CONDITIONS RELATING TO
HOSTILITIES IN SOUTH VIETNAM.
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.
PUBLIC LAW 93-110
CONSULTATION
SEC. 3. THE PRESIDENT IN EVERY POSSIBLE INSTANCE SHALL CONSULT
WITH CONGRESS BEFORE INTRODUCING UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES
INTO HOSTILITIES OR INTO SITUATIONS WHERE IMMINENT INVOLVEMENT
IN HOSTILITIES IS CLEARLY INDICATED BY THE CIRCUMS
STANCES, AND AFTER EVERY SUCH INTRODUCTION SHALL CONSULT
REGULARLY WITH THE CONGRESS UNTIL UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES
ARE NO LONGER ENGAGED IN HOSTILTIES OR HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM
SUCH SITUATIONS.
REPORTING
SEC. 4. (A) IN THE ABSENCE OF A DECLARATION OF WAR, IN
ANY CASE IN WHICH UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES ARE INTRODUCED
A.
FORD
(1) INTO HOSTILITIES OR INTO SITUATIONS WHERE IMMINENT
INVOLVEMENT IN HOSTILTIES IS CLEARLY INDICATED BY THE CIRCUM-
RALD
STANCES:
(2) INTD THE TERRITORY, AIRSPACE OR WATERS OF A
FOREIGN NATION, 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 A
FOREIGN NATION:
PSN:051574
PAGE 03
TOR:094/23:45Z
DTG1042352Z APR 75
SECRET
*******S COPY
COPY
THE PRESIDENT SHALL SUBMIT WITHIN 48 HOURS TO THE SPEAKER OF THE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND TO THE PREISDENT PRO TEMPORE OF
THE SENATE A REPORT, IN WRITING, SETTING FORTH-
(A) THE CIRCUMSTANCES 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 HOSTILTIES
OR INVOLVEMENT.
(B) THE PRESIDENT SHALL PROVIDE SUCH OTHER INFORMATION AS
THE CONGRESS MAY REQUEST IN THE FULFILLMENT OF ITS CONSTITUTIONAL
RESPONSIBILITIES WITH RESPECT TO COMMITTING THE NATION TO WAR
AND TO THE USE OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES ABROAD.
CCD WHENEVER UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES ARE INTRODUCED INTO
HOSTILITIES OR INTO ANY SITUATION DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (A)
OFI THIS SECTION, THE PRESIDENT SHALL, SO LONG AS SUCH ARMED
FORCES CONTINUE TO BE ENGAGED IN SUCH HOSTILITIES OR SITUATION,
REPORT TO THE CONGRESS PERIODICALLY ON THE STATUS OF SUCH
HOSTILITIES OR SITUATON AS WELL AS ON THE SCOPE AND DURATION
OF SUCH HOSTITLITIES OR SITUATION, BUT IN NO EVENT SHALL
HE REPORT TO THE CONGRESS LESS OFTEN THAN ONCE EEVERY SIX
MONTHS.
1282
FORD A. LIBRAR RALD
The
PSN:051574
PAGE 04
OF 04
TOR:094/23:45Z
DTG:042352Z APR 75
SECRET
*******S COPY
0
869
*******
SECRET
COPY
FLASH
DE WTE #1877 0942233
Z 0421392 APR 75
FM JACK MARSH
TO DONALD RUMSFELD FOR THE PRESIDENT
SECRET WH50623
APRIL 4, 1975
Convected
MEMORANDUM FOR: THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
DON RUMSFELD
FROM:
JACK MARSH
IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT THE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS OF
SECTION 4A (2) OF THE WAR POWERS RESOLUTION REQUIRING REPORTING
TO THE SPEAKER AND THE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE SHOULD BE OBSERVED,
THEY ARE APPLICABLE FOR THE REASONS SET OUT IN THE ATTACHED
DRAFT OF A LETTER ACCOMPANYING THIS MEMO. ATTACHED ARE THE
APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE WARI POWERS RESOLUTION.
THIS REPORT MUST BE MADE BY YOU TO THESE TWO CONGRESSIONAL
OFFICERS WITHIN 48 HOURS FROM THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT THAT
INVOKES THE STATUE. THIS OCCURRED AT 0400 A. M., EDT, APRIL 3.
THEREFORE, THIS REPORT MUST BE FILED BY YOU NO LATER THAN
0400 A.M., APRIL 5. BRENT HAS SENT A SIMILAR DRAFT OF THE
ATTACHED TO HENRY AT PALM SPRINGS. HE WILL STAND BY FOR YOUR
RESPONSE AND SUGGESTIONS AS WELL AS ANY CHANGES WHICH YOU FEEL
SHOULD BE MADE IN THE ATTACHED REPORT.
