OUR SEATO ALLY PAKISTAN, AND THE WAR IN SOUTH VIETNAM

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP66B00403R000200140049-0
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 12
• Document Creation Date: December 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: February 2, 2005
• Sequence Number: 49
• Publication Date: April 28, 1964
• Content Type: OPEN

For&0gg3a0R$P66??9%"00140049-0 9013
both income
UAIfed 119t-
I also presented that the policy would
appear to be a "subsidy to Canadian
manufacturers; and if so, the Treasury
Department could impose now a'coun er-
vailing duty under section 303 of the
Tariff Act of 1930.
As of April 24, the Treasury Depart-
ment has notified us that they are con-
sidering whether or not the Canadian
system is a bounty or grant" within the
meaning of this section of the Tariff Act;
and thathe matter is on the agenda for
the inter-ministerial meeting scheduled
to take place in Ottawa later this week.
If this tariff action is not a subsidy,
then it is 'a rebate; and the latter is
legally contrary to our tariff agreements.
As the plan has been developed, Ca-
nadian manufacturers will not only be
producing for their own market, but
also for the market in this country-and
it has been reported that Canada ex-
pects to gain some 60,000 jobs, again at
the expense of the industry in this coun-
try.
Phipments of automotive parts from
Canada were some'$ff million in 1962, $32
million, in 1963, and will approach $100
million during 1964. In addition, J f the
present policy is allowed to stand, the
real jump in Canadian business will oc-
cur in 1915.
In an effort to meet this condition, we
understand that one of the large Ameri-
can automobile producers is "now con-
struCting an engine plant in Canada.
Recently the piston and pin standardi-
zation group, another trade association
whose members consist of the U.S. manu
facturers, of pistons and pins used in
internal combust ion engines, have joined
with the automotive parts association in
protest against _ this Canadian action.
We have also heard from several unions
in protest against this loss of "jo"bs, in-
cluding the machinists and the auto
workers.
If there , re further developments such
as Studebaker moving its` entire automo-
bile production to Canada as a result of
this tariff manipulation, not only will
thousands of, additional jobs be lost in
this country, but there can only be a
further dollar outflow from the United
States; and that can only further in-
crease our unfavorable balance of pay-
ments.
There are now rumors that, if this Ca
nadian scheme is successful in the auto-
motive industry, it will be 'applied 'to
other industries such as aircraft and
chemicals.
At the meeting yesterday morning I
presented a letter as, of April 20 from"the
Eaton Manufacturing Co. of Cleveland,
Ohio, in which it was pointed out that
this policy would result in a loss to their
business of some 800,000 man-hours, $11
million in business.
In this connection, the Ottawa meet-
ing later this week is of the utmost im-
portance. If the Treasury decides the
matter comes within the meaning of sec-
tion 303 of the Tariff ,-Act, 1 unless the
Canadians are willing to base their posi-
tion on elciency, reciprocal action can
and should be taken by the United States.
No. 83-8
I believe this ' Government should do
whatever is necessary to protect these
jobs, especially as their loss is in spite of
the superior efficiency of American man-
ufacturers.
Unless the Ottawa meeting results in
a correction of this unfortunate develop-
ment, I plan to request an open hearing
by the Senate Foreign Relations Com-
mittee. We cannot afford to lose more
jobs as a result of this unilateral tariff
OUR SEATO ALLY PAKISTAN, AND
THE WAR IN SOUTH VIETNAM
During the delivery of Mr. THURMOND'S
speech,
Mr. GRUENING. Mr. President,
among the valid reasons why the United
States should get out of its unilateral en-
gagement in South Vietnam is that our
SEATO allies have run out on us. We
are carrying on that war-and it is a
war-all alone and getting our American
boys killed. Britain, France, Australia,
New Zealand, Thailand, and Pakistan are
partners in the Southeast Asia Treaty.
But no British boys are in the firing
line; no French boys are in the firing
line; no New Zealand boys are in the
firing line; no Thai boys are in the fir-
ing line; no Pakistani boys are in the
firing line. Only American boys. Amer-
ican boys are being killed in combat.
But no British boys; no French boys; no
Australian boys; no New Zealand boys;
no Thai boys; no Pakistani boys.
Recently President Johnson urged
their participation at least by a show
of 'flags. But what has been the re-
sponse? It has been negative.
The latest rebuff comes from Pakistan.
The New York Times devotes a column
to it under the heading "Pakistan Re-
buffs United States on Saigon Aid."
I ask unanimous consent that this
article from the New York Times of April
28 be printed at the conclusion of my
remarks.
The PRESIDING OFFJCER. Without
objection, it is so ordered.
(See exhibit 1.)
Mr. GRUENING. Mr. President, now
the details of this Pakistan refusal to
play its part are interesting. Address-
ing the National Press Club, according to
the Times account, Pakistan's Foreign
Minister Tulfikar Al Buitto stated that
on the contrary Pakistan would pursue
its program of normalizing relations with
Communist China and the Soviet Union
despite its defensive alliances with the
United States.
We may well ask just what value to
the United States is this defensive al-
liance. All it has done apparently is to
cost Uncle Sam a lot of money and to
have created dissatisfaction with the
United States in India, another large-
scale beneficiary of U.S. aid.
The New York Times story goes on' to
say Mr. Bluitto's comments were inter-
preted "as an indication that -on -Asia
policy the United States and Pakistan
were still at odds and that their relations'
continued to be troubled."
`Well, Pakistan is in Asia. India is in
Asia. South Vietnam is in Asia. So, if
Pakistan is at odds with us on our Asia
policy, just what good is our defensive
alliance with Pakistan and what results
have come from our ladling out to Paki-
stan of $11/3 billion?
Yes, my friends, that is the amount to
date. It consists for the 14 years ending
in 1963 of $710.5 million in grants and
$623.2 in loans.
Now what are the terms of these so-
called loans? We are loaning our tax-
payers' dollars at three-fourths of 1
percent.
Moreover, these so-called loans are re-
payable in 40 years, with no repayment
of principal for the first 10 years. There
is, of course, a great question whether
they will ever be repaid.
They include loans for so-called "com-
modity assistance"; that one is for $15
million.
Then there is a loan of $90 million for
iron and steel imports.
There is a loan of $31 million to help
Pakistan rehabilitate its railroads.
There is a loan of $26 million to build
a thermal electric power generating sta-
tion-a profitmaking enterprise as soon
as it is built.
There is also an $8,600,000 loan to ex-
pand Pakistan's power system.
There is a $2,100,000 loan for airport
airways equipment.
There is a $30 million loan for "general
commodities."
There is a $2 million loan for "feasi-
bility studies."
There is a $10,800,000 loan for salinity
control and reclamation.
There is a $3,600,000 loan at three-
fourths of 1 percent for the Chalna An-
chorage project.
Let it be clear that this Anchorage
project is not Anchorage, Alaska; it is
an Anchorage project in Pakistan.
Anchorage, Alaska, has not been of-
fered any loan at three-fourths of 1 per-
cent.
I ask unanimous consent that two
tables showing the loans and grants
made to Pakistan totaling $1,333.7 bil-
lion and one showing the development
loans be printed at the conclusion of my
remarks.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. With-
out objection, it is so ordered.
(See exhibit 2.)
IIr. GRUENING. Mr. President, a fine
ally-this Pakistan? The more we give
them the less they cooperate.
There is a second valid reason why the
United States has no business in Viet-
nam. We are pretending that we are
there to help and advise the govern-
ment-that of self-imposed Nguyen
Khanh-on winning its war against the
opposing Vietcong. But our 15,000 or
more boys who are presumably there as
advisers are in combat. That's why they
are losing their lives.
A graphic account of how these so-
called advisers are involved in combat is
the posthumously published story of one
of them. He was Capt. Jerry Shank, of
Indiana. 1 xtracts of some of his letters
to his wife are published in the current
issue of U.S. News & World Report. They
are the testament of one of the American
Approved For Release 2005/02/10 : CIA-RDP66B00403R000200140049=0
and employment in the
 9014
Approved FE0%"ffSS / Et ISRqP J A4fR000200140049-0 April 28
boys, sent to South Vietnam supposedly lug It ourselves or else "borrowing" it from
as an adviser and killed there on March the kitchen.
24 of this year. a
I quote a few of the passages:
(From U.S. News & World Report. May 4,
1964]
A Cnrrerx's Lesr Lsrrraa Faox Viexxex :
"Ws Ass LosnNG, MosALx Is Bap; Ir THIY'D
Gm Us Oooo Pi,aNxs ? ? ?,.
(This Is an American pilot's own story of
the role of U.S. troops in South Vietnam.
They are far more than "advisers" to South
Vietnam's armed forces. Americans are In
the thick of 'a "hot war," a shooting war.
And, often, they are fighting with obsolete
weapons against a Communist enemy who is
highly skilled and well armed. A vivid pic-
ture of the war, the elation and excitement,
the frustration and bitterness, emerges
from the pilot's letters home-a correspond-
ence ended by his death in combat.)
November 27, 1963: Sunday all hell broke
loose with the VC (Communist Vietcong
guerrillas). We had a big airborne opera-
tion against them-both choppers and para-
chutes. I woke up at 4:80 to fly my first night
attack--darker than hell. ? ? ? By 9 o'clock
in the morning we had launched 12 sorties,
which is a lot for our little operation. The
Vietcongs got one chopper and one B-26 that
day, but we (T-28's) hurt them bad.
December 21, 1983: It's so mixed up over
here-there are over 3,000 Air Force in Viet-
nam. yet there are only 50 combat crews
(B-26 and T-28). What a ridiculous ratio.
Also, the Army tried to show the Air Force
Is no good and vice versa. Ridiculous. Down
at Boo Tiang, Army and Air Force will die
for each other, but up with the colonels
and generals It's a big fight for power. And
most of these Idiots don't even have any idea
of what it's like out In combat. ? ? ?
They're trying now to find out why we pick
up so many hits. The dumb b------ a. We
get hit more now because the VC have very
fine weapons. There are Chinese over here
now.
I think the next few months will tell.
Either the VC will quit or this will turn into
another Korea. I hope It doesn't take the
United States too long to realize this.
a ? ? ? a
December 22, 1983: Flew another mission
today. We escorted three trains across no
man's land and then struck some VC's. Our
FAD (the guy in the L-19 who tells us where
tG hit) received three hits, but we got them.
I'm credited with destroying a .60-caliber
antiaircraft gun., Bombed him out of this
world. I guess Pm a true killer, 1 have no
sympathy and I'm good. I don't try to
rationalize why I do it. No excuses. We a
target and I hit it with the best of my skill.
It's a duel; only, I repeat, only the beat man
wins. You can't afford to be second.
? ? a a ?
January 3, 1984: Down at Soc Trang. one
of the airmen came up with the Idea of
putting chunks of charcoal in our napalm
tanks. Napalm is a gasoline which Is jelled
Into a mass about the consistency of honey.
We carry two tanks of It, each weighing 500
pounds. When you drop it. It ignites and
spreads fire about 200 to 300 feet. With
charcoal in It, the charcoal Is thrown about
another 200 feet farther, like a burning
baseball, and does further damage to VC
hoyses. We've had it at Soc Trang and it
works real well.
Tomorrow three birds are going out with
one-half of their load of straight napalm
and the other half, with charcoal napalm
(Madam Nhu cocktails). A photo ship is
going along to take pictures. If higher
headquarters thinks it's all right, then they'll
buy us the charcoal. So far we've been buy-
January 7, 1964: Morale's at a big low over
here, especially among the combat crews.
Its the same old stuff we got in MATS. No
consideration for the crew.
Lost two guys today. One was a pretty
good friend of mine. The only guess Is--
the airplane just came apart. B-26-third
or fourth that have done that now. ? ? -
Pretty bad day-just hard to find any good
news to write. Can't even talk to any-
body-nobody has anything to say. Just a
blue day.
I don't know what the United States is
doing. They tell you people we're just in
a training situation and they try to run us
as a training base. But we're at war. We
are doing the flying and fighting. We are
losing. Morale to very bad.
We asked if we couldn't fly an American
flag over here. The answer was "No." They
say the VC will get pictures of it and make
bad propaganda. Let them. Let them know
America Is in It.
If they'd only give us good American air-
planes with the U.S. insignias on them and
really tackle this war, we could possibly win.
If we keep up like we are going, we will
definitely lose. I'm not being pessimistic.
