THE UNITED STATES AND RECENT EVENTS IN SOUTH VIETNAM

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1963
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CONGRESSIONAL RECORD - HOUSE 19889
Monsignor McDonald, your own rector,
made a plea of great importance at the Cath-
olic University's June commencement, this
year. He called for a national foundation
based on the National Science Foundation,
which would provide aid to outstanding
young men and women who chose the arts
and humanities as their field of graduate re-
search; similar financial support as is today
given to those who dedicate themselves to
research in the sciences. I welcome the
thoughtful suggestion of the rector of the
Catholic University of America. It Is a most
constructive suggestion, worthy of every con-
sideration.
The battle for the future will be, as has
been said before, a battle for men's minds.
To the nation with the greatest understand-
ing of the truth-of the whole truth-of
the truth in science and the truth in cul-
ture, to this nation belongs tomorrow. And
today's struggle is to prepare the minds of
our young men and women with a grasp of
knowledge and understanding which is bal-
anced enough to meet the challenges of an
evolving science without losing its roots in
a culture that still appreciates the value of
the human person. I commend the Cath-
olic University of America for its never-
flagging dedication to this ideal. It captures
my imagination, and I commend highly your
right reverend rector for advancing these
constructive proposals.
We are living in an Important and trying
period of the world's history. As you and I
are present this evening, history is being
made. Despite the cooing voice of peaceful
coexistence, the forces of evil are bent on
world domination.
While we must be powerful militarily, we
must also be strong spiritually; all persons
everywhere who believe in God and His law.
For deep faith is the affirmative strength
that could well be the difference between
victory and defeat:
One of the great events of history is tak-
ing place now in Rome-instituted by Pope
John and followed and emphasized in his
own right by Pope Paul-the Ecumenical
Council.
This is not only a great event in the his-
tory of the Catholic Church, and more
broadly, of religion, but it is one of the his-
toric events of mankind. For from it will
flow great beneficial results.
It Is evident to everyone that the Ecumen-
ical Council is affirmative and positive. The
growth of the ecumenical spirit throughout
the world has already strongly evidenced it-
self. The religious understanding and spirit
Is stronger today than it has been for gen-
erations, and that understanding and spirit
will grow stronger in generations that lie
ahead.
While military power is necessary as a
deterrent to Communist aggression, the ecu-
menical spirit everywhere is necessary for a
future world of peace. For in a sense, mili-
tary strength Is negative-responding to the
law of self-preservation-to deter, and in
case of attack and war, to win and survive.
In the world of today it is absolutely nec-
essary. And our country has great military
strength and power. But it is the word of
God in the minds of men and women that is
our real strength, our affirmative strength,
animating their thoughts and actions, and
looking forward with faith and confidence
to a world of peace.
As we project our minds into the forsee-
able future the results that will flow from
the work of the Ecumenical. Council, makes it
one of the most notable events of world
history.
As Cardinal Cushing recently and so well
said, "The present Ecumenical Council will
accept the challenge of those who contend
that we are on the threshold of an atheistic
era."
No. 177-----3
It is in the spirit of James Cardinal Gib-
bons, who In America many years ago,
preached and practiced the ecumenical
spirit, that I accept this year's award of the
Cardinal Gibbons Medal. ) ,
4
THE UNITED STATES AND RECENT
EVENTS IN SOUTH VIETNAM
The SPEAKER. Under previous order
of the House, the gentleman from Wis-
consin [Mr. ZABLOCKI] is recognized for
30 minutes.
(Mr. ZABLOCKI asked and was given
permission to revise and extend his re-
marks.)
Mr. ZABLOCKI. Mr. Speaker, it has
been with deep concern and sorrow that
I have viewed the events of the past few
days in South Vietnam. I have been
concerned about the ruthless way in
which the Diem government was deposed
and grieved at the assassination of Presi-
dent Diem himself.
Just 4 weeks ago today seven other
Members of this body and I sat in the
President's palace in Saigon, exchanging
views with President Diem.
At that time we advised Diem of the
anxiety evident in the United States and
elsewhere in the free world over the do-
mestic political problems which had
plagued his administration. We empha-
sized the fear that these difficulties might
adversely affect the military campaign
against the Vietcong if they continued.
. We cautioned him that political un-
rest in the form of dissident groups, vo-
cal opponents at home and abroad, up-
risings by students, dissatisfaction among
the intelligentsia and antagonism from
Buddhists would continue to harass his
government unless reforms were made
soon.
At that time President Diem promised
that reforms would be made, that civil
liberties would be restored to his people
as soon as hostilities with the Vietcong
had subsided. Of course, he had made
such promises before and nothing had
been done. I am satisfied, however, that
Diem meant what he said. He impressed
us as a dedicated nationalist, sincere, in-
corruptible, and determined to defeat the
Communist Vietcong.
From our conversation, it was evi-
dent that President Diem and his broth-
er, Nhu, were conscious of the possibility
of a coup. There had been, it should be
remembered, five previous unsuccessful
attempts to oust the Diem regime. But
Diem indicated no fear of his political
opponents.
For whatever his adversaries might
say about him, they cannot deny the hon-
esty, the courage, or ability of Ngo Dinh
Diem.
A fervent champion of Vietnamese na-
tionalism, Diem returned in 1954 from
4 years of exile to lead the Government
of South Vietnam, a country which at
that time had no national feeling or
identity.
Almost singlehandedly, with few re-
sources at his command, Diem created
a nation-state of Vietnam and solidified
the rule of his government. To do this
he was forced to crush the opposition
of dissident sects, subdue pirate bands
roving the delta and coastal regions,
and began the campaign to recapture
the countryside from the Communist
.guerillas. At the same time he effec-
tively accomplished the absorbing of
hundreds of thousands of refugees from
North Vietnam who had streamed into
South Vietnam at the end of the Indo-
china war.
It is safe to say that had there been no
Diem In South Vietnam, the situation
there would have been even more cha-
otic than it has been, and the Commu-
nist Vietcong would be in a stronger posi-
tion than they are today.
Yet we have heard from many
individuals that the war against the
Vietcong could not be won with Diem.
Our study mission found that the war
against the Vietcong was being won.
The Vietnamese, we reported, are de-
termined to maintain their independ-
ence and their forces have been fighting
well.
However, it cannot be denied that the
reputation as a national leader and hero
which Diem earned by his early actions
as Vietnam's President, in recent
months, had fallen because of the re-
pressive measures which had been taken
against opponents of his regime. His
popularity, particularly in the large cit-
ies, had been dissipated in a series of
government actions against the people
attributed largely to his brother, Nhu
and Mdm. Nhu.
As a result of these actions U.S. eco-
nomic and military assistance was cur-
tailed.
In part, this withholding of assistance
was justified. Particularly aid which
went to the regime's "special forces"
who misused U.S. assistance in their
raids on Buddhist pagodas.
But there can be little doubt that this
curtailment of aid also heartened Diem's
opponents and helped trigger the coup.
It was a signal to the military leaders
of Vietnam that the United States would
support the overthrow of the Diem
regime.
Further, there will be some who will
say that the United. States openly en-
couraged the coup.
Whatever the case, Mr. Speaker, the
military junta which now rules Vietnam
has not shown itself to be any less ruth-
less or any less autocratic than the
former regime. One of its first acts was
the reprehensible slaying of President
Diem.
For those of us reared in the Judeo-
Christian tradition and schooled in
Anglo-Saxon law, this act of assassina-
tion is repulsive. It is made even more
horrible by the attempt to make the kill-
ing seem a suicide. Even in military
action, killing those who surrender is
massacre.