FORD A. GERALD LIBRARY
YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT JOHN FINNEY OF THE NEW YORK TIMES
HAS THE STORY OF THIS INCIDENT, WHICH APPARENTLY INVOLVED
THE USS DURHAM, AND HAS MADE INQUIRY TO THE DEPARTMENT OF
DEFENSE. DEFENSE IS AWAITING GUIDANCE ON HOW TO RESPOND
TO BOTH THE ACTIVITIES OF THE VESSEL AND YOUR POSSIBLE ACTION
UNDER THE WAR POWERS WHICH WERE THE QUESTIONS FINNEY ASKED.
THE DETEMINATION OF THE APPLICATION OF THE WAR POWERS IS BASED
ON THE OPINION OF THE COUNSEL'S OFFICE AT: THE WHITE HOUSE,
DEFENSE; AND STATE. THE DRAFT LETTER IS THEIR JOINT EFFORT.
DRAFT LETTER:
PSN:051493 PAGE 01
TOR:094/22:33Z DTG#042139Z APR 75
SECRET
*******S COPY
Determined to be Administrative Marking
Date 1/28/98 By KBH
SECRE T
*******S COPY
APRIL 4, 1975
DEAR MR. SPEAKER: & (PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE)
AS YOU KNOW, LAST SATURDAY I DIRECTED UNITED STATES PARTICIPATION
IN AN 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 VIOLATIONS 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 CRUBLIC 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
A
FORD
HAVE BEEN AUTHORIZED TO APPROACH THE COAST OF SOUTH VIETNAM
TO PICK UP REFUGEES AND U.S. NATIONALS, AND TRANPORT THEM
TO SAFETY. MARINES ARE BEING DETAILED TO VESSELS
GE RALD
LIBRARY
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 83-148, THEY ARE
corrected
UNDER ORDERS TO AVOID INVOLVEMENT IN HOSTILITIES AND COMBAT
ACTIVITIES. SHOULD A SERIOUS RISK FROM HOSTILITES DEVELOP
AT A PARTICULAR LOCATION, THEIR ORDERS REQUIRE THAT THEY
WITHDRAW, UNLESS ENGAGED IN ACTIVITIES TO SAVE THE LIVES OF U.S.
CITIZENS. THE SOLE MISSION OF THE MARINES ABOARD THE TASK
GROUP SHIPS AND THE MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND SHIPS IS TO ASSIST
IN MAINTAINING ORDER ON BOARD THE SHIPS WHILE RECEIVING
AND TRANSPORTING REFUGEES.
AS STATED ABOVE, THE PURPOSE OF THE INTRODUCTION OF UNITED
PSN:051493 PAGE 02
TOR:094/22:33Z
DTG:042139Z APR 75
SECRET
*******S COPY
SECRET
*******S COPY
STATES NAVAL VESSELS INTO VIETNAMESE WATERS IS TO ASSIST IN
AN INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN 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
NAVALIVESSELS WITH MILITARY CREWS. THIS EFFORT IS BEING
UNDERTAKEN PURSUANT TO THE PRESIDENT'S CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORTY
AS COMMANDER-IN-CHIER 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 HOSTILITES OR CONDITIONS RELATING TO
HOSTILITIES IN SOUTH VIETNAM.
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.
148
PUBLIC LAW 93-110
CONSULTATION
SEC. 3. THE PRESIDENT IN EVERY POSSIBLE INSTANCE SHALL CONSULT
WITH CONGRESS BEFORE INTRODUCING UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES
INTO HOSTILITIES OR INTO SITUATIONS WHERE IMMINENT INVOLVEMENT
IN HOSTILITIES IS CLEARLY INDICATED BY THE CIRCUM-
STANCES, AND AFTER EVERY SUCH INTRODUCTION SHALL CONSULT
REGULARLY WITH THE CONGRESS UNTIL UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES
ARE NO LONGER ENGAGED IN HOSTILTIES OR HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM
SUCH SITUATIONS.
REPORTING
A
FORD
SEC. 4. (A) IN THE ABSENCE OF A DECLARATION OF WAR, IN
ANY CASE IN WHICH UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES ARE INTRODUCED--
RALD
(1) INTO HOSTILITIES OR INTO SITUATIONS WHERE IMMINENT
INVOLVEMENT IN HOSTILTIES IS CLEARLY INDICATED BY THE CIRCUM-
STANCES:
(2) INTO THE TERRITORY, AIRSPACE OR WATERS OF A
FOREIGN NATION, 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
PSN:051493
PAGE 03
TOR:094/22:33Z
DTG:042139Z APR 75
SECRET
COPY
SECRET
*******S COPY
STATES ARMED FORCES EQUIPPED FOR COMBAT ALREADY LOCATED IN A
FOREIGN NATION:
THE PRESIDENT SHALL SUBMIT WITHIN 48 HOURS TO THE SPEAKER OF THE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND TO THE PREISDENT PRO TEMPORE OF
THE SENATE A REPORT, IN WRITING, SETTING FORTH-
(A) THE CIRCUMSTANCES NECESSITATING THE INTRODUCTION
OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES,
(B) THE CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY UNDER
WHICH SUCH INTRODUCTION TOOK PLACE: AND,
CCD THE ESTIMATED SCOPE AND DURATION OF THE HOSTILTIES
OR INVOLVEMENT.