It's so obvious. How our Government can
lie to Its own people-it's something you
wouldn't think a democratic government
could do. I wish I were a prominent citizen
or knew someone who could bring this be-
fore the U.S. public. However, if it were
brought before the average U.S. family, I'm
sure all they'd do Is shake their heads and
any tch-tch and tune in another channel on
the TV.
a a ? a a
January 20, 1964: I have never been so
lonely, unhappy, disappointed, frustrated in
my whole life. None of these feelings are
prevalent above the other. I guess I should
say loneliness overshadows the others, but
that's really not true.
I am over here to do the best job possible
for my country-yet my country wilt do
nothing for me or any of my buddies or even
for itself. I love America. My country Is the
best, but it is soft and has no guts about It
at all.
I'm sure nothing will be done over here
until after the elections. Why? Because
votes are more important than my life or
any of my buddies' lives. What gets me the
most is that they won't tell you people what.
we do over here. I'll bet you that anyone you
talk to does not know that American pilots
fight this war. We-me and my buddies- do
everything. The Vietnamese students we
have on board are airmen basics. The only
reason they are on board is In case we crash
there is one American adviser and one
Vietnamese student. They're stupid. Ignor-
ant sacrificial lambs, and I have no use
for them. In fact. I have been tempted to
whip them within an Inch of their life a
few times. They're a menace to have on
board.
February 17, 1964: All B-264 are grounded,
so we are the only strike force left.
A 3-26 crashed at Hurlburt last week.
Another came with the wing just coining
off. Finally, the Air Force is worried about
the airplanes-finally, after six of my friends
have "augered in."
February 21, 1964: Tuesday evening
got shot down. He fell In his air-
plane next to a Special Forces camp and got
out without a scratch. The airplane burned
completely up. though. [Another airman]
was going in on his seventh strafing pass and
never came out of It. Don't know what hap-
pened-whether he got shot or his controls
shot out. That was two airplanes in 2 days.
Kind of shook us up.
Not only that, the B-28's have been
grounded since Monday because the wings
came off one again at Hurlburt. So after
the last crash the whole USAF fighter force
is down to six airplanes. This should set
an example of how much Uncle Sam cares.
Six airplanes. Might as well be none.
Rumor now is that 3-26's will By again
only with greater restrictions. ? * ? I'm
pretty well fed up. Poor B-26 Jocks are
really shook. That airplane is a killer.
I ask unanimous consent that the full
text of "A Captain's Last Letters from
Vietnam" from the May 4 Issue of U.S.
News & World Report be printed in full
at the conclusion of my remarks.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
objection, it Is so ordered.
(See exhibit 3.)
Mr. GRUENTNG. Mr. President, there
Is a third valid reason why the United
States should get out of its unilateral,
needless, and tragic involvement in
South Vietnam, with its mounting toll of
American lives.
Reviewing the past history, the failure
of the French with their large army and
heavy losses, and our own failure to date
to prevent the war from going from bad
to worse, is the obvious conclusion that
we cannot win. To have even the slight-
est chance to win, the United States
would have to engage in a full-scale
major war, with ground forces of several
hundred thousand men, backed by the
most modem missilry and airpower.
Even then, in that remote and difficult
terrain, attainment of victory would be
far from assured and the costs in human
life and treasure staggering. We might
indeed be inviting a far larger war.
But a new aspect forces itself upon
our attention. Do we really want to win?
That Issue has been thrust into public
consciousness by an article by Jim Lucas,
veteran war correspondent for the
Scripps-Howard newspapers.
I ask unanimous consent that his arti-
cle In the Washington News of April 27
entitled: "U.S. Fails To 'Go All-Out for
Victory,' " be printed at the conclusion
of my remarks.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
objection, it is so ordered.
(See exhibit 4.)
Mr. GRUENING. Mr. President, Mr.
Lucas quotes an American major as
saying:
We're really not trying so much to train
these people to win their war; rather we're
training ourselves.
And Lucas goes on to state that:
The United States is-and has been for the
past 3 years-using Vietnam as a sort of
military test laboratory, an extension of
Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Fort Bening,
Fort Bragg, and all the others back home.
What a shocking reason for sacrificing
the lives of our young Americans.
Meanwhile, we are facing other dire
aspects of our unilateral exposure in this
tropical trap. It is lucidly set forth in
an article by Hanson W. Baldwin, the
knowledgeable military expert of the
New York Times, which appeared in that
publication on April 28, headed: "Ter-
rorism in Vietnam: Violence Against
Approved For Release 2005/02/10 : CIA-RDP66B00403R000200140049-0
 Approved Fo e a 01 RW 6 A( 0_0D200140049-0 9015
1964- lcomplicates 7r'f. Efforts and
'There were "new indications of the con- Development loans made to Pakistan timing coolness. Contrary to custom for able an dollars)
orce
150Y1ey Shift. ' foreign dignitaries, no ranking State Depart- i I I
l ay
sk
I ask Consent that this arts- ment official was on hand for Mr. Bhutto's
unanimous
cle be -printed at the conclusion of my luncheon address.
remarks. Earlier, the Pakistani Government refused
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without to permit five Pakistani newsmen to come to
o ordered. 1 1. the United States to cover the meetings of
it i
s s
objection,
(See exhibit 5.) the Central Treaty Organization. The meet
Mr G1,I NING. Mr. President, let ings start tomorrow.
us hope thaI this, as well as all the other LACK OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE
valid reasons, do force a policy shift. It Mr. Bhutto, who is here to attend the ses-
is time that our civilians and dependents sions, said at the luncheon that "sheer lack
were evacuated. It is being contem- of foreign exchange" had prevented Pakistan
plated in neighboring Laos, where our from allowing the newsmen to come.
misguided policies in the Far East are But qualified sources said Washington had
reaping their bitter fruit. proposed their visit and had offered to fly
them here and pay their expenses. Ten
The development in Laos were dis- newsmen from Iran and Turkey have arrived
cussed in an article in the April 28 issue under a similar arrangement.
of the New York Times, In a United Press Britain is the other member of the treaty
-dispatch from Vientiane, Laos, headed: organization. The United States is a mem-
U.S. Dependents Iin Laos on Alert to ber of certain leading organs of the organi-
Leave." I 'ask unanimous consent that zation and is represented at its meetings by
observers.
printed usinn
Of my emarks. ~YG OFFICER. o Without The correspondents said Pakistan's refusal a per-
Of my remarks. mit the e correspondents to come was s appar-
The thout ently an effort to prevent their reports from
objection, it is so ordered. giving the appearance at home of heavy de-
(See exhibit 6.) pendence by Pakistan on U.S. aid. An in-
-Mr. GRUENING. Mr. President, my formant here said it was "another sign of
mail continues to run almost unani- their lukewarm attitude toward CENTO."
m,ously in favor of my position, first Last fall a large part of the Pakistani
stated on the floor"of the Senate on Navy took part in a training exercise with
March 10, that the Unit ed Mates should elements of the United States, British, Iran-
Ian, and Turkish fleets, but there was an
get out of South Vietnam. almost total news blackout in Pakistan on
I share the view so well repeatedly ex- the exercises, officials said.
pressed by the able senior Senator from Most recently, Washington was disturbed
Oregon that we should bring the United by Foreign Minister Bhutto's decision not to
Nations into the picture, arrange for a attend the Southeast Asia Treaty Organiza-
cease-tire,' and work for a' negotiated tion's ministerial meeting in Manila. He
I repeat my View that South chose instead to attend the preparatory talks
peat
for an African-Asian conference sponsored by
Vietnam is not worth the life of an Amer- Communist China.
lean boy. In the recent discussions in Manila the
On a previous day I introduced some United States was reported to have urged
50 letters from all parts of the country its allies to carry a larger share of the Viet-
supporting my position. I ask unanimous namese war effort. Last Thursday, President
consent that another 50 be printed at the Johnson said at a news conference he hoped
Conclusion of 'my remarks. to see some more flags represented in the The Pf3,ESMINGOFFICEI~,. Without Vietnamese Mr. Bhutto told conflict.
a questioner today that it
objection, it is so ordered. _ would "be dishonest to say we could make
(See exhibit -1.) a contribution" to the war In Vietnam. He
EXHIBIT 1 said the "menace" of a Western-armed India
[From the New York Times, Apr. 28, 1964] made it impossible. The Indians and Pakis-
tanis are involved in a bitter dispute over
AID-BxUTTO...,REITERATES PROGRAM OF Pakistan, which has yet to commit forces November 14, 1963: We're using equipment
CHINA AND SOVIET LINKS to Western, alliances, is one of two members
and bombs from World
Hedrick Smith)' of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization War II and It's not too
(By reliable. This is an interesting place lace here.
`WASHINGTON, April 27.-The Foreign Min-
ister of .Pakistan rebuffed today President
Johnson's suggestion that Asian allies of the
United States` contribute more to the war
against Communist guerrillas in South
Vietnam.
The Foreign Minister, Gulfikar All Bhutto,
also said at a National Press Club luncheon
that his country intended to pursue its pro-
gram of normalizing relations with Commu-
nist China and the Soviet Union despite its
defensive alliances with the United States.
During the last 18 months Pakistan has
signed several agreements with Communist
China to demarcate their borders, exchange
commercial airline service-and provide for
economic trade.
Mr. Bhutto's comments were- interpreted
as an indication that on Asia policy the
United States and Pakistan were still at odds
and that their ,relations . oontinued to be,
that have not sent some military, technical, Everybody works together, officers and en-
or economic aid to the Government of South listed. We're out there lifting bombs and
Vietnam. The other is Thailand. such Every possible time we give the men
EXHIBIT 2
Loans and grants made.to Pakistan under the
Agency for International Development and
predecessor agencies
1949-52 ---------------------------
1953-57----------------------------
1958-------------------------------
1959-------------------------------
1960-------------------------------
1961-------------------------------
1962-------------------------------
1963-------------------------------
Total-----------------------
Total of loans and grants____
103.0
38.6
63.2
102.0
27.2
207.1
169.4
10.6
227.3
54.3
99.5
96.6
97.0
33.0
4.9
710.5 1 623.2
1,333.7
Re-
pay-
able,
num-
ber
of
years
GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN
Commodity assistance ----____ 45
Iron and steel imports 40
4th railways project__________ 40
Generaledmmoditiesim.ports- 40
Expansiort of power system..-_ 40
Thermal electric power-gell-
crating station -------------- 40
Malaria eradication program- 40
Airport and airways equip-
ment----------------------- 40
Salinity control and reclama-
tion project No. 2____ 40
General commodities (2d)____ 40
Chains anchorage project----- 40
Feasibility studies ------------ 40
Inter-
est
rate
(per-
cent)
$15,000,000
90,000,000
31,000,000
42, 000, 000
8,600,000
26, 000, 000
3,800.000
2,100,000
10,800,000
30,000,000
a, 60(1 000
2,000, 000
264,900,000
EXHIBIT 3
[From U.S. News & World Report, May 4,
19641
A CAPTAIN'S LAST LETTERS FROM VIETNAM:
"WE ARE LOSING, MORALE IS BAD; IF THEY'D
GIVE US GOOD PLANES"
(This is an American pilot's own story of
the role of U.S. troops in South Vietnam.
.(They are far more than "advisers" to
South Vietnam's armed forces.
(Americans are in the thick of a "hot war,"
a shooting war. And, often, they are fighting
with -obsolete weapons against a Communist
enemy who is highly skilled and well armed.
(A vivid picture of the war, the elation and
excitement, the frustration and bitterness,
emerges from the pilot's letters home-a cor-
respondence ended by his death in combat.
(Air Force Capt. "Jerry" Shank is dead-a
combat casualty of the war in Vietnam.
(While he lived and fought "Jerry" Shank
wrote to his wife and family in Indiana every
chance he got-sometimes twice a day.
Those letters make up a moving "battle
diary" of a war in which more than 15,000
Americans are fighting and dying in combat
against the Communists.
(Excerpts from his letters are presented
here with the permission of his widow. All
references, by name, to his Air Force com-
a chance to ride. On a test hop or some-
thing like that-it gives them a little motiva-
tion. We can't take them on missions, 'cause
we have to have our VNAF [Vietnamese Air
Force] student pilot along.
We 23 Air Force run the whole T-28 war in_
the Mekong Delta. This will give you some
idea of Uncle Sam's part in the war.
November 22,1963: Been real busy with the
armament job-really makes a day go fast.
Got all kinds of problems-can't get parts or
books or charts describing the different
bombs and systems. The Air Force hasn't
used any of this equipment since Korea, and
everybody seems to have lost the books. The
main problem is personnel-no good officers
or NCO's over here that really know their
business. Most of them are out of SAC
[Strategic Air Command] and have dealt
Approved For Release 2005/02/10 : CIA-RDP66B00403R000200140049-0
 9016 Approved F ~ l /1 DP A R000200140049-0 April 28
only with nuclear weapons. This doesn't villages and then blame it on Americans by January 7, 1984: Morale's at a big low
apply over horn; what. we need Is someone saving. ..r* a_-J-_-- - . _ _
S
ome clays t.. o lake cleat-
ing your head against a brick wall.