The State Department has officially
deplored the assassination of Diem
while disclaiming any prior knowledge
of the plot to overthrow him. Yet sub-
sequently we have learned that members
of the American press corp in Saigon
were aware that a coup was imminent.
Can we believe then that the State
Department did not know that a coup
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19890 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD - HOUSE November 4
was likely? Were steps taken to warn like to ask him one question, and that is, lating to what the junta's intentions are
President Diem of pending danger? Does not the gentleman believe that in the future; is that not correct?
.And what of the CIA? Did its agents there were commitments made by the Mr. ZABLOCKI. That is correct.
in Vietnam know of the coup? Did, in United States, to the military junta that Mr. CRAMER. I have been rather
fact, the CIA play a part in it? These took over in Vietnam prior to the time disturbed by the fact, and I understand
questions remain to be answered. of the rioting and the takeover by the it is a fact, because I was informed by
But one thing is clear. If officials of junta? the ambassador to the OAS from the
the U.S. Government knew of the coup, Mr. ZABLOCKI. The gentleman Dominican Republic, Ambassador Bo
and failed to exert every possible pres- knows the answer to that question far nilla, just last week, that he cannot even
sure to gain assurances of safe conduct better than I. As a member of the Com- get in to see anybody in the State De-
out of the country for President Diem, mittee on Appropriations, the gentleman partment to discuss pledges that the
then the shadow of blame falls on our is deeply interested in the defeat of the triumvirate ruling government in the
Nation. Mr. Speaker, only time will tell Communist menace throughout the Dominican Republic is willing to give to
what really happened in Vietnam. I world. He knows the answer. the United States relating to elections as
hope the authorities will soon advise the Mr. LAIRD. I could not tell from the soon as possible and relating to other
Congress and our Nation so that faith gentleman's remarks what he thought as assurances such as concerning the re-
can be kept in our executive depart- chairman of the Investigating Commit- turn to constitutional government in the
i-. _r - -.v....:++o.. - P-i- Affairs Dominican Republic.
What has happened in Vietnam must
cause troubled thoughts for the leaders
of other nations allied with the United
States in the fight against world Com-
munist aggression, in southeast Asia,,in
Europe, and most particularly in Latin
America.
Further, Mr. Speaker, it is my belief
that before the United States recognizes
the junta in Vietnam as being the legiti-
mate government in that country, we
should receive some definite commit-
ments from its leaders. We have
learned hard lessons in other parts of
the world when a military junta sup-
planted civilian rule.
Some formula should be agreed upon
to return control of Vietnam to civilian
rule as soon as possible. Further, sim-
ilar requirements such as we are awaiting
in the Dominican Republic and Honduras
are in order. Finally, we should insist
on reforms such as requested of the prior
regime in Vietnam.
. Mr. Speaker, it is vital that we con-
tinue our efforts to defeat the Vietcong.
We should continue to cooperate with
the ruling junta in Vietnam in pressing
the war againstthe Vietcong.
However, let us closely examine the re-
quest of the junta, as reported in the
press, for double our present level of as-
sistance-both economic and military.
According to some individuals Diem
was the main stumbling block in the way
of winning the war against the Vietcong.
Diem -is gone now, cruelly slain. Why
then, now that the obstacle. is gone, is
substantially increased assistance nec-
essary?
As a member of the Foreign Affairs
Committee, I want to serve notice now
that Congress will be taking a -close and
careful look at any forthcoming requests
for massive increased aid to Vietnam.
Further, the occurrences in Vietnam and
elsewhere indicate the reevaluation, re- there are no differences in the situation
assessment,' and redirection of present in Vietnam.
policies concerning assistance to foreign Mr. CRAMER. If the gentleman will
nations is necessary. yield further, the gentleman agrees that
Mr. LAIRD. Mr. Speaker, will the the principle is the same, does he not?
gentleman yield?
'Mr. ZABLOCKI. I am delighted to Mr. ZABLOCKI. I agree.
yield. Mr. CRAMER. Will the gentleman
Mr. LAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I know of yield further?
the long interest of the gentleman from Mr. ZABLOCKI. I would be glad to
Wisconsin in the problems of Vietnam yield further to the gentleman from
and the conduct of the United States in `Florida.
tts efforts lo 'stop communism in that n. Mr. CRAMER. I understand that
section of the world. I think that the 'there are obviously communications go-
report that the gentleman has made to- ing on at the present time between the
day is indeed a very fine report. I would Vietnam junta and this Government re-
I am sure the gentleman is fully aware
that a few days after the military junta
took over, the government was turned
over to. the civilian triumvirate which is
now governing it and the country is not
now governed by the military.
The gentleman is familiar with the
fact that the military forces are no
longer patrolling the streets, imposing
martial law, and that there is a substan-
tial degree of freedom even now in the
Dominican Republic. Yet the U.S. Gov-.
ernment will not even talk to Mr.
Bonilla in this country nor are they will-
ing to send an official or unofficial emis-
sary to discuss with the triumvirate in
the Dominican Republic what their plans
are or what assurances they are willing
to give.
Does not the gentleman from Wiscon-
sin feel that is totally inconsistent?
How are we going to help settle the very
serious, critical, and explosive situation
in the Dominican Republic? We spe-
cifically made recommendations and did
certain things in this other crisis in
South Vietnam. Can the gentleman
understand why our Government will
not even set up communications between
the United States and the Dominican
Republic?
Mr. ZABLOCKI. I will say to the gen-
tleman from Florida that I am unable
to reply to the question which he is ask-
ing. I agree that the transitional gov-
ernments in the Dominican Republic and
Honduras should be given at least an
opportunity to present their case. Yes,
the issues are similar. That is why in
the conclusion of my prepared statement.
I stated that there should be a reevalua-
tion, reassessment, and a rededication
of our military and economic assistance,
not only in the case of Vietnam and the
Dominican Republic, but in other areas.
. Mr. CRAMER. Will the gentleman
yield for one additional question?
Mr. ZABLOCKI. I yield to the gentle-
man from Florida.
Mr. CRAMER. I know you are famil-
iar with the fact that for some time I
have been concerned over the fact that
in Latin America the Communists are
continuing to infiltrate and gain ever
stronger positions in many countries. In
many of the Latin American countries
our Alliance for Progress program and
foreign aid program efforts apparently
are not successfully directed toward pre-
venting Communist growth and the tak-
ing over of some of these countries by
the Communists.
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I might say to the gentleman, is that
there must have been some encourage-
ment.
Mr. LAIRD. I thank the gentleman.
Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, will the
gentleman yield?
Mr. ZABLOCKI. I am glad to yield.
Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I was
very much interested in the gentleman's
observation with regard to military
coups. The gentleman very rightly
pointed out that the cases of Honduras
and the Dominican Republic are situa-
tions of two military coups. I under-
stand the gentleman's position is that
there should be considerable reservation
about recognition of this military junta
in South Vietnam unless adequate assur-
ances are given with regard to elections,
and other matters which the gentleman
mentioned. According to the press the
State Department is ready, willing, and
anxious to give immediate recognition
to the junta there, in South Vietnam,
but just the last weekend they an-
nounced their intentions to withdraw all
semblance of recognition, even practi-
cally all of the military missions from
the Dominican Republic and from Hon-
duras. Does not the gentleman feel that
that position of the administration is
slightly inconsistent?
