Organizations and General Public (Correspondence With)

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S-0871 -0004-03-00001

Expanded Number S-0871 -0004-03-00001

Title items-in-Peace-keeping operations - Vietnam - organizations and general public (correspondence with)

Date Created 09/01/1968

Record Type Archival Item

Container s-0871-0004: Peace-Keeping Operations Files of the Secretary-General: U Thant - Viet-Nam

Print Name of Person Submit Image Signature of Person Submit ALD/mmb

9 January 1968

Ifr, Wise, On behalf of the Secretary-General, I acknowledge receipt of your letter of 25 December 1967, with attachments9 concerning Viet-Nam. Y«urs sincerely,

C. V» Narasimhaai Chef de Cabinet

Judge Bayoiond L. Wise 400 Eighty-eighth Street SurfsieLe Florida 333.51* ALD/mmb

11 January 1968

Dear Mrs. Carap, OB behalf of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, I acknowledge vith thanks your letter of 8 January sending him a paper entitled "Proposal for Peace in Vietnam". Its contents have been brought to the attention of the Secretary-General.

Yours sincerely,

C. V. Chef de Cabinet

Mrs. Katherine L« Ceusp fresident, United States Section Women's International League for Peace and Freedom Jaae Addsass Bouse 2006 Walaut Street Sfailadelphia, Pannsylvaaia 19103

A A Be/rah cc. Mr. Karssirnhsn Mr» Lemieux Registry

12 January 1-ji

Besr Mr. de Barren Cullen^ Oa behalf of the Seeratszy-Gesersl I acteiowledgs your letter to him dstefi 15 Decesiber 1967. Tour views anfi suggestions regarding the conflict in Viet-Sea fa-eva feeaa noted.

Isaiet T. KlttanL Officer

.fi aBasYa n Cullen ial OhsiaStera Market Street BEaantle Western Australia, 6l60 CVW/ksn

cc:«/Mr. Lemieux

17 January

Dear Mr. On behalf of the Seeretary-Geaersl, I acknowledge vith thaaks y0ur letter to him dated 9 January 1968 with xAiich you sent a cogy of the letter which you addressed oa 5 January 1968 to Resident Johnson concerning ?iet~SaBi. ¥e are giving close attention to its contents and we are grateful for your reference t© the Seeretary-General's reeeramendatioas on this issue. Yours sincerely,

C.V. Uarasisabaa Chef

Mr. 0. Frederick Holds Corasiesion &£ the Churehes on International Af^kirs of Ibe World C&uneil of Churches 297 Bark Avenue South Hew tcrl^ K.Y. 10010 COMMISSION OF THE CHURCHES ON INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Commission des Eglises pour les Affaires Internationales of (Commission der Kirchen fur Internationale Angelegenheiten

The World Council of Churches

Chairman: Sir Kenneth Grubb Director; O. Frederick Nolde Representative in Europe: Elf an Rees Secretary: Alan R. Booth Executive Secretary. Richard M. Fagley Secretory: A. Dominique Michel! CafcJe: INTAFFAIRS, LONDON, W. 1 Cable: OIKOUMENE, GENEVA 34 Brook Street Coble: OIKOUMENE, NEW YORK 150, Route de Ferney London W. 1, England 297 Park Avenue South Geneva 20, Switzerland Hyde Park 7176 New York, New York 10010 Geneva 33 34 00 ORegon 4-7670

NEW YORK OFFICE

January 9, 1968

The Honorable U Thant Secretary-General United Nations New York, N. Y.

Dear Mr- Secretary-General:

For your information, I enclose herewith the text of

a letter to President Johnson, wherein attention is again called

to the position of the World Council of Churches urging the

United States to stop the bombing of North Vietnam as a step

toward negotiation. With appreciation of your continuing leadership and

with best wishes for a good New Year, I remain^ yours,

OFN:mm / Frederick Nolde Enclosure The Honorable U Thant

COMMISSION OF THE CHURCHES ON INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS Commisiion del Eglices pour l« Affaires Internationales of (Commission dor Kirchen fur Infernationala Angelegenheifen

The World Council of Churches

Chairman: Sir Kenneth Crubb Director: O. Frederick Nolde Representative in Europe: Eifan Rees Secretary: Alan R. Booth Executive Secretory: Richard M. Fagley Secretary: A. Dominique Micheli Cable: INTAFFAIRS, LONDON, W. 1 Cable: OIKOUMENE, GENEVA 34 Brook Street Cob/o; OIKOUMENE, NEW YORK 150, Route de Ferney London W. 1, England 297 Park Avenue South Geneva 20, Switzerland Hyde Park 7176 New York, New York 10010 Geneva 33 34 00 ORegon 4-7670 NEW YORK OFFICE 5 January 1968

Mr. Presidents More encouraging possibilities of opening negotiations for peaceful settlement of the crisis In Viet Ham prompt this communication to you. The World Council of Churches, through its Executive and Central Committees as well as its Commission of the Churches on International Affairs, has long advanced the position that in seeking to facilitate progress toward negotiation the United States should stop the bombing of North Viet Warn,,a position similar to that recently announced by Pope Paul Ml, Permit me again to bring to your attention proposals contained in a statement adopted by the Executive Committee of the World Council of Churches at Windsor., England., 13-16 February 1967* of which the full text is herewith enclosed. Peace cannot be made by either side alone* We therefore urge all parties, in the interests of greater justice, no matter for what reasons they are still fighting., to take steps now to test the worth of negotiation rather than warfare» This then is the heart of our appeal. Let each party, by its own initiatives and its response to those of otherss demonstrate that it is committed to peaceful settlement and is ready to take reasonable risks* To illustrate how responsibility to break the current impasse may be met, we suggest the following inter-related pointss (I) In seeking to create the possibility of negotiations, the United States should stop the bombing of North Vietnam.

