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News Clippings (1)
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1506016
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News Clippings (1)
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Charles E. Goodell Papers
Presidential Clemency Board Subject Files
subjects
President (1974-1977 : Ford). Presidential Clemency Board. 9/16/1974-9/15/1975
Amnesty
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The original documents are located in Box 8, folder "News Clippings (1)" of the Charles E.
Goodell Papers 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. Charles Goodell 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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.
Some items in this folder were not digitized because it contains copyrighted
materials. Please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library for access to
these materials.
Digitized from Box 8 of the Charles E. Goodell Papers at the
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Goodell
To Help
Outcasts
WASHINGTON (AP) -
Charles E. Goodell, who tried as
a senator to hasten the end of the
Vietnam war, has been sum-
moned from political exile to
help Vietnam-era outcasts return
to American society.
"I'm pleased to be back in a
position of some influence over
matters I feel' very deeply
about," Goodell said Monday as
he set to work as chairman of the
clemency review board created
under President Ford's con-
ditional amnesty program.
As an appointed senator from
New York, Goodell was a leading
Republican critic of war policy
during the first of
VOL.' CLXXXV NO. 16
Ford's Falcon
Ford's Falcon:
Don Rumsfeld Takes
Rumsfeld Takes Steps
Self-Assured Strides
To White House Hub
To White House Hub
Continued From Page One
ling is talking through his hat. When serving
Chief of Staff Assumes Role
in Brussels as ambassador to NATO, he
once cut off a high-ranking official in mid-
As Assistant President,
conversation. "Come back when we can do
it right,' he snapped.
But a Haldeman He Isn't
Now that he is at the White House, he
says, "It isn't my purpose to resolve ques-
Knocking Out Heavyweights
tions' but to ask them. Nor is it his job to
force decisions on Mr. Ford. After all, "I'm
not the President of the United States."
By DENNIS FARNEY.
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
GERALD
But Mr. Rumsfeld would very much like
to be President of the United States some-
WASHINGTON Whatever Donald
day, many associates believe. "I guess
Rumsfeld lacks, it isn't chutzpah-or a
that's no secret," a senior White House offi-
healthy measure of self-esteem.
cial says. "I've never assumed anything
Both qualities came shining through one
else. And you can't run for President as
day recently, when some reporters had Mr.
chief of staff, I would assume he'll go back
Rumsfeld/cornered in the White House Roo-
to Illinois in 1976 and run for governor."
sevelt room. They were trying, without no-
(Mr. Rumsfeld, a former investment bank-
table success, to discover just what this am-
er, represented a suburban Chicago district
bitious, sometimes-abrasive man is doing in
in Congress from 1963 through 1968, giving
his job as the President's chief of staff. Mr.
up the safe seat in 1969 to head the Office
Rumsfeld replied that he is only doing what
of Economic Opportunity for Richard Nix-
the President wants him to do.
on.)
But what does the President want?" a
Confronted with this theory, Mr. Rums-
newsman persisted.
feld looks a questioner straight in the eye
Me, Donald Rumsfeld replied.
and
Doing
With Charity for Few
The Presidential Clemency Board,
this approach. "I'm not terribly sym-
By Anthony Lewis
under the chairmanship of former Sen-
pathetic to someone who escaped pros-
ator Charles E. Goodell, deals only
ecution by accident," he said. Our
WASHINGTON-Joe Smith avoided
with men who have already been pun-
feeling is that somebody ought not to
the draft during the Vietnam war but
ished-as deserters or draft evaders.
get what amounts to unconditional
does not know whether he technically
The board keeps all information in
amnesty merely because he has not
broke the law or, if he did, whether
confidence, and no one who approach-
been detected."
the Government has any case against
es it can end up any worse off. Its
In that comment Mr. Fine inadvert-
him. He is living a quiet life in Indiana
function is to recommend conditional
ently exposed the fallacy in the whole
now, but he worries that some day he
or absolute pardons.
Ford clemency program. That is the
could be prosecuted. If he does face
-The Defense Department handles the
notion that a fundamentaly inequi-
that, he might rather take up Presi-
cases of military personnel who went
table situation can be cured by ad hoc
dent Ford's clemency program. So he
AWOL and were never caught or pun-
decisions for or against a few men.
decides to ask the Justice Department
ished. It has a final list of 12,500 such
There never was any equity in the
what his status is.
men and will tell anyone whether he
way the law treated those who did
The department finds that he was
is on the list without his risking being
not want to fight in Vietnam. By far
never indicted or made the subject of
added to it. A man can wipe out his
the largest number got off legally, by
an active investigation. But having
fear of capture and punishment by
luck or because they had better advice
been alerted by Joe Smith's question,
coming in and, in a day, getting an
or were more articulate or were rich
it looks into his record at Selective
undesirable discharge. Of the 12,500,
enough to go to college. Of those not
Service. If the investigation turns up
some 2,200 have so far come in.
legally exempted, many slipped quietly
The Justice Department deals with
through the system. Only a few be-
For vets, a new amnesty battle
"It's like a bad dream that never
simply means a continuing hell for vet-
ends. First there was Vietnam, then
MEREDITH WEBB
erans of the Vietnam War. Now that
there was my bad discharge for seven
President Carter has amnestied draft
years, then the day after I get my dis-
resisters, veterans with less-than-hon-
charge upgraded I see on the news that
discharge-upgrading process. The old
orable discharges stand to be the pun-
the House of Representatives just voted
process was handled by Discharge Re-
ished or forgotten political refugees of
to deny my benefits."
view boards, set up by Congress in 1944
this nation's most unpopular war. They
to correct "errors and injustices," and
are angry and frustrated not only at an
operated under no published standards,
economic climate that denies them jobs
This was the response of a Boston-
making it highly arbitrary. If, when his
and adequate social services, but at a
area Vietnam vet whose discharge was
case is reopened, it is determined that a
political climate that makes it nearly
recently upgraded under President
veteran would not have received bene-
impossible for them to tell their stories
Carter's Special Discharge Review Pro-
gram (SDRP), but whose veteran's ben-
fits under the old process, any benefits
or to counter the rhetoric of a Congress
efits may be jeopardized by legislation
granted by Carter's program will be
and a President still apparently judg-
taken away.
ing the merits of the war.
passed last Thursday by Congress.
Three legislative initiatives, all of them
Barry Lynn, associate for Policy Ad--
The greatest fear of veterans-sup-
including some provisions punitive to
vocacy of the United Church of Christ's
port groups across the country is that
veterans, went through various stages
the public will forget them, and that
Washington office, who has been work-
of consideration and compromise this
that neglect will make retaliatory legis-
ing on this and similar legislation for
summer. The Senate finally agreed on a
lation easier to pass through the Con-
three months, expects that in fully half
bill which will be sent to President
of the 30,000 cases benefits will be res-
gress. The great flurry of publicity
Carter this week.
which surrounded the Ford and Carter
cinded.
clemency programs is over, and many
In a compromise with Democrat Ray
The second major provision of the
people seem to feel the amnesty prob-
is completely resolved. For some
Goodell Asserts Amnesty Plan
Should Be Revived and Widened
By RICHARD D. LYONS
Special to The New York Times
WASHINGTON, Jan. 15
I
House Judiciary Committee
Charles E. Goodell, former
that would reduce further the
chairman of the Presidential
legal liabilities of men who
Clemency Board, called today
did not register for the draft,
on President Ford and Congress
deserted their military units
to reopen and widen the pro-
or went AWOL. The bill would
gram to aid Vietnam war resis-
give almost unconditional clem-
ters and draft evaders.
ency to anyone in these groups
He noted the sharp rise in
who chose to sign a declaration
the number of applicants for
the he was against the war.
the program in the last two
"This would be an open invi-
months of its life of six and
tation to lying," Mr. Goodell
one-half months and said that
said.
if the program were reopened,
Asked about the possibility
many more men would apply.
that a monority report would
The application period ended
be filed by the four men on
last April 1.
the Clemency Board who had
declined to sign the 19-member
has not lost interest in the clemency is
sue. What concerns him is the fact tha
the overwhelming majority of dese
Clemency Board
tion cases were the result of persona
problems.
L
AST SEPTEMBER, President
"The ones that bother me the mos
Ford's Clemency Board went out of
are those who served with great di
existence. But the issue of pardons or
tinction in Vietnam, came back and go
amnesty for Vietnam draft resisters or
in trouble and went AWOL," he say
deserters did not. Only a small fraction
Many who were wounded are no longe
of those accused of draft or military of-
eligible for medical benefits. That's
fenses sought help from the board.
mistake, he says.
In January, former New York Sen.
But Goodell says he does not favo
Charles Goodell, head of the clemency
general amnesty, although, "I ma
board, said the number of undecided
come to that if we find no other polit
cases made it essential that some kind
cally acceptable solution."
Jack Anderson
LIBRARY
The Clemency Board: 'A Bureaucratic Vietnam ORD
GERALD
Just eight days after President Ford
Despite a sudden surge of applica-
They produced a final report that our
posed to improve the veteran's chance
pardoned Richard Nixon for his Water-
tions, he rejected a request for another
sources describe simply as a "white-
of eventually gaining an honorable dis-
gate crimes, the President established a
extension and closed down the board.
wash." As evidence, they have shown
charge from the Pentagon. Yet our
clemency board to offer similar charity
Of 113,337 eligible for clemency, only
us copies of the suppressed draft re-
sources say the Pentagon brass look
to the draft dodgers and deserters of
21,729 applied before the deadline. The
ports.
with scorn upon the clemency dis-
the Vietnam War.
program ended in failure, therefore,
From several sources, we have also
charges. The practical effect has been
"He promised at an Oval Office cere-
with 91,608 Vietnam violators still con-
pieced together the story of how the
to make it more difficult for the veter-
mony in September 1974 that the new
signed to purgatory.
clemency program was mishandled.
ans to upgrade their discharges.
board would bind up the nation's
The President, under increasing fire
Here are the highlights:
-The clemency board promised ap-
wounds and would offer the Vietnam
from the right wing of his own party,
-The board unanimously recom-
plicants that they could comment on
violators an opportunity "to earn their
had become uneasy over the clemency
mended honorable discharges for
the case summaries before they were
return to the mainstream of American
program. He wanted to wind it up, ac-
scores of servicemen who went AWOL
submitted to the board. These summa-
society."
cording to White House sources, with a
after heroic service in Vietnam. The
ries were used by the board members
For the next year, the board became
report that would appease its conserva-
board also urged upgrading the dis-
to help them judge the cases. We have
bogged down in a jungle of red tape.
tive critics.
charges of servicemen who deserted
established, however, that the board
The Vietnam outcasts found them-
The staff produced draft reports,
their military units after being injured.
usually made decisions before giving
selves caught in a sort of bureaucratic
however, that contained blistering crit-
Ex-Sen. Charles Goodell (R-N.Y.) per-
the applicants a chance to respond.