(B) THE PRESIDENT SHALL PROVIDE SUCH OTHER INFORMATION AS
THE CONGRESS MAY REQUEST IN THE FULFILLMENT OF ITS CONSTITUTIONAL
RESPONSIBILITIES 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 PERIODICALLY ON THE STATUS OF SUCH
HOSTILITIES OR SITUATON AS WELL AS ON THE SCOPE AND DURATION
OF SUCH HOSTITLITIES OR SITUATION, BUT IN NO EVENT SHALL
HEI REPORT TO THE CONGRESS LESS OFTEN THAN ONCE EEVERY SIX
MONTHS,
1323
FORD OF LIBRA ERALD
PSN:051493
PAGE 04
OF 04
TOR:094/22:33Z
DTG:042139Z APR 75
SECRET
*******S COPY
Cable to Eastland
April 5, 1975
*******UFIED
WHITE HOUSE SITUATION ROOM
PAGE
MESSAGE ANOTATIONS:
40 MESSARE ANNOTATIONS
RESSAGE:
FLASH
DE RUEADWN #1901 9951238
Z 0502497 APR 75
FM THE WHITE HOUSE
TO SENATOR JAMES EASTLAND, DODDSVILLE, HISSISSIPPI
UNCLAS WH57526
THE MONORABLE JAMES EASTLANO
PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE
UNITED STATES SENATE,
FORD A RALD LIBRARY
DODOSVILLE, MISSISSIPPI
APRIL 4, 1975
AS YOU KNOW, LAST SATURDAY I DIRECTED UNITED STATES PARTICIPATION
IN AN 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 À NUMBER OF OTHER COUNTRIES WHO ARE
OFFERING PEOPLE, SUPPLIES AND VESSELS TO ASSTST TN 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 VIOLATIONS 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
(A) (2) OF THE WAR POWERS RESOLUTION (PUBLIC LAW 93-148),
Y 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 TASX, 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 TRANPORT THEM
******** NCLASSIFIE 0*******
N
C
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DATE 11/05/15
WHITE HOUSE SITUATION ROOM
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MESSAGE (CONTINUED):
TO SAFETY. MARINES IRE BFING DETAILED TO VESSELS
PARTICTPATING IN THE RESCUE MISSION. THE FIRST VESSEL ENTERED
SOUTH VIETNAY TERRITORIAL WATERS AT 9490 A.M, EDT ON
APRIL 3, 1975.
ALTHOUGH THESE FORCES ARE EQUIPPED FOR COMBAT WITHIN THE
MEANING OF SECTION 4(A) (2) OF PUBLIC LAN 93-148, THEIR SOLE
MISSION IS TO ASSIST IN THE EVACUATION INCLUDING THE MAINTENANCE
OF ORDER 0M 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 HUMANITARIAN 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 AUTHORTY
AS COMMANDER-1 CHIEF AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE IN THE CONDUCT OF
FOREIGN RELATIONS AND PURSHANT TO THE FOREIGN ASSISTANCE ACT OF
1951, AS AMENDED, WHICH AUTHORIZES HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE
TO REFUGES, CIVILIAN WAR CASUALTIES AND OTHER PERSONS
DISADVANTAGED BY HOSTILITES OR CONDITIONS RELATING TO
HOSTILITIES IN SOUTH VIETNAM.
YOU WILL APPRECIATE, I. AM SURE, NY DIFFICULTY TN TELLING YOU
PRECISFLY HOW LONG UNITED STATES FORCES MAY BE NEEDED IN THIS
EFFORT, CUR PRESENT ESTIMATE, HOWEVER, IS THAT THIS
OPERATION MAY INVOLVE THE PRESENCE OF UNITED STATES NAVAL
VESSELS TN VIETNAMESE WATERS FOR A PERIOD OF AT LEAST SEVERAL
WEEKS.
GERALD R. FORD
FORD A LIBRA RALE
PSM: 351823
TOR: 095/02:387
DTG: 758249Z APR
*******UNCLASSIFIED******* N
FOREIGN RELATIONS
REPORT S. 663
Calendar No.
(Norm-FIll in all blank lines except
those provided for the date, number of
report, and Calendar number.)
94 CONGRESS
I
REPORT
SENATE
1 SESSION
No.