President Lyndon B, Johnson The White House Washington, D.C. (2) Morth yietnara3 either in advance of or in response to the cessation of bonblngj should indicate by wore! and deed its readiness to mov© towards negotiation*, South Vietnam should not oppose but should trove towards negotiations and should further agree 'chat the National Liberation Front (Vietcong) bs re» presented at them* Recalling that the fourteen nations^ participants in the Geneva Conference.} including the People's Republic of Qninaa still have a stake in the issues the UoSeSoR* and the United Kingdom as continuing co-Chairmen should persevere in and intensify their present efforts*, and the rnsmbsrs of the International Control CoKEnission - India,, Camada and Poland - should be ready to assist: in the supervision of a cease-fire. (5) All governments^ ever? though mot directly involved,, should seek to rally public support for a cessation of the conflict* (6) All parties more directly involved should take ful 5 account of the recojYEngndafcions of the Secretary" General of the United Ba assured of the prayers of many people in many lands that you may be guided to ssek and to seise every opportunity whereby greater justice may be achieved in Viet Hani through peaceful n&afts. Sincerely yours,

00 Frederick Molds QF»«MK Enc. ccs The Honorable Cearj Rusk ALD/ksn

cc: *'Mr. Lemieux Registry

1968

Bsas* ar. has &sked me ts ymir iettea* oef 1© January Xf68 to ^hich an article oa Bis'sa^ssiJiiister WiscfcssssKi who visited liiia on 1 Hovembes? of last yes1, !Shfe 8scsreta2ty--Geag3?al has ssoted cossaaats on this visit si^l is grateful for j-^K1 kind

C,?.

Letefcoff, M.U. ferk, B.y. KINGS PARK, LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK, 11754

P.O. BOX 35 » TEL. 269 6933

January 10,

His'Excellency, U Thant Secretary General United Nations Sew York, N. Y. Excellency: I should like to present to you the included

article, because I have no doubt that the appeal for the

bombing halt had its origin at your office at the TIN on

'November 1, 196?. On this day Bundesininister Wischewski

visited with you and he is the closest friend of the

Vizekanzler and Bundesminister Brandt.

On this same day of November first, Mr. Wischnewski,

who is a very dear friend of mine came to stay as ray guest

for three days. He was extremely impressed having met you and expressed his great admiration for your personality and how you present an office which carries the heaviest burden and responsibility, no other office in the world can measure up. (Not being a native to the English language, I regret not finding the most fitting formulation).

The impression lasted and created results. I firmly

believe that you have been the inspiration for the courageous

statement of Mr. Brandt.

In a world of unhappiness and disappointment, I am

sure that such a deed fills your heart ifith satisfaction and KINGS PARK, LONG ISLAND. NEW YORK, 11754

P.O. BOX 35 » TEL. 269 6933

the knowledge that your efforts do not go unheeded, but will bear fruit one by one, in time to come. With deepest admiration, Very truly yours,

Hannelore Lehnhoff, M. IK/rah

S6 jsnvier 1966

le Au EGSI du Seeretsira gda^ral, ^*s»i I'honnsur &'accuser racaption de la lattre

G.?. Israeisfcan

Monsieur Dubedout MSlre de 1© ViHe ds Gr«no"ble 38 - Grenoble (Francs) IK/rah

12 February 1968

Dear Mr, Draper, On behalf of the Secretary-General who, as you probably knowj is on a trip abroad,, I acknowledge the receipt of your cable dated 10 February regarding the consensus at the Oklahoma Model United Nations concerning the conflict in Viet-Nam. Yours sincerely,

Israat T. Kittani Principal Officer

Mr. D. Draper Secretary-General Oklahoma Center for Continuing Education 1700 ASP, Room A-l Norman, Oklahoma IK/rah

16 February Iy

Deer Mr Ebfer, On behalf of ths Saeratery Gsnersl I aeKnovledge your lattar to him Setod 15 February The S@erat8ry~Genersl fees ssen your letter end is grateful to you for your &ittd sentiments. He has taken note of year saggestion tlist he hold a press conference on Viefe-Isat. sincerely,

Ismst T, Klttaol Prineipel Officer

Mr. «F. Hofar £ast 35^h Street tork, H.Y. 10016 IK/mh

16 February 1968

Bear Kr1 OB behalf of i&s Secretary~Q©B«r©l I acknowledge your letter to hi® dated 12 February OH the question of Viet -Sam. Ttie Seerstayy-Gaaeral is grateful to you for your sentiments* With regard to you request for his ideas on the ?iet~fes conflict please £in<§ euclosad a transcript of his latest presa eottferance. Yours siacerely,

lessat T, Eittsni Principsl Officer

Mr. Sf. Scott 306 SsimBarsft^glEi Souse Itoiversity of California at Ssvia Davis, Califoraia CVN/mk cc: Mr. Lemieux

19 February 1968

Dear Mr. Mirsfey,

On behalf of the Secretary-General I acknowledge your letter to him dated 5 February. I have checked vith the Secretary to the Secretary- A*we i-z&~— General and was^informed that there is no record of the Secretary-General having received Mr. Kguyen Huu on 12 October 196? or on any other date. With kind regards,

Yours sincerely,

C.V. Haraslmhan Chef de Cabinet

Mr. Jonathan Mrsky Co-Director East Asia Language and Areas Studies Center Dartmouth College Hanover, Met/ Hampshire IK/inh

38 February r>-68

Bear fir. l»inelQp, Oa behalf of the Secratary-Gsnsral I acknowledge your letter to him dstad 2k Fateroary on the s -.^sct of r view® have bess Yours sineer-aly,

Isi88t f, Kitteni Principal Officer

Br. .Petricie J. Llndep , fesSOBj B,y. 11 Snglsad IK/sh

cc. Mr. Haresimlian Mr. Lemieux Registry

'4 March Iy6

Bear .Mr. 0* Brian, On "behalf of the Ss^retary'-Ckm&ral I acknowledge vour letter datad 2? Februsrv- on the Viet-Wsm war, is gratsfisl to you for your kind Se feas tak«n note of your views and propose! , Yours

laiast f. Kittsai Priasipal Officer

Mr, Joseph S. 0*Bri©B 3k Ft. IK/lm

T March 1968

Bear Of I visk to tha&k you most sincerely for jour kind letter of 28 February startling ray most recent statement on Viet-Ksus. I wa© deeply touched and. hearteaed bjr your end year expressions of st^gort. With Yours sincerely ,

Dr. ma. D. Beacon Street ^ Maseaehusetts 0213,6 PAUL DUDLEY WHITE, M. D. 264 BEACON STREET BOSTON, MASS. O2I16 CONSULTATION BY APPOINTMENT

28 February 1968

His Excellency Mr. U Thant Secretary General of the United Nations New York, New York 10017

Dear Mr. U Thant:

I thought that you might like to know that soon after that splendid address you made at the United Nations recently concerning the importance of the United States following your advice about the bombing of North Vietnam, my wife and I sent a telegram to the President urging him to follow your advice. I suppose that he gets many telegrams both ways, but being a friend of his and knowing that he realizes my interest in his health, my telegram might possibly have a wee bit of influence.

I want to congratulate you on what you have done and are doing to bring peace.

Best wishes.