Vietnam, complete with the in-fighting,
icisms of the Selective Service system.
sonally presented these recommenda-
When some applicants learned about
WASHINGTON
GLICK
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
"Why should we forgive them just because they were
right about the war? Lord knows, nobody's for-
given us for being wrong about it!"
Distributed by the Los Angeles Times SYNDICATE
JAN2 6 1972
THE CITY POLITIC
BY RICHARD REEVES
CABINETMAKING
"Charlie, you got me into this and
now you're going to have to help me
get out of it in one piece."
Gerald Ford telephoned Charles Goo-
dell on the day. ten months ago, when
he was named vice-president. "Poor
Charlie Goodell," he was being called
behind his back in those days. He had
been crushed, politically and person-
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
ally, a year earlier by a Nixon White
House plot directed by Charles Colson,
and nothing had gone quite right since
-Goodell had been in and out of a
couple of law firms and- had fooled
around with the defense of Daniel Ells-
berg; he had fumbled around the edges
of New York politics, thinking of run-
ning for Congress, maybe as a Republi-
can, maybe as a Democrat, in Manhat-
ROBERT Grossman
tan, in Brooklyn, in his old home town
of Jamestown; he had personal prob-
to Topeka when he's going to Los
back and, within weeks, was hiring
lems that were eating him up, and he
Angeles, just to keep in practice. He's
almost all the minority staff. Ford was
scemed to have lost the self-confidence
also the kind of man who publicly pro-
soon running the Republicans on tele-
that had carried him through ten years
poses Nelson Rockefeller as Ford's vice-
vision and Laird was running them,
in the House and two years as an ap-
president, then leaves his many fans to
and Ford, everyplace else.
pointed U.S. senator.
figure out whether he means it or is
Friends say that Ford. a notoriously
You never know. Last week Goodell
just setting up Rocky to be picked
slow learner, did learn his lesson when
was on his way to the cabinet or the
apart by the Republican right wing. It's
Goodell and Griffin clued him in and
White House staff-there was a chance
vintage Laird-if Rockefeller makes it,
helped cut Laird back to size. We shall
he would be President Ford's replace-
Laird gets the credit; if Rockefeller is
see, but hints from the first week of
ment for Caspar Weinberger as secre-
nibbled to death, Laird gets the credit.
the Ford administration were encour-
tary of health, education and welfare
Laird, Goodell, and Robert Griffin
aging for anyone who is leery of Laird
or even for William Saxbe as attorney
were three very ambitious, very smart,
-and that should include most people
general.
and very shrewd young congressmen
from outside the Midwest who doubt
mine foir
in 1064.
that the Den montry in the chesen
13 Defend
Unit's Action
On Clemency
By George C. Wilson
Washington Post Staff Writer
"It sho
"There were never any pre-
majority
determined philosophies" that
"that th
decided whether draft dodgers
mended <
or desertèrs received clem-
B-8 TheWashington Star
the milit
ency from President Ford. 13
fenses o
of the 18 members of the Pres-
idential Clemency Board de-
Each cas
clared yesterday.
Goodell Has
vidually
The two-page statement was
never ar
prompted by the board's ml.
nority report, released last
Praise From
philosop
members
week, which charged that the
cases.
board was dominated by an
"anti-war, amnesty-oriented"
His Majority
"We, a
Preside:
majority that was too easy on
Board, a
men who had dodged the draft
By Orr Kelly
we've do
or had deserted from the mili-
Washington Star Staff Writer
with who
tary.
Retired Marine Gen. Lewis
Charles E. Goodell and
We since
W. Walt released the monority
the staff of the Clemency
who held
report signed by himself and
Board have been warmly
individua
members through the Veter-
commended in a statement
times, al
ans of Foreign Wars headquar-
by the majority of the
the oppo
three other clemency board
board.
those vie
ters here. The 10-page paper
The praise for Goodell,
also criticized board chairman
who was chairman of the
IN 95
Charles E. Goodell for sway-
board, and the staff, was in
cases, th
ing the majority to take steps
sharp contrast to a critical
the boar
in the name of amnesty that
minority report issued last
on wheth
were allegedly "unethical"
week by retired Marine
ency, bu
and bordered on being illegal.
Gen. Lewis Walt and three
quently C
In their meeting Saturday
other members of the
ing the ne
Clemency Program
On Draft Resisters
Defended on Board
WASHINGTON, Sept. 22
(UPI)-The majority of the 18-
member Presidential Clemency
Board today defended the
board's year-long effort to re-
concile Vietnam-era draft resis-
ters and military deserters
member minority.
"In the executive order of
Sept 16, 1974, the President
indicated his hope was to heal
the wounds of a very difficult
and trying time in America's
history," the 13-member major-
ity said. "As members of the
board we are deeply gratified
to have been participants in
that mission and feel that our
actions and recommendations
will serve to accomplish that
goal and to help rehabilitate
many persons back into the
of
society."
Clemency Board Hit
By of Its Members
By DON HIRST
veterans to express their oppo-
only.a few applicants with felony
sition to the Vietnam War' would
convictions have received
Times Stall Writer
be a gross disservice to the
favorable presidential action so
WASHINGTON --- The actions
President," the report states.
far.
of the Presidential Clemency
During the days of the nine-
The report also scored the
Board have drawn fire from four
practice of making drug use "a
board members, including re-
possible qualification for mitiga-
tired Marine Corps Gen. Lewis
Ford Praises
tion" while ruling it out as an
W. Walt.
aggravating factor.
In a 10-page report delivered
Board's Work
"This change from the nine-
to the White House September
member board policy again was
17, Walt and three others who
strenuously objected to by the
represented a minority view-
WASHINGTON - President
constantly 'out-voted' minority,"
point criticized the 18-member
Ford, in signing an executive
the report says.
PCB on a number of points,
order ending the clemency
Another area that drew criti-
including:
program, praised the Presi-
cism in the minority report cen-
dential Clemency Board for
Trying to distort the mean-
tered on the recycling of
its diligence in reconciling
ing of the clemency discharge;
numerous "tough decision" (i.e.
opponents of the Vietnam
Recommending presidential
no clemency) cases decided by
War. Ford also said the pro-
pardons and clemency for appli-
the original nine-member board.
gram had helped "many de-
cants who had multiple felony
This was done by submitting
serving young Americans"
convictions;
them either to "a more amnesty-
find their place in society.
Taking jurisdiction over
motivated panel or to the full
applicants "whose discharges
board to gain a more favorable
were obviously not precipitated
decision on behalf of the appli-
in the main by awol/desertion
member board, applicants with
cant." the report said.
type offenses;"
offenses such as awol from com-
Although the PCB had a peak
Recycling cases where clem-
bat, combat refusals, multiple
staff of more than 600, only one
ency was not recommended to
and long awols and civilian felo-
secretary was assigned for all of
gain a more favorable decision;
ny convictions normally received
the 18 board members, the re-
votes of no clemency, the report
port says. It also says that during
According to the report, much
says.
July, "the board's busiest
of the problem stemmed from
Under the expanded board,
month," more than 160 employ-
the time the board was expand-
however, clemency recommenda-
ees could not be accounted for
ed from nine to 18 members. The
tions were forwarded to the
during an afternoon headcount
original PCB represented a fair
White House in these cases, the
by the personnel director.
balance of liberal, middle-of-the-
report says. A spokesman for
In conclusion, the report said
road and conservative views,
Walt said more than 2000 appli-
the actions of the expanded PCB
they said, but the expanded
cants have felony convictions
"could greatly discredit" the
board became more amnesty-
and that about 98 percent of
program "in the eyes of the
oriented.
them have been recommended
American public." It also ex-
for clemency.
pressed the hope that turning
"The unilateral revision of the
But Walt contacted the White
over the program to the Justice
President's program from a
House about the felons issue. As
Department will insure that
middle-of-the-road clemency
a result these cases are submit-
"only those applicants who de-
program into an amnesty-orient-
ted in a separate packet, Walt's
serve the (clemency) discharge"
ed program was effected pri-
spokesman said. Reportedly,
receive one.
marily by expansion of the origi-
nal nine-member board "
the
report says. "Some of the new
members did not have the ma-
Panel's Job Ends;
turity, experience and broad
spectrum of views which
characterized the original board
Results Questioned
and which we believe represents
the cross-section of the general
public. The more liberal 18-
By a Times Staff Writer
member board then proceeded,
WASHINGTON - The Clemency board established by Presi-
many times unknowingly and
dent Ford to give Vietnam-era military deserters and draft
under the influence of the Chair-
evaders an opportunity to clear their records has come to an
man Sen Charles Goo-
end.
C
35
assume you in The Times.
Now You See It
That means that if Mr. Nixon were to
ABROAD AT HOME
die next week, the tapes would be
destroyed even though some were es-
sential to pending criminal cases. After
By Anthony Lewis
Sept. 1, 1979, he may order any spe-
cific tapes destroyed.
BOSTON, Sept. 15-The controversy
saw
By such provisions Mr. Nixon could
over the pardon has until just now
achieve in disgrace what he could not
kept attention away from a related
in office-the frustration of the spe-
matter: the agreement made with
cial prosecution force. For it needs ac-
Richard M. Nixon on the handling of
cess to the Nixon White House file
the papers and tapes accumulated
not only for the forthcoming cover-up
while he was in the White House. It
prosecution and other cases but for the
is an astonishing legal document.
final report that it must make to
When Mr. Nixon left, President Ford
Congress,
Les
and his Government had custody of
Some information on the crimes and
FORD LIBRARY & GERALD
the materials. Mr. Nixon had a claim
abuses of power that most deeply con-
of title in due course, but in the mean-
cern the public may be found only in
time officials could get at the files in
those Nixon files. There are, for ex-
the White House as needed for public
ample, the attempts to misuse the
business.