November 27, 1963: Sunday all hell broke
loose with the VC [Communist Vietcong
guerrillas]. We had a big airborne opera-
tion against them-both choppers and para-
chutes. I woke up at 4:30 to fly my first
night attack-darker than hell. - - - By
9 o'clock In the morning we had launched
12 sorties, which is a lot for our little opera-
tion. The Vietcongs got one chopper and
one B-26 that day, but We (T-28's) hurt them
bad. There is far more detail to this, but
I don't want to put it in a letter.
I'm up to 20 missions now and am real
confident in myself, I do good work, I feel
like a veteran and I feel like a different man.
I think I am older.
I have changed my opinion about the VC.
They are not ornery little fellows. They are
mean, vicious, well-trained veterans. They
are killers and are out to win. Although
this is called a dirty little war and It Is far
-from the shores of old United States of
America, it's a big, mean war. We are get-
ting beat. We areundermanned and under-
gunned. The United States may say they
are in this, but they don't know we need
help over here,
If the United States would really put com-
bat people In here we could win and win fast.
It seems to be the old story of a halfhearted
effort.
December 4, 1963: I have debated for a
week and a half now over telling you of
Black Sunday-November 24, 1963. I'm go-
ing to tell you, and if you don't want to
hear about these things again, well. say so.
You do have a right to know.
This was not a typical day. We flew 20
sorties. But the VC hurt us bad. All in all
that day, 23 airplanes were hit, one B-26 crew
lost their lives, three choppers crashed. The
VC won,
What they had done was pull into the
little village and commit their usual atroci-
ties, then pull out. But all they had were
small arms and rifles on them. So head-
quarters thought they would teach this little
group of VC's a lesson and sent this operation
I spoke of In after them.
But the crafty little b ----o withdrew
from the town Into foxholes and bunkers
and hiding places they had been secretly
building for a week. Also, they had many
friends In three plus large antiaircraft guns,
and all sorts of machineguns. So when the
first wave of troops went In, they thought It
was just a routine chase of VC's. But they
soon ran against the VC wail and we pilots
soon discovered that they had more weapons
than pistols and homemade guns. Shrewd
plan--and they won,
We could have won but I could write a
chapter on that. I hope you were able to
follow that, Connie. A lot happened that
day and It happened fast and furious. It's
not a good thing to tell a wife, but she has
to know-no one else will say It-no one else
can or will, I guess. There are no heroes over
here but there are a lot of fine men-Amer-
ica better not let us down. We can use help.
We can win, but America must come over,
for the Vietnamese will never hack It alone.
We've either got to get in all the way, or get
out. If we get out the VC will be In Saigon
the next day.
December 14, 1963: I do get a kick out of
the Vietnamese people. They're poor, dirty,
and unsanitary according to our standards,
but they're happy and some are hardworking.
December 16, 1963: The VC's [Communist
guerrillas] sure gave them a rough time.
The VC are kind of a Mafia. They ter-
rorize and then they sell "insurance" so
that the people will not be harmed again.
They strike especially villages where Amer-
icans have been seen. They terrorize these
village, we would not have plundered and crews. It's the same old stuff we got in
killed, so If you don't want it to happen MATS. No consideration for the crew.
again, pay us money and don't let Americans Lost two guys today. One was a pretty
Into your village." good friend of mine. The only guess is-
So you see, they gain from this. First the airplane Just came a
art 8-26
thi
d
p
-
r
. of all, they get money or food; second, or fourth that have done that now. * - -
they instill a dislike for Americana-flirty Pretty bad day-just hard to find any good
b e. But I do like the Vietnamese I've news to write. Can't even talk to anybody-
met and talked to. They are friendly, happy, nobody has anything to say. Just a blue
and childlike-good people, day.
December 21, 1963: We got a briefing today I don't know what the United States is
of the total result of that operation on doing. They tell you people we're just in a
November 24. I11 repeat It briefly. training situation and they try to run us as
The air power got credit for 15o to 200 a training base. But we're at war. We are
killed. No one can be sure of the amount, doing the flying and fighting. We are los-
for the VC carry off all their dead and ing. Morale is very bad.
wounded. They never let you know for sure We asked If we couldn't fly an American
how bad you hurt them, flag over here. The answer was "No." They
Anyway, there were approximately 700 say the VC will get pictures of it and make
VC's dug in with three 50-caliber antiair- bad propaganda. Let them know America
craft guns and three 30-caliber antiaircraft is In it.
guns, plus many hundred other machine- If they'd only give us good American air-
guns. They were waiting for us, but we planes with the U.S. Insignias on them and
hurt them even though we lost. We lost really tackle this war, we could possibly win.
because we had them trapped and they got If we keep up like we are going, we will
away. definitely lose. I'm not being pessimistic.
It's so mixed up over here--there are over It's so obvious. Now our Government can
3,000 Air Force In Vietnam, yet there are lie to Its own people-it's something you
only 50 combat crews (8-26 and T-28). wouldn't think a democratic government
What a ridiculous ratio. Also, the Army could do. I wish I were a prominent citizen
tried to show the Air Force is no good and or knew someone who could bring this be-
vice versa, Ridiculous. Down at Soc Trang fore the U.S. public. However, if It were
Army and Air Force will the for each other, brought before the average U.S. family, I'm
but up with the colonels and generals It's sure all they'd do is shake their heads and
a big-fight for power. And most of these say tch-tch and tune in another channel
idiots don't even have any idea of what it's on the TV.
like out In combat. * - * They're trying January 9. 1984: Had a good target today
now to find out why we pick up so many finally. Felt like I really dealt a blow to
hits. The dumb b -s. We get hit more the VC. On my second bomb I got a sec-
now because the VC have very fine weapons. ondary explosion. This means after my
There are Chinese over here now, bomb exploded there was another explosion.
I think the next few months will tell, It was either an ammo dump or a fuel-stor-
Either the VC will quit or this will turn age area. Made a huge burning fireball.
into another Koren. I hope it doesn't take You really can't tell when you roll In on a
the United States too long to realize this pass what Is In the huts and trees you are
December 22, 1963; Flew another mission aiming at. Just lucky today, but I paid
today. We escorted three trains across no them back for shooting me down.
man's land and then struck some VC's, our January 15, 1964: Another B-26 went in
FAD (the guy in the L-19 who tells us where yesterday. Nobody made It out. A couple
to hit) received three bits, but we got the= of guys I knew pretty well "bought the farm."
I'm credited with destroying a 50-caliber One of the new guys busted up a 28 (T-28)
antiaircraft gun. Bombed him out of this also yesterday. He thought he had napalm
world. I guess I'm a true killer. I have no on but he had bombs. So at 50 feet above
sympathy and I'm good. I don't try to ra- the ground he dropped a bomb. It almost
tionallze why I do it. No excuses. It's a blew him out of the sky. But he limped
target and I hit It with the best of my skill. back to Bien Hoa and crasblanded. The
It's a duel; only (I repeat) only the best airplane burned up, but he got out all right.
man wine. You can't afford to be second.
December 30, 1963, Well, here goes. I That news commentary you heard is ab-
got shot down yesterday. We were escort- solutety correct-If we don't get in big, we
log a 0-123 and I picked up three slugs In will be pushed out. I am a little ashamed
my airplane. One went into my fuel strain- of my country. We can no longer save face
er and r lost all my fuel. I made it to a over here, for we have no face to save.
field called Pan Tho and landed safely. Me We are more than ever fighting this war,
and the airplane are both okay, not a scratch The Vietnamese T-28's used to come down
except the three bullet holes. No sweat. here to Soc Trang and fly missions. But
January S. 1964, Down at Soc Trang, one lately, since we've been getting shot so much,
of the airmen came up with the idea of put- they moved up north. I kid you not. First
ting chunks of charcoal in our napalm they didn't want to come to Soc Trang be-
tanks. Napalm to a gasoline which is jelled cause their families couldn't come. Second,
Into a mass about the consistency of honey. because they didn't get enough per diem (ad-
We carry two tanks of It, each weighing 500 ditional pay]. Third, because they didn't
pounds. When you drop It, it ignites and want to get shot at. There were a couple of
spreads fire about 200 to 800 feet. With more reasons, but I can't remember them,
charcoal In it, the charcoal is thrown about These are the people we're supposed to be
another 200 feet farther, like a burning base- helping. I don't understand it.
ball, and does further damage to VC houses. January 20, 1964: I have never been so
We've had It at Soc Trang and it works lonely, unhappy, disappointed, frustrated In
real well. my whole life. None of these feelings are
Tomorrow three birds are going out with prevalent above the other. I guess I should
one-half of their load of straight napalm say loneliness overshadows the others, but
and the other halt with charcoal napalm that's really not true.
(Madame Nhu cocktails). A photo ship I am over here to do the best job possible
is going along to take pictures. If higher for my country-yet my country will do
headquarters thinks It's all right, then they'll nothing for me or any of my buddies or even
buy us the charcoal. So far we've been buy- for Itself. I love America. My country is
Ing It ourselves or else "borrowing" It from the best, but It is soft and has no guts about
the kitchen. It at all.
Approved For Release 2005/02/10 : CIA-RDP66B00403R000200140049-0
 1964 - s CONGRESSIONAL RLCOItL) -'SENATE
I'm sure nothing will be done over here
until after the elections. Why? Because
Votes are more important than my life or
any of my buddies' lives. What gets me the
most is that they won't tell you people what
we do over here. I'll bet you that anyone
you talk to does not know that American
pilots fight-this war. We-me and my bud-
dies-do everything. The Vietnamese "stu-
dents" we have on board are airmen basics.
The only reason they are on board is in case
we crash there is one American "adviser"
and one Vietnamese "student." They're
stupid, ignorant'sacriflcial lambs,-and I have
no use for them. In fact, I have been
tempted.to whip them within an- inch of
their life a few times. They're a menace to
have on board.
January 26, 1964: I've done almost nothing
all week. I needed the rest very badly. I ac-
tually think I was getting battle fatigue or
whatever you call it. I've got 50 missions,
almost all without any kind of a break, and
it was telling on my nerves and temper. I
feel real good today after all that sleep. I
kinda hate to go to work tomorrow, for we
`start 2 weeks of combat again. But I'm
rested for it now and am ready.
January 31, 1964: All you read in the paper
is the poor leadership of the Vietnamese, but
we are just as bad. Everyone over here seems
to be unqualified for his job. Like me-I'm
a multipilot, but I'm flying TAC fighters.
We have no fighter pilots in our outfit. I'm
not complaining, but, if the Air Force was
serious, they would have sent over experi-
enced fighter people. The same on up the
line.
February 2, 1964: I'm getting to'like Viet-
nam. Maybe I didn't say that right.- I think
It is a pretty country. These little villages
in the Delta are about as picturesque as
you'll find. Tall palm trees, fields of rice,
and all kinds of flowers. The people seem
happy enough, if it wasn't for the terror of
VC raids.
February 6, 1964: We scrambled after a fort
under attack. We hit and hit good, but it
got dark so we-headed up here for Bien Hoa.
Pretty hot target and we both were hit.
Coming in here to Bien Hoa they warned us
that VC were shooting at airplanes on final
approach. Well, we made a tight, fast ap-
proach and held our lights (it was pitch
black) until almost over the end of the
runway. I forgot my landing gear and went
skidding in a shower of sparks down the run-
way. Airplane's not hurt too bad. I'm not
even scratched. My pride is terribly
wounded. .That was my 62d mission. I
thought I had it "wired" after that much
combat experience. Then I go and goof so
badly.
February 17, 1964: All B-26's are grounded,
so we are the only strike force left.
A B-26 crashed at Hurlburt last week.
Another came with the wing just coming
off. Finally, the Air Force is worried about
the airplanes-finally, after "six of my friends
have "augured in."
February 21, 1964: Tuesday evening
got shot down. He fell in his airplane
next to a Special Forces camp and got out
without a scratch. The airplane burned
completely up, though. [Another airman]
was going in on his seventh strafing pass
and never came out of it. Don't know what
happened-whether he got shot or his con-
trols shot out. That was two airplanes in
2 days. Kind of shook us up. "
Not only that, the B-26's have been
grounded since Monday because the wings
came off one again at Hurlburt. So after
the last crash the whole USAF, fighter force
is down to six airplanes. This should set
an example of how much Uncle Sam cares.
Six airplanes. 'Might as well be none.