Mr. ZABLOCKI. I definitely agree
that there is an inconsistency. In my
opinion the same formula, similar re-
quirements, as I said earlier, should be
followed in both instances. I believe that
agreements and commitments on the
part of the military junta in Vietnam
must be had now, before recognition, so
that we may be more certain of the re-
turn of a civilian government to
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CONGRESSIONAL RECORD -HOUSE y n on-1
Why is it that the United States takes
the inconsistent position that the State
Department, when it comes to Latin
America and this hemisphere, cannot be-
come involved in matters within the sov-
ereignty of these other countries and we
cannot impose our will upon these other
nations, when according to the answer
given by the- gentleman in the well to the
gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. LAIRD]
Just a moment ago, it appears we are
imposing our will on South Vietnam?
Of course, it is common knowledge that
we did in Guatemala, in 1954, when there
was a Communist government. That
was a case in which we rendered assist-
ance to oust the Communists.
It seems to me that we have either got
to fish or cut bait. In one situation we
intervene supposedly to strengthen our
anti-Communist efforts but in an-
other situation where the Communist
threaten we say that we have got to
recognize their sovereignty and we can-
not intervene.
If we are to be consistent, should not
our basic policy be that we fight com-
munism wherever it occurs, if it justifies
interference in one case should not it
justify the same thing in another?
Mr. ZABLOCKI. At the moment r
drawing to a close, I think it would be mines in the golden era and the mere fact
appropriate for us all to pause a moment that the total volume of world consump-
to review again the agricultural record tion is now higher than it was during the
of the New Frontier. 1940's and 1950's is testimonial only to
I am sorry to say that for both farm- the fact that there are millions of more
ers and taxpayers this record continues people on this planet now than there were
to get worse. just a decade ago.
Here is what we have seen recently: The actual record of the New Frontier
The parity ratio for 1962 at 79, the on farm legislation has been dismal.
lowest level for a year since 1939-Eco- Do you remember what the 1960 Demo-
nomic Indicators, U.S. Government cratic platform on agriculture said?
Printing Office, September 1963, page 28. The Democratic administration will work
Farm debt at the highest level in his- to bring about full parity of income for farm-
tory-Farm debt, 1919-63, ERS, USDA, ers in all segments of agriculture by helping
July 1963. them to, balance farm production with the
Farming costs at the highest level in expanding needs of the Nation and the =world.
history-"Agricultural Prices," Crop Re- Measures to this end include production
porting Board, U.S. Department of Ag- barrels, marbushe ,ands ales, loans s tnr ba s
riculture, September 30, 1963, page o, bushels, and bales, loans on basic
1. commodities at not less than 90 percent of
Total expenditures of $8.4 billion by parity, production payments, commodity pur-
the U.S. Department of Agriculture, an chases, and marketing orders and agreements.
all-time high, in fiscal year 1964-ap- What happened to this promise of high
propriations, REA and FHA loan au-
thorizations, fiscal years 1933 through prices and stet Rue uthorit? of Secre law Present
1964, Office of Budget and Finance, is clear to the h supports is at 90 per-
USDA, February 1963. Freeman to set price supports at 90 per-
The greatest number of employees- cent of parity on the basics now grown
116,268-in the history of the U.S. De- under crop controls such as rice, peanuts,
partment of Agriculture-"U.S. Budget, cotton and wheat.
Fiscal Year 1964," page 422. He could set these crops at 90 percent
191, he has not-in fact, not one single farm
to his question. I submit the gentleman "Farm-IncomeniSituation, our FIS Nation-
commodity is now or has been supported
had better ask it of the proper authori- USDA, July 1963, page 37. at 90 percent of parity by the Kennedy
ties. An alltime low-3.6 million-in the administration.
Mr. GROSS. Mr. Speaker, will the number of farms in this country-"Sta- Why? The reason is simple. The
gentleman yield further? tistical Reporting Service," U.S. Depart- Democratic Party has repudiated 90 per-
Mr. ZABLOCKI. I yield further to the ment of Agriculture, February 28, 1963. cent of parity in practice but not in
gentleman from Iowa. , Farm surpluses at continued high promise.
Mr. GROSS. The gentleman headed levels-USDA press release 3309-63, Oc- Do You remember what Candidate
a committee that returned only a few tober 3, 1963, shows CCC investment in John F. Kennedy said in 1960?
days ago from Vietnam. farm commodities at $7,256,551,380 as Speaking at the Farmers Union GTA
Do I understand correctly that the of June 30, 1963. This compares to $6,- Convention, St. Paul, Minn., October 2,
gentleman in his committee talked to 657,026,599 a year earlier.
President Diem personally?
Farm 1960, he said:
Mr. ZABLOCKI. We did. S ass allycad'ustedi second quarter arter for which will raiselfarmincomeato full programs
Mr. GROSS. And his brother, Nhu? 1963 shows net farm income at $12.6
levels soon as it is feasible to do so. parity
Mr. ZABLOCKI. We did. billion or $700 million less than 1962 and parity income, I mean an an income which will
Mr. GROSS. The gentleman and his $200 million less than 1961. - Page 34 give average farm producers a return on their
committee also talked to the military shows that realized net income from farming investment, their labor, and their
commanders, American and Vietnamese? farming after excluding government pay- mare enageridl effort equal to the returns that
Mr. ZABLOCKI. Yes, as well as leg- ments was lower in 1962 than in 17 of ndu trie d by comparable resources in other
islators of the Vietnam National Assem- the previous 19 years starting in 1943.
-bly, including the President of the Na- Farm legislation bogged down in Con- That, of course, was another promise
-tional Assembly. gi?ess with only one major bill being en- which falls far short when measured
Mr. GROSS. At that time did the acted into law. against performance.
gentleman or his committee have infor- Farmers rejecting the administration's As to the parity principle as a bedrock
oration that this coup would be carried strict two-price wheat control scheme by of farm policy, let me point out that the
nut or was imminent and would be car- an overwhelming margin, present tobacco
=led out in the, n ar future? price support am
pr
e Was there HOW DID IT HAPPEN? which is generally cited as a Paragon of
any indication of that? What has happened, Mr. Sp virtue by advocates of "supply b ge
Mr. ZABLOCKI. If there were indi- cause all these events to transpire? u is a -
-ations we would have reported to the While I realize that an endless argument the or controls for agriculture is based
ull Committee on Foreign Affairs and can follow from this simple question, I on a formula apart and distinct from
the
included it in our report. There were no think it suffices to say that the impact of parity formula. It is a formula ac
signed to prevent a rise in tobacco price
e
-ueh indications. technology and change in agriculture is supports. It is a frozen ceiling on sup-
Mr. GROSS. I thank the gentleman. by far the most important single reason. port prices. Measured in terms of parity,
think that was the report the gentle- Farmers have been able to master the tobacco supports are now in the low 80
'ian made to the committee, weather, the soil, seeds, fertilizers and range.
Government officials, and still produce Another recent example of this ad-
'ARMERS ANe E NEW FRON- the greatest bounty on earth. ministration abandoning the
Nostalgic remembrances are from time principle is found in the pending parity
TIER-A REPORT ON THE 1ST to time heard concerning the so-called bill which calls for substantial new sub-
SESSION OF THE 88TH CONGRESS golden era of agriculture when the parity sidies to textile mills. Under the terms
The SPEAKER. Under ratio was in excess of 100. World War II, of that legislation the price support for
previous or- the postwar period and the Korean war cotton would in future years no longer
per of the House, the gentleman from were, of course, the years of this golden be related to parity, but would be tied to
Dwa [Mr HoEVEN] is recognized for 20 era when American men were fighting the cost of production.
sinutes. and dying for their country.