-Ordered to be printed
Mr. Sparkmen
, from the Committee on
Foreign Relations
, submitted the following
REPORT
S. 663
[To accompany
J
The Committee on
Foreign Relations
,
bill
to which was referred the
jointeresolution
(
S. 663
)
to provide additional military assistance authorizations for
Cambodia for the fiscal year 1975, and for other purposes.
having considered the same, reports favorably thereon with *** an amendment( )
bill
and recommends that the
(as amended) do pass.
RALD 1917 A. FORD
P.12
as. GOVERNMENT PATIENT envies 00-190-1
-12-
that its original authorization for food aid included the entire amount
then requested by the Executive Branch and all but $10,000,000 of the
economic aid originally requested.
In recommending the provision of additional food aid the Committee
wishes to make a number of specific recommendations regarding the im-
plementation of the food aid and humanitarian relief program. The
Committee emphasizes that:
(1) food assistance should be furnished, to the maximum extent
practicable, under the auspices of and through international agencies
or private voluntary agencies. The Committee gave serious consideration
to an amendment offered by Senator Pell which would have required that
all future obligations for economic assistance be for aid through inter-
national agencies and voluntary organizations only. Although the Committee
strongly supported the objective of that proposal, it felt that the inter-
national and voluntary agencies were not prepared to assume the full
burden of distributing food and other humanitarian relief aid in Cambodia
at the present time. The Committee is aware of the heroic relief efforts
being carried out by the voluntary agencies in Phnom Penh and hopes that
American officials will help to insure the safe departure of their
personnel, including particularly their Cambodian national employees, from
the country in the event this becomes necessary. All possible assistance
should be rendered by the United States to encourage and assist the
personnel of the voluntary relief agencies.
FORD LIBRAB & RALE
Calendar No.
(Norm-Fill in all blank lines except
those provided for the date, number of
report, and Calendar number.)
94 CONGRESS
}
REPORT
SENATE
1 SESSION
No.
-Ordered to be printed
Mr. Sparkmen
, from the Committee on
Foreign Relations
, submitted the following
REPORT
S. 663
[To accompany
]
The Committee on
Foreign Relations
,
bill
to which was referred the
jointcresolutions
(
S. 663
)
to provide additional military assistance authorizations for
Cambodia for the fiscal year 1975, and for other purposes.
having considered the same, reports favorably thereon with *** an amendment( )
bill
and recommends that the
(as amended) do pass.
FORD
X
& RALD EL
P.12
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 60-120-h
-12-
that its original authorization for food aid included the entire amount
then requested by the Executive Branch and all but $10,000,000 of the
economic aid originally requested.
In recommending the provision of additional food aid the Committee
wishes to make a number of specific recommendations regarding the im-
plementation of the food aid and humanitarian relief program. The
Committee emphasizes that:
(1) food assistance should be furnished, to the maximum extent
practicable, under the auspices of and through international agencies
or private voluntary agencies. The Committee gave serious consideration
to an amendment offered by Senator Pell which would have required that
all future obligations for economic assistance be for aid through inter-
national agencies and voluntary organizations only. Although the Committee
strongly supported the objective of that proposal, it felt that the inter-
national and voluntary agencies were not prepared to assume the full
burden of distributing food and other humanitarian relief aid in Cambodia
at the present time. The Committee is aware of the heroic relief efforts
being carried out by the voluntary agencies in Phnom Penh and hopes that
American officials will help to insure the safe departure of their
personnel, including particularly their Cambodian national employees, from
the country in the event this becomes necessary. All possible assistance
should be rendered by the United States to encourage and assist the
personnel of the voluntary relief agencies.
FORD LIE TOTAL & 07
TEXT OF PRESI-
DENT'S MESSAGE TO
SPEAKER & President
Pro Tem
Please substitute this paragraph for your third paragraph of letter
to the Speaker:
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.
FORD
H
ALD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 4, 1975
Dear Mr. Speaker:
As you know, last Saturday I directed United States participation
in an 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
violations of the Agreement Ending the War and Restoring the
Peace in Vietnam by the North Vietnamese who have been con-
ducting 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.
FORD
-2- -
Although these forces are equipped for combat within the
meaning of Section 4 (a) (2) of Public Law 83-148, they are
under orders to avoid involvement in hostilities and
combat activities. Should a serious risk from hostilities
develop at a particular location, their orders require
that they withdraw, unless engaged in activities to save
the lives of U. S. citizens. The sole mission of the Marines
aboard the Task Group ships and the military sealift command
ships is to assist in maintaining order on board the ships
while receiving and transporting refugees.
As stated above, the purpose of the introduction of United
States naval vessels into Vietnamese waters is to assist in
an international humanitarian 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 humani-
tarian assistance to refugees, civilian war casualties and
other persons disadvantaged by hostilities or conditions
relating to hostilities in South Vietnam.
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.
R. 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
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.
FORD
-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.
/s/ GERALD R. FORD
FORD LIE