Rumor now is that B-26's will fly again
only with greater, restrictions. I'm pretty
Approved For R se 2005102/10 : CIA-RDP66B00403R 200140049-0
well fed up. Poor B-26 jocks 'are really
shook. That airplane is a killer.
February 24, 1964: We're down to five air-
planes now, all of them at Soo Trang. We
have actually got nine total, but four are
out of commission because of damage. The
B-26's aren't flying yet, but they've been
more or less released. I don't know what
United States is going to do, but whatever
it is I'm sure it's wrong. Five airplanes can
fight the war-that's just ridiculous, Tell
this to my dad. Let him know, too, how
much the country is letting everyone down.
* We fight and we die but no one cares.
They've lied to my country about us.
February 29, 1964: We've got a new general
in command now and' he really sounds good.
Sounds like a man who is out to fight and
win. He's grounded the B-26's except for a
few flights. But they have to level bomb,
not dive bomb-no strain for the aircraft
that way. He has ordered B-57's (bombers-
jets) to replace them, and has asked for im-
mediate delivery. He has also demanded
they replace the T-28's with the AD-6. The
AD-6 is a much more powerful single-engine
dive bomber. It was designed for this type
of work and has armor plating. We are
pretty excited about all the new airplanes.
We can really do good work with that kind
of equipment.
March 13, 1964: McNamara (Secretary of
Defense) was here, spent his usual line, and
has gone back home to run the war with his
screwed-up bunch of -people. We call them
"McNamara's Band." I hope and pray that
somehow this man does something right
pretty soon.
Just one thing right will help immensely.
He did send a representative over here. All
he did was make the troops sore.
One of our complaints was that we can't
understand the air controller, so he sug-
gested that we learn Vietnamese. We said
we didn't have that much time, so he sug-
gested we stay here for 2 years. A brilliant
man. He's lucky to be alive. Some of the
guys honestly had to be held back from
beating this idiot up. This man McNamara
and his whole idiot band will cause me not
to vote for Johnson no matter how much I
like his policies.
McNamara is actually second in power to
Johnson. But, as a military man, he fin-
ishes a definite and decided last-all the way
last.
Rumors are fast and furious. Nothing yet
on B-57's. Rumors that B-26's are all rigged
up with extra fuel tanks for long overwater
flights.' B-26 should never fly again, even if
rejuvenated. Also a rumor that B-26 pilots
will get instruction in the A-11-1-another
single-engine dive bomber. All is still in
the air-all rumors.
March 22, 1964: Been flying pretty heavy
again. We've only got 20 pilots now and 11
airplanes. It keeps us pretty busy. Also got
two more airplanes they're putting together
in Saigon, so we'll soon be back up to 13
airplanes again. Hope these last for awhile.
(That was Captain Shank's last letter. He
was killed in combat 2 days later.)
EXHIBIT 4
[From the Washington Daily News, Apr. 27,
1964]
COMMENT: WE'RE REALLY TRAINING OURSELVES
IN VIETNAM-UNITED. STATES FAILS To Go
ALL OUT FOR VICTORY
(By Jim G. Lucas)
CAN THO, SOUTH VIETNAM, April 27.-One
often overlooked factor that contributes to
the long drawn out, no-win war in South
Vietnam is this:
The United States is-and has been for the
past 3 pears-using Vietnam as a sort of
military test laboratory, an extension of
Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Fort Banning,
Fort Bragg, and all the others back home.
9017
As one American major here told me:
"We're really not trying so much to train
these people to win their war; rather, we're
training ourselves."
In that light it can be more easily under-
stood why we've run 35,000 to 40,000 Ameri-
can military personnel through the mill here
in 3 years-though we've never had more
than 16,000 men here at any one time.
ONE YEAR
The normal assignment is for 1 year. It's
damned unpleasant duty In a terrible cli-
mate. And practically no man, if he's on
duty outside of Saigon, would want to stay
longer.
But this doesn't help win the war. in
fact, it slows it up.
Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge, in a re-
cent interview in Life magazine, made the
point that U.S. advisers should be sent here
for at least 2 years and preferably longer.
He's right-though I'll make no friends
among U.S. servicemen in the field by saying
so. And neither has the Ambassador.
But all this criticism back home of the
South Vietnamese for appearing indifferent
to whether they win the war needs a new
examination in face of our own policy of
seeming not to go all out for victory.
Especially so when it comes to committing
our personnel to any needful lengthy periods.
TYPICAL
Take the case of a typical American ad-
viser to a South Vietnamese battalion. He
would be a captain.
Fresh out from the United States, our man
needs 3 to 4 months to get acquainted, learn
his job, scout the terrain, and establish an
effective working arrangement with the com-
mander of the Vietnamese unit.
Beginning the fourth month, if he's any
good, he knows what he's about.
But-
U.S. Army policy is to yank him out of the
field after 6 months and give him a staff job,
probably in Saigon.
That means he's had at most 2 months to
do a cracking job with his unit in the field.
I know One Vietnamese battalion com-
mander who said he had had-"put up with"
was his phrase-no less than 11 U.S. advisers
in 2 years.
Each, of course, wanted to change some-
thing basic in the way the battalion was
being run.
But our Army's policy is to keep shuffling
the advisers along-evidently so that more
Americans can get the guerrilla-warfare ex-
perience, and also because the Army says
it feels sorry for the poor guys undergoing
the jungle heat and all that.
Actually, I think three out of five of our
battalion advisers-as pros eager to do their
job-want to stay on longer In their field
assignments. They feel they're just start-
ing to prove themselves.
But the Army says they can't. It needs
their slots to train more Americans how to
advise Vietnamese battalions.
Maybe our Army is getting overinfused
with a peacetime posture-or maybe It's the
old question of whether we are in a real
war or not.
A soldier's life is traditionally a hard one.
Soldiers exist chiefly for one reason: To fight
and win wars. Meanwhile, there are many
fringe benefits In their contracts.
True, long family separations-when the
national interest dictates-are also written
into their contracts.
Most understand this. So do their wives.
Some don't, however-especially when there's
no formal war on.
Could It be that we are basing our per-
sonnel policies here in Vietnam on the clamor
of this minority?
Somewhere along the line we've got to
buckle down.
Approved For Release 2005/02/10 : CIA-RDP66B00403R000200140049-0
 9018
F~I~a 2~~ p~ ~~n ~W19&000200140049-0_'
Approved ForC, "I&YM L K~Z J P6 iE
ExHLarr 5
IProm the New York Times, Apr. 28, 1964]
Tzaaoarsas IN VnrrNAa: VIOLENCE AGAnvsT
CIVILIANS COMPLICATES U.B. ErroaTs AND
MAT Foaca POLICY SHIrr
(By Hanson W. Baldwin)
The beginnings of a campaign of terrorism
by the Communist forces in South Vietnam
complicate the problems faced by the United
States in the undeclared war there.
The Pentagon and State Department must
try to find the best answer to a new and
dangerous technique that threatens, from a
standpoint of morale, if not physically the
American presence In South Vietnam. The
terrorist campaign so far has been episodic
and Intermittent, but it could blossom into
full-scale viciousness that might be effective
against U.S. morale. The terrorism is di-
rected essentially against noncombatants,
but precisely because it marks women and
children for death or maiming it strikes at
the morale of the combatants.
In a recent book, "Modern Warfare-A
French View of Counterinsurgency," Col.
Roger Trinquier describes terrorism as the
principal weapon of what he calls modern
warfare. It is warfare without uniforms,
silent, deadly, stalking: the thrown bomb,
the attack in the night. The targets are
homes, restaurants, schoolhouses, theaters,
playing fields-any place where-a few people
are gathered.
Terrorists are usually organized In cells
and three-man teams; the terrorist may
know his teammates but probably no others
In the clandestine organization.
The French, in Indochina and Algeria and
the British In Palestine and Cyprus experi-
enced years of this kind of warfare-warfare
in which every man Is a potential enemy.
death lurks in every doorway, and vigilance
can never be relaxed.
There Is no good and simple answer to ter-
rorist tactics. The defensive reactions are
obvious: Barbed wire, barracades, wire net-
ting over windows, intricate pass systems,
and Inspections, armed guards everywhere.
These measures can reduce, but not eliminate
terrorist acts.
In 1957 French paratroopers, among them
Colonel Trinquier, eliminated terrorists
from the city of Algiers. But they did it
with what Bernard B. Fall describes in the
Introduction to "Modern Warfare" as "cold
ferocity" and the employment of torture,
"the particular bane of the terrorist."
Torture forced terrorists captured in the
act to disclose the names of their teammates
or celimates and led to the destruction of
the underground terrorist organization.
However, these Draconian measures back-
fired against the French. Many in France
were horrified at the methods employed and
world opinion was effectively mobilized
against Paris, in part because of the "cold
ferocity" of the paratroops in Algiers.
In South Vietnam, U.S. military men are
not In full control and command (as the
French were in Algeria). They are essen-
tially advisers. Therefore, effective defense
against terrorism will be handicapped-as
the war itself has been handicapped-by
what amounts to a dual command system.
Moreover, the United States is unlikely to
adopt the ruthless measures employed by the
French paratroopers, although the first
American schoolchild killed by a terrorist
bomb may challenge this restraint.
A campaign of terrorism, if pressed, could
hasten basic policy decisions In Washington.
To combat terrorism-in fact, to put the
waging of the counterinsurgency struggle In
South Vietnam on a sound footing-most
military observers believe it essential to
establish a unified U.S.-South Vietnamese
command, with U.S. officers acting In com-
mand as well as advisory roles. The com-
mitment of some U.S. tactical air units and
battalion-size combat ground units may also
be necessary.
If the terrorist campaign Is Intensified,
two U.S. military police units withdrawn
from South Vietnam just before Christmas-
ironically, just before the terrorist campaign
started-may have to be returned. Coun-
terintelligence specialists may also be
needed.
Finally. if worst comes to worst, the U.S.
dependents in South Vietnam may have to
be withdrawn. However, if this were done
without compensatory measures, the action
might appear to represent the beginning of
a scuttle-and-run" policy, with loss of
prestige to the United States and damage to
the morale of the American and South Viet-
namese forces.
FallrT 6
J From the New York Times. Apr. 28, 19541
UNrrED STATES PUTS DEPENDENTS IN Laos ON
ALERT To LxAvc-Says WITHDRAWAL, Is P08-
BIBLE zr PoLITICAL CRISIS GzOw&-FR"CE
AND BRITAIN ALSO Aer-T6NaroN Rises IN
CAPrrAL
VIENTIANr, LAOS. April 27.-The United
States, Britain and France placed their de-
pendents in Lacs on emergency alert today
for immediate removal should the political
erisis worsen.
New fears and tension filled the capital
as Gen. Stho Lamphouthakoui, chief of secu-
rity forces. appeared to have seized effective
power In defiance of diplomatic pressure to
restore the status quo.
He and Gen. Kouprasith Abhay led right-
wing generals in a coup d'etat 8 days ago
against the coalition regime of the neutralist
Premier, Prince Sotivanna Phouma. Since
that time, the other officers have dropped
into the background, leaving Siho Lam-
phouthacoul as an apparent strongman pre-
pare to "go it alone."
The U.S. Ambassador, Leonard Unger, or-
dered American women and children to stay
off the streets and to keep their suitcases
packed.
CIRCULAR DISTRIBUTED
"Circumstances In Vientiane may at Some
time require actual evacuation." the U.S.
Embassy said in a circular distributed to
members of the American community. "This
Is not contemplated at present but, as a
preparation for any eventuality, the normal
preemergency steps should be taken."
It ordered American parents to keep their
children out of school unless schools were
close at hand. It Instructed women to stay
Indoors unless they had to go out for med-
teal treatment or to purchase necessities.
Each family was ordered to pack a suit-
case of a maximum of 50 pounds. U.S. Gov-
ernment employees reported for work and,
although shops were open and business went
on. an air of tension filled the city.
The French Ambassador, Pierre Millet, in
a similar order, told members of the French
community to pack their belongings and ob-
tain visas for Cambodia and Thailand.
The British Embassy told its community
to be ready to move out on 24-hour notice.
There was speculation that the alerts were
designed to bring new pressure on the junta
to restore Prince Souvanna Phouma to power.
All three countries maintain diplomatic mis-
sions here and the United States Is a major
oohtributor of foreign aid to Laos.
RETURN Or MINrerzas USOED
VIENTIANE, April 27.-The Vientiane radio
broadcast an appeal today to all Cabinet
ministers, Including those of the pro-Com-
munist Neo Lao Bak Xat Party, to return
and get the coalition Government working
property-
The statement wasIssued in the name of
Gen. Phoumi Itlosavan, rightwl.ng Vice Pre-
mier, who publicly dissociated himself from
April 28
the rightwing army junta that seized pow-
er last week.