Mr. HOEVEN. Mr. Speaker, now that The wheat fields of France and the rice During this session PoflCongress only
^e 1st session of the 88th Congress is paddies of Korea were growing land one major farm bill, a 2-year extension
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CONGRESSIONAL RECORD - HOUSE November 4
of the feed grain program, has been en- Do you remember section 360(a) of
acted into law. H.R. 6400, the administration's 1961
We all recall how hastily it was forced farm proposal?
through Congress in an effort to per- It provided;
suade wheat farmers to vote "right" in SUBTITLE C-MARKETING QUOTAS
last May's referendum. Part VII-Marketing quotas for specified
As things turned out this last-minute agricultural commodities
effort which prevented the Senate from SEC. 360(a). This part covers any agricul-
even correcting a typographical error tural commodity including but not limited
was as equally futile as the months of to the following: corn, tobacco, wheat, cot-
high-pressure sales tactics used by Sec- ton, rice, peanuts, barley, oats, rye, grain
retary Freeman and the Department of sorghums, flaxseed, soybeans, dry edible
Agriculture to promote the certificate beans, grass seeds, vegetables (including
wheat plan. potatoes), fruits, tree nuts and seeds, hogs,
cattle, lamb, chicken, turkeys, whole milk,
As a result of numerous abuses, the butterfat, eggs, hops, honey, and gum naval
Secretary was legislatively scolded by the stores. Any regional or market classifica-
House and Senate Appropriations Com- tion, type or grade of any agricultural com-
mittees with the Senate adding this lan- modity covered by this part may be treated
guage to the fiscal year 1964 appropria- as a separate commodity hereunder.
tions bill: ,Happily, this provision was rejected
Provided further, That no part of the by Congress.
funds appropriated or made available under Second. Do you remember section 440
this Act shall be used, (1) to influence the of H.R. 10010, the administration's 1962
vote in any referendum; (2) to influence farm proposal?
agricultural legislation except as permitted It provided:
in 18 U.S.C. 1913; or (3) for salaries or other
expenses of members of county and Com- SUBTITLE C-DAIRY
munity committees established pursuant to Reports and records
section 8(b) of the Soil Conservation and SEC. 440. Each first processor and producer
Domestic Allotment Act, as amended, for shall keep such records for such period of
engaging in any activities other than ad- time and shall make such reports as the
visory and supervisory duties and delegated Secretary shall prescribe for the purposes of
program functions prescribed in adminis- this subtitle. The Secretary is hereby au-
trative regulations. thorized to examine such records and any
As a result of further congressional other records, accounts, documents, and
other papers which he has reason to believe
disapproval, the Secretary also withdrew are relevant for the purposes of this sub-
the loyalty pledge that he had required title and which are in the custody or control
of all farmer-elected committeemen, of such first processor or producer. Any per-
In spite of all the high-pressure tactics son failing to make any report or keep any
a majority of wheat farmers voted down record as required by the Secretary, pursuant
the strict control plan designed for them to this subtitle, shall be guilty of a mis-
demeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall
by Messrs. Kennedy, Cochrane, and Free- be punished by a fine of not more than
man. - $2,000 or by imprisonment for not more than
Prior to the referendum many wheat 1 year, or both.
State Members of Congress began to Happily, this provision too was
work on a constructive alternative to the rejected by Congress, but a proposal to.
administrations "rule or ruin" plan. imprison a dairy farmer in a Federal
After the referendum's defeat, over 50 penitentiary for failing to keep a record
wheat bills were introduced in Congress, or for refusing to let a Federal official
but up to the present time the adminis- snoop about his personal records or any
tration has remained adamant in refus- other material deemed relevant by the
ing to consider remedial wheat legislation Secretary would seem preposterous had
while preferring to let the wheat farmer it not been recommended by the Presi-
stew in his own juice." dent of the United States.
The reason most often cited by the Third. Do you remember H.R. 6491
Secretary is that wheat farmers are and H.R. 7154, the administration's 1963
divided on a program. That argument, proposals on land retirement?
however, did not dissuade the Secretary These bills would have removed the $10
from pushing the 40-year-old, oft reject- million ceiling on the cropland conver-
ed, two-price wheat plan through Con-, sion program and allowed unrestrained
gress and to a referendum where farm- grazing of new cropland as well as on the -
ers in only five States found it acceptable. formerly idle land coming out of the
LIVESTOCK VENDETTA cropland reserve program. Needless to
The administration's displeasure with say, this would mean a severe hardship
wheat farmers as a result of the refer- for all livestock farmers if Government
endum is mild compared to the continu- subsidized grazing were allowed.
ing vendetta it is carrying out against Fourth. Do you realize the extent of
livestock farmers. livestock imports at this time?
Let us recall for just one moment that Four hundred and eighty-one million
the livestock industry is, by far, free from dollars' worth of meat products were im-
government control and subsidy. It has ported into the United States in 1962, and
historically been the bulwark of opposi-. 1963 imports are running at the same
tion to the fancy control schemes of the high rate.
New Frontier. Imports of boneless beef and veal, for
Among other things here are some of example, have risen from 88 million
the things the administration has been pounds in 1957 to 819 million pounds in
doing to livestock farmers. 1962-an increase of 1,000 percent. The
First. This administration proposed in October 28 issue of the USDA publica-
1961 that there be hen, heifer, and hog tion, "Foreign Agriculture," also - shows
quotas. these figures for 1963:
U.S. imports of red -meat in the January-
August period of 1963 totaled 926 million
pounds, up 18 percent frpm the same period
last year.
U.S. Imports of boneless beef, the major
category, rose by 20 percent to 605 million
pounds, and those of canned meat by about
50 percent to 75 million pounds.
Nine ships left Australia during the month
of September, with 27,301,120 pounds of beef,
403,200 pounds of mutton, 51,520 pounds of
lamb, and 24,640 pounds of variety meats, to
the United States.
Meat shipments to the United States from
New Zealand totaled 203 million pounds in
the 11-month period beginning October 1,
1962. Beef and veal accounted for 94 percent
of these shipments.
Many livestock producers wish that the
administration would devote as much ef-
fort to control harmful and excessive
imports as it does to controlling the
American farmer.
In spite of this serious situation noth-
ing is being done to stop it.
Fifth. Do you remember the chicken
war in the European Common Market?
That is still going on and we are losing
it. The Europeans have made no real
concessions and they have, in fact, raised
U.S. pork levies from 9.5 to 20 percent ad
valorem and have raised U.S. lard duties- -
from 1.6 cents a pound to 4.6 cents a
pound, thus substantially reducing these
exports to Europe.
I am sorry to see the hostile attitude
that this administration has against the
livestock industry which is of such prime
importance to our Nation's agriculture.
WHERE ARE WE GOING?
The farm program is heading for a fall
unless something is done to bring it back
into sensible perspective. The pure and
simple fact is, Mr. Speaker, that the
present crazy-quilt price support and,
control program held together by Mr.
Freeman was - born in depression, ma-
tured in war and is now in a faltering
position.
The change from rural to urban dom-
inance of both the national Congress and
the State legislatures is becoming more..
and more pronounced.
If farmers of the 1960's and 1970's are
going to continue to provide Americans
and the world with food and fiber, a new
concept of abundance must be formed.
We must forget the foolishness that
the New Frontier espouses on agricul-
ture. Ski lifts and snow machines fi-
nanced by subsidized Government loans,
31 farms for every U.S. Department of
Agriculture bureaucrat, and only 140
acres out of a 140,000-acre cropland con-
version program sold to the public as a
recreation activity are but a few of the
wastes and extravagances that must be
curtailed if the general public and the
Congress are ever to look on farm pro-
grams as something more than a multi-
billion-dollar boondoggle.