Internal Revenue Service, the secret
Now those necessary rights of offi-
wiretapping and the activities of the
sial control and ------ have hasp ----
-
James A.
Wechsler
AMNESTY LTD.
President Ford's sadly flawed program for "conditional
amnesty" can ultimately serve a serious national purpose.
Senetn Carl reading
Its inequities and inconsistencies may demonstrate, perhaps
sooner than many now imagine, the case for Congressional
enactment of an unconditional amnesty by a margin suffi-
cient to insure acceptance by the White House.
The hard truth is that the very limited Ford formula
probably reflects majority sentiment in the country at this
moment. But that attitude may already be in the process of
change as a result of resentment over the Nixon pardon.
Even some who have opposed any outstretched hand to
the war resisters, draft evaders and the bearers of dis-
honorable discharge are visibly uneasy over the contrasting
benevolence accorded Nixon for both recorded and unknown
offenses by the White House.
Indeed, if Ford initially thought the special dispensa-
tions for Nixon and his grudging war amnesty terms could
be sold to the country as a kind of mellow package deal, he
may have produced exactly the reverse result. The apparent
linkage has underlined the issue of unequal justice.
Such questions will be multiplied as it becomes clear
that the clemency conditions he laid down create glaring
injustices and open up many new wounds.
*
*
*
Some of the loopholes and contradictions have already
come to light; such weaknesses were probably inherent in
any attempt to devise a program of restricted amnesty in
U.S news of World Report
8/19/74
the old-fashioned virtues that people are
is no way to put a chink in his armor. He
he had become known as a civic leader.
still interested in.
has been one of our best campaigners."
He challenged the incumbent Congress-
"Jerry Ford has a lot of the character-
The beginning. Mr. Ford, a football
man-a staunch isolationist-and won a
istics of Eisenhower."
hero at the University of Michigan in the
hard-fought primary. In that contest,
Republicans already are looking to Mr.
early 1930s and a veteran of nearly four
Mr. Ford was helped by Democrats and
Ford to reinvigorate their party. "He's
years' service in the Navy during World
local labor-union officials, including
Mr. Clean," said Representative Robert
War II, launched his political career in
H. Michel, of Illinois. He added: "There
1948. While a lawyer in Grand Rapids,
Leonard Woodcock, then regional BRART head
(continued on next page)
FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES WHOSE TIES
One of the President's long-time
WITH THE PRESIDENT GO BACK A LONG WAY
political associates is rated particu-
larly close and was brought to
Washington after Mr. Ford be-
Most of President Gerald Ford's
came Vice President:
friends and informal advisers-the
Philip A. Buchen, an attorney in
people he has looked to in the past
Grand Rapids, Mich., the Presi-
for help in intraparty squabbles, or
dent's home town, was named ex-
for company during an afternoon
ecutive director of the Committee
on a golf course or an evening of
on the Right of Privacy within the
conversation-have longtime ties
White House in March, 1974. Mr.
to Congress or the business com-
Buchen calls himself "a slightly
munity.
more liberal Republican" than Mr.
Those men on or near Capitol
Elford Cederberg
Melvin R. Laird
Ford. Many in Grand Rapids de-
Hill who come nearest to qualify-
scribe him as the closest local
ing as cronies entered Congress
associate of the new President.
about the time Mr. Ford did after
Another group of Ford acquain-
World War II. He frequently re-
tances generally see him in infor-
lied on them for advice and aid as
mal surroundings, notably on the
a Representative and as Vice
golf course, where he likes to un-
President, and is expected to
wind. Mr. Ford usually plays on
maintain the friendships now.
courses in suburban Washington
Especially helpful were the
and does not claim to be very
"young Turks" allied with him 10
good. Among this latter group:
years ago when he successfully
John W. Byrnes
Charles E. Goodell
William G. Whyte, U.S. Steel
challenged the established Repub-
vice president in charge of the
lican House leadership and was
Many friends and advisers of the President
company's Washington operations,
elected Minority Leader. Among
are men with whom he served in Congress.
has been a longtime friend on and
those Mr. Ford has kept close to-
off the golf course. He notes that
rus
THE NEW YORK TIMES, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 1974
C
23
Saxbe Seeks Report This Week on Legal Precedents for Amnesty
By LINDA CHARLTON
Kastenmeier, Democrat of Wis-
my Presidency into the scales
criticism of Mr. Ford, said:
of the 50 states, was introduced and that the sentiment to reaf-
Special to The New York Times
consin, today applauded Presi-
of justice on the side of leni-
We sustain total opposition
Sunday at a meeting of the
firm the organization's position
WASHINGTON, Aug. 20-At-
dent Ford's statement,
ency."
to both general and selective
organization's Committee on
torney General William B.
A subcommittee staff member
amnesty for draft dodgers and
National Security and Foreign
was "just as strong or strong-
'Work Way Bak'
Affairs, prior to Mr. Ford's ad-
er" than It had been.
said, however, that Mr. Ford's
military deserters" who should
Saxbe, after conferring with
The President said that he
be required to stand trial for
dress.
"There was no attempt to be
Secretary of Defense James R.
proposal would make no dif-
continued to oppose "uncondi-
their crimes and shall pay such
Ray Gallagher of Redfield,
critical of President Ford," Mr.
ference to the status of the
Schlesinger at the White House
legislation. Mr. Kastenmeier
tional blanket amnesty" but
penalties upon conviction as
S.D., the committee chairman,
Gallagher said. "We are ex-
today, ordered a Justice De-
partment study group to have
had said earlier that he hoped
added that he foresaw the time
the laws prescribe."
said that he reconvened the
pressing our position. vocally
committee today in light of the
to any shift on amnesty and
to have an amnesty plan ready
when those who refused to
"something in hand" by the end
to be presented early in the
fight in the Vietnam war would
Submitted Sunday
President's remarks yesterday
hopefully to him."
of the week on President Ford's
"work their way back" to full
The resolution adopted by
plan for leniency for draft
next session of Congress.
Henry Schwarzschild, head
citizenship and attain "earned
the 1.8-million-member veter-
evaders and deserters.
of the American Civil Liberties
re-entry into a new atmosphere
ans group concluded with an
Environmental Resources
The document, nearly 300
A Justice Department spokes-
of hope, hard work and mutual
expression of "our total com-
Of Nassau County Analyzed
pages long, involves recommen-
man said that Mr. Saxbe and
Union's project on amnesty
trust.
mitment to pursue the "no am-
dations concerning conserva-
Mr. Schlesinger met this morn-
called Mr. Ford's statement "a
welcome break with the venge-
The V.F.W. resolution today
nesty doctrine" through our
Special to The New York Times
tion, pollution control, noise
ing at the Oval Office ceremo-
in effect reaffirmed the
membership to the Congress
MINEOLA, L.I., Aug. 20
ful posture of his predecessor,
abatement, sewage disposal,
nies at which President Ford
organization's opposition to
and to the American people
study to determine the extent
announced his choice of former
but it is only a first step
energy, water supply and oil
granting any form of amnesty
and to be firm in our stand not
of air pollution in Nassau
spillage and exploration.
Viet amnesty decision delayed
Chicago Daily News 9/9/74
Ford still
FORD (AND
Democrats
studying
issue: aide
ROCKY
assail pardon
the
By William J. Eaton
the
WASHINGTON (UPI)-
Of Our Washington Bureau
President Ford has postponed
indefinitely his expected an-
NEW
WASHINGTON - Rep. Jerome R. Waldie (D-Calif.
Monday that former President Richard M. Nixon shou
nouncement of a plan to grant
summoned as a witness before the House Judiciary
conditional amnesty to draft
an
said Monday.
ELECTIONS
mittee to tell the story of Watergate under oath.
evaders and military desert-
ers, a White House spokesman
And Rep. Don Edwards (D-Calif.), like Waldie a me
26,
of the Judiciary Committee, said the House leade
ild-
IMMOR
should meet immediately to decide whether to resum
John W. Hushen, deputy
impeachment process.
White House press secretary,
Waldie, an early advocate of Nixon's impeachment,
hief
said events of the past week -
President Ford's pardon of Nixon means that the Ame
leading up to - Ford's pardon
boy
of former President Nixon -
has not allowed the President
to focus on the question of am-
INACCEPT.
Full coverage inside
nesty for war resisters.
Press secretary terHorst first Ford dropout. Page 2
Asked if the Nixon pardon
was "More urgent" than the
The big fix-Ford-style. Mike Royko, Page 3
of
question of amnesty, Hushen
Illinois AFL-CIO rips pardon. Page 3
she
said: "That seems a con-
Behind scenes of Nixon pardon. Insight, Page 5
clusion you can draw."
be-
A-DE
Missing element: no proven offense to forgive. Page
Ford first proposed condi-
be
tionel empects in o speech, be-
Pardon puts taint on Ford. Jesse savs. Page 8
An oath for officials
Friday, Sept. 13, 1974
Philadelphia Inquirer
The U. S. is guilty-not the draft dodgers
By DAVID WESLEY BROWN
ingness. I will sign, only if every mem-
I am a war resister, one of those
ber of Congress, every Pentagon official,
whose lives could be directly affected by
every State Department official con-
amnesty or lack of amnesty. Never mind
nected with Southeast Asia, the Presi-
dent, the entire White House staff and all
that I am one of nearly half a million re-
sisters so far ignored by the "earned re-
Presidential advisers, and every U. S.
entry" proposals. If nothing else,
judge and justice, will also sign an oath,
"earned re-entry" is a harbinger of my
similar to the following:
own fate, and I respond to it very per-
"I hereby reaffirm my allegiance to
sonally.