It said the new Government lacked pow-
er because of a separation of ministers.
The statement added that Prince Sou-
vanna Phouma, Who Is also Defense Minister,
would have full power to unite the armed
forces, including rightwing troops.
Each minister would have full respon-
sibility for his department, the broadcast
said, and the Interior Minister would be
gully In control of the policy,
The Foreign Minister, it went on, would
follow a neutral policy and would not sup-
port leftists or be controlled by foreign em-
bassies.
The statement added that Prince Sou-
vanna Phouma would move his office to the
Defense Ministry and both rightwing and
neutralist forces would dissolve their "special
military Cabinet."
EXHIBIT 7
LITTLE CoimroN, RS,,
March 21, 1964.
DEAR SENATOR GRIIENING: Thank God
Alaska has become a State, so that we can
have two more sensible and courageous Sen-
ators-there never seem to be enough.
Today on the radio I heard that you criti-
cized the war In Vietnam-but no details. If
the AP doesn't carry it, will you send me a
copy? Please keep hammering, to give the
Vietnamese an end to bloodshed, a guaran-
teed neutrality, and a chance to vote what
they want-which incidentally will give the
United States and free world more prestige in
Asia, after all we lost by supporting a tor-
turing dictator there for 8 years. True
patriotism requires opposition to the military
policy, and I thank you for your courage In
this.
Sincerely Yours,
Mrs. JESffia LLOYD O'CONNOa.
HEWLsrr, N.Y.,
March 25,1964.
Hon. Senator ERNzsT Gxua riwa,
senate Office Building,
Washington, D.C.
DRAG SENATOR GRIIENING: You are to be
commended for your courageous statement
regarding our involvement In Vietnam.
The day after I saw this. I also noted a
photo in the New York Times which showed
a Vietnamese child burned when one of our
napalm bombs hit his village. We are fight-
Ing to save Vietnam and its people are de-
stroyed in the process. We also risk a much
larger war with China.
There must be some hongrable way out of
the swamps of Vietnam. Perhaps neutraliza-
tion is the answer, or having the U.N. handle
the problem. All our efforts have only pro-
duced more Vietcong and more corpses. You,
at least, have the wisdom and the courage to
suggest another alternative.
Sincerely yours,
SAVL SCHINDLER,
Chairman, Five Towns Committee for a
Sane Nuclear Policy.
Senator EawEaT GRIIENING,
Senate Office Building,
Washington, D.C.
DrAa Sae: We simply want you to know
we were ever so glad to hear you speak out
for withdrawaI.of U.S. troops from Vietnam.
We have long been concerned over our right
to be there and what is and is not
necessary for U.S. security. It seems that
provoking and prolonging wars In one am a11
country after another can only add to our
insecurity.
We are grateful for what you have said.
Sincerely.
Mr. and Mrs. ROBERT RANDOLPH.
Approved For Release 2005/02/10 : CIA-RDP66B00403R000200140049-0
 19C4 r
Approved For ftt R( AII0R P66 0 ff0 00140049-0
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.,
March 25, 1694.
Senator GRUENING,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR GRUENING: This is to sup-
port your position regarding a negotiated
settlement in South Vietnam.
I am in favor of having that whole area
neutral if it can be arranged.
Sincerely,
Mrs, VIOLA SURrAN.
WASHINGTON, D.C.,
April 8, 1964.
Senator ERNEST GRUENING,
U.S. Senate,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR ,GRUENING: I congratulate
you on your stand on Vietnam and earn-
estly wish you well-you and Senator MORSE
and all others who work to achieve a negoti-
ated settlement in this disastrously cruel war.
Sincerely yours,
MARIAN E. SITTLER.
ADELPHI, MD.,
March 17, 1964.
Senator ERNEST GRUENING,
U.S. Senate,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR GRUENING: I am enclosing a
letter which was written on behalf of the
Committee on Vietnam of the Women Strike
for Peace.
We are writing others of the same sub-
stance to other national news media.
We are glad that someone is attempting
to bring about some kind of change in this
unhappy area of the world.
Sincerely,
Mrs. BERNIECE T IOMPSON.
COMMITTEE ON VIETNAM,
WOMEN STRIKE FOR PEACE,
The WASHINGTON POST,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR EDITORS: In the last month there
have been some very important speeches
made, by various Senators on Vietnam. Some
of them have been given attention in the
Post. Not unt;l Senator MORSE accused the
press of a blackout, though, did his speeches
get any notice and then only a very small
fraction of the important points which he
brought out; and it was on page 5.
Senator GRUENING made a very informative
speech. Senator KEATING asked some very
pertinent questions, which were in the Post,
There are always front page assertions by
politicians who are running for office, but
how often does a politician running for of-
fice ever say anything% These men in the
Senate are saying something. It is very im-
portalft that the public know the substance
of these speeches. The America people know
far too little about Vietnam.
The reporters on TV and radio are telling
us one thing while our officials in Washing-
ton are telling us another. While all this is
going on Governor Rockefeller and Senator
GOLDWATER are playing football with the
whole works and not telling us anything.
How can the voter make an intelligent deci-
sion on the basis of such contradictions as
these?
This kind of flagrant abuse of one of the
most important elements of the democratic
process, education of the electorate, is most
irresponsible, especially in an election year.
Our Committee on Vietnam obtained these
,speeches from the Senators who made them,
but how man people will read them if they
have to gain access to them in this way?
Every one of these speeches should have
had front page notice and the general sub-
stance of them should have been on radio
and TV.
Is it possible that the Bobby Baker case
(which was in the news extensively) can be
more important than Vietnam where lives
are being lost and a million and some dollars
a day are being spent?
Sincerely,
Mrs. BERN THOMPSON.
CREscENT CITY, FLA.,
March 19, 1964.
MY DEAR SENATOR GRUENING: May we ex-
press our gratitude for your courageous
stand on South Vietnam. We hope that you
will continue to advocate the withdrawal
of eur armies there, and for a negotiated
peace, and for the creation of a neutral zone
in all southeast Asia.
Sincerely,
EVELYN TULLOS.
WILL TULLOS.
PATERSON, N.J.,
March 23, 1964.
The Honorable Senator ERNEST GRUENING:
I wish to thank you for your timely and
courageous position on the question of our
withdrawal from South Vietnam as being in
the best interests of our Nation.
Respectfully yours,
ALBERT SMITH.
HUNTER COLLEGE OF THE
CITY UNIVERSITY O7 F NEW YORK,
New York, N.Y., March 22, 1964.
Senator ERNEST GRUENING,
U.S. Senate,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR MR. SENATOR: Please accept my hearty
congratulations and warm thanks for the
stand you have taken on the Vietnam Issue.
Sincerely yours,
JOHN SOMERVILLE.
HARTFORD, CONN.,
March 21, 1964.
Hon. ERNEST GRUENING,
U.S. Senate,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SIR: I wish to congratulate you on
your intelligent stand concerning our ter-
rible foreign policy in South Vietnam.
I urge you to continue your efforts in this
regard and hope that you may Influence your
fellow Senator and other members of the
U.S. Government.
Very sincerely,
HERBERT N. SCHWARTZ, M.D.
EAST ELMHURST, N. Y.
DEAR MR. SENATOR: I read your remarks on
South Vietnam and was happy to hear that
a voice of opposition was being raised. It
is certainly not reasonable to undertake to
follow the policies which proved so disastrous
to the French.
Sincerely,
HANCOCK, MICH., March 23, 1964.
Hon. Senator GRUENING,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR: Having read in the press
your splendid criticism of our dirty Viet-
namese war, I together with other citizens
want to commend you and hope you can
wake up other Members to see the downright
crime in sacrificing American boys in this
unjust affair. Will carry this clipping with
me and have as many of my friends read this
as possible and will also write to our two
Senators, MCNAMARA and HART.
Kindest regards and best wishes.
JOHN AUERBACK.
MENLO PARK, CALIF.
DEAR MR. GRUENING: Thank you heartily
for your outspoken advocacy of reason and
justice in the Vietnam situation.
I should think that, the French ought to
know about the utter futility of trying mili-
tary ways in that unhappy land.
I believe there is simply no tolerance left
in the world for the old military methods.
Science has truly outlawed war as a tool for
settling men's differences. Now it Is indeed
time to give Christ's . teaching serious
thought.
Sincerely,
Los ANGELES, CALIF.,
April 18, 1964.
DEAR SENATOR GRUENING: I heard the talk
you made about the situation in South Viet-
nam over our 24-hour KNXT radio station.
Every word you said, we agree with 100
percent.
Everybody used to scream when Dulles was
alive with his "brinkmanship."
But it seems like things get worse and
worse lately.
Except for what you said, Senator MORSE,
Senator BARTLETT, Senator MANSFIELD, and
too few others, the people making U.S. policy
in this Vietnam business seem to be losing
their sanity.
Why should U.S. troops precipitate a full-
scale American war-possibly nuclear-out
of Vietnamese problems.
I say let's get out of there and let them
Bettle their. own business.
Can you send me your speech?
Mrs. M. SIEGEL.
SANTA BARBARA, CALIF.,
March 17, 1964.
Senator ERNEST GRUENING, _.
U.S. Capital,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR: I saw in the Christian Sci-
ence Monitor of March 18, 1964, that you and
Senator MORSE, of Oregon, want to stop the
war with China over Vietnam.
I agree. Thank you tot .your stand.
Yours truly,
Mrs. CATHERINE SEGGIE.
HIGHLAND PARK, N.J.
DEAR SENATOR GRUENING: Your recent
comments on the Vietnam question are most
heartening. Please continue. Perhaps if you
and the few others who seem to be honest
about the situation talk long enough-some
of our "responsible" newspapers will pick up
the clue and attempt to give us?a better idea
of what's really going on there.
Sincerely,
Mrs. A. SCULLY.
PORTLAND, OREG.,
March 14, 1964.
DEAR SENATOR GRUENING: Thank you for
your talk over Capitol Assignment, and your
words about sacrifice of young American
lives in Vietnam.
As a reserve medical officer in World War
I and II, I have seen many of our young
boys die and it hurts me to hear of the
deaths; no one seems to give a damn, and
what are the countries doing to us that we
have helped since.
J. GUY STROHM,
Colonel, Marine Corps, Retired.
NATIONAL ELECTRICAL
CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION,
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA, March 24, 1964.
Hon. ERNEST GRUENING,
U.S. Senate,
New Senate Office Building,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR: I have read with great in-
terest your newsletter No. 10.
I wish to take this opportunity to make a
personal comment and applaud your stand
on the needless expenditure of American
manpower and money in South Vietnam.
s x n S
I am particularly proud to be represented
by a Senator who has the courage to speak
out against the many evils of our foreign
assistance program.
Yours truly,
Approved For Release 2005/02/10 : CIA-RDP66B00403R000200140049-0
 9020
Approved Fo 8fqM 5M JL1(k, P6? 8000200140049-9 Aril 28
SANTA ANA, CALIF.
Senator ERNEST GRUENINO,
Senate Office Building,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR: Have just read an Allen-
Scott report in our local paper the Santa Ana
Register, where you and several other Sena-
tors are very much concerned over the
actions of McNamara over in South Vietnam;
namely, promising that U.S. aid will from
now on be total, unlimited, and without
conditions.
Senator, I agree with you and your con-
,cern; you are to be congratulated. Stick
with It and do not give up until you get
the answers to all of your questions.
I always thought the Senate and the Con-
gress had something to say about how our
country was run; looks like now we have
some civilian appointees who think they
are running things, and if we do not like it
we can lump it.
One thing for sure Senator if I had a son
or a grandson in the service over in South
Vietnam I would raise I would start
asking questions, and I would not stop until
I got the answers.
Where is our wonderful U.N. peace army
Senator? Over In Cypress maybe.
Sincerely,
CLAUDE MASTIN.
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 21, 1964.
DEAR SENATOR OHUENING: Your realistic
understanding that U.S. troops do not belong
in Vietnam and your courage in urging that
the real facts In that tragic situation be
brought to the attention of the American
people is greatly appreciated.
As you continue your efforts in this direc-
tion you may be pleased to know that you
have the strong support of many of us. of
whom I am only one.
With thanks and appreciation.
JANET N. NEUMAN.
BERKELEY, CALIT.
Hon. ERNEST GRUENING,
Senate Office Building,
Washington, D.C.