In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I call upon
all segments and shades of opinion within
the agricultural community to give im-
mediate attention to a sound and ra-
tional farm program. The Kennedy ad-
ministration, having complete control of
Congress, has the votes to bring this
about. The responsibility for the enact-
ment of sound and realistic farm pro-
grams, therefore, should be placed where
it belongs.
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1963
Monsignor McDonald, your own rector,
made a plea of great importance at the Cath-
olic University's June commencement, this
year. He called for a national foundation
based on the National Science Foundation,
which would provide aid to outstanding
young men and women who chose the arts
and humanities as their field of graduate re-
search; similar financial support as is today
given to those who dedicate themselves to
research in the sciences. I welcome the
thoughtful suggestion of the rector of the
Catholic University of America. It is a most
constructive suggestion, worthy of every con-
sideration.
The battle for the future will be, as has
been said before, a battle for men's minds.
To the nation with the greatest understand-
ing of the truth-of the whole truth-of
the truth in science and the truth in cul-
ture, to this nation belongs tomorrow. And
today's struggle is to prepare the minds of
our young men and women with a grasp of
knowledge and understanding which is bal-
anced-enough to meet the challenges of an
evolving science without losing its roots in
a culture that still appreciates the value of
the human person. I commend the Cath-
olic University of America for its never-
flagging dedication to this ideal. It captures
my imagination, and I commend highly your
right reverend rector for advancing these
constructive proposals.
We are living in an important and trying
period of the world's history. As you and I
are present this evening, history is being
made. Despite the cooing voice of peaceful
coexistence, the forces of evil are bent on
world domination.
. While we must be powerful militarily, we
must also be strong spiritually; all persons
everywhere who believe in God and His law.
For deep faith is the affirmative strength
that could well be the difference between
victory and defeat.
One of the great events of history is tak-
ing place now in Rome-instituted by Pope
John and followed and emphasized in his
own right by Pope Paul-the Ecumenical
Council.
This is not only a great event in the his-
tory of the Catholic Church, and more
broadly, of religion, but it is one of the his-
toric events of mankind. For from it will
flow great beneficial results.
It is evident to everyone that the Ecumen-
~ ical Council is affirmative and positive. The
growth of the ecumenical spirit throughout
the world has already strongly evidenced it-
self. The religious understanding and spirit
Is stronger today than it has been for gen-
erations, and that understanding and spirit
will grow stronger in generations that lie
ahead.
While military power is necessary as a
deterrent to Communist aggression, the ecu-
menical spirit everywhere is necessary for a
future world of peace. For in a sense, mili-
tary strength is negative-responding to the
law of self-preservation-to deter, and in
case of attack and war, to win and survive.
In the world of today it is absolutely nec-
essary. And our country has great military
strength and power. But it is the word of
God in the minds of men and women that is
our real strength, our affirmative strength,
animating their thoughts and actions, and
looking forward with faith and confidence
to a worldof peace.
As we project our minds into the forsee-
able future the results that will flow from
the work of the Ecumenical Council, makes it
one of the most notable events of world
history.
As Cardinal Cushing recently and so well
said, "The present Ecumenical Council will
accept the challenge of those who contend
that we are on the threshold of an atheistic
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD - HOUSE 19889
It is in the spirit of James Cardinal Gib- roving the delta and coastal regions,
bons, who in America many years ago, and began the campaign to recapture
preached and practiced the ecumenical the countryside from the Communist
spirit, that I ccept this year's award of the guerillas. At the same time he eifec-
Cardinal ib ons.Medal. > ?
tively accomplished the absorbing of
hundreds of thousands of refugees from
THE UNITED STATES AND RECENT North Vietnam who had streamed into
EVENTS IN SOUTH VIETNAM South Vietnam at the end of the Indo-
The SPEAKER. Under previous order
of the House, the gentleman from Wis-
consin [Mr. ZABLOCK11 is recognized for
30 minutes.
(Mr. ZABLOCKI asked and was given
permission to revise and extend his re-
marks.)
Mr. ZABLOCKI. Mr. Speaker, it has
been with deep concern and sorrow that
I have viewed the events of the past few
days In South Vietnam. I have been
concerned about the ruthless way in
which the Diem government was deposed
and grieved at the assassination of Presi-
dent Diem himself.
Just 4 weeks ago today seven other
Members of this body and I sat in the
President's palace in Saigon, exchanging
views with President Diem.
At that time we advised Diem of the
anxiety evident in the United States and
elsewhere in the free world over the do-
mestic political problems which had
plagued his administration. We empha-
sized the fear that these difficulties might
adversely affect the military campaign
against the Vietcong if they continued.
We cautioned him that political un-
rest in the form of dissident groups, vo-
cal opponents at home and abroad, up-
risings by students, dissatisfaction among
the intelligentsia and antagonism from
Buddhists would continue to harass his
government unless reforms were made
soon.
At that time President Diem promised
that reforms would be made, that civil
liberties would be restored to his people
as soon as hostilities with the Vietcong
had subsided. Of course, he had made
such promises before and nothing had
been done. I am satisfied, however, that
Diem meant what he said. He impressed
us as a dedicated nationalist, sincere, in-
corruptible, and determined to defeat the
Communist Vietcong.
From our conversation, it was evi-
dent that President Diem and his broth-
er, Nhu, were conscious of the possibility
of a coup. There had been, it should be
remembered, five previous unsuccessful
attempts to oust the Diem regime. But
Diem indicated no fear of his political
opponents.
For whatever his adversaries might
say about him, they cannot deny the hon-
esty, the courage, or ability of Ngo Dinh
Diem.
A fervent champion of Vietnamese na-
tionalism, Diem returned in 1954 from
4 years of exile to lead the Government
of South Vietnam, a country which at
that time had no national feeling or
identity.
Almost singlehandedly, with few re-
sources at his command, Diem created
a nation-state of Vietnam and solidified
the rule of his government. To do this
he was forced to crush the opposition
of dissident sects, subdue pirate bands
china war.
It is safe to say that had there been no
Diem in South Vietnam, the situation
there would have been even more cha-
otic than it has been, and the Commu-
nist Vietcong would be in a stronger posi-
tion than they are today.
Yet we have heard from many
individuals that the war against the
Vietcong could not be won with Diem.
Our study mission found that the war
against the Vietcong was being won.
The Vietnamese, we reported, are de-
termined to maintain their independ-
ence and their forces have been fighting
well.
However, it cannot be denied that the
reputation as a,national leader and hero
which Diem earned by his early actions
as Vietnam's President, in recent
months, had fallen because of the re-
pressive measures which had been taken
against opponents of his regime. His
popularity, particularly in the large cit-
ies, had been dissipated in a series of
government actions against the people
attributed largely to his brother, Nhu
and Mdm. Nhu.
As a result of these actions U.S. eco-
nomic and military assistance was cur-
tailed,
In part, this withholding of assistance
was justified. Particularly aid which
went to the regime's "special forces"
who misused U.S. assistance in ? their
raids on Buddhist pagodas.
But there can be little doubt that this
curtailment of aid also heartened Diem's
opponents and helped trigger the coup.
It was a signal to the military leaders
of Vietnam that the United States would
support the overthrow of the Diem
regime.
Further, there will be some who will
say that the United States openly en-
couraged the coup.
Whatever the case, Mr. Speaker, the
military junta which now rules Vietnam
has not shown itself to be any less ruth-
less or any less autocratic than the
former regime. One of its first acts was
the reprehensible slaying of President
Diem.
For those of us reared in the Judeo-
Christian tradition and schooled in
Anglo-Saxon law, this act of assassina-
tion is repulsive. It is made even more
horrible by the attempt to make the kill-
ing seem a suicide. Even in military
action, killing those who surrender is
massacre.