Sincerely yours,

PDW:cw JRB/emg. cc: Mr. Narasimhan Mr. Kittani Mrs. MIra /• Begistry

13 March X968

Bear Mr, Sterne,

On behalf' or the Secretary-General I wish to acknowledge your letter of 26 February 1968. The Secretary-General has asked me to thank you for having broyght to his attention the contents of your article dated 25 February 1966. Yours sincerely,

Bols-Bejasiett eretary-Ge«ae for Special Political Affairs

Mr. Jeraay J. Stone Bomoaa College Coffizaittee oa International Relations Calraaont Callforcla 91711 POMONA COLLEGE CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA 91711 (714) 626-8511

February 26, 1968

COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL IUELATIONS

Secretary General United Nations United Nations Building New York, N.Y. My dear Mr. Secretary General: May I call your attention to a unique and prophetic article, referred to in the attached memorandum, that advocates the use of tactical nuclear weapons in Vietnam? In conjunction with circumstances described in the attached, it suggests that every effort be made to forestall the imminent possibility of nuclear use or blackmail when Mr. McNamera leaves office on Thursday.

A copy of this memorandum has been sent to Mr. Epstein in the Disarmament Affairs Group.

Respectfully yours,

eremy J. Stone JJS/pk Encl. V* '

/ February 25, 1968

A CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY

Jeremy J. Stone

In almost all respects President Johnson has adopted the program of Senator Goldwater; he has massively defoliated, he has bombed the north and he has generally followed the advice of military leaders. To satisfy Gold- water, there remains only to use tactical nuclear weapons. And almost no one believes that the Administration could be so short-sighted, so irresponsi- ble, so foolish, as to do that.

After all, the only arguments that could be made for tactical use of nuclear weapons ace that it might impede infiltration, might raise the cost of sending supplies south, might improve the morale of the South Vietnamese Government, and might sap the will of Hanoi. The war would still have to be won in the South. And the risks of bringing the Chinese and Russians together, or of bringing either into the war, would be enormous. The act is unthink- able, and it would turn large segments of the world body politic against us.

These are, of course, the arguments made against the bombing of the North. It was nevertheless carried out by an Administration ready to grasp at straws despite large potential costs. The Aj ministration is desperate again today and an incident comparable to that of the Tonkin Gulf is at hand. The troops in Khe Sanh are not only trapped, they may die without an opportunity even to fight. Heavily shelled, they take more than a few casu- alties a day, which--over months--means their complete destruction. Unable to patrol outside their perimeter or to evacuate their wounded in safety, they have little chance of fighting their way through twenty miles of ambush country to the low-lands. North Vietnamese command of the heights prevents helicopter assault in their support, and even resupply by air is hazardous. The American superiority in air power has failed in the face of fog, night, and jungle.

A few months ago Khe Sanh was ballyhooed as a "magnet" to attract a battle. Now in background briefings, U. S. spokesmen explain that tactical nuclear weapons would lose their deterrent effect if decisively renounced? Thus within weeks of the brave assurances given the President that another Dien Bien Phu would not occur, it is obvious to the casual observer that a blunder at least as massive has been produced by amateurish set-piece tactics.

• ' • ' . I ' * Recently, President Johnson conferred with General Eisenhower in Palm Springs, calling him afterward the man who had been of most help to : the Administration. General Eisenhower, it should be recalled, is proud -2-

ol that threat of the use of nuclear weapons to which he attributes the Korean armistice. Many Americans want some decisive act. And the expected candidacy of Richard Nixon does not provide a sizable political obstacle to hard line Administration actions--indeed it tends to encourage them. The Joint Chiefs and most members of the Armed Services Committees in Con- gress have always been oblivious to the distinction between nuclear and conventional weapons. They feel personally committed to the men destined to die through what they may feel is their blundering. Mr. Rusk, Mr. Ros - tow and the President would be less than human if they had not long ago protected themselves against criticism by repressing all thoughts of anything but staying the course. Is it impossible to believe that the logic of events in Vietnam might be acted out in the almost final madness of nuclear detonations?

In the public literature, there seems to be only one article advocating the use of tactical nuclear weapons in Asia. But this article, written in I960 in Air University Review by General Fredric H. Smith, is extraordinarily prophetic. It describes Khe Sanh in every geographic and strategic particular, right down to the exact number of besieging troops (50, 000) and to the decisiveness of the battle for the war, erring only in exaggerating the number besieged and in omitting the role of early morning fog. General Smith then prescribes nuclear weapons to destroy enemy troops and their jungle cover.

There is a possibility here that cannot be brushed aside. The Ad- ministration is likely to consider the issue very quietly and it is unlikely to give the country time to express its views. As this article appears, Secre- tary Clifford is replacing Secretary McNamara who could have been expected to oppose the invocation of nuclear weapons. Since our armed forces the world round are already equipped with the necessary armament, Clifford's instal- lation raises the question of an affirmative decision that would be carried out as a fait accompli to pre-empt public opposition. There seems merit, therefore, in airing now some arguments against tactical nuclear use.

Nuclear weapons are the only weapon to which we are vulnerable. Except for the threat of nuclear destruction, we have extraordinary security against every kind of enemy attack. Is it sensible to encourage the "think - ability" (and the proliferation) of the only weapon capable of devastating our nation totally and completely? Is not a twenty-year precedent of non-use of nuclear weapons, like a precedent of non-use of biological weapons, an asset of incalculable value to us--worth more than twenty Vietnams?

The other side could eventually be given small nuclear weapons, and it has the ingenuity and the big-power backing necessary to deliver them. It should therefore be noted that bilateral use of nuclear weapons will not favor us, whatever the ratio of use. We are the side with enormous con- centrations of men, with expensive warships, and with sprawling airfields. They are the side which has rarely if ever provided a suitable target. Even ^

the Allied 3' ear of nuclear retaliation"1 would -have the most inconvenient' effects upon our logistic' strategy,- since^it-would require a '.dispersal! that'. we 'could hardly manage.-

Politically,' the ; use of nuclear1' weapons^ Would meaiv11 going', it alone"' (even1 Prime Minister Wilson -recently;"calle d the- idea' "lunacy.") i- It' would' complete'the diminution of U'.- S. moral- stature 'to that of the- Communist- powers,,- It would decisively- split the country/ and government.