United States and international law des-
President Ford's initial proposal was
cribing and prohibiting war crimes and
nothing out of the ordinary. His plan, to
other crimes against humanity, and to
eschew legal action against draft resist-
the Nuremburg principles enunciating
ers and military absentees who assent
the responsibility of all officials to ob-
to some term of civilian service, had
serve those laws regardless of orders to
been advanced by others.
the contrary. Accordingly, I hereby un-
If President Ford enacts this proposal
dertake, pledging the utmost effort to the
it would be unacceptable because of its
limits of my courage and endurance, to
"service" requirement - really alterna-
"I) Refuse to participate in any war
tive punishment - and because it ignores
crimes or other crimes against human-
the bulk of resisters. But it did have the
ity;
virtue of familiarity, which meant that
"II) Resist any attempt by the gov-
the ----- :- excused in -- were
ernment of the United States or ony of
why Nixon got pardon
RARI
is lingering 9-15-74 question
By Finlay Lewis
Those within the White
Staff Correspondent
Analysis
House who argued against
the immediate pardon
Washington, D.C.
were Buchen and Robert
Philip Buchen, President
So far as is known, Mr.
Hartmann, presidential
Ford's top White House
Ford consulted the barest
counselor, he said.
lawyer, probably said it
handful of political asso-
best.
ciates whose judgment he
This informant also
trusts. And, according to
argued that Mr. Ford was
"There has always been a
one long-time friend, he
the victim of a "cold and
separate category of mer-
went against their advice.
calculated scheme to take
cy," Buchen said, "that we
know has never been
"All the Ford people were
Pardon
equally dispensed and we
against it," said the friend.
Continued on page 10A
know that it is an act of
Thousands Already Granted Amnesty' in Court
By Robert Joffee
tion and military service
lawyers familiar with draft short prison sentence or processing or record keep-
Special to The ashington Post
even after indictment by a
litigation.
none at all He puts them on
ing
SAN FRANCISCO Al-
federal grand jury Another
The President this week
probation Saxbe said, "We
Some deserters the
though President Ford has
4,400 men convicted of
is expected to announce de-
draft evasion found relative
tails of an "earned re-entry'
can't make it any tougher
Pentagon says it does not
vowed that he will not grant
know how many but esti-
lenience from judges who
policy that reportedly would
than that.
unconditional amnesty, thou
mates run into the hundreds
sands of draft evaders and
sentenced them to proba-
require war resisters to
However, the Attorney
-also escaped prosecution
spend six to 24 months do
tion rather than prison.
General did not discuss pro-
some deserters have already
because Selective Service
ing alternative service.
secutions that have been
received the equivalent of
Several hundred desert-
errors or military record
On Aug. 29. Attorne
such
treatment
A6
Monday, Sept. 16, 1974
THE WASHINGTON POST
Thousands of War Resisters Have Gained Form of Amnesty
AMNESTY, From A1
fendants who did face induc- Jeremy H. Mott, a Chicago- 000 to 10,000, but some Cana- sistant U.S. Attorney, here in sentences involving only pro-
More often, however, the
who've been gone for three
tion were subsequently dis-
based draft counselor for the
dian observers place it at 40,000 the late 1960s, recalled that he
bation and the promise of al-
before turning themselves
commander of the military
years or more get out of the
qualified for service on
Central Committee for Consci-
or higher. The Justice De-
personally prosecuted "several
ternative civilian service.
in.
entious Objectors (CCCO), es-
post to which a deserter re-
service in less than two weeks.
"physical, psychological, or
partment says 3,000 of the ex-
hundred" draft evasion cases.
"It depended entirely on
According to the Adminis-
moral grounds." Still, their in-
timates that there are now
iles are draft evaders under
At that time, he said, it was
what judge you got," Sloan
turns does have jurisdiction;
Chapter 10 dischages are ad-
trative Office of the U.S.
dictments were dropped, he
"thousands" of other draft
indictment in the United
possible for a man from any-
said, "and it was grossly un-
and some commanders are far
ministrative discharges which
Courts, 21,500 draft evasion
said.
evaders still at large, "whom
States, and the Pentagon
where in the country to trans-
fair."
more lenient than others. One
can be granted at a command-
cases have been concluded in
The fact that 20 to 30 per
the Justice Department has
maintains that an additional
fer his draft orders to the
The disposition of deserters'
the last 10 years. with 8.400-
cent of: the cases were dis.
declined to prosecute but who
1.600 exiles are deserters.
civilian attorney (who asked
ing officer's discretion "for
Oakland induction center and
cases. also depended on the
United States Senate
MEMORANDUM
10/15/74
TO: CHARLIE
FROM: BRIAN
FYI
Brian might
nike This? 1 Jean
Birghometor Press
Tues.. Sept. 17, 1974 PRES
Ford Sticks to Loyalty Route in Picking Goodell Rohn
Send to CE&
By PETER BEHR
Goodell. it will be remem- the liberal and moderate voter with him by telephone and plotter. was the mavericks
Rockefeller to the Senate af-
J.
CERRA
Gannett News Service
bered. had left his seat as an
with his Democratic opponent.
seek his advice.
choice to lead their movement
ter Robert Kennedy's assassi-
WASHINGTON-President influential Republican con-
permitting the third candidate
When Goodell opened a
because he had so few
warehouse SALES
nation.
Ford and Charles E. Goodell, gressman from conservative
in the race. Conservative
Washington. D.C., law firm
enemies.
who will head Ford's new upstate New York to replace
James L. Buckley. to win.
this year. Ford - then vice
By choosing Goodell. Ford
Clemency Review Board. are
Robert F. Kennedy in the Sen-
Since his 1970 defeat, Goo-
president- was the principal
But while Ford moved to ce-
demonstrates again the im-
one of the true odd couples of ate.
dell has practiced law. written
ornament at Goodell's office
ment his ties with all House
portance he places on person-¹
American politics.
Goodell abruptly shifted po-
a book that sympathetically
reception. Their friendship
Republicans. Goodell was con-
al loyalty,
Los Angeles Times 9/17/74
Ford's Program for
Amnesty Unveiled,
Quickly Attacked
BY RUDY ABRAMSON
Times Staff:Writer
WASHINGTON-President Ford
announced Monday a controversial
plan for Vietnam deserters and draft
evaders to earn official forgiveness
by working for up to two years at
low-paying jobs in behalf of "nation-
W. Past 9/17
Amnesty Terms Detailed
Clemency Offered
By Carroll Kilpatrick
Washington Post Staff Writer
$
President Ford. yesterday offered
clemency to Vietnam war-era violators
in exchange for up: to 24 months of
alternate service and a. pledge of
allegiance.
At a ceremony in his office, the
for
President unveiled a program that he
said would permit draft evaders and
deserters to "earn their return to the
BERALD R. FORD LIBRARY
mainstream 1 of American society."
The President's ruling, which he said
had proved to be "an immensely hard
and complicated matter," marks the
first offer of limited amnesty since
the Korean War-and the first major
grant since World War II.
TRANSMITTAL MEMO
FROM
ROBERT C. LILIENTHAL
To
Charlie
DATE 9-17-74
For your information
Please reply and
copy me
Your comments, please
Review and reply
to
Review and call me
Review and forward
to
Review and file
Attach previous
correspondence and
Review and return to me
return to me
comments/reply
the evening poper 1
with your article !
Will keep you
posted! Regads Bab
Form PT-10 The Drawing Board. Inc. Box 505. Dallas. Texas
in state history.
-
Wilson is one of the most interest-
ing candidates in the nation this fall
Goodell Believes in Military Obligation
Miracle Bean
By RON MASELKA
Pentagon, Selective Service and
Gov. Rockefeller to serve the re-
News Washington Bureau
White House officials and he expects
mainder of the Senate term of the
WASHINGTON-The career of
In fields and laboratories
the board itself will hold its first
late Robert F. Kennedy, stressed
around the globe, research con-
former New York Sen. Charles E.
meeting within a week to formulate
that he has always felt that an indi-
tinues into everything from
Goodell was touched by poignant,
guidelines and name a staff.
vidual had an obligation of military
miracle rice and such hybrid ce-
unmistakable irony this week.
He predicted there will be some
service to his country.
reals as triticale to ways of ex-
The Vietnam War, the same
"interesting interaction" among the
"Those W ho because of con-
tracting nourishment from fish
controversial issue that helped
board members, who include former
science felt they could not serve," he
meal and grass to help offset
squelch his senatorial career in
U.S. Civil Rights Commission
added, "now have an opportunity to
the malnutrition and starvation
1970, has helped propel him back
Chairman Rev. Theodore Hesburgh
discharge that obligation in a way
afflicting a third of the world's
and retired Marine Gen. Lewis Walt.
completely in harmony with their
into the national spotlight.
population.
The task ahead is a delicate one.
conscience
The Jamestown Republican,
Canadian farmers are culti-
whose electoral defeat four years
Goodell feels that if the panel is
vating fababeans, formerly
ago was largely attributed to his
united it could be "a potent force."
THE CLEMENCY BOARD is ex-
scorned as horsebeans. A
dove-like opposition to the Nixon
If deep divisions arise, he ac-
pected to give priority consideration
recently-developed variety of
Administration's war policies, was
knowledged, "we will have prob-
to imprisoned draft evaders (releas-
fababean contains up to 33 per
named chairman of the nine-member
lems.
ed on furloughs this week).
cent protein-more than is
Clemency Board President Ford
"I had hoped," Goodell said,
Courier Express
Vol. CXL No 59
Buffalo, NY
Tuesday, September 17,197
(front page)
President Gerald R. Ford
Rep. Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill
FORD & 076870 LIBRARY
A brief respite from presidential affairs and some relaxation with golf
Accepting Pardon
Hints Guilt: Ford
The Washington Post
"I had no secret reason" for
WASHINGTON-President Gerald R. Ford, vigor-
issuing the pardon, Ford de-
qusly defending his pardon of former President
clared in answer to the news
conference's first question.
Richard M. Nixon as in the best interests of the na-
In a brief opening statement
tion, nevertheless said Monday night that Nixon's
noting the beginning of the Jew-
ish New Year, Rosh Hashanah,
acceptance of a pardon could be construed as an
and its emphasis on examining
admission of guilt.
the deeds of the past year, Ford
seemed to be explaining his
The fact that members of the
old wounds when he pardoned
House Judiciary Committee,
Nixon.
position on the pardon. He said
that "the record of the past
unanimously agreed Nixon was
He conceded that the pardon
year does not have to be end-
guilty of an impeachable of
"created more antagonism than
lessly relived but can be trans-
fense "is very persuasive evi-
I anticipated," but he said that
formed by commitment, new in-
dence," Ford said in a tele-
his "top priority" was the health
sights and new actions in the
vised news conference.
of the nation.
year to come."
