THE SCARS OF VIETNAM ARE STILL DEEP IN OUR COUNTRY, AND THAT'S WHY I INTRODUCED THE TUNNEY AMENDMENT

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-104-2-17-5
• Release Decision: RIFLIM
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: September 20, 2010
• Sequence Number: 17
• Publication Date: January 1, 1976
• Content Type: LETTER

No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/09/20: LOC-HAK-104-2-17-5
JOHN V. TUNNEY
CALIFORNIA
' J Cnitei fates . ienat e,
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20810
January, 1976
Dear Californian:
The scars of Vietnam are still deep in our country, and that's
why I introduced the Tunney Amendment to cut-off funds for covert
American operations in snot her 1-v-iT -war a con7Tlnentapart-Toni-- ---
ours. Of immediate concern, of course, is the bloody civil war
in Angola in southwestern Africa,where the administration planned
to spend at least $60 million for undercover CIA activities.
In late December, the Senate approved my amendment by an over-
whelming vote of '54 to 22. The amendment will have to be confirmed
by the House of Representatives, and efforts are being made there
for swift and conclusive action.
Additionally, I plan to follow-up in the Senate with a resolution to
require Congressional approval for all funds for paramilitary
operations in foreign countries. Our country should not,entangle
itself in overseas warfare without the full understanding and
acceptance of the Congress and the American people. Secretary
of State Kissinger vigorously lobbied for continued funding for
Angola, but the amendment to cut off funds was pressed for the
following reasons:
1) As a matter of policy, the United States should not
involve itself in civil wars. The strife in Angola
originates pr ~t: in-,ideological differences but in ancestral
power struggles that in no way affect our own strategic
security.
2) The Soviets have intervened, but an isolated civil war
is not the place to face them down. That comes by not letting
them make detente simply a lace curtain to hide their old
iron curtain. The United States has direct leverage on the
Soviets through the arms limitations talks, investments and
grain and technology shipments.
3) By choosing sides among warring factions, the administration
has joined with the repressive and apartheid government of
South Africa. Moderate African nations, like Nigeria, from
whom we receive 10 percent of our imported oil, have made
quite clear their opposition to South African involvement in
the Angolan civil war. By ignoring them, our country is
risking damage to our policies and national interest
throughout Africa.
4) At a time when we're trying to' curb inflation and cut
government,endin.g, dum inte some $60 million into jungle
battle ie1 7Z s seems profligate.`_~.._
5) Finally, our country must, once and for all, prevent
any administration, whether Democratic or Republican, from
secretly involving our nation in distant wars. We must
reassert the-Constitutional principle that the war-making
power. resides with Congress, and Congress is a partner
with the president in shaping American`-foreign policy.
No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/09/20: LOC-HAK-104-2-17-5
 No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/09/20: LOC-HAK-104-2-17-5
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When it comes right down to it, I don't want to see our county
slip gradually into another quagmire like Vietnam. If vital
national interests are involved, then the President should corn
to the Congress and openly and directly seek funds rather an
keeping the American people in the dark about American militar
involvement abroad.
Certainly, in opposing CIA covert operations in Angola, I am not
suggesting for a moment that, as a nation, we should not maint i
our alliances overseas that serve the interest of the free world
and our national security. But getting involved in ancient
rivalries in Angola in no way fortifies our defenses but simply
drags us into a civil war that we didn't start.
Thank you so much for your careful attention to this important
issue.
262450
MRS DIANE GLAZEk
720 N FOOTHILL RD
BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90210
No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/09/20: LOC-HAK-104-2-17-5