Als,o,- tactically^ General' Smith !s>iobas~;w on1 1 work.- The, war, does1 have to be won in the South.' Forcing-' HanoiLtOj spread' out over Indochina,, to emphasise routes through Cambodia1- or* iSaos, or to u;je -.>ver more. -savage- tactics in Saigon is not a solution. The tactical' use of nuclear weapons \vould have to be repeated and widespread,- and it woulcU still- fail. Where B.-52!s. can't find profitable targets, nukes will- not.- Hanoi is not going to .- give': iiii to nuclear blackmail; it is more likely tb' invite- a^ tripwire of Russian (andl perhaps Chinese) forces, so that a nuclear-" attack on one is an attack: am each-.,

We have gotten' used to successive- escalations in Vietnam,, aiidJ of us are expert at reminding others that? their wor st fears have not beem realised.- But ii\ fact our worst fears5 have been,> and are being,, steadily realized; it is only the unprecedentedly/ slow time1 -scale that confuses observers. The war has successively passed''throug h stages that no> pessimist would have dared predict,- and it isT st'eadily/ approaching1 a blowup of 'some kind1., The use of tactical nuclear weapons would1 make; it ea'sy' to see what kind1., Further" escalation might pass through1 such- stages' as' nuclear retaliation-,, attacks on South Chinese air basesy attacks on' the Chinese- nuclear- facility/,, and blockades of the German autobahn.- No* singl'e escalatoryy act woul'di be certain, and escalation t6 general war might 6nly be "plausible"- at first. But- the single most significant- escalatory step>--^the movement from the con.- ventional escalation "ladder" to a nuelea1*" one —would' have • beem takea,

As' a result , it- wdtild bec6rrie very appreciably more likely that the entire United States would be t6tally 3€siTe6yed--^n.c>t thirty years hence, after sbme hypothetical (and quite impossible J Ghiries-e conventional assault of. Hawaii or California, but in the f-oresgeaM6f future^, as the result of am 6th'ferwis'e much less likely nuclear egcalaitio'iS, Nd 6ne is going to introduce nuciealr weapbhS Sg^inst iisy we ar^ the^ gfeate?si nuclear power of thena all. we tan open tliis PSndcSfa's' t>oxv

Pr€§idferit Kerihe'dy had tfee €6tlrag@ te Witfefeeld U- S* air cover from ^ ffie B£y 6f Pigs iriva§i6ii.- Ail Pr-esideiit JohiiSoTi has to do at Kbe Saab is q^uie&y iQ §cquie§e^ ifi the geSeflli (Siid eet^eet) view that nuclear weapons Sffe' 6iit 6f tlie qu§sM6S. C)r wolild Hes sell the leng rtlti short in the grandest riiafiiiferi Setting ttt£ w6rid, Sftd 200y 000, 000 people for whom lie is r6s^6ti§ibig5 squarely oil th§ read to futus-e nuclear disaster? It would aria oughi t6 feg bppa§ed ass a Waf^dfime against humanity. JRB/dw

cc: Mrs, Mira ' Mr. C.V» NarasiMian Mr. I. Kittani Registry.

13 March 1968

Dear Mr. Karanjia, On behalf of the Secretary-General I -wish to acknowledge your letter of 29 February 1968 (with enclosures) and to thank you for your kind words of support for the Secretary- General's efforts to find a peaceful solution to the war in Viet-Kam« Yours sincerely,

Jose1 Rolz-Bennett Under-Secretary-General for Special Political Affairs

Mr. R*K. Karanjia Editor Blitz Publications Ltds 17/17-H, Cowasji Patel Street Fort, Bombay 1 India (..I** --

: 2S7I66-7-8-9 BLITZ PUBLICATIONS (Private) Ltd., J7/I7-H. Cowasjl Patei SwsoS, Port, Bombay I. February 29„ 1968 ~~i• Iu -TiT^"•"o~~7^'i ,i •»", „""-. "1

Editor: R. K. KARANJIA

I am enclosing copy of a cable which I have just sent you8 As you probaljly know, this paper, which commands the largest readership in India, has given you its constant support. I have the privilege of being the first and only Indian journalist to be invited by the Hanoi Government to visit North Vietnam in March-April last year. I also managed to find my way deep into South Vietnam as a guest of the National Liberation Front „ The visit had the full sanction and blessings of the Government of India. While I do not want to bother you with my writings on the heroic resistance of this great people fighting a war of national liberation, I think it necessary to enclose a few cuttings which have a vital bearing on the present situation. We here have followed your efforts to bring about peace in this crucial area with admiration, but from what we know of the industrial-military pressures behind this dirty war, I am afraid your mission is foredoomed to failure, unless you back it with your resignation. I sincerely believe that only such a gesture, desperate as it may appear, can bring about peace: and even if it does not, it will redound to your credit and glory in your three- fold capacity as a great Asian, an eminent Buddhist and a dedicated peacemaker. I would very much appreciate your considered views on the suggestion I am taking the liberty of submitting to you» With greetings and good wishes,

cordially .yours,

R.K. KARANJIA

His Excellency U Thant9 Secretary General, United Nations Organization, New York. us

SECRETARY GENERAL UNITED NATIONS MEW YORK

HOW LONG CAN SECGENERALVE WORLD ORGANIZATION DEDICATED ADPEACEFUL

COEXISTENCE CONTINUE ADWATCH CTOVOLUNTARY IMPOTENCE VIETNAMS BARBARIC CRUCIFIXION AAA THIS QUESTION BEING ASKED EVERYWHERE PERSHDCKED'

HUMANITY AAA WITH PRESIDENT JOHNSONS EXPECTED REPUDIATIONVE EANOIS PEACE INITIATIVE FULLY SUPPORTED PERYOURSELF MOMENTVE TRUTH ETACTIOM HAS ARRIVED

AAA ONLY YOUR RESIGNATION CAN NOW FORCE HANDSVE FASCIST INDUSTRIAL- MILITARY COMPLEX DOMINATING AMERICA AAA I CABLED SIMILAR APPEAL ABYOU

EXHANOI LAST YEAR MIDST THUNDER ETRAINVE AMERICAN BOMBS AND I REPEAT IT

NOW THAT WASHINGTONS PREPARING TO ANNIHILATE LIBERATORSVE VIETNAM ON

THEIR OWN SOIL PERMEANSVE NUCLEAR HOLOCAUST AAA HOW CAN WORLDS

EMINENTHDST ASIAN BUDDHIST ETPEACEMAKER CONTINUE SERVING ORGANIZATION

WHOSE POWERFULLEST MEMBER WAGES SUCH INHUMAN FIENDISH RACIAL WAEVE CONQUEST ANTISMALL BUT HEROIC PEOPLE FIGHTING PROTHEIR NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE

