CONGRESSMAN CHAMBERLAIN REPORTS DECLINE IN FREE WORLD SHIPPING TO NORTH VIETNAM

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80B01495R000100140011-7
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: January 4, 2017
• Document Release Date: July 7, 2005
• Sequence Number: 11
• Publication Date: July 9, 1969
• Content Type: PREL

For Release: July 9, 1969, P,M.
CHARLES Ea CIYAAMiSFRL#i/N
CONGRESSMAN CHAMBERLAIN REPORTS DECLINE IN
FREE WORLD SHIPPING TO NORTH VIETNAM
Washington, D. C. Congressman Charles E. Chamberlain (R.-Mich.) reported
Wednesday In a speech in the House of Representatives that 60 ships flying the
flags of Free World countries delivered cargoes to North Vietnam during the
first half of 1969, a reduction from the 78 vessels of the same period last year.
"The downward trend in the volume of this traffic from a year ago is en-
couraging, but it is not good enough," the 6th District Republican commented,
"More must still be done to dry up this source of supply of the enemy."
Chamberlain indicated he was urging the Administration to take further action
to stop the flow of goods to Hanoi by Free World shipping, adding, "During June
this traffic consisted of 6 ships flying the British flag with 2 each bearing
the registry of the Somali Republic and Cyprus plus one of Singapore. While
exact information about the cargoes involved is classified, I have seen the
reports and am satisfied that strategic goods are included as well as other
supplies, which can only help North Vietnam maintain its aggressive policy in
the South."
"While the incidents of terrorist mortar attacks and assassinations make
bigger headlines, the constant flow of these supplies, which help to underwrite
a policy of wholesale murder, is obviously of crucial importance," Chamberlain
told the House.
The Congressman commended President Nixon's initiatives for peace and his
move to withdraw troops from Vietnam as "Clearly a significant milestone in ti
course of that tragic conflict," but added that, "The struggle is far from over.
Despite the announcement that a good number of our servicemen will be returning
;same, we still have a very substantial force stationed in South Vietnam and we
owe it to these men, who are wearing our uniform to put forth our best efforts
to deny the enemy the wherewithal to continue its aggression."
Of the 60 Free World vessels trading with Hanoi during the first six months
of this year, 42 flew the flag of the United Kingdom, Chamberlain noted.
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Approved For Release 2005/07/22 : CIA-RDP80BO1495R000100140011-7