His. statements constituted la
Looking down the road, he
Ford said he had no inside in-
reversal of the position Ford
said, the spectacle of a former
ident the declare and
formation on the former presi-
Courier Express
(front page)
September 17,1974
in
he was thinking 01 Primarity -
his pected to parole have eligibility in 1981.
nation's health and how to heal
Ford Grants Conditional Amnesty
Courter-Express Wire Services
then, covered the Southern Tier
Among the Democrats, Hou
WASHINGTON-President Gerald P. Ford set in
of New York State.
Speaker Carl Albert said he
motion Monday government machinery to grant con-
During his tenure in the Sen-
accepting the President's leade
ditional amnesty to Vietnam era draft evaders and
ate, Goodell was a frequent and
ship but added, "I don't kno
vocal critic of the Nixon Ad-
what he is, going to do, to t
deserters if they reaffirm their allegiance to the
ministration. His strong stand
United States and work for up to 24 months in public
against th e administration
Conditional amnesty propos
brought about his defeat in 1970
cooly received by America
service jobs.
when he ran for a full six-year
draft evaders and deserters
Hours later, at a nationally
in before next Jan. 31, reaffirm
term. The Senate seat was cap-'
Canada
Page
broadcast news conference,
their allegiance and agree to
tured by James L. Buckley who
Phone numers for evaders an
Ford said the move was an el-
ran on the Conservative ticket
resisters provided by the Whi
fort to bind up wounds left by
spend up to 24 months in ap-
proved public service jobs, such
with Nixon backing.
House for those seeking i
the unpopular war, and was
as being a hospital orderly.
Goodell has moved his law
formation
Page
unrelated to the pardon of for-
The President set no minimum
office from Jamestown to New
Former Senator Charl
mer President Richard M. Nixon
period of alternate service, but
York City and more recently to
Goodell says his goal as Cler
except that the pardòn, too, was
Washingon, D.C.
ency Board chairman is 'max
intended to bind up the nation's
said the 24-month requirement
mum justice'
Page
wounds.
can be reduced "for mitigating
Reaction to Ford's announce-
VFW head raps offer of
circumstances."
ment was mixed.
ampesty
Page
Courier Express
Vol. CXL, No. 59
Buffalo, NY
Tuesday, September 17, 1974
(page Four)
FORD & GERALD LIBRARY
THORNSBY
Ford Thanks
FICKO MCLAYOEN
Scout Troop
WHY BE
OMAHA, Neb. President
Gerald R. Ford expressed appre-
BALD?
ciation Monday to Boy Scout
CALL
Troop 388 for cleaning up the
vacant lot where his birthplace
837-4704
home once stood.
Ford's telegram noted the
THE
MASTERLINE
CORP.
President was a scout and was
2349 Sheridan Drive
Tonawanda, New.York
grateful for the experience."
1974 NAT'L. News. Svn.
He sent "warm greetings.
Eight members of the scout
HAVE THE COURIER-EXPRES
troop went to 32nd and Wool-
wor on Aug. 19, spending some
HOME DELIVERED EVERY
time cleaning up the lot. The
MORNING-FOR HOME
three-story house there had
00
burned in 1971.
DELIVERY, PHONE 847-5500
Welcome aboard!
9-12
Metra Bus, your publicly owned, regional
"Well, gee, after all, it's a 20-center
bus system is now operating the former D&F Transit
routes between Buffalo, Angola and Lotus Bay.
Waldheim Reports
Fares and routings for our new customers
will remain the same. However don't bè surprised
GOOUEN suys TITS Goal
Is Maximum Justice'
WASHINGTON (P)-As a U.S. senator, Charles
ness," he said. "I feel no
pleasure over the agony of
Courier Express
E. Goodell sought to end the Vietnam war. Now, as
others or what has transpired
head of President Gerald R. Ford's new clemency
in the last several years. I'm
board, he hopes to find "the maximum justice avail-
very proud to be given what I
(page four)
able to us" for the men whose opposition brought
consider a very difficult as-
signment by the President."
them prison or dishonor,
As chairman of the nine-mem-
September 17, 1974
"We had great divisions over
do the maximum justice avail-
ber board, he said "we proba-
the war in Vietnam; there were
able to us."
bly will not seek out people of
people of conscience on both
Goodell's opposition to the
extremes on the issue either
sides," Goodell said in an inter-
war, as a Republican senator
way. The President has taken
view Monday.
from New York, earned the ad-
a middle approach."
"People of conscience on both
ministration's enmity. He be-
There will be Goodell said,
sides became rather intolerant
'the inevitable differences that
came former Vice President
of each other. The country suf-
Spiro T. Agnew's favorite
will appear to be unfair, but
fered some very deep wounds,
leaving aside the viclous wounds
"radiclib" target in 1970 and
no process is perfect. We are
of men we lost and who were
lost the election to Conservative
just going to have to do the
best we can."
disabled.
Party candidate James L
Healing Need Seen
Buckley.
Goodell said he had not been
"It's time we healed those
"I'm pleased to be back in
part of the process of structur-
wounds as best we can," Goodell
position of some influence. over
ing the amnesty program, but
had made comments and sug-
said. I tried to contribute to
matters I feel very deeply
about," said Goodell, now a
gestions to the people who
the ending of the war in a way
member of a New York-Wash-
were.
that was respectful of those who
believed in the war. Now I
ington law firm,
He said he was called by
the President last Saturday,
have great convictions about the
No Rancor Felt
asking him to be chairman of
need for us to pull together and
"I certainly feel no vindictive-
the board. Goodell said he
then was briefed on the pro-
gram, adding:
Yanks in Canada
"I found that it was basically
in harmony with my own think-
ing and I said yes."
Cool to Amnesty
Line Tossed
©
New York Times News Service
MONTREAL-President Gerald R. Ford's offer
of conditional amnesty was coolly received Monday
To Amnesty
by American draft evaders and deserters in Canada,
Seekers
the country that has attracted the largest number of
them over the years.
WASHINGTON (A) - The
Some of the young exiles said
said Harvey Sachs, a 28-year-
White House provided the fol-
that they would consider Ford's
old draft evader who now con-
lowing directory of phone
offer of "earned re-entry." But
ducts a symphony in Ontario,
numbers and addresses Mon-
others, in interviews across Can-
"But I've been here seven
day for draft evaders and
ada, reiterated their opposition
years. I've became a Canadian,
military deserters seeking in-
to any kind of involuntary serv-
and it's absurd to suggest that
formation about participating
ice carrying the implication
I take two years off for a period
in the clemency program pro-
that they had done. something
of penal servitude the States
claimed by President Ford:
VFW Head Kaps
Courier Express
I
Offer of Amnesty
(page four)
KANSAS CITY Mo. (UPI) The national com-
mander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars said Monday
September 17, 1974
Presiden Gerald R. Ford's offer of amnesty to Viet-
ham war draft resisters was an injustice to those
who served.
The Veterans of Foreign who disobeyed the laws of the
Wars of the United States has land, said John J, Stang of La-
learned with extreme regret of crosse, Kan.
the President's Executive ON The VFW firmly believes
der offering amnesty to those that the President's action does
a gross injustice to those who
served honorably, those who
died and received wounds, those
who were for long imprisoned
Will
and underwent torture.
Ask for Justice
The Geneva Times
Tuesday, September 17, 1974
3
widen
Goodell to lead
zil, which similarly has
clemency board
yed eagerness for Japanese
1, recently has begun to com
about a concentration of
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Ford on Monday designated former
ese Investment in the Sao Paulo
Republican Sen Charles E. Goodell of New York, a critic of the Vietnam
War, to be chairman of the nine-member Presidential Clemency Board that
and in the real estate business.
will consider the cases of draft evaders and deserters already convicted b
emplaints have risen despite the
at 181 of the 300 Japanese firms
military or civilian courts.
have invested $872.4 million in
Goodell, 48, now is in private law practice. He is an old friend of the
are engaged in manufacturing.
President.
ada, which wants to start
The other board members are:
sing its natural resources before
Dr. Ralph Adams, 59, president of Troy State University, Troy, Alabama;
ing them in semi-finished or
James P Dougovita, 28, a decorated Vietnam veteran who is a full-time
d form. has been complaining
teaching aide of minority students in the Department of Applied Technology,
apan is only interested in buying
Michigan Tech University: Los Angeles lawyer Robert H. Finch, 51, former
materials.
secretary of health, education and welfare and White House counselor in the
administration: The Rev. Theodor Hesburgh, 57, president of the
Clemency chief
Former Republican Senator Charles E. Goodell of New York, an outspoken
dove on the Vietnam War, was named yesterday by his close friend,
President Ford, to serve as chairman of the nine-member clemency board
that will review draft evasion and desertion cases. (UPI)
Goodell summoned
from political exile
WASHINGTON (AP) - Charles E.
In 1970, Nixon endorsed Con
Goodell, who fried as a senator to
servative party candidate James L.
hasten the end of the Vietnam war, has
Buckley, who won. A Democrat took
been summoned from political exile to
away liberal votes. Goodell came in
help Vietnam èra outcasts return to
third.
American society.
Goodell said he took no pleasure in
"I'm pleased to be back in a position
the undoing of his old political foes.
of
of some influence over matters I feel
"I felt no vindictiveness toward
of
very deeply about," Goodell said
Spiro Agnew or Mr. Nixon," he said in
a
Monday as he set to work as chairman
an interview. "I obviously disagreed
d
of the clemency review board created
with many of the things they did But
under President Ford's conditional
I also agreed with many of the things
amnesty program.
President Nixon did, opening to the
As an appointed senator. from New
Soviet Union, China, the revised ap-
courier Express 9-12-24
Ford Grants Conditional Amnesty
Courier-Express Wire Services
then, covered the Southern Tier
Among the Democrats, House
WASHINGTON-President Gerald P. Ford set in
of New York State.