ETINTEGRITY AAA DONT YOU KNOW THAT ALL CITIES ETTOWNSHIPSVE VIETNAM BEING DESTROYED UNDER PRETEXTVE SAVING THEM EXCOMMUNISM CROPS ARE SYSTEMATICALLY POISONED ETEARTHS COVER ITSELF BURNT PERNAPALM FIRES ETGHEMICAL WARFARE AAA ENTIRE NONCOMMUNIST LEADERS HXPVE SOOTHVIETHAM INCLUDING REVEREND TRI QUANG HEADVE BUDDHIST CHURCH BEEN CONSIGNED ADPRISOU

ETTORTURE ETATOP ALL THIS CRIMINAL GENOCIDE RISE FOREWARNINGSVE NUCLEAE WAE AAA THIS BOUND SET WHOLE WORLD ABLAZE IN RACIAL CONFLAGRATION

UNLESS YOU CEY HALT ABDINSANITY CtJMYOUR SYMBOLIC RESIGNATION EXDNINATION IN PROTEST ANTIAMERICAN WARVE GENOCIDE AAA WE BEG YOU ADSfAI® DP ETACf LIKE UTHANT WE KMOW SSADMIRE BEFORE ITS TOO LATE AAA. IUPATIENTL7 AWAITING ANNOUNCEUENTVB YOUR RESIGNATION AND CDMSINCERE GREETINGS ssss BeKo KAEANJIA EDITOR BLITZ NEWSMAGAZINE PRESIDENT BLITS HATIOMAL FORUM BOMBAY.! /'

« ^ - fl -i JKB/clw

cc: Mrcj. E. Mira * Mr. C.V. Narasimhan Kr. I. Kittani Registry.

13 March 1968

Dear Mr» Gottlieb, On behalf of the Secretary-General I wish to acknowledge your letter of 27 February 1968 and to thank you for your words of support to the Secretary-General's efforts to bring the war in Viet-Nam to an end. Yours sincerely,

Jose1 Rolz-Bennett Under-Se cretary-General for Special Political Affairs

Mr. Blward ?„ Gottlieb Coalman Long Island University Merriweather Campus Brookville, Rev York PoOa Greenvale, W.Y. 115^8 LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY Graduate School of Education The T^etu Tori^ State Teacher Reserve Center MERRIWEATHER CAMPUS BROOKVILLE, NEW YORK P. O. GREENVALE, N. Y. 11548

OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR

February 2?9 1968

His Excellency U Thant General Secretary,, United Harions U.H, Plaza, Hew York City

Dear Secretary General

There are many hearts in Aaerica that applaud your most

recent efforts to bring peace t© Vietname Please d© n@t give up,

I hope you can not© my suggestions to President Johnson in ray capacity as Chairman of the War Resisters League and perhaps help him t© recognize th® eourage and eosanitment ©£ our young pe©ple involved ©a both sides of this horrendous conflict* & G©ld fetdal Ceremony sueh as I pr©p©@© Bight well serve as a pl-atfona fr@m which t© launch anew y©ur own plans for an International Youth Corps which you yourself proposed in your

report ©f July $9

Withall best wishes

Sincerely yours9 ^^2r~z-z7y< * C Edward P, G©ttlieb cc: Mr. C.V. Karasimhan (2) Mr. I. Kittani Mrs. E. Registry

13 March 1968

Bear Mr, tens, On behalf of the Secretary-General I wish to acknowledge your letter of 28 February 1968 and to thank you for the interest you have shcrtm In the statements of the Secretary- General on Viet-! While it is not possible for the Secretary-General to reply to all the questions which are submitted to hto in regard to his statements OK the many Issues of concern to the United Sationss I take the liberty of sending to you copies of some of his press conferences aM other statements regarding Viet-Nsia vhich say assist you in understanding the background arid the meaning of the Secretary-Several's efforts to find a peaceful solution to the war in ¥let-Kasu lours sincerely,

Sola-Bennett llnd er-Secret ary-Qeneral fcr Special political Affairs

Mr. Robert K» Mara Instructor Hseaiey College Heed and !4anning Avenues leedley, California. 9365^ Reed and Manning Avenues, Reedley, California 93654 (209) 038-3641

February 28, 1968

The Secretary General of the United Nations The Honorable U Thant The United Nations Building New York, New York

My Dear Secretary General:

Like you, there are many people the world over who are sick at heart with the fighting and the bombing in Vietnam and the Near East. As I read about your travels and listen to you speak over the radio and on television, I try to equate what you say with what the distinguished Foreign Minister of Thailand, Thanat Khoman, and some of his contemporaries from Laos, the Philippines, Japan and other neighboring courntries have to say about the American position in Vietnam. It would seem that they are strongly against a cease-fire or having the American forces pull out of Vietnam.

How can I explain to the students in my classes in World History why it seems that you cast the United States in the role of a villain while totally ignoring the systematic terror of the Viet Cong and/or the NLF? How can I explain that you seem to see nothing wrong with the North Vietnamese use of the DMZ as a huge supply dump and jumping-off point to attack the South in absolute violation of the Geneva agreement of 1954? Why is it not criminal for thfe North Vietnamese to deny entry to the forces of the United Nations into the DMZ? How can I explain that you seem to condone the continual violation of the territorial integrity of Laos, while decrying the American position in South Vietnam? What of the activities of the North Vietnamese in eastern Thailand where they are operating illegally now in much the same manner that they were in South Vietnam a few years ago? Is not this a clear cut case of ignoring the territorial integrity of one's neighbors?

You have said that our bombing of North Vietnam must cease as a precondition to "meaningful" talks with the opposition. How can I explain that, in each of the twenty-one or so instances we have tried one form of a cease fire or another, the northern forces have used the respite to rearm and regroup in the DMZ, Laos, and Cambodia? You are too astute a gentleman to be able to ignore totally all of these breaches of territorial integrity and national honor.

Why must the United States and South Vietnam be the ones to grant all the concessions? Why should the South give their assent to control by United Nations forces when the Commission to insure the neutrality of the DMZ in the North is under what amounts to "house arrest"? How can we be assured that the teams from Canada, India, and Poland will be allowed inspection privileges in the future when they have been denied the right of inspection and reporting that such teams are

-1-

-,„, The Secretary General of the United Nations February 28, 1968

-2- allowed in the South? This becomes extremely important when one considers that the United States is not interested in acquiring one square foot of territory beyond its present national boundaries. Can you state as a certainty that the opposition could make the same claim? If they would answer that they had no such intent, would you believe them?

