LETTER TO ADMIRAL STANSFIELD TURNER FROM HOWARD PAYNE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP81M00980R002700090003-1
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 19, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 31, 2006
• Sequence Number: 3
• Publication Date: December 7, 1978
• Content Type: LETTER

.Approved For Release 2006/08/01 : CIA-RDP81 M00980R00270009000
1Exec~5ve RegS~txy
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CHRISTIAN PILOTS ASSOCIATION, Inc.
Howard Payne, B.A., M.Div.
Founder-President
1605 E. Elizabeth Street ? Pasadena ? California 91104 [phone]
Mailing Address: Box 5157, Pasadena, CA 91107
December 7, 1978
Admiral Stansfi el d Turner
Director of the CIA
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. Turner:
Yesterday I put into the mail a proposal to the President and to Senators
Mark Hatfield and S. I. Hayawaka that is designed to provide what in our opinion
is the fastest way to rescue these brave Vietnamese people from what is almost
certain death on their water coffins.
I am asking the U.S. Government to purchase two PBY Catalina Flying Boats
and permit us to use them for one month to demonstrate the feasibility of this
method. We estimate if four round-trips can be flown per day that we can save
approximately 15,000 people.
We would like the government to approach the Philippine government and ask
to rent a small island about two hundred and fifty miles from Vietnam or an island -
in Malaysia where we can have a landing strip or a semi-enclosed lagoon that
can serve as our staging area where we can temporarily care for the refugees.
We have about a half a million dollars worth of food, clothing, hospital
supplies, cots, and other important relief goods that we could mark for the
care of these people. Many companies are willing to help us and with the oil
companies providing the fuel or at least greatly discounting the price, we
could save many thousands of tax dollars.
We know of two PBY Catalina Flying Boats in excellent condition. They
are for sale at approximately $150,000 each. We would need at least one spare
engine. The fuel requirements for one month, including flight to the area and
return will be about 60,000 gallons. Ideally we should float a fuel barge over
to provide fuel because it will not otherwise be accessible. I am asking the
oil companies to help us with a fuel barge but the government may also help us.
Since transportation of at least 35,000 or less of these people whom the
US has permitted to enter the United States will be required, I am suggesting
that we use one or two Liberty Ships out of the government San Rafael fleet.
We probably have all the crews and ground-support teams needed for this
project. Many of our members are qualified to fly the PBYs and others have
the maritime experience and engine room experience,. I spent four years on
board ship in the navy. We have in our membership admirals, generals, and
i?vey rank below. We are loyal to our country a
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The cost to government would be approximately half a million dollars.
This would pay for plane purchase (two PBYs), 60,000 gallons of 100 octane
av gas (less what the oil companies will give), salaries for 34 crew and
ground-support teams, miscellaneous equipment and supplies and contingency
funds.
If our projection of 15,000 people saved is prophetical, this will
mean that each person's life will be worth about $34.
If we can obtain this support from the government for this exciting
project, and if we can be successful in our goal, it will show the communist
bullies that life is worth something and that we care enough to do what is
required to save these people.
There are three possible obstacles of major significance: (1) The monsoon
rains are hitting south-east Asia now. I have discussed this with authorities
who tell me visibilities are often two miles during this season of the year.
If winds should blow the sea into swells beyond safe landing and take off,
velocities may still not be such that we cannot drop inflatable life rafts
and provisions.
(2) The danger from communist attack. Although only capable of flying at
122 knots, the PBY can detect slow gun boats. We will not take these airplanes
close enough to provoke air strikes but if the communists come after us in
international skies, perhaps the government can give us some defensive weapons
so at least we can do more than just take it. I for one would like to go down
fighting and I believe that is true of most of us.
(3) Aircraft malfunction. We are selecting the best of the flying boats
we can find. We are also approaching many companies and ask them for equipment
that will increase the margin of safety in communication and navigation. Our
crews should include at least four qualified mechanics to keep the planes
serviced. We plan to work them on the night shift to keep the birds in peek
.condition. One motor change per plane is included in our cost estimate.
There are many other details that we need to discuss with you and no doubt
a great deal that needs to be thought of and worked out but I wanted you to know
what we are asking in the bold first draft and to let you know that we sincerely
request our government to work with us. There is no doubt in our mind that this
type of service by government, private sector, and business partnership is re-
quired to give people everywhere a chance to survive the communist butchers.
We wish to begin immediately. It may be too late to demonstrate this
project before the inevitable blood bath begins in Rhodesia but if possible, we
would like to be prepared to.taglp the many thousands of whites and blacks to
escape the blood-thirsty communist revolutionaries who will most likely take over
ivRhodesia.
Your encouragement is needed. Sine tly yours,
Howard Payne
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