Speaker Carl Albert said he is
motion Monday government machinery to grant con-
During his tenure in the Sen-
accepting the President's leader-
ditional amnesty to Vietnam era draft evaders and
ate, Goodell was a frequent and
ship but added, "I don't know
vocal critic of the Nixon Ad-
what he is going to do, to tell
deserters if they reaffirm their allegiance to the
ministration. His strong stand
United States and work for up to 24 months in public
against the administration
Conditional amnesty proposal
brought about his defeat in 1970
cooly received by American
service jobs.
when he ran for a full six-year
draft evaders and deserters in
Hours later, at a nationally
in before next Jan. 31, reaffirm
term. The Senate seat was cap-
Canada
Page 4
broadcast news conference,
their allegiance and agree to
tured by James L. Buckley who
Phone numers for evaders and
Ford said the move was an ef-
spend up to 24 months in ap-
ran on the Conservative ticket
resisters provided by the White
fort to bind up wounds left by
proved public service jobs, such
with Nixon backing.
House for those seeking in-
the unpopular war, and. was
as being a hospital orderly.
Goodell has moved his law
formation
Page 4
unrelated to the pardon of for-
office from Jamestown to New
Former Senator Charles
mer President Richard M. Nixon
The President set no minimum
York City and more recently to
Goodell says his goal as Clem-
except that the pardon, too, was
period of alternate service, but
intended to bind un the nation's
Washingon, D.C.
ency Board chairman is 'maxi-
said the 24-month requirement
mum justice'
Page 4
Conditional Amnesty
Is Given OK by Ford
*
From Page 1
appreciation of our individual
rights and responsibilities and
left a congressional hearing,
our common purpose as a na-
Saxbe said Ford's plan "goes
tion, whose future is always
more important than its past."
right down the line with recom-
Clemency Board Members
mendations submitted by the
Some members of the board
Justice and Defense Dept.'s"
are:
No congressional action is re-
-The Rev. Theodore Hes-
quired for the program, which
burgh, 57, president of Notre
was enacted under the presiden-
Dame University and former
tial powers of the Constitution.
chairman of the U.S. Civil
Ford used those same provis-
Rights Commission.
ions eight days ago to grant an
-Robert H. Finch, 51, who
uncenditional menden
courier Express
Goodell Says His Goal 9-17-77
Is Maximum Justice'
WASHINGTON (P)-As a U.S. senator, Charles
ness," he said. "I feel no
E. Goodell sought to end the Vietnam war. Now, as
pleasure over the agony of
others or what has transpired
head of President Gerald R. Ford's new clemency
in the last several years. I'm
board, he hopes to find "the maximum justice avail-
very proud to be given what I
consider a very difficult as-
able to us" for the men whose opposition brought
signment by the President."
them prison or dishonor.
As chairman of the nine-mem-
"We had great division's over
do the maximum justice avail-
ber board, he said "we proba-
the war in Vietnam; there were
able to us."
bly will not seek out people of
people of conscience on both
Goodell's opposition to the
extremes on the issue either
sides," Goodell said in an inter-
way. The President has taken
war, as a Republican senator
view Monday.
a middle approach."
from New York, earned the ad-
"People of conscience on both
There will be Goodell said,
ministration's enmity. He be-
sides became rather intolerant
"the inevitable differences that
came former Vice President
of each other. The country suf-
will appear to be unfair, but
Spiro T. Agnew's favorite
fered some very deep wounds,
no process is perfect. We are
"radiclib" target in 1970 and
leaving aside the vicious wounds
just going to have to do the
lost the election to Conservative
of men we lost and who were
best we can."
Party candidate James L.
disabled.
Goodell said he had not been
Buckley
Where to Call or Write
For Data on Clemency
Special to The New York $ 17/14 Times
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16
The White House announced
today that telephone in-
quiries about terms of the
new clemency program for
draft evaders or military de-
serters should be directed to
the following:
DRAFT EVADERS - De-
partment of Justice (202)
739-4281.
MILITARY ABSENTEES-
Navy (202) 694-2007 or (202)
694-1936; Marine Corps (703)
694-8526; Army (317) 542-
3417; Air Force (512) 652-
4104: Coast Guard (202) 426-
Steps for Reconciliation
Special to The New York Times
9/11/74
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16-Following are the pro-
cedures to be followed by convicted and unconvicted
draft evaders and military absentees under the recon-
ciliation program proclaimed today by President Ford:
Unconvicted Draft Evader
1. Report to United States Attorney fwhere offense
was committed.
2. Acknowledge allegiance to the United States by
agreeing with the United States Attorney to perform 24
months alternate service or less based on mitigating cir-
cumstances.
3. Perform alternate service. under the auspices of the
director of Selective Service.
4. Director of Selective Service issues certificate of
satisfactory completion of alternate service.
5. Receipt by United States Attorney of certificate of
satisfactory completion of alternate service.
6. Dismissal of indictment or dropping of charges.
Unconvicted Military Absentee
(including Coast Guard)
1. Report as prescribed by the military department
concerned or for members of the Coast Guard report to
the Secretary of Transportation.
2. Oath of allegiance to United States.
3. Agree with the concerned military department to
perform 24 months alternate service or less based upon
mitigating circumstances.
4. Upon request, military department forgoes prose-
cution and issues undesirable discharge.
5. Perform alternate service under the auspices of
the director of Selective Service.
6. Director of Selective Service issues certificate of
satisfactory completion of alternate service.
7. Receipt of a certificate of satisfactory completion
of alternate service by the concerned military department.
8. Clemency discharge substituted for undesirable
discharge.
Convicted
TRANSMITTAL MEMO
FROM
ROBERT C. LILIENTHAL
To
Charlie
DATE 9/17/74
For your information
Please reply and
copy me
Your comments, please
Review and reply
to
Review and call me
Review and forward
to
Review and file
Attach previous
correspondence and
Review and return to me
return to me
comments/reply
Keeping you
posted - on the
local front!
Regerds
Bob
Ford Grants Conditional Amnesty
Courier-Express Wire Services
WASHINGTON-President Gerald P. Ford set in
then, covered the Southern Tier
Among the Democrats, House
of New York State.
Speaker Carl Albert said he is
motion Monday government machinery to grant con-
During his tenure in the Sen-
accepting the President's leader-
ditional amnesty to Vietnam era draft evaders and
ate, Goodell was a frequent and
ship but added, "I don't know
deserters if they reaffirm their allegiance to the
vocal critic of the Nixon Ad-
what he is going to do, to tell
ministration. His strong stand
United States and work for up to 24 months in public
against the administration
Conditional amnesty proposal
service jobs.
brought about his defeat in 1970
cooly received by American
when he ran for a full six-year
draft evaders and deserters in
Hours later, at a nationally
in before next Jan. 31, reaffirm
broadcast news conference,
term. The Senate seat was cap-
Canada
Page 4
Ford said the move was an ef-
their allegiance and agree to
tured by James L. Buckley who
Phone numers for evaders and
spend up to 24 months in ap-
ran on the Conservative ticket
resisters provided by the White
fort to bind up wounds left by
the unpopular war, and was
proved public service jobs, such
with Nixon backing.
House for those seeking in-
unrelated to the pardon of for-
as being a hospital orderly.
Goodell has moved his law
formation
Page 4
office from Jamestown to New
Former Senator Charles
mer President Richard M. Nixon
The President set no minimum
except that the pardon, too, was
period of alternate service, but
York City and more recently to
Goodell says his goal as Clem-
intended to bind up the nation's
said the 24-month requirement
Washingon, D.C.
ency Board chairman is 'maxi-
mum justice'
wounds.
Reaction to Ford's announce-
Page 4
can reduced "for mitigating
circumstances."
VFW head raps offer of
ment was mixed.
In disclosing his conditional
amnesty
Page 4
amnesty plan, Ford declared it
Clemency Board Set Up
Senate Republican whip Robert
is time to bind up the wounds
For men already convicted or
Charles E. Goodell
Griffin of Michigan hailed it as
the truth." Sen. Majority Leader
of the past "so that we may all
punished for desertion or draft
board chairman
a courageous, compassionate
Mike Mansfield said he would
get going on the pressing prob-
evasion, Ford established a
move and House Republican
give full support to the program.
lem of the present."
nine-member clemency board to
E. Goodell of New York to be
leader John Rhodes of Arizona
Sen, James B. Allen, D-Ala.,
review their cases "as equitably
chairman of the clemency board.
said it should have broad sup-
said the action was unfair to
The amnesty program was
and -- -- 1.
Goodell. a native of James-
port in Congress.
those who served in Vietnam.
Conditional Amnesty
Is Given OK by Ford
From Page 1
appreciation of our individual
rights and responsibilities and
left a congressional hearing,
our common purpose as a na-
tion, whose future is always
Saxbe said Ford's plan "goes
more important than its past."
right down the line with recom-
Clemency Board Members
mendations submitted by the
Some members of the board
Justice and Defense Dept.'s"
are:
No congressional action is re-
-The Rev. Theodore Hes-
quired for the program, which
burgh, 57, president of Notre
was enacted under the presiden-
Dame University and former
tial powers of the Constitution.
chairman of the U.S. Civil
Ford used those same provis-
Rights Commission.
ions eight days ago to grant an
-Robert H. Finch, 51, who
unconditional pardon to former
served as counselor to former
President Richard M. Nixon.
President Nixon after being
Ford described the main pur-
secretary of Health, Education
pose of the program as "the
and Welfare and who is now a
Los Angeles Times
WASHINGTON BUREAU
9/17/74
Dear Senator Goodell:
I thought you might be interested in the enclosed.
Thanks very much for your help. And good luck
on your amnesty assignment.