The students I have are eager to learn. I am trying to teach them that the terms of treaties are equally binding to all those who sign. Why do you try to make one side grant the major concessions and allow the other side the opportunity of a military build-up? Neither you nor yours are now in a position where they will have to bear the brunt of such a build-up, and this concerns me because I have friends, relatives, and former students, who are there trying to prevent a Communist take-over of the lush rice of the South. Our present students, including my son, are among those who will have to serve in the near future. Why must these students, like those who are on the firing line, be jeopardized by allowing one side to build up their forces while the other is encouraged to lay their arms down, withdraw, and give up whatever advantage they might have to an aggressor force?

The United Nations is the hope of the world. If it cannot bring equal pressure to every aggressor, then it has failed in its function, and has become quite simply, a very expensive international debating society. The book, The Theory, Law and Policy of Soviet Treaties, by Triska and Slusser, illustrates beautifully that the Soviets have never intended to keep any treaty that their leaders feel are not in the best interests of Soviet policy. This is equally applicable to all the other Communist countries. Can you, then, explain why another scrap of paper would be any more binding on them than the ones they have previously signed and broken?

My students and I would appreciate answers to these questions. I am certain there are many people, not only in the United States but throughout the world, who would like to read your reply.

I hope there can be an equitable end to the turmoil that now exists in this world of ours.

Most sincerely,

Robert N. Merz Instructor

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14 March 1968

EESRSOML

Dear Mr. Lloyd,

On behalf of the Secretary-General, I wish to acknowledge your letter of 6 March 1968 concerning the Vietnam war. The Secretary-General wishes to thank you for having informed him about your initiative of an appeal to be made for a truce in Vietnam for the period of the Olympic Games next October. Wishing you success in your initiative, I remain, Yours sincerely,

JosH Rolz-Bennett Under-S e cretary-General for Special Political Affairs

Mr. Raymond Lloyd Development Decade Council 10 Piaaaa Albania ROME 813, Italy nil- -si. A H ^000. si AHTI

DEVELOPMEN

TEL.: 5776367

PERSONAL 6 March 1968

Dear U Thant, It is possible that you may remember my name in connection with proposals for the Development Decade, such as that for a UN Volunteer Corps (UNIPAX) in 1964. I am now sending an idea in connection with the Vietnam war, which more than anything else is distracting attention from world economic and social development. From 12 to 27 October 1968 the 19th Olympic Games will be held in Mexico City. In the ancient Greek world one special feature of these Games was that for the approximate two to three-month period of their preparation and duration, the states sending participants stopped their armed conflicts and a sacred truce was proclaimed. Could not an appeal be made for a 16 day truce from 12 to 27 October next? It may of course be unlikely that teams from Worth and South Vietnam will take part in the Games, but most of their principal supporters will. Also there may not be the same feelings of sacredness about modern conflicts as guaranteed the ancient Greek truces, but wars in those days were often as vitally concerned with different forms of government and democracy as the present Vietnam conflict. Equally, too, the moment of writing is not a propitious one for making suggestions with regard to the Olympics, in view of the Committee's decision to permit a team from South Africa to compete, but then, the idea is one for several weeks/ months ahead yet, and in the meantime, there may be better opportunities to halt the Vietnam war. But if they have not come by then, an Olympic truce will at least provide a few hundred people with sixteen days' more life, and perhaps be long enough to set in motion some of the other and more intensive peace proposals now being worked out. Also the truce could be supported by making peace the theme of next United Nations Day, which falls during the period of the Olympic Games. In case there should be anything in the above idea, I am sending a copy of this letter to the individual most suited to evaluate it further, namely Mr. Philip Noel-Baker, the athlete, Quaker, ex-League of Nations official, Peace Prize Winner, President of the International Council of Sport and Physical Education, and now of course involved in Vietnam peace-making efforts. With all good wishes, Tours sincerely,

Raymond Lloyd U Thant Secretary General cc: Mr. Philip Noel-Baker, United Nations 16 South Eaton Place, New Tork London, S.W.1.

280 Bella Vista Avenue Pasadena, California 17 March 1968

PERSONAL His Excellency Maha Thray Sithu U Thant The Secretary General The United Nations New York City, New York

Dear U Thant: In line with past communication with you, I take this opportunity to apprise you of my views and the feelings of many world citizens on the subject of Vietnam.

The enclosed paper has been published about the country. I presented it to New York Senator Robert Kennedy several months ago, and seems to have the most profound affect upon his public stand on this world issue. My father held office in the Administration of the late Presi- dent and brother of the Senator, John F. Kennedy. It is hoped that this writing meets with your reflections on Vietnam. tfithH h best wishes.

I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedient Servant

B. Flavio Totten, former Chancellor, Snbassy of Burma, Washington, D . C . (American) B. Flavio Totten, Member Foreign Affairs Assoc. VI2TKAM INVGLVEI-iKT

No less important as the conduct of the Vietnam war, to the concerned and enlightened American people and world viewers, are the reasons for the united States involvement. It is shouted and echoed far and wide by the President and Administration supporters, but vaguely, "that we have a commitment". This so-called commitment is an agreement to prevent the Communist bully from the North from attacking their own countrymen to the South. And further, to ensure the blessings of democracy to a land long-troubled by outside colonial powers. The Vietnam problem in essence, was and is, a civil war fought between the

" majority on one side, and the cliques, wealthy barons, military and political

hold-overs of the colonial powers on the other, who do not wish to relinguish :i their favored positions to unify the country, after the French were expelled. The United States has seized upon this unhappy Viet situation to put her foot into the door by the nuch publicized Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution was a document of agreement between the United States Con- gress and the President to use our Naval forces to retaliate against the firepower of North Vietnam when those forces fired warning shots at United States Naval warships lying in the Gulf of Tonkins waters of Vietnam. The proximity of American Naval power to Viet shores was construed as a possible threat to the

security of that country, and could only be the normal reaction of any country. Mo legal war actually exists. The presence of American military forces near the Vietnam shores, and the Gulf of Tonkin resolution itself, was in effect, an egg- ing on, an invitation to "knock'the stick off my shoulder"; to start a I'i^ht; to create a situation a:;ri thereby pretend to justify (her) American actions, .hit the United States is not alone in historical precedent in the techniques of pre-