MY DEAR Sir: This is with reference to
your speech, reported in the New York Times
of March 21, insisting on the withdrawal
from South Vietnam. I wish to compliment
you on that speech very heartily. It is un-
fortunate that of the papers I have seen the
New York Times is the only one in which
your's and Senator MoRSE's speeches are
reported. '
Yours respectfully,
J. NEYMAN.
LOB ANGELES, CALIF.,
March 16,1964.
Hon. Senator GRuEN ea,
Senate Office Building,
Washington, D.C.
MY DEAR MR. GRUENTNG: I commend you
for speaking out against out undeclared war
in South Vietnam.
I quote you daily "No one American life to
worth all of Vietnam."
I wish we had more men like you. also like
your colleagues Senator MORSE and Senator
MAxsrzELD, who have the courage to speak the
truth and let themselves be heard.
The news, as of today is appalling-stx
American lives lost over the weekend. When
will our people wake up and let themselves be
heard.
Sincerely yours.
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS, N.Y.,
March 22, 1984.
Hon. ERNEST GauxinNO,
U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C.
MY DEAR SENATOR: It was gratifying to read
of your remarks in the Senate on March 10
concerning our involvement in South Viet-
nam and the need to withdraw.
Considering the extent of our commitment
and responsibility in that bloody and tragic
situation. It will require both courage and
magnanimity to get out: we hope your words
will help imbue a sense of both among our
leaders.
Please continue your efforts to educate
your colleagues and the American public.
SmaILA MsN.4SNE.
LOUIS MRNASHE.
DALLAS, TES.
March 29, 1964.
Senator ERNEST GRUENING,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR ORVgNINo: Thank you very
much for your words In opposition to U.S.
fighting in. South Vietnam (or anywhere
else). We heard you on NBC program "Sun-
day" March 29. Very good.
We teach our children that the noblest
thing a man can do is fight and die for his
country. Thus taught, there is nothing
wrong with a man who volunteers to die for
his country. butthere is something radically
wrong with a country which asks a man to
die for it.
Thank you again--speaking out as you
and Senator Mossu did today takes courage.
Sincerely,
EULA M. MCNABB.
BnoRT Hn,LS. N.J..
March 30, 1964.
Hon. ERNEST GBUENING,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR: I want to congratulate you
on your courageous and realistic stand on
the neutralization of southeast Asia and
the withdrawal of our troops from that area.
Very truly yours,
A. Ross MARKER.
NEW YORK, N.Y.,
March 24, 1964.
Hon.-ERNEST GsUINING,
Senate Office Building,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR GaumwzNC: I am writing to
applaud your recent statements calling for a
withdrawal of our forces from the conflict in
South Vietnam. Clearly, no purpose is being
served by our continued participation in that
country's situation, nor Is our participation
morally or strategically defensible.
The suggestions that we "escalate" the con-
fiict, and that we invade North Vietnam. com-
bined with the news of the recent attack
upon a Cambodian village are alarming in
their implications.
Although I am not one of your constitu-
ents, I wish to assure you not only of my ad-
miration and support, but to assure you that
many other citizens feel as you do on this
subject. To many concerned persons our
policy in southeast Asia seems one not only
doomed to failure but one which. instead of
defeating communism, is.leading the natives
of war-torn areas into an embracing of Com-
munist doctrine.
Assuredly, a peaceful solution could be
worked out by the convening of the Geneva
Powers, Implemented, perhaps, by a U.N.
peacekeeping force.
I am grateful to you for your wisdom and
courage.
Sincerely,
VAN NUYB, CALIF.,
April 1, 1964.
SENATOR GRUENINO.
Senate Office Building,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR GRUENING: I am in complete
agreement with your stand on South Viet-
nam.
Please continue to fight to see that we get
out of South Vietnam and stay out of North
Vietnam.
Very truly yours,
THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN,
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING,
March 24, 1964.
Senator ORUENINO,
Senate Office Building.
Washington, D.C.
DEAR Snt: My thanks go to you for oppos-
ing the continued presence of American
troops in Vietnam. Supporting a dictatorial
military government against a rebellious
people strikes me as being little different
from the crushing of the Hungarian revolt
by the Russians.
Please keep it up-you are desperately
needed.
Sincerely yours,
NEW YORK. N.Y.,
March 22, 1964.
Senator ERNEST ORUZNINa,
Washington, D. C.:
Honor and glory to you for your courage-
ous stand regarding our policy In South Viet-
nam.
There is hope for mankind when men like
you are in the Senate.
Millions of decent people in the United
States of America and, yes, in the rest of
the world are behind you.
Keep up your good work.
BERGEN, N. DAN., March 25, 1964.
Hon. Senator ERNEST Gauxmxo,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR GRUZNING: I wish to say
that I am fully In agreement with you on
the situation In Vietnam. The Vietnamese
should settle their own problems. We here
in the United States would strongly resent
any foreigners sending troops here to solve
our problems. We must do this ourselves if
we are to get satisfaction. I hope that you
will organize some action, together with
those of similar thinking, to bring our sol-
diers back from Vietnam, which does not
belong to us, but to the Vietnamese. It is
impossible for me to believe that the corner-
stone of American democracy is located in
Vietnam. It is rather in our Congress
where the civil rights bill must be passed
to give justice and equality a firmer hold in
our country.
Sincerely yours.
BERKELEY, CALIF.,
March 23, 1964.
Senator ERNEST GRUENING, -
U.S. Senate,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR GRURT?RNG:'We heartily sup-
port your courageous opposition to the war
in South Vietnam. U.S. Intervention has
prolonged this barbaric and unpopular war
for over 5 years.
Sooner or later the American people will
come to recognize the shameful activities
the U.S. Government has undertaken in
southeast Asia under the cloak of anticom-
munism.
We urge you to continue demanding an
Immediate withdrawal of all American troops
from South Vietnam and the starting of
negotiations aimed at reuniting the Viet-
namese people.
It Is good to see that dissenting voices
can still be heard in the U.S. Senate.
Sincerely yours,
TaomAs F. MAYER.
SARA C. MAYER.
Approved For Release 2005/02/10 : CIA-RDP66B00403R000200140049-0
 194 Approved For ~~~15jJgyffi91A 66 200140049-0
~' ~1 '~ 9021
'DELAWARE, OHIO,
March 3l. 1964.
lion , , h''+R EST GRUENING,
Senate Dice Building,
Washington, D.C. "
DEAR MR. GRUENING: You have our full
and continued support in your stand for a
review of our Vietnam policy.
The time has 'come for our Government to
enter into negotiations to end the war in
South Vietnam. The continuance or en-
larging of the present hostilities can only
mean more bloodshed and even escalation
into a nuclear war.
With best wishes,
ROBERT W. MULADORE.
ST. Louis, Mo., April 17, 1964.
Senator ERNEST GRUENING,
Senate Office Building,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR GRUENING: Thank you for
your Senate speech on'March 4 in regard to
our efforts ,in South Vietnam.
IS more people like you will speak out,
perhaps, our elected leaders will realize that
the people of the United States are not be-
'ind this thankless effort in South Vietnam.
Sincerely yours,
H.:LO4I;INE PICKETT.
BRONX, N:4.,
.April 18,1964.
Senator ERNEST GRUENING,
The Senate,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SIR: It is a long time since I read
In the New 'York Times of March 21, 1964, the
report of your speech on March 10, 1964, with
respect to U.S. policy in South 'Vietnam.
However, your words have remained with me,
and 't feel impelled to write-to you.
You expressed in your speech, clearly and
{I am glad to note) with passion, thoughts
and sentiments that I have had about this
matter for a long time. You spoke for me,
better than I could, and, obviously, more ef-
fectively. I believe that you have probably
$Aso spoken for many Members of Congress,
who have, not yet had the courage to speak
as you did, but who may have been inspired
by your speech to shed their fears of State
Department reaction:
I ask that you continue to respond to Mr.
Rusk in the same mariner ;as reported in the
New York Times, and hope that Senator
MORSE will also continue to respond in the
manner reported in the'New York Times. I
did not vote for Mr. Rusk... No one voted
for Mr. Rusk, or for. anyone else in the State
Department. I Insist that people who are
voted for, and elected, be permitted to express
-their v~ews.
I am grateful to you for the new hope
you have given me that the immoral policy
of the United States with respect to South
Vietnam may yet be discontinued before
more lives are senselessly, destroyed.
Very truly yours,
JULIUS GOLDSTEIN.
.,DAVIS, CALIF.,
April 16, 1964.
Hon. ERNEST GRUENING,
Senate Office Building,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR GRUENING: I want to con-
gratulate you on the very sensible remarks
you have made recently on Vietnam and
southeast Asia, It has long been a source
of great concern to me that our country has
been supporting a government in Vietnam
that was not elected and does not properly
represent the people, and that our military
forces have been i ivolved in the Inhumane
tactics that have been common in this sense-
less war.
President de Gaulle's imaginative and bold
call for neutralization of South Vietnam
No. 83-9
should be given support. I hope that you
will continue to urge consideration of It.
Sincerely,
MARY E. BOLTON.
EUGENE, OREG.,
March 30, 1964.
Hon. ERNEST GRUENING,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR GRUENING: I have read your
March 10 Vietnam speech which you sent at
my request.
I like it. I fully agree with your position.
Your direct and unequivocal language Is most
appropriate, and your supporting evidence
convincing.
Such a speech was at least 2 years over=
due in the Senate. As soon as practicable
after this error has been corrected, I would
like to see the rest of Mr. Dulles' Asian blun-
ders liquidated.
Much of the money we are squandering in
Formosa, Korea, and Japan, could be usefully
employed in a federally operated program
for the exploration and development of Alas-
kan resources, to equal or excel Russia's work
in Siberia.
Many thanks for your speech.
Y. H. TODD, Sr.
CHRISTIANA, PA.,
April 19, 1904.
DEAR SENATOR GRUENING: I wish to add
my voice to those who support your stand
on South Vietnam. Our participation in
and encouragement of this dirty war' has
already done irreparable damage to the
American image. We have needlessly in-
flicted suffering of the most grotesque vari-
ety upon millions of innocent people. In the
light of this fact what right do we have to
be critical of a Hitler or a Stalin?
The American Government has a moral
obligation not only to its own people and
the tormented people of South Vietnam but
to the entire world as well to negotiate a
peaceful settlement in this area immediately.
With respect and admiration, I am,
Sincerely yours,
WAUKESHA, WIS.
DEAR SENATOR GRUENING: I wish to express
my gratitude to you for your courageous
stand on Vietnam policies.
Of the five newspapers and seven maga-
zines which come to our house only one
made any mention of your speech as con-
cerns Vietnam, that was the Guardian.
It frightens and angers me to think that
matters of such importance are being sup-
pressed by our various news media.
Again, thank you Senator. Men such as
yourself offer us a way of light in an other-
wise darkened world.
Sincerely,
LIVINGSTON, N.J.,
April 19, 1964.
DEAR SENATOR: I was very pleased to read
recently of your statements concerning the
war in Vietnam and our participation In it.
Would that there were more Senators of
courage like you. We would then be guar-
anteed peace in our world.
Keep up the good work for peace.
Very truly yours,
LEON M. MOSNER.
KETCHIKAN, ALASKA,
April 11, 1964.
Hon. ERNEST GRUENING,
r .S. Senate, Washington, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR GRUENING: Congratulations
on your stand toward our policy in South
Vietnam., It Is encouraging to hear and read
that you are asking for withdrawal of our
American troops from there. I so heartily
agree with you and do hope you can get it
over to the American people as am sure many
are unaware of the situation there. Last
night just one news report stated four of
our men had been killed that day. No doubt
we have lost a couple hundred there already.
I wonder if Secretary McNamara and Rich-
ard Nixon had young sons there if they would
be so anxious to carry on such a useless war.
More power to you and keep up your good
work.
Sincerely,
ONEONTA, N.Y.,
April 19, 1964.
Hon. ERNEST GRUENING,
U.S. Senate,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR GRUENING, I salute you on
your statement concerning our policy in
South Vietnam. Quite apart from any con-
sideration as to the potential benefit to U.S.
short- or long-run interests that might re-
sult from a withdrawal of our military sup-
port and direction of General Khanh's war
against the Vietcong, is the categorical im-
perative of insisting on morality and reason
in government conduct. Of course, the
greater the immorality and unreason, the
more urgent the imperative.
To put it another way, Senator, I believe
our country is characterized by two atti-
tudes: one is a callous unconcern for vir-
tually anything that doesn't touch imme-
diate interests; the other is a "We're-doing-
God's-work-here kind of sanctimonious ar-
rogance. One runs up against both in try-
ing to appeal, as you have, to the very op-
posite of these postures. So it's'hardly sur-
prising when your remarks and those of
Senator MORSE, on a subject of the first im-
portance, get the silent treatment from most
of the news media.