The State Department has officially
deplored the assassination of Diem
while disclaiming any prior knowledge
of the plot to overthrow him. Yet sub-
sequently we have learned that members
of the American press corp in Saigon
were aware that a coup was imminent.
Can we believe then that the State
Department did not know that a coup
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19890 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD - HOUSE
November 4
was likely? Were steps taken to warn like to ask him one question, and that is, lating to what the junta's intentions are
President Diem of pending danger? Does not the gentleman believe that in the future; is that not correct?
I And what of the CIA? Did its agents there were commitments made by the Mr. ZABLOCKI. That is correct.
in Vietnam know of the coup? Did, in United States, to the military junta that Mr. CRAMER. I have been rather
fact, the CIA play a part in it? These took over in Vietnam prior to the time disturbed by the fact, and I understand
questions remain to be answered. of the rioting and the takeover by the it is a fact, because I was informed by
But one thing is clear. If officials of junta? the ambassador to the OAS from the
the U.S. Government knew of the coup, Mr. ZABLOCKI. The gentleman Dominican Republic, Ambassador Bo-
and failed to exert every possible pres- knows the answer to that question far nilla, just last week, that he cannot even
sure to gain assurances of safe conduct better than I. As a member of the Com- get in to see anybody in the State De-
out of the country for President Diem, mittee on Appropriations, the gentleman partment to discuss pledges that the
then the shadow of blame falls on our is deeply interested in the defeat of the triumvirate ruling government in the
Nation. Mr. Speaker, only time will tell Communist menace throughout the Dominican Republic is willing to give to
what really happened in Vietnam. I world. He knows the answer, the United States relating to elections as
hope the authorities will soon advise the Mr. LAIRD. I could not tell from the soon as possible and relating to other
Congress and our Nation so that faith gentleman's remarks what he thought as assurances such as concerning the re-
can be kept in our executive depart- chairman of the Investigating Commit- turn to constitutional government in the
ments. tee of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Dominican Republic.
What has happened in Vietnam must I was trying to get his best judgment. I am sure the gentleman is fully aware
cause troubled thoughts for the leaders Mr. ZABLOCKI. My best judgment, that a few days after the military junta
of other nations allied with the United I might say to the gentleman, is that took over, the government was turned
States in the fight against world Com- there must have been some encourage- over to the civilian triumvirate which is
munist aggression, in southeast Asia, in ment. now governing it and the country is not
Europe, and most particularly in Latin Mr. LAIRD. I thank the gentleman, now governed by the military.
America. Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, will the The gentleman is familiar with the
Further, Mr. Speaker, it is my belief gentleman yield? fact that the military forces are no
that before the United States recognizes Mr. ZABLOCKI. I am glad to yield. longer patrolling the streets, imposing
the junta in Vietnam as being the legiti- Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I was martial law, and that there is a substan-
mate government in that country, we very much interested in the gentleman's tial degree of freedom even now in the
should receive some definite commit- observation with regard to military Dominican Republic. Yet the U.S. Gov-
ments from its leaders. We have coups. The gentleman very rightly ernment will not even talk to Mr.
learned hard lessons in other parts of pointed out that the cases of Honduras Bonilla in this country nor are they will-
the world when a military junta sup- and the Dominican Republic are situa- ing to send an official or unofficial emis-
planted civilian rule. tions of two military coups. I under- sary to discuss with the triumvirate in
Some formula should be agreed upon stand the gentleman's position is that the Dominican Republic what their plans
to return control of Vietnam to civilian there should be considerable reservation are or what assurances they are willing
rule as soon as possible. Further, sim- about recognition of this military junta to give.
liar requirements such as we are awaiting in South Vietnam unless adequate assur- Does not the gentleman from Wiscon-
in the Dominican Republic and Honduras ances are given with regard to elections, sin feel that is totally inconsistent?
are in order. Finally, we should insist and other matters which the gentleman How are we going to help settle the very
on reforms such as requested of the prior mentioned. According to the press the serious, critical, and explosive situation
regime in Vietnam. State Department is ready, willing, and in the Dominican Republic? We spe
Mr. Speaker, it is vital that we con- anxious to give immediate recognition cifically made recommendations and did
tinue our efforts to defeat the Vietcong. to the junta there, in South Vietnam, certain things in this other crisis in
We should continue to cooperate with but just the last weekend they an- South Vietnam. Can the gentleman
the ruling junta in Vietnam in pressing nounced their intentions to withdraw all understand why our Government will
the war against the Vietcong. semblance of recognition, even practi- not even set up communications between
However, let us closely examine the re- cally all of the military missions from the United States and the Dominican
quest of the junta, as reported in the the Dominican Republic and from Hon- Republic?
press, for double our present level of as- duras. Does not the gentleman feel that Mr. ZABLOCKI. I will say to the gen-
sistance-both economic. and military, that position of the administration is tleman from Florida that I am unable
According to some individuals Diem. slightly inconsistent? to reply to the question which he is ask-
was the main stumbling block in the way Mr. ZABLOCKI. I definitely agree ing. I agree that the transitional gov-
of winning the war against the Vietcong. that there is an inconsistency. In my ernments in the Dominican Republic and
Diem is gone now, cruelly slain. Why opinion the same formula, similar re- Honduras should be given at least an
then, now that the obstacle is gone, is quirements, as I said earlier, should be opportunity to present their case. Yes,
substantially increased assistance nec- followed in both instances. i believe that the issues are-similar. That is why in
essary? .agreements and commitments on the the conclusion of my prepared statement
As a member of the Foreign Affairs part of the military junta in Vietnam I stated that there should be a reevalua-
Committee, I want to serve notice now must be had now, before recognition, so tion, reassessment, and a rededication
that Congress will be taking a close and that we may be more certain of the re- of our military and economic assistance,
careful look at any forthcoming requests turn of a civilian government to not only in the case of Vietnam and the
for massive increased aid to Vietnam. Vietnam. Dominican Republic, but in other areas.
Further, the occurrences in Vietnam and I agree with the gentleman. CRAMER. Will the gentleman
elsewhere indicate the reevaluation, re- . Basically,
assessment, and redirection of present there are no differences in the situation yield for one additional question?
Policies concerning assistance to foreign in Vietnam. Mr. ZABLOCKI. I yield to the gentle
nations is necessary. Mr. CRAMER. If the gentleman will man from Florida.
Mr. LAIRD. Mr. Speaker, will the yield further, the gentleman agrees that Mr. CRAMER. I know you are famil-
gentleman yield? the principle is the same, does he not? iar with the fact that for some time I
Mr. ZABLOCKI. I am delighted to Mr. ZABLOCKI. I agree. have been concerned over the fact that
yield. Mr. CRAMER. Will the gentleman in Latin America the Communists .are
Mr. LAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I know of yield further? continuing to infiltrate and gain ever
to of stronger positions in many countries. In
the long interest of the gentleman from Mr. ZABLOCKI. I would be glad
Wisconsin in the problems of Vietnam yield further to the gentleman from many lithe Latin American
program and
and the conduct of the United States in Florida. our Alliance the
program program and
its efforts to stop communism in that Mr. CRAMER. I understand that aree not successfully directed towa d prey
section of the world. I think that the there are obviously communications go- venting Communist growth and the tak-
report that the gentleman has made to- ing on at the present time between the ing over of some of these countries by
day is indeed.a very fine report. I would Vietnam junta and this Government re- the Communists.