cipatin,"; a cor.flict. .e pLiip.t to the Monroe Doctrine, and serve notice to all nations that no o:u- snail approach our shores or threaten our hemisphere. Yet, we went to the ^•ulf of Tonkin and into Vietnam in open violation of international law and the i.rated Nations Charter. E It should be noted that despite her own aggression in Vietnam, tne united u i;;.ut,es strenously objected to the movement of Russian missies to Cuban shores, A i :d do: landed their removal, as they posed a threat to the peace and security of ti:is hemisphere. The American political and military involvement from without was accomplished by the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. It was more firmly accomplished from within by the careful selection of native Vietnam puppets, their pocketbooks bulging with dollars, and eager to co-operate in creating an agreement or commitment, designed to provide a moral covering to United States presence. Dividing the people and country against themselves through distribution of money and power, has always been the most effective method used by Colonial powers. It has produced a Chiang Kai-shek of Formosa, a Syngman »thee of Korea, . and a Prenier Ky of South Vietnam. Other precedents have been the Indian Princes, put into power by the British, with large assortments of pearls, rubies, who/ money, and real estate, reigning over the millions of compatriots, until today, still suffer disease and daily starvation. The announced United States coranitinent, honorable or otherwise, to South Vietnam, is to come to their aid to establish democracy. The other objectives were to offer military advice through United States I-iilitary advisors, and further, to "i:arentee the holding of elections in the establishment of a stable govcrnuent.

;.o.y foreign countries, friend or foe, suggest, interfere with, direct or influence tlie internal affairs of the United States? (3 )

< -ie of the r;ell. Ing points for taking democracy and forcing it on the

i Vi -tuTi:'.'so ;oo;,ije, is that the United States has such a huran interest and is, t-.'roi-jrfore, vitally concerned and upset about freedom and human values. Yet, lot one Vietnamese vir.it any section of our residential areas to seek a hone to live in pursuance of the enjoyment of democracy, in or near a white neighbor- hood., and the same defenders of democracy will either run him out or move away in disgust. Unfortunately, from an honest and genuine point of view, the majority of white .crerica seems to cultivate a relationship predicated first-hand on color of skin and race. They are forever tor':ured by the spectre of those whose skins are other than white. Do the Vietnamese, North or South, want our form of government in their country? Is socialism best for them and their problems? Have we, the outsiders, o-ly allowed the voices of selected puppets to be heard, and not the wishes 'and desires of the revolting population to be heard and read through television and newspaper media? Democracy in America has always been a working ideal, a word or conversa- tion piece. The early aggressors who wrestled this land from the 'Indians, never intended that non-whites would share and share alike in the United States. As slaves or imported asian workers - yes. Immigration laws against non-white countries were established, and later segregation and dehuraanization laws were promulgated throughout the country to ke.?p non-whites out of the mainstream of •i-.-e-ican life. Nor, is it acciden tal that United States history does not contain any "accurate" references to the character, dignity, honor, manhood, and eouality of person of the Indian, Mexican-African, and Negro non-white -.i.r.erican among us. The fight for expulsion continues on today with a twisting of the meaning of civil rights and hu an rights, by v.Tiite A. .erica to actually mean overthrowing '::is govsrriment, seeking too much, or not being satisfied "with the great progress -

If v;e are in Vietnam to save hu .anity, preserve the hui.Lan spirit, and c:i:-;i:rn t:mt all ;:ien shall be free, -why not such a commitment in ^outh Africa to ••. >e out r^.vo.^ry, slavery, and free the african from Twentieth' -Coutury slaughter

:-y v.-'-iitc mle reminiscent of Hitler's treatment of the Jewish people. The answer f i * . ay be that most whites within the United States do not honestly, and in a true

mnner, believe iri a society where non-whites share equally in all

of our society, whether they commit themselves' or remain silent. Unfor- tunately, the :..ajority voice in our government, despite sugar-coated expressions by officials, is racist to the core in private feelings and attitudes, lion-white nations understand and react to these feelings, when military or political emphasis shift away from them. Accepting the philosophy that the A erican political and military fiasco in Vietnam to preserve humanity and human dignity is a farce, and indeed illegal and Ira:.oral, as concluded by leading educators, the world academic and political

corL:;unity, then, precisely what is the objective of the Administration and our iso-called interests? It nay be that the answers can be suggested from consideration of the follow-

ing Johnson Administration statements, attitudes, and actions: 1. Several hundred military advisors gradually expanded into an American military force of 400,000 occupying Vietnam within three years. 2. The security of the United States in Asia depends upon winning the war in Vietnam, the ultimate ^oal being the control of all .isia. U. S. objectives

escalated from vriet "elections" to issues of "American interests." 3. I"resident Johnson's ^altr.iore speech outlining plans and promises to feed

and rebuild all or any of ^sia that required assistance. This leads to international encroachments and control.

/.. The ..v.ssive construction and military buildup of bases throughout .^sia

indicates a longtime occupation of that area. ( 5 )

I'he .."it- .lusk - Kaiser ..'ilhelra of Germany reference to Ihe yc-llow peril, ::;.' ; o:-l,a nore progressive containment of Asian independent development to :;t:'jii/;htGn the guarentje that no threat will exist against the sohere of influence of the Western Nations.

It is clear that, without declaring war, we are to crush and destroy Vietnam ML; -i ^teL-rinr;; stone to a terrible war of human destruptioh of the Anglo-Saxon and _^ i the .xsian. &j America's attitude and actions' in Asia's Vietnam, we the people are expected to believe that the country of Vietnam is a piece of territory in the i bargain basement, or that the r-eople and their way of life must follow a pattern satisfactory to the United States. '.•/e are attacking and bombing a1 nation not attacking us, destroying it's cities, industry, food supply, and killing civilians alike. Meanwhile, as they fight to protect themselves, we are saying: "If they will only stop fighting, we will stop fighting. If they will lay down their arras, we will lay down ours." They, the Vietnamese are expected to accept the role of the guilty, even though they are the victims of outside aggression from the United Jtates thousands of miles from her shores. By assuming the role of the guilty, they are further expected to surrender to the invader, lose' national sovereignty and honor, nr.tional freedom, and denurnanization from outside influence and control, without which no people or nation may survive. "These are the basic reasons why the Vietnamese people fi^ht on. i'.istory has nany parallels. Peace efforts arid proposals advanced by the United '."tates to the Nation of Vietnam have a historical parallel, .j'e are reminded of ear]y A lerican a;; rcssors, who called themselves Settlers. After talcing Indian laruJ by force of ::.;-:r.s and destruction, demanded that, only they, the Indians lay •r'cv.Ti their arfiS, surrender and coae to the ..Tiite Settler to "seek peace." 'i'ii' 1.id Kins later found themselves landless and' hornel.uas, relocated on i concentration c.^nps, and eventually extaruinated a^ a nation of free people. i Inter iat ior,.'il history noints out that a people, ethnic :roup, or nation who allow ther-celves to be won over and dominated, will be social, political, and economic slaver; of their conouerers. National history reveals that the American Indian sincerely believed, out of a desire to be fair and considerate, what the Settlers

EJ^ frosted as treaties, ',/ith treaties and promises swiftly broken by the land- hungry, unscrupulous, Settlers, the Indian lost his freedom and his nation.