All the same, there seems to be a growing
uneasiness over the running of foreign
policy. It may just be (one may as well be
optimistic.) that we're on the edge of an
awakening. However, it is, you spoke well
and courageously, Mr. GRUENING. I fully
share ,Your view that we should never have
intervened as we did in South Vietnam, and
we should pull out forthwith. ere can e
no strategic justification for using napalm
bombs on Vietnamese villages and propping
up governments that practice murder and
torture as a matter of course. 'It's a grand
feeling to be proud of one's country and
one's government. I'm proud that voices
counseling decency are still heard in the
Senate, even if by only a few. Please per-
sist in this worthwhile cause, Senator.
There is no alternative.
Respectfully,
STANLEY E. WEISBERGER.
Los ANGELES, CALIF.,
March 31, 1964.
Senator ERNEST GRUENING,
'U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C.
DEAR SIR: I am extremely pleased to learn
of your voluble protest to the U.S. inter-
vention in Vietnam. Also, I understand that
Senator BARTLETT supports your position.
I have written letters to McNamara, Rusk,
and Senator KUCHEL in this regard.
Please continue your position-for in the
final analysis the fate of. the world lies in the
hands of our top leadership. The people
are ignorant of the facts, for the newspapers
suppress so much.
I would appreciate receiving a copy of your
speech.
Sincerely yours,
FOREST HILLS, N.Y.,
March 27, 1964.
DEAR SENATOR GRUENING: While I am not
one of your immediate constituents, I would
Approved For Release 2005/02/10 : CIA-RDP66B00403R000200140049-0
 PIac pp~~p~ AR g Q
9022 Approved Fa UXUR~E N t~L/ KL~_IDPS RORfi3R000200140049-(l? April 28
like to congratulate you on your speech this
week an Vietnam.
As one citizen, I feel your call for an
approach to peaceful solutions there was in
the deepest and most long-range interests
of our country.
Very truly yours,
JAMES H. DuRHIN.
PORTLAND, OREG.
DEAR SENATOR GRUENING: Several members
of Women's International League for Peace
and Freedom met at my house today to read
literature on Vietnam. And I want to com-
mend you for your remarks on Vietnam in
the Senate on February 20, 1984. A copy
was sent to me from F,C.N.L. in Washington,
D.C.
I believe the problem should have been
taken to the U.N. before 1954 and I believe
the United States wanted to do so. How-
ever, that was not done then but I believe it
should be done now.
In my opinion we should never have given
in there In the first place. And I agree with
Senator Morse that we should withdraw all
military personnel and weapons at once.
Thank you and sincerely yours,
Mss. K. C. TANNER,
Please spare a moment to read the enclosed
copy of ray letter to the editor, Daily News-
Miner, Fairbanks. Alaska. and please con-
tinue your efforts toward an Immediate,
peaceful settlement of the war In South Viet-
nam.
Very sincerely yours,
MARY PHILLIPS.
LEMONT, ILL., March 20, 1964.
EDrroa. LETTERS To THE EDITOR COLUMN.
Daily News-Miner, Fairbanks, Alaska.
SIR: My heartiest congratulations and
deepest gratitude to the citizens of Alaska
for electing two of the wisest and most cou-
rageous statesmen in the U.S. Senate: the
Honorable Messrs. ERNEST GaurNINo and E.
L. BARTLETT.
I am particularly grateful to both of them
for their outspoken stand against continuing
the pointless. cruel. futile war in South
MousT VERNON, N.Y.,
April 1, 1964.
NEW YORK, N.Y.,
March 21, 1964.
Senator ERNEST GauaNING,
The Capitol, Washington, D.C.
DEAR Sin: I am writing to you to indicate
my approval of your remarks calling for the
withdrawal of American troops from the
Vietnam mess. Time after time, the New
York Times correspondents have indicated
that the reason for the Government's failure
to win the war against the guerrillas has been
the unpopularity of the various South Viet-
namese governments with the very people
they are supposed to save. Unfortunately
most newspapers, Including the very Times,
and the U.S. Government continue to propa-
gate the nonsense that the major reason for
the Vietnam conflict Iles in some sort of
"alien or foreign supported" infiltration. We
evidently have forgotten how effective our
own Swamp Foxes and local guerrillas (Min-
ute Men, Mountain Boys, etc.) were against
the local Tories,of 1778 and the foreign sol-
diery that forced the American Revolution to
continue for 7 longer years that It should
have.
At this moment your opinions ate unpop-
ular with the administration. Amongst the
grassroots there are more who support you
than support Secretary Rusk or the Defense
Secretary. You are one of the few who has
shown the integrity and courage to speak out
properly on this issue. I believe you are
right, and I believe that a-mountain of-evi-
dence could be found to prove that we never
should have attempted to impose our wills
on those people in the first instance.
Do not lose heart. Do not backtrack. Do
not betray the need to air this entire issue
before the American people.
You are the first Senator I have written
to. I am sorry that I am not in Alaska to
provide you with political support.
Sincerely yours.
JOHN E. CHIARADIA.
MIAMI, FLA.
HONORABLE SENATOR: I commend you on
your stand on withdrawing troops from
Vietnam.
Sincerely,
MARY E. PETIERSEN?
LEMONT, ILL.,
March 20, 1964.
'Hon.ERNEST GRUENING,
Senate Office Building,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR GzuxNINo: I am grateful
for your courageous statements against the
continuing of the war in South Vietnam.
Senator E. GaUENING,
Senate Office Building,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR GRUENING: I should like to
commend you for your Strong stand to end
the war in Vietnam. Your support of Sen-
ator MORSE and your constant requests for
reevaluation of Asian policy, for public In-
formation on policies and yc;.r pledge to
continue to work until the war ends serve the
best Interests of peace throughout the world
Very truly yours,
Mrs. ANNE PHILLIPS.
WINNETKA, ILL.,
April 2, 1964.
Senator ERNEST GRUENING,
Senate Office Building,
obviously are sick unto death of the war DEAR SENATOR GRUENING: It is encourag-
and would Immediately negotiate a settle- Jng to note the fact that you have Spoken
menk of It, if it were not for the presence up In the Senate on our participation in the
and ahvice of some 15,000 U.S. special forces
in their ountry.
May Messrs. GauxwiNa and BARTLETT and
their many enlightened colleagues, Includ-
ing Senators MORSE, of Oregon, Wn.*sass. of
Delaware. CASE, of New Jersey, and others
continue their efforts until the administra-
tion's policymakers consent to reevaluate
their policies and put an end to the war in
South Vietnam. Negotiations should begin
now.
Very sincerely yours.
MARY PHILLIPS.
BROxx, N.Y., March 31, 1964.
Hon. Senator ERNEST GavsNINa,
Senate Building,
Washington, D.C.
MY DEAR SENATOR: This is to express my
thanks and my admiration for the courage
with which you tackled the question of our
engagement in Vietnam. The daily press
and the other media have built up this mat-
ter so strongly in the prevailing official di-
rection that It cannot be very popular to
express an opinion that goes contrary to this
trend.
I am convinced that this adventure Is
much too costly measured in lives and money
as that it could justify the goal. Many of my
friends raise the same doubts.
A great nation as ours can very well afford
to confess a mistake or blunder, and will by
that not lose the esteem of its citizenship
nor of the world. It might not be easy to
make a turn, but it should be done.
That you showed us some realities and tries
to open a road to reason, is something to be
grateful for.
Wishing you success.
Very sincerely yours,
WASaINOTON, D.C.,
April 3,1964.
Senate Vietnam conflict. I heartily agree
with you and hope that you will try to
get your point of view before the public.
Unfortunately, the mass media at the pres-
ent time is not doing its job in presenting
the facts to the public.
The television documentary of April 1
only serves to reinforce my conviction that
all human values are being violated by our
presence In South Vietnam.
I would like to receive your recent com-
ments, on the Vietnamese war, In the
Senate.
Yours sincerely.
WASH NGTON, D.C.,
April 6, 1964.
DEAR SENATOR GRUENING: I want to com-
mend you and the other Senators who have
courageously spoken out against the part
our country to taking in the war in Vietnam.
This action on your part will give voice to
the opinions and feelings of millions of
inarticulate Americans.
Be assured that you are supported by many
people who are more than happy because of
your efforts on their behalf and for the true
welfare of our country.
Sincerely,
NEW Rocseosn, N. DAN.,
April 6, 1964.
Senator ERNEST GRUENING,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR: As a reader of the CoNCRES-
eIONAL RECORD I have learned to have a very
high regard for you and your thinking. I
was very happy when you spoke on the South
Vietnam situation.
I do not believe we have any business half
way around the world when we have so many
problems right here at home. I assure you
it gives many of us a lift to read what you
and Senator MORSE and others had to say
and we here support your position. I read
many letters introduced in the RECORD by
Senator MoRsz and must say I agree with
those letters. ? ? * It seems like our coun-
try is supporting every reactionary country
around the globe.
Yours,
Senator ERNEST GRUE sING,
U.S. Senate
DEAR Sot: I fully support your stand on
U.S. participation In the war In South Viet-
nam, It is not our war. It Is a civil war
to be fought (if need be) and solved by the
people and Government of South Vietnam.
Day by day we spend more money and in-
volve more Americans in this civil war.
Since Poland, Canada, and India were des-
ignated to comprise the International Con-
trol Commission without authority to en-
force agreements made by Geneva convention
I feel these countries should be provided
with authority to enforce these agreements.
The United States could then pull out
of South Vietnam and really abide by our
word, namely that we would honor the Ge-
neva convention agreements.
Sincerely,
PORTLAND, OREG.,
March 27, 1964.
Senator ERNEST GRUENINO,
Senate Office Building,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR: Your recent comments con-
cerning the war In South Vietnam are wel-
come. It is time we realized there will be
no military victory. Our foreign policy has
been anything but realistic. We cannot ex-
Approved For Release 2005/02/10 : CIA-RDP66B00403l 000200140049-0
 Approved For.i(*TkESSIONAL :f*6B04D 00140049-0
pect the world to conform to our image. It
won't,
-Very truly yours,
,Mrs. C. G. ROGERS.
?WASHINGTON, D.C.
161arch. i8, 1964.
Senator ERNEST GRUENING,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR GRUENING: 'Tour letter of
yesterday, accompanied by tearsheets of your
speeches and other material, from the CoN-
GRESSxOIIAi. REcOSD, arrived today. I want to
thank you for it. I also want to thank you
for copies of your press release of March 10
which your office sent my wife, Margaret, in
response to a phone request.
I have not had time to read the material,
but Mrs. liussell has covered most of It and
has told me some of' the important aspects
of It. For one thing, tiie forthright and
direct statement that we should get out of
Vietnam. Perhaps I should do better to call
it a demand. You have quoted from a wide
variety of sources in your speeches, indicat-
ing how generally people who have expertise
or personal Contact with southeast Asia, are
in accord in describing the terror and tor-
ture,' but above all, the futility of our opera-
tions as advisers to the Vietnamese oligarchy.
The chronology, exhibit 4, starting on page
4666, is a very valuable contribution to un-
derstanding what has gone on in Vietnam,
aceordirig to Mrs. Russell. She says that
having that data made so accessible is an
'important weapon in the hands 'of those who
would try to change our policy and practices
in that unfortunate country.
It is, difficult for me to understand how
-come there is any significant number of Viet-
namese left in the country. You would
think they would get out rather than endure
the rapine, Indignities, and slaughter that
has beset them. I suppose "the reason they
remaiih is that they have no place to go.
That is unfortunate.
We have noticed that more Senators are
getting in line with you ofi this effort to
bring sanity into our southeast Asian ac-
tions. Not only Senators, but a few Con-
gressmen as well. And, of course, a lot of
-public figures of one kind or another, Walter
Lippmann among them, and also lames Res-
ton.
Sincerely,
OAKLAND, CALIF.,
March 31, 1964.
Senator ,GRUENING,
Senate Office Building,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR GRUENING: In view of the
fact that only the National Guardian among
several much larger publications which I
read regularly reveals the fact that it is
you who first had the courage`to agree with
'Senator MonsE that we never did have any
business in Vietnam and it published only
your last name. You will please excuse me
for doing likewise. This is just to congratu-
late you.
What is wrong with our news media that
seems. to be "calling the kettle black" when
they blame Government officials for supress-
ing news and when we have to wait for the
little Guardian to learn such- news?
wIth. a, yecent statement by the Senator
from Rhode Island [Mr. PASTOREI, made
on this floor on March 24, in support of
the "Wise procedures of Secretary Udall
of the Interior in allocating desperately
needed Import of residual oil."