Regards,
Bot
Bob Shogan
FORD & LIBRARY 070830
ROOM 730 1700 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20006 TELEPHONE 202-296-1440
EMOTIONAL STATE CITED
Nixon Health Key
Factor
Pardon
SEP 140 1974
BY ROBEET SHOGAN
Times Political Writer
WASHINGTON-President Ford
Mr. Nixon, said: "It's. obvious that
made his solitary and abrupt de-
what happened is that someone
cision to pardon Richard M. Nixon
spoke to Ford and described Nixon's
emotional condition as very grave,
largely because of his concern about
very serious."
the former President's health, par-
Who this someone, or these some-
ticularly his emotional condition.
ones, might be was the subject. of in-
That conclusion emerges from in-
tense speculation. Among the ob-
terviews by Times reporters with
vious possibilities were members of
many of the principal figures con-
Mr. Nixon's family. One name prom-
cerned.
inently mentioned was that' of Ed-
But important questions about the
ward F. Cox, the former President's
pardon remain unanswered, as the
son-in-law. Cox, a New York lawyer,
President himself conceded Friday.
refused to accept a telephone call
He told a group of Republican
from The Times.
gubernatorial candidates that he
However, further support for the
had not disclosed all of the reasons
health theory came from Melvin R.
for his decision.
Laird, perhaps the most influential
White House aides said the an-
of Mr. Ford's intimates, who played
swers, which only the President can
golf with him Saturday and Sunday.
supply. might be given at a press
FORD OFFERS AMNESTY PROGRAM
REQUIRING. 2 YEARS PUBLIC WORK;
DEFENDS HIS PARDON OF NIXON
9/17/24
AN ACT OF MERCY'
Goodell Is Named Head
of Clemency Unit-
Hesburgh Included
By MARJORIE HUNTER
Special to The New York Times
WASHINGTON Sept. 16e
President Ford offered condi-
tional amnesty todav to thous
Goodell to Head
Clemency Board
-Aar -new 9/16/14
President Ford today
Dr. Ralph Adams, 59,
named former Republican
president of Troy State
senator Charles E. Goodell
University in Alabama and
of New York, a critic of the
a longtime aide to Alabama
Vietnam war, to be chair-
Gov. George Wallace;
man of the nine-member
James P. Dougovita, 28, a
Presidential Clemency
decorated Vietnam veteran
Board that will consider the
now employed as a teaching
cases of draft evaders and
aide working with minority
deserters already convicted
students at Michigan Tech
by military or civilian
University; former Health,
courts.
Education and Welfare
Goodell, 48, now is in pri-
Secretary Robert H. Finch,
vate law practice. He is an
51, now a lawyer in Los An-
old friend of the President,
geles.
and was one of the group of
The Rev. Theodore Hes-
16
Leon:
Washington, S.
Bureau) The Wate.
prosecutor's office ask
Judge John J. Sirica
dismiss a subpena fro
Nixon adviser John D
man for Ehrlichman
House notes and other 1
DAILY NEWS, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1974
Ze
Charles Goodell, Aida Casanas O'Connor, Vernon E. Jordan
Al
Goodell Heads Nine
And you
cialist is
mine if a
On Clemency Board
assist in
most suit
perform a
sure your
Washington, Sept. 16 (News Bureau)-Former New
York Republican Sen. Charles E. Goodell, a close friend of
will head a nine-member Clemency Review Board Ford ap-
GERALD
10+'
President Ford and a strong opponent of the Vietnam war,
Your tr
pointed today to consider special cases under his condi-
antee of
tional amnesty program.
The board, whose members
He is a brigadier general in the
have a wide spectrum of view-
Alabama Air National Guard.
points on Vietnam and the
Other board members are the
amnesty question, includes two
other New Yorkers: Vernon
Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, 57,
BOROUGH OF BRC
Jordan, 39, executive director of
president of Notre Dame Univer-
as
sity and a strong supporter of
Sylvester Hearin
the National Urban League, and
Aida Casanas O'Connor, 52, a
unconditional amnesty; Robert
2434 Grand Conc
lawver serving as assistant
Finch. 51. a Los Angeles lawyer
BORQUCH OF DD'
ne WIII consider running
only if a presidential "vacu-
um" persists in the Democratic
Party. Buffalo Evening
Ford Praises News 9/17/7
Clemency Board
WASHINGTON, Sept 17
(UPI) - The outgoing Clemen-
cy Board was praised by Presi-
dent Ford Tuesday for its dili-
gence in seeking to reconcile
opponents of the war in
Vietnam.
Mr. Ford, in a statement
released by the White House
one day after he signed an
executive order terminating
the limited clemency program,
said: 'Many deserving young
Americans will have been help-
ed'' to find their place in
American society.
The clemency program, an-
nounced by Mr. Ford Sept. 16,
1974, officially ended at mid-
night Monday. Mr. Ford also
arranged a courtesy meeting
Tuesday with the board to per-
sonally thank
Tuesday, Sept. 17, 1974
BUFFALO EVENING NEWS
Goodell Sees Viet Clemency Post
As Chance to Heal Nation's Wounds
From News Wire Service
tary and the courts have be-
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -
come more lenient and " have
Harles E. Goodell, 48, who
faith that the process will be
ried as a New York State
worked out on an individual
errator to hasten the end of the
basis fairly.
'igtnam war, has been sum-
noned from political exile to
eln. Vietnam-era outcasts re-
"I'M SURE there are going
urn to American society.
to be the inevitable differences
"I'm pleased to be back in a
that will appear to be unfair,"
osition of some influence over
he added. "But no process is
natters I feel very deeply
perfect. We're just going to
bout," Mr. Goodell said Mon-
have to do the best we can."
ay as he set to work as chair-
Other members of the Cle-
nan of the Clemency Review
mency Review Board are:
Board created under President
- The Rev. Theodore Hes-
'ord's conditional amnesty
burgh, 57, president of Notre
rögram.
Dame University and former
Mr. Goodell said he had no
chairman of the U. S. Civil
att in designing Mr. Ford's
Rights Commission.
mn
- Robert H. Finch. 51. who
DAILY NEWS, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER -17, 1974
DAILY
NEWS
The Inquiring
220 East 42d st
NEW YORK'S PICTURE NEWSPAPERO
(212) MU 2-1234
Fotographer
SEPTEMBER 17, 1974
Published daily except Sunday by New York News Inc., 220 East 42d St., New York,
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news printed in this paper. All other republication rights are reserved.
THE QUESTION
Do you think President Ford's
CLEMENCY, NOT AMNESTY
honeymoon with the American
public is over as a result of his
President Gerald R. Ford set forth the conditions
pardon of Richard Nixon?
yesterday by which young Americans who evaded the
WHERE ASKED
draft or deserted from the armed forces during the Viet-
Various spots
nam War can earn their way
THE ANSWERS
back into the nation's good
Norman W. Harris, Carmel,
graces.
N. Y., projects
manager: "It
Violators who went under-
certainly is. I
ground or fled the country to
think it is in-
avoid prosecution under civil or
cumbent on
President Ford
military law must turn them-
to explain fully
selves in to proper authorities by
to the Ameri-
can people why
i
next Jan. 31.
he took this
They will then be required
sudden and un-
to perform up to two years of
expected action.
nonmilitary public service. That
Until he does, the public will be
GERALD
skeptical about his motives."
period may be shortened if gov-
ernment authorities find extenu-
Lisa Powers, actress: "Yes and
things seem to
ating circumstances in individual
Charles Goodell
be going from
cases.
bad to worse. I
Mr. Ford also established a nine-member Presidential
read that this
pardon gives
Clemency Board, which will examine the cases of men who
Richard Nixon
have been convicted of draft-dodging or desertion.
1 mmunity
To head the panel, the President chose an old House
against further
crony, Charles Goodell of New York. Goodell changed his
investi-
muili
gation. Even
political coloration overnight, from mild hawk to arch
though Presi-
dove, after being appointed to succeed the late Robert F.
dent Ford is
Kennedy as a Senator in 1968.
well liked, the pardon has turned
Dick
many against. him."
The selection of Goodell very likely will raise the
Louis P. Scandale, Troy Ave.,
hackles of those-veterans organizations, families of GIs
Brooklyn, credit
killed or maimed in Vietnam, and so on-who bitterly op-
analyst: "No I
pose any concessions to "war resisters." However-
think the ma-
Please give na
jority of Amer-
THE SHRILLEST INITIAL PROTESTS
icans think Nix-
PARDON
on has suffered
Svosset: V
9/18/74
THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR
War resisters' first reactions negative
Canadian group
calls for boycott
of Ford amnesty plan
GERALD
By Don Sellar
LIBRARY
Special to
The Christian Science Monitor
Ottawa
U.S. war resisters now carving out
new lives in Canada have given a
distinctly negative reaction so far to
President Ford's amnesty offer.
Amex-Canada, a Toronto group rep-
resenting draft resisters and military
deserters living in exile, already has
called for a boycott of the plan.
In the wake of President Ford's
announcement, a spokesman for
Amex predicted only a few resisters
living in Canada will accept the
amnesty's "punitive terms.'
And U.S. Embassy officials re-
ported here today no increase in the
"small but steady stream" of resist-
ers calling for advice about a return
to America.
In fact, only one draft dodger, now
an Ottawa University student, called
the United States Information Service
here Monday for details of Monday's
announcement regarding the pro-
gram.
Estimates differ widely
Estimates of the number of the war
resisters in Canada vary considerably
from the 4,500 figure given out by the
U.S. Embassy staff to the 20,000 used
by Amex.
Amex spokesman Gerry Condon
says he expects a special conference
of anti-draft groups from Europe and
Canada this weekend in Toronto will
Post
9/18/74
36
(MAGAZINE PAGE TWO)
Harriet
Van Horne
PARDON & AMNESTY
One grows weary of Richard Nixon. Weary of his swol-
len leg, his self-pity and his 'smug certainty that the
pinched and anxious taxpayers are going to pick up the bill
for his maids, gardeners and valèt.
I say let Ron Ziegler be his valet. He has the requisite
servility. Nixon can be paid in old golf balls, which is how
he should have been paid for his years of lies, insults and
evasions in the White House.
However we try to banish the ex-President, he just
won't go away. He's the incubus in the Oval Office, the
ghost at the feast, the phoenix with phlebitis, if you'll for-
give the phrase.
As old-time Nixon watchers know, this crafty man will
squirm off every hook, slip through every noose and ultim-
ately cheat both the courts and the history books of the
full Watergate story. It is said that no scandal is hushed
up forever, that the truth, like the sun after a storm, must
emerge. In the Watergate case, one wonders.