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1963 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD - HOUSE 19891
Why is it that the United states takes drawing to a close, I think it would be mines in the golden era and the mere fact
the inconsistent position that the State appropriate for us all to pause a moment that the total volume of world consump-it was
during
the Department, when it comes to Latin to review again the agricultural record tion
sis now and higher is than testimonial only to
America and this hemisphere, cannot be- of the New Frontier.
come involved in matters within the sov- I am sorry to say that for both farm- the fact that there are millions of more
ereignty of these other countries and we ers and taxpayers this record continues people on this planet now than there were
cannot impose our will upon these other to get worse. just a decade ago.
nations, when according to the answer Here is what we have seen recently: The actual record of the New Frontier
given by the gentleman in the well to the The parity ratio for 1962 at 79, the on farm legislation has been dismal.
gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. LAIRD] lowest level for a year since 1939-Eco- Do you remember what the 1960 Demo-
just a moment ago, it appears we are nomic Indicators, U.S. Government cratic platform on agriculture said?
imposing our will on South Vietnam? Printing Office, September 1963, page 28. The Democratic administration will work
Of course, it is common knowledge that Farm debt at the highest level in his- to bring all about f ll parity ofincome for helping
farm ping
we did in Guatemala, in 1954, when there tory-Farm debt, 1919-63, ERS, USDA, ers in segments of agriculture by hel
needs of the Nation production with the world.
was a Communist government. That July 1963. them tean to balance
was a case in which we rendered assist- Farming costs at the highest level in Measures to this end include production
ante to oust the Communists. history-"Agricultural Prices," Crop Re- and marketing quotas measured in terms of
It seems to me that we have either got porting Board, U.S. Department of Ag- barrels, bushels, and bales, loans on basic
to fish or cut bait. In one situation we riculture, September 30, 1963, page 1. commodities at not less than 90 percent of
intervene supposedly to strengthen our Total expenditures of $8.4 billion by parity, and production marketing orders and o ago ments.
anti-Communist efforts but in an- the U.S. Department of Agriculture, an agree
other situation where the Communist all-time high, in fiscal year 1964-ap- What happened to this a promise high
threaten we say that we have got to propriations, REA and FHA loan au- prices and strict controls? Present law
recognize their sovereignty and we can- thorizations, fiscal years 1933 through is clear on the authority of Secretary
not intervene. 1964, Office of Budget and Finance, Freeman to set price supports at 90 per-
If we are to be consistent, should not USDA, February 1963. cent of parity on the basics now grown
our basic policy be that we fight com- The greatest number of employees- under crop controls such as rice, peanuts,
munism wherever it occurs, if it justifies 116,268-in the history of the U.S. De- cotton and wheat.
interference in one case should not it partment of Agriculture-"U.S. Budget, He could set these crops at 90 percent
justify the same thing in another? Fiscal Year 1964," page 422. stroke of his pen. Yet
Mr. ZABLOCKI. At the moment I The fewest number of farmers-14.3 of of has parity not with h a fact, not one single. farm he -in
cannot give to the gentleman an answer million-in the history, of our Nation- commodity is now or has been supported
to his question. I submit the gentleman "Farm Income Situation," FIS 191, at 90 percent of parity by the Kennedy
had better ask it of the proper authori- USDA, July 1963, page 37. administration.
ties. An alltime low-3.6 million-in the hys The reason is simple. The
Mr. GROSS. Mr. Speaker, will the number of farms in this country-"Sta- WDemocratic iParty has repudiated per-
Mr. 90 gentleman yield further? tistical Reporting Service," U.S. Depart- cent of c Pa in s epud but not r-
Mr. ZABLOCKI. I yield further to the ment of Agriculture, February 28, 1963. promise.
gentleman from Iowa. Farm surpluses at continued high remember what Candidate
Mr. GROSS. The gentleman headed levels-USDA press release 3309-63, Oc- DJoo o F. you Kennedy said in 1960?
a committee that returned only a few tober 3, 1963, shows CCC investment in
days ago from Vietnam. farm commodities at $7,256,551,380 as Speaking at the Farmers Union GTA
Do I understand correctly that the of June 30, 1963. This compares to $6,- Convention, St. Paul, Minn., October 2,
gentleman in his committee talked to 657,026,599 a year earlier. 1960, he said:
President Diem personally? Farm income sliding-Ibid, 7, page 2. Third, I would support farm programs
Mr. ZABLOCKI. We did. Seasonally adjusted second quarter for which will raise farm income to full parity
Mr. GROSS. And his brother, Nhu? 1963 shows net farm income at $12.6 levels as soon as it is feasible to do so. By
Mr. ZABLOCKI. We did. billion or $700 million less than 1962 and parity income, I mean an income which will
give average farm producers a return on their
Mr GROSS. The gentleman and his $200 million less than 1961. Page 34 farming investment, their labor, and their
committee also talked to the military shows that realized net income from managerial effort equal to the returns that
commanders, American and Vietnamese? farming after excluding government pay- are earned by comparable resources in other
Mr. ZABLOCII. Yes, as well as leg- ments was lower in 1962 than in 17 of industries.
islators of the Vietnam National Assem- the previous 19 years starting in 1943. of course, was another promise
bly, including the President of the Na- Farm legislation bogged down in Con- Thatwhich, falls far short when meaured
tional Assembly. gress with only one major bill being en- performance.
Mr. GROSS. At that time did the acted into law. against
the parity ma principle as a bedrock
Farmers rejecting the administration's of fAs to arm he policy, i let y me point out that the
gentleman or his coup would infor- strict two-price wheat control scheme by
mat ion that this coup ld carried an overwhelming margin. present tobacco price support program
out or was immi nent and would be car- e How DID IT HAPPEN' which is generally cited as a paragon of n a out the near future? Was there virtue by advocates of "supply manage-
and any indication of that? What has happened, Mr. Speaker, to ment" or controls for agriculture is based
Mr. ZABLOCKI. If there were indi- cause all these events to transpire? on a formula apart and distinct from
de-
cations we would have reported to the While I realize that an endless argument the Parity formula. It is s a formula de-
full Committee on Foreign Affairs and can follow from this simple question, I the pformu a rise tormu price
ceiling
included it in our report. There .were no think it suffices to say that the impact of supports. It is a frozen ceiling on sup-
. -.. _ :.+cnhnningy and change in agricult.ure. is
Mr, GROSS. I thank the gentleman Dy jai- Bile 1uu uuj/V1 V[4==~ o:5: =~wu.,=?? tobacco supports are now in the iow ov
T +hinlr +..ha+.. WAS the report the gentle Farmers have been able to master the range.
the greatest oounty on earuil.
t46stalgic remembrances are from time principle is found in the pending cotton
FARMERS AND THE NEW FIiON- bill which calls for substantial new sub-
ll
d
h
e
e so-ca
to time heard concerning t
`TI>R-A REPORT 931 TOTE 111 ST -golden era of agriculture when the parity sidies to textile mills. Under the terms
SESSION OF THE'$ TH 6 C1dRE8(8;ratio was in excess of 100: World War II, of that legislation the price support for
The SPEAKER. Under previous 'or- the postwar period and the Korean war cotton would in future years no longer
der of the House,, the gentleman from were, of course, the years of this golden be related to parity, but would be tied to
Iowa IMr HOEVENI is recognized for 20 era when American men were fighting the cost of production.