I think the Secretary is to be com-
mended for his actions, often in the face
of heavy pressure, and sometimes bit-
ter criticism, from certain special in-
terests who seek to make controls even
more stringent.
However, in spite of everything that
has been done to date, the basic hard-
ships arising from the Government's
control of imparts of this' fuel still re-
main. The ultimate solution should be,
of course, the complete removal of re-
sidual fuel oil import controls. This,
I am firmly convinced, could take place
without endangering in any way the se-
curity of this country-a position, I may
point out, supported by the Director of
the Office of Emergency Planning, who
on February 13, 1963, after almost 2
years of investigation, reported to the
President that-
A careful and meaningful relaxation of
controls would be consistent with national
security and the attainment of hemispheric
objectives which contribute to the national
security.
This recommendation still stands.
Many proponents of controls argue
that their removal would have a damag-
ing effect on the domestic petroleum in-
dustry, and particularly on domestic
-production of residual fuel oil.
Protection of a vigorous and healthy-
domestic petroleum industry in the in-
terests of the national security was, of
course, the main reason for imposing
controls originally. The OEP, in its in-
vestigation, considered this in detail, and,
as I mentioned earlier, concluded that a
relaxation was consistent with national
security. Thus, any attempt to justify
maintenance of residual controls on the
same grounds which necessitate crude
oil controls is, I feel, misleading and
unfair.
With regard to recent claims that
domestic producers of residual oil are
being hurt by imports, I fail to see the
logic in such statements. On several oc-
casions it has been necessary to increase
allowable imports, mainly because do-
mestic production has fallen off substan-
tially, year after year, and gives every
indication of continuing this trend. I
would never suggest the adoption of any
program which would be detrimental to
American industries or products. How-
ever, I am informed that the potential
demand for residual oil in our area is
more than enough to absorb the do-
mestic supply, making the resort to im-
ports quite justifiable.
We had hoped these controls might
have been dropped entirely this year; but
early in March, Secretary Udall, in an-
nouncing that restrictions would remain
in effect, set new quotas for the 1964-65
fuel year, which began.on April 1.
Allowable imports, according to Mr.
Udall, are to be increased by 11 percent,
which amounts to 63,000 barrels daily,
ROCHESTER, N.Y.,
9023
Sincerely yours,
DOROTHY A. STEWART.
JACKSONVILLE, FLA.,
'March 26, 1964.
lion. ERNEST GRUENING,
Senate Office Building,
Washington, D.C.'
DEAR SENATOR GRUENING: I wish to take
this occasion to thank you for your recent
statements concerning some phases of our
foreign policy. These statements in my
opinion are shared by many, many Amer-
icans, and are very timely.
It is unfortunate that we do not have
more men of the caliber of you and your hon-
orable colleague, Senator WAYNE MORSE.
Keep up the good work.
With best wishes for your continued good
health and success.
Very truly yours,
MASSAPEQUA, N.Y.,
April 3, 1964.
Senator ERNEST GRUENING,
Senate Office Building,
"Washington, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR GRUENING: I wish to register
approval of your stated attitude toward the
current situation in Vietnam. Recognizing
that the presence of U.S. troops there is con-
trary to the 1954 Geneva Conference, that
the proposed general election has been dis-
couraged, and that the political and military
situation there Is steadily deteriorating in the
direction of the danger of multinational
conflict. I urge you to use all your efforts
toward insuring that the U.S. Government
indicate its desire to participate in a recon-
vened conference and consider neutralization
under international guarantees.
KATHARINE K. SMITH.
PHILADELPHIA, PA.,
April 5, 1964,
Senator ERNEST GRUENING,
Senate Office Building,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR GRUENING: If you have re-
prints of your foreign policy speech in March,
in which you protested the U.S. policy in
South Vietnam, I should very much appre-
ciate having a copy. I am shocked-but
perhaps should not be surprised-to learn
that your speech was virtually ignored by
important members of the press, -
I hope very much that the debate on South
Vietnam continues and that it leads to revi-
sion of our policy-which I consider unten-
able on moral grounds alone.
I know that a business letter should deal
with only one point-but I do want to ex-
press my concern about the great distress
which your State has so recently experienced.
Sincerely,
MISS MARGARET SHEETS.
RESIDUAL FUEL OIL IMPORT
CONTROLS
Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, since
March 1959, residual fuel oil import con-
trols have been the subject of much con-
troversy and discussion before this body.
I have followed, developments closely
and with considerable interest, since I
am well aware how essential the avail-
ability of this fuel is to Massachusetts,
to all of New England, to Florida, and to
,,,,,~.....irtg,., .tono1Jn'_.D, ......,.......y,
LVash, C. `other east coast areas in between. On
DEAR SENATOR GRUENING: Congratulations several occasions, I have joined with
on ?your stand on South Vietnam. other Senators from affected areas in
Amid what seems to me general moral 'requesting the Secretary of the Interior
decline, and a completely unrealistic and in- to consider the economic welfare of the
Approved For Release 2005/02/10 : CIA-RDP66B00403R000200140049-0
 9024
Approvd For Release 2005/02/10 : CIA-RDP66100403R000200140049-0
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD - SENATE 4pril 28
and makes the daily Import quota
638,000.
This increase will be helpful, but in no
way does away with the basic inequities
In the system. These can be eliminated
only by complete removal of controls or
by some modification whereby consumers
would once again have the benefit of
open competition for their business.
The fact that this will not come about
because of this increase is, I think,
clearly evident from statistics which have
been furnished to me.
I have been advised that during this
year, domestic supplies available for east
coast consumption will decline by 32,000
barrels daily. Considering this factor,
together with the urgent need to re-
build stocks, which had become danger-
ously low, we can expect then, at the
most, not an 11-percent increase, but
merely a 3-percent increase, and that
total residual oil available during the
year to east coast consumers will amount
to 830,000 barrels a day.
This is a very modest Increase, and
certainly much less than the expected
growth in competitive coal and gas con-
sumption on the east coast.
The need for this vital heating and in-
dustrial fuel is actually growing.
Throughout the country, there is a trend
to build more apartment houses and
fewer one-family and two-family homes.
A few, short years ago, multiple dwelling
units accounted for less that a quarter
of all new residential construction; to-
day, they are more than one-third. Vir-
tually none of the new apartment houses
on the east coast are heated with coal.
In the northern part of the east coast,
? the prevailing fuel is residual oil. The
supply of this fuel must be permitted to
grow; and the only possible source of
growth is imports.
Or let us consider the needs of east
coast utilities. In the second half of
1963, these utilities burned 191.000 bar-
rels a day of residual fuel oil, an in-
crease of nearly 13 percent over con-
sumption in the same period of 1962.
For the fuel year 1964-65, the Interior
Department foresees a growth of about,
16 percent, to 219,000 barrels. Thus, by
the end of 1964, total residual fuel oil
consumption of east coast utilities is
likely to be more than 50,000 barrels more
than the consumption in the last half
of 1962.
According to the Petroleum Industry
Research Foundation, Inc., east coast
utility consumption will rise to such an
extent that by the first half of 1966, the
bulk of the entire increase In imports
may have to be channeled into the util-
ity sector.
Mr. President. those of us concerned
with the demands for this fuel have too
often concentrated our attention on the
problem after the summer months, when
the need Increases. I think it might be
a wiser course to begin now to analyze
the facts and to develop sound programs
for eventual removal of these import con-
trols.
I think we should continue to stimu-
late the attention of the Secretary of the
Interior on this important Issue, not just
let the matter lie dormant until the
winter is upon us.
Finally, I think we should frame our
thinking within the scope of the entire
market of fuel. What we In New Eng-
land want is a reasonable cost for our
power and for our heat. Residual oil
provides a competitive spur toward
achieving that goal. ,
There is still much to be done to re-
duce our expenses for energy; and we are
hopefully seeking solutions to this prob-
lem. For the time being, residual oil is
an. essential addition to New England's
fuel-supply market, as it is to those mar-
kets up and down the east coast. Our
task is to obtain the fullest advantage
of its resources available.
Mr. PASTORE. Mr. President, will
the Senator from Massachusetts yield?
Mr. KENNEDY. I yield.
Mr. PASTORE, I commend the Sen-
ator from Massachusetts for his very
timely statement, which has been very
eloquently delivered before the Senate;
and I associate myself with all he has
said.
Mr. KENNEDY. I appreciate the com-
ments of the Senator from Rhode Island.
Mr. THURMOND. Madam President,
I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The aPRESIDINO OFFICER. The
clerk will call the roll.
The Chief Clerk called the roll, and
the following Senators answered to their
names:
(No. 176 Leg.]
Aiken
Hart
Moss
Allott
Hayden
Mundt
Bible
Hickenlooper
Nelson
Boggs
Humphrey
Neuberger
Burdick
Inouye
Pastore
Byrd, W. Va.
Jackson
Pell
Cannon
Javlts
Prouty
Carlson
Jordan. Idaho
Proxmire
Cane
Keating
Ribicoa
Church
Kennedy
Saltonstail
Clark
Kuchel
Smith
Cooper
Long. Mo.
Sparkman
Cotton
Mansfield
Steams
Curtis
McCarthy
Symington
Dirkeen
McGee
Thurmond
Dodd
McGovern
Tower
Dominick
McIntyre
Williams. N.J.
Douglas
Metcalf
Young, N. Oak.
Fong
Monroney
Young. Ohio
Gruening
Morton
The PRESIDING OFFICER. A quo-
rum is present.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF
APPALACHIAN REGION
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs.
NEUBERGER In the chair) laid before the
Senate a communication from the Presi-
dent of the United States, transmitting
a draft of proposed legislation to provide
public works, and economic development
programs, and the planning and coor-
dination needed to assist in the develop-
ment of the Appalachian Region, which.
with the accompanying papers, was re-
ferred to the Committee on Public
Works.
Mr. STENNISobtained the floor.
Mr. STENNIS. Madam President, I
ask unanimous consent that I may yield
to the Senator from New York without
losing my right to the floor, and that
the resumption of my remarks shall not
constitute another appearance on the
pending question.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
objection, it is so ordered.
PRESIDENT ANTANAS SMETONA OF
LITHUANIA
Mr. KEATING. Mr. President, it is
most appropriate that the national or-
ganizations supporting Lithuanian free-
dom and self-determination gather on
May 3 this year to honor Antanas Sme-
tana, first and only President of the in-
dependent Republic of Lithuania.
Antanas Smetona's life was devoted to
the welfare of his nation and offers the
world an outstanding example of bravery
and dedication in the face of extreme
adversity.
When Lithuania was struggling
against the foreign powers which sought
to divide and conquer it, unity, coopera-
tion, and stability were the important
needs of the nation. The National Coun-
cil of the Lithuanian National Assembly
displayed admirable political under-
standing by electing Antanas Smetona
Its President in 1917, for he embodied
these necessary virtues.
In the anxious months ahead President
Smetona provided wise moral and politi-
cal leadership by his own actions and
through the pages of his newspaper Lie-
tuvos Aidas.
Lithuania's declaration of independ-
ence of February 16, 1918, promulgated
by the National Council, bears the patri-
otic imprint of President Smetona.
During the following 3 years while
Lithuania fought against Bolshevik
invasions, President Smetona was the
outstanding member of the group of
patriots Including J. Staugaitis, S. Sil-
ingas. Augustinas Voldemaras, Mykolas
Slezevicius, and many others, who built
an army out of nothing and led the na-
tion to victory over all enemies.
From 1922 until 1940 through every
crisis, President Smetona maintained the
office of President of the Republic, giv-
ing continuity and substance to Lithu-
anian sovereignty. In the final days of
the Republic, when Soviet Russia was
exerting every effort to subvert and con-
quer Lithuania, President Smetona stood
firm, resisting to the very last the sup-
pression of his nation. Only when there
were few left with the heart to resist the
overwhelming Communist invasion did
he leave the country to organize resist-
ance from abroad.
Unhappily, it is the 20th anniversary
of his death in exile that is commemo-
rated, May 3, 1964. In death as in life,
Antanas Smetona is the symbol of Lith-
uanian independence and the example of
patriotic devotion which has always
characterized the Lithuanian people.
His death removed from the scene one
of the great national leaders of this cen-
tury. He is due the highest honor and
gratitude from everyone who desires a
free Lithuania. Let us not forget his
dedication, and great abilities. Let us
carry on his struggle.
POLISH CONSTITUTION DAY
Mr. KEATING. Madam President,
Poland is proud of its great and glorious
history, and the people and friends of
Poland are fully justified in the pride
which Is theirs. The Poles are well
known as diligent and skillful workers,
Approved For Release 2005/02/1-0 : CIA-RDP66B00403R000206140049-0