So long as Richard Nixon has tentacles that can reach
and old tape recordings that can incriminate-or embarrass
-I cuspect he will continue his mischief. As that handsome
Republican, Rep. John Anderson of Illinois, remarked,
"Why were we ever stupid enough to think this awful man
would fade away like one of MacArthur's old soldiers?"
He'll not fade away while his daughter Julie has
tongue to speak. Her expressions of filial devotion - so
charming to see on the screen - are more artful and cal-
culated than they seem.
There was beautiful timing in young Mrs. Eisenhower's
decision to appear on NBC for a week, moderating a dis-
cussion program for housewives. It's also in order that she
decided to be hostess for a week on the Mike Douglas
Show. Both offers, I am advised, were made some time ago.
By accepting them now, the President's ablest defender will
command press conference time on TV and news coverage
in the press.
If Public Televison should decide to mount a produc-
tion of "King Lear" within the next few months, Miss Julie
would be well up in the part of Cordelia. And no one will
fault her sincerity. ("So young, my lord, and true.")
With so much public outrage being directed at the Nix-
on pardon and the man who gave it, we are prevented from
settling down to the nation's urgent business.
The problem of amnesty hasn't received the attention
it merits. We probably worsen a bad situation by raging at
the unconditional pardon for Nixon as if it were the quid
9/18/74 N.4.Limes
A Safe Return
One of the great national dis-
By Marvin M. Karpatkin
graces of the draft era was the inade-
quacy of preinduction physical exami-
President Ford's endorsement of am-
nations. The Army was compelled to
nesty in August, which culminated
discharge tens of thousands who never
Monday in the proclamation of a con-
should have been found acceptable in
ditional amnesty program, touched off
the first place.
an important national debate, long
Federal courts finally began to
overdue, on what the conditions for
insist that local boards perform their
amnesty should be, or whether there
legal duty of reviewing every claim
should be any conditions at all.
for deferment, including claims based
It is not sufficently known, however,
on physical defects. The boards had
that large numbers of young men who
previously, in violation of law, simply
left the United States rather than ac-
referred these claims to Army examin-
cept induction into the armed services
ers, or in a shockingly large number
have no need for any amnesty, absolute
of cases a clerk would merely file the
or conditional.
claim away, and not refer it to any-
They do not require any act of Presi-
one.
dential or legislative grace because the
Under the Ford doctrine, established
United States Supreme Court and Fed-
by the Court of Appeals in Boston in
eral appellate courts have established
United States V. Ford-Kevin Thomas
legal principles under which their in-
Ford was a draftee- and concurred
duction orders are plainly unlawful.
in by virtually every Court of Appeals
One of the most unfortunate aspects
in the country, this kind of filing and
of the entire amnesty discussion is that
forgetting makes an induction order
many of these young men abroad have
illegal.
never been authoritatively informed
Until their action had been out-
that their continuing voluntary exile
lawed by the courts, local boards had
may be completely unnecessary.
assumed the power, never granted by
Some examples:
Congress, to "declare" a draftee
In 1970, the Supreme Court ruled
"delinquent" because of some asserted
in the case of Welsh V. United States
failure to comply with regulations, and
that conscientious objector status need
to impose three types of sanctions:
not be based on religious beliefs: Sin-
punitive reclassification from a de-
cerely held moral and ethical beliefs in
ferred classification to 1-A, or "avail-
opposition to participation in war in
able for military service"; acceleration
--- form suould suffice
uss
16
9/18/74
T
REVIEW & OUTLOOK
Amnesty and Amity
Given the present mood of the one who again wants to become a
capital, which Mr. Royster so effec- part of the nation should object to
tively describes elsewhere on this
reaffirming his loyalty to it.
page today, it probably is too much
The plan also requires up to two
to expect a very positive reaction to
years alternate service in some job
Mr. Ford's offer of clemency to
that serves the public interest. To
Vietnam war draft evaders and de-
some objectors that sounds like a
serters.
jail sentence but in fact it is not. The
Indeed there are some problems
amount of supervision or denial of
with the clemency plan. There is no
freedom is to be relatively small,
perfect way to reconcile generosity
considerably less, most likely, than
to the prodigal son with fairness for
the amount involved when one
those who did serve and suffer. But
serves two years in a military
by and large, the President's pro-
branch. The whole point-and it
gram seems to us to effectively rec-
seems to us a valid point-is to try
oncile conflicting positions on this
to restore some equity between
bitter issue. It has as much hope as
those youths who abided by the law
any plan we could think of for fur-
and took their chances in the mili-
thering the President's purpose of
tary services and those who did not.
trying to heal the nation's wounds.
Without some such provision, veter-
There are, of course, those who
ans and veteran groups would have
immediately responded to the Presi-
a legitimate complaint.
dent's announcement by saying that
In this connection it would seem
the amnestv should have been un-
that the administrative flexibility of
9/18/24
Clemency for Some
President Ford prefaced his clemency program for
draft resisters and deserters with all the right words
and sentiments. He invoked a "national commitment to
justice and mercy" and the need to "heal the scars of
divisiveness."
Regrettably, those high-sounding words are not
matched by the plan's implications and key administra-
tive details. Its provisions make inadequate distinction
between deserters and war-resisters, subjecting them
both to a maximum of 24 months of alternate service
and excluding the option of complete pardon. Yet, some
courts have, in the past, availed themselves of the right
to grant such pardons.
The alternate time to be served, moreover, will appar-
ently be determined without assurance that the network
of clemency-dispensing authorities actually apply com-
parable standards of judgment. There are no explicit
provisions for either representation by counsel or the
right to appeal.
Those specific flaws result to some degree from the
fact that the authority to be exercised by the Clemency
Review Board seems too narrowly limited to dealing
only with the cases of those already convicted. Given
a broader mandate, that body might approach the
amnesty issue with the compassion to be expected from
its chairman, former Senator Charles Goodell, himself
an early critic of the war, and its members who include
REVIEW PRESS-REPORTER
A Member of The Gannett Group
72nd YEAR SERVING THE COMMUNITY
BRONXVILLE, TOWN OF EASTCHESTER, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1974
PRICE TWENTY CENTS
Amnesty:
Three views
Charles Goodell
By MARK MOONEY
"THE president asked me if I
Staff Writer
CHARLES GOODELL
would accept the job," Goodell said,
explaining why he took the post, "I'm
LOUISE RANSOM
"The right to protest is a right
a friend of his and I respect him SO I
that I believe in very deeply but I
agreed to do it."
Allen Morgan
also believe that every American has
a duty to serve his country in time of
Louise Ransom
war, ex-senator Charles Goodell
The job, however, will be harder
Few men leave their country
said Tuesday, his first day as head of
than accepting it, and his decisions
For the last two years
behind as completely as Allen
Tuesday night. "I never really
Gladwin Place. said Tuesday.
the federal clemency board.
whatever they will be, are sure to
Louise Ransom has been di-
A blunt woman. her energies
Morgan did. President Gerald
thought I was going home an-
"I respect those who did not want
Ford's offer of earned reeen-
leave him between the anger of the
rector of Americans For Am-
were thrown into the antiwar
yway.
try is not even being consid-
to discharge that obligation by fight-
nesty: President Ford's plan
movement after her son. Rob-
Morgan's departure was
war resisters and those who fought
calm enough. but it demanded
ing." he continued. "but my view is
the war
of conditional amnesty for
ert C. "Mike" Ransom Jr..
ered by the former, senident of
draft evaders and HOF resist
- killed
4
Thursday, September 19, 1974
THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR
Amnesty plan review board criticized
By Sam Martino
period of time to discuss the proposal
"I think we must assume that all
don't think this country is ready
Special to
of
conditional amnesty with their
draft evaders ran from conscience. I
to have unconditional amnesty," he
The Christian Science Monitor
parents, lawyers, and others.
don't see how we can prove otherwise.
said. "Therefore, I think we should
By now, he said, after three, four,
Therefore, for draft evaders, I'd say
push for conditional amnesty as the
Stevens Point, Wis.
and five years of being draft dodgers,
no need for a board, if they come
best kind of amnesty
rather than
One of the people who helped shape
the evaders have rationalized their
home and perform the alternative
wait a period of years for the country
President Ford's recently announced
flight from military service.
service. They are vindicated."
to be ready for unconditional am-
compromise amnesty plan feels Mr.
Mr. Froehlke, a good friend of
With deserters, he said, there
nesty."
Ford will lose credibility by seeking a
former Defense Secretary Melvin
should be military records bearing on
He also suggested that draft eva-
review of every draft evader case.
Laird, earlier this year endorsed the
alleged criminal conduct.
ders in Canada who wish to remain
Former Army Secretary Robert
adoption of a conditional amnesty
"I see no reason for amnesty to
there be given visas to visit relatives
Froehlke says he agrees in principle
program that would look with "mercy
pertain to them,' Mr. Froehlke said.
in the United States.
with the Ford plan, which includes a
and compassion" on war resisters.
Mr. Froehlke, now president of
clemency review board. But, he says,
Mr. Froehlke said the President's
Sentry Insurance Company, had been
"I would be liberal in allowing visas
he would have preferred a blanket
proposal, in theory, is good but the
contacted by both the Justice Depart-
to draft dodgers who want to see
conditional amnesty, including a term
practical aspects are not sound.
ment and the White House for his
friends and relatives and not be
of alternative service but without
views on the subject of amnesty prior
subject to arrest," Mr. Froehlke said.
Vary dos de home
note this
Loophole for Deserters 9/20/73
The unsatisfactory nature of the clemency/amnesty
patchwork pieced together by the Ford Administration
has now been underscored by the discovery that the
program affords preferred treatment to military deserters.
As a result of a loophole that appears to have been
intentionally created by the Pentagon, deserters would
escape all penalties other than an "undesirable" dis-
charge. In contrast, war-resisters who followed the call
of their conscience would be required to earn "clemency"
discharges with as much as two years of alternative
service. Although the military may quite understandably
want to wash its hands of deserters, it is nevertheless
unfair to give these men so obvious an advantage over
those who opposed the war on principle.
Bureaucratic defenders of this discrepancy argue that
the difference between the "undesirable" and the "clem-
Aa.. ...