minutes. and dying for their country. WHAT IS HAPPENING)
Mr. HOEVEN. Mr. Speaker, now that The wheat fields of France and the rice During this session of Congress only
the 1st session of .the 88th Congress is paddies of Korea were growing land one major farm bill, a 2-year extension
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19892 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD -HOUSE November 4
of the feed grain program, has been en- Do you remember section 360(a) of U.S. imports of red meat in the January-
acted into law. HE. 6400, the administration's 1961 August period of 1963 totaled 929 million
We all recall how hastily it was forced farm proposal? pounds, up 18 percent from the same period
through Congress in an effort to last year.
per- It provided:
suade wheat U.S. Imports of boneless beef, the major
farmers to vote "right" in SUBTITLE C-MARKETING QUOTAS category, rose by 20 percent to 605 million
last May's referendum. Part VII-Marketing quotas for specified pounds, and those of canned meat by about
As things turned out this last-minute agricultural commodities 60 percent to 75 million pounds.
effort which prevented the Senate from SEC. 360(a). This part covers any agricul- Nine ships left Australia during the month
even correcting a typographical error tural commodity including but not limited of September, with 27,301,120 pounds of beef,
was as equally futile as the months of to the following: corn, tobacco, wheat, cot- 403,200 pounds of mutton, 51,520 pounds of
high-pressure sales tactics used by see- ton, rice, peanuts, barley, oats, rye, grain lamb, and 24,640 pounds of variety meats, to
retary Freeman and the Department of sorghums, flaxseed, soybeans, dry edible the United States.
Agriculture to promote the certificate beans, grass seeds, vegetables (including Meat shipments to the United States from
wheat plan. potatoes), fruits, tree nuts and seeds, hogs, New Zealand totaled 203 million pounds in
cattle, lamb, chicken, turkeys, whole milk, the 11-month period beginning October 1,
As a result of numerous abuses, the butterfat, eggs, hops, honey, and gum naval 1962. Beef and veal accounted for 94 percent
Secretary was legislatively scolded by the stores. Any regional or market classifica- of these shipments.
House and Senate Appropriations Com- tion, type or grade of any agricultural com- Many'livestock producers wish that the
mittees with the Senate adding, this lan- modity covered by this part may be treated administration would devote as much ef-
fort to the fiscal year 1964 appropria- as a separate commodity hereunder. fort to control harmful and excessive
tions bill: Happily, this provision was rejected imports as it does to controlling the
Provided further, That no part of the by Congress. American farmer.
funds appropriated or made available under Second. Do you remember section 440 In spite of this serious situation noth-
this Act shall be used, (1) to influence the of H.R. 10010,- the administration's 1962 ing is being done to stop it.
vote in any referendum; (2) to influence farm proposal? Fifth. Do you remember the chicken
agricultural legislation except as permitted It provided: war in the European Common Market?
in 18 U.S.C. 1913; or (3) for salaries or other
expenses of members of county and com- SUBTITLE C-DAIRY That is still going on and we are losing
munity committees established pursuant to Reports and records it. The Europeans have made no real
section 8(b) of the Soil Conservation and SEC. 440. Each first processor and producer concessions and they have, in fact, raised
Domestic Allotment Act, as amended, for shall keep such records for such period of U.S. pork levies from 9.5 to 20 percent ad
engaging in any activities other than ad- time and shall make such reports as the valorem and have raised U.S. lard duties
visory and supervisory duties and delegated Secretary shall prescribe for the purposes of from 1.6 cents a pound to 4.6 cents a
program functions prescribed in adminis- this subtitle. The Secretary is hereby au- pound, thus substantially reducing these
trative regulations. thorized to examine such records and any exports to Europe.
As a result of further congressional other records, accounts, documents, and other I am sorry to see the hostile attitude
disapproval, the Secretary also withdrew are e relevant papers for which the he has purposes of reason to this s suubb- -
that this administration has against the
the loyalty pledge that he had required title and which are in the custody or control livestock industry which is of such prime
of all farmer-elected committeemen, of such first processor or producer. Any per- importance to our Nation's agriculture.
In spite of all the high-pressure tactics son failing to make any report or keep any WHERE ARE WE GOING?
a majority of wheat farmers voted down record as required by the Secretary, pursuant
to this subtitle, The farm program is heading for a fall
the strict control plan designed for them shall be guilty of a mis-
strict Kennedy, plan designed
and them demeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall unless something is done to bring it back
be punished by a fine of not more than into sensible perspective. The pure and
man. $2,000 or by imprisonment for not more than simple fact is, Mr. Speaker, that the
Prior to the referendum many wheat 1 year, or both. present crazy-quilt price support and
State Members of Congress began to Happily, this provision too was control program held together by Mr.
work on a constructive alternative to the rejected by Congress, but a proposal to Freeman was born in depression, ma-
administration's "rule or ruin" plan. imprison a dairy farmer in a Federal tured in war and is now in a faltering
After the referendum's defeat, over 50 penitentiary for failing to keep a record position.
wheat bills were introduced in Congress, or for refusing to let a Federal official The change from rural to urban dom-
but up to the present time the adminis- snoop about his personal records or any inance of both the national Congress and
tration has remained adamant in refus- other material deemed relevant by the the State legislatures is becoming more.
ing to consider remedial wheat legislation Secretary would seem preposterous had and more pronounced.
while preferring to let the wheat farmer it not been recommended by the Presi- If farmers of the 1960's and 1970's are
"stew in his own juice." dent of the United States. going to continue to provide Americans
The reason most often cited by the Third. Do you remember H.R. 6491 and the world with food and fiber, a new
Secretary is that wheat farmers are and H.R. 7154, the administration's 1963 concept of abundance must be formed.
divided on a program. That argument, We must forget the foolishness that
however, did not dissuade the Secretary proposals on land retirement? the New Frontier espouses on agricul-
from pushing the 40-year-old, oft reject- . These bills would have removed the $10 ture. Ski lifts and snow machines fl-
-,
two-price wheat plan through Con- million ceiling on the cropland conver- nanced by subsidized Government loans,
gress and to a referendum where farm- sion program and allowed unrestrained 31 farms for every U.S. Department of
ere in only five States found it acceptable. grazing of new cropland as well as on the Agriculture bureaucrat, and only 140
LIVESTOCK VENDETTA formerly idle land coming out of the acres out of a 140,000-acre cropland con-
would reserve mean a program. severe Needless hardship to version program sold to the public as a
The administration's displeasure with say, this ay, tcropland
activity are but a few of the
wheat farmers as a result of the refer- for all livestock farmers if Government recreation wastes and extravagances that must be
endum is mild compared to the continu- subsidized grazing were allowed. curtailed if the general public and the
ing vendetta it is carrying out against Fourth. Do you realize the extent of Congress are ever to look on farm pro-
livestock farmers. livestock imports at this time? grams as something more than a multi-
Let us recall for just one moment that Four hundred and eighty-one million billion-dollar boondoggle.
the livestock industry is, by far, free from dollars' worth of meat products were im- In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I call upon
government control and subsidy. It has ported into the United States in 1962, and all segments and shades of opinion within
historically been the bulwark of opposi- 1963 ,imports are running at the same the agricultural community to give im-
tion to the fancy control schemes of the high rate. mediate attention to a sound and ra-
New Frontier. Imports of boneless beef and veal, for tional farm program. The Kennedy ad-
Among other things here are some of example, have risen from 88 million ministration, having complete control of
the things the administration has been pounds in 1957 to 819 million pounds in Congress, has the votes to bring this
doing to livestock farmers. 1962-an increase of 1,000 percent. The about. The responsibility for the enact-
First. This administration proposed in October 28 issue of the USDA publica- ment of sound and realistic farm pro-
1961 that there be hen, heifer, and hog tion, "Foreign Agriculture," also shows grams, therefore, should be placed where
quotas. these figures for 1963: it belongs.
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