For the United States to win in Vietnam means the imposition of class, color, and race discrimination policies, Anglo-Saxon style, into every facet of Asian life from public "laces, court injustices, and unfair foreign trade. Opposition to this ille-al and immoral war by American citizens of intelli- gence and deep concern, when their shores are not being attacked, exists in their hearts and minds because ti:e government and principles for which it stands or should stand, has shattered arid betrayed the humanity, morality, and decency for which most Americans and world observers had an identity, and now are justi- fiably ashamed. In a government of the people, where politicians quite .often are dishonest, the dissenting citizens who employ them and pay them, have a right to demand t/.eir moneys worth in deciding what their government does, and the kind of world they and their children shall live in. AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL PLEA FOR PEACE 20 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107, U.S.A.

March 1968

We, the undersigned, dedicated to a world at peace like millions of other Americans, respectfully urge your government to condemn in advance any use of nuclear weapons, under any circumstances, by the United States in Vietnam. We beg that you clearly dissociate your nation from United States involvement in that tortured land and that you call upon the United States to end the war for the sake of all mankind.

We issue this plea to you with heavy hearts. The Johnson Administration shows no sign of responding to the mounting opposition in this country. We greatly fear that nuclear weapons will be used as the intensity of the fighting increases. The widespread death and destruction so far inflicted in this war may soon seem minimal by comparison, if present trends continue.

We do not underestimate the problems involved for your government in taking these steps. But we firmly believe that no amount of financial or military aid received from the United States could compensate for the devastation which would result from a nuclear war.

We are confident that you will agree that there is no con sideration more vital than the continuation of life in a world at peace.

Yours most respectfully,

// 7~ f^c

KATHERINE CAMP DOROTHY HUTCHINSON National President International Chairman Women's International League Women's International League for Peace and Freedom for Peace and Freedom

ELEANOR FRENCH ETHEL TAYLOR Former Staff Member National Council of Churches National Consultative Committee Women Strike for Peace

SANFORD GOTTLIEB WILSON Executive ^Director Founder National Committee for a Women Strike for Peace Sane Nuclear Policy 766 New South Head Road, Rose Bay, 2029. v> Australia.

Dear Sir,

Enclosed is a copy of VIETNAM-MYTH & REALITY. With sales now exceeding 20, 000 copies,this booklet is currently Australia's largest selling publication on Vietnam.

On page 2 is a foreword by the Rev. Alan Walker, Chairman of the International Committee of Conscience on Vietnam (Australian Branch). It is also signed by:

Geoffrey Leeper, Professor of Agricultural Chemistry, University of Melbourne. C. P. Fitzgerald, Professor of Far Eastern History, A. N. U. , Canberra. W. Macmahon Ball, Professor of Political Science, University of Melbourne. A. K, Stout, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, University of Sydney. G. P. Barton, National Convenor, Australian Preform Movement. L. K. Murphy, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate and the late Senator Hannaford.

The booklet critically examines the major arguments which the U. S. and Australian Governments present to support their Vietnam policy.

Further copies may be obtained from the above address. An order form is attached.

Yours sincerely,

Harold Levien Author & Publisher.

TO: H. B. Levien, 766 New South Head Road, Rose Bay, 2029. Australia

Please send me 1 / 4 /10 / 20 / 30 / 40 / 50 copies

I enclose Stamps / Postal Order / Cheque for : 25c /$! /$2 /$4 / $6 /$8 / $10 plus 5 cents postage for each 4 copies.

NAME:

ADDR ESS:

Postcode _ V. P. VIETNAM - myth & reality ,/ Registered at G.P.O. Sydney for transmission by post as a boo'<. cc: Mr. Narasimhan Mr. Stavropoulos ALD/emg. Mr. Schreiber Mr. Registry

29 March 1968

Dear Mr. MacBride,

On the eve of his departure for Europe, the Secretary™ General has asked me to send you an interim acknowledgement of your letter to him of 7 March 1968, transmitting a statement by the International Commission of Jurists entitled "Human Eights in Armed Conflicts and Viet-Nam". Your letter raises many issues which the Secretary-General feels deserve detailed consideration. Yours sincerely,

Jose1 Rolz-Bennett Under-Secretary-General for Special Political Affairs

Mr. Sean MacBride Secretary-General International Commission of Jurists 2 Quai du Cheval-Blanc 1211 Geneva 2k SWITZERLAND ENCLOSURE ATTACHE!) JOSEPH T. T110KSON, HON. PRESIDENT OTTAWA, CANADA INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF JURISTS VIVIAN DOSE, HON. PRESIDENT ' NAGPUR, INDIA COMMISSION INTERNATIONALE DE JURISTES Q INTERNATIONALE JURISTEN-KOMMISSION T . S. FERNANDO, PRESIDENT COMISI6N INTERNACIONAL DE JURISTAS COLOMBO> CEYLON A. J. M. VAN UAL, VICE-PRESIDENT THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS 2, QUAI DU CHEVAL-BLANC, 1211 GENEVA 24, ffifi 42 69 50 O CABLE ADDRESS: INTERJURISTS OSVALDO ILLANES BENITEZ, VICE-PRESIDENT SANTIAGO, CHILE SEAN MACDRIDE VLADIMIR M. KABES SECRETARY-GENERAL EXECUTIVE SECRETARY SOI ADETOKUN1JO A. ADEMOLA LAGOS, NIGERIA ARTURO A. ALAFRIZ MANILA, PHILIPPINES GIUSEPPE BETTIOL h 7, 1968 ROME, ITALY 1LEY B. BONSAL Ref. 8/0675 .E\V YORK, USA PHILIPPE N. BOULOS BEIRUT, LEBANON U CHAN IJTOON RANGOON,BURMA Q-IIo L "iic ELI WHITNEY DEBEVQISE NEW YORK, USA Dear Secretary-General, INITIALS MANUEL G. ESCODFDO MEXICO CITY, MEXICO PER T. FEDERSPIEL COPENHAGEN, DENMARK I have the honour to transmit herewith a statement which ISAAC FORSTER DAKAR, SENEGAL the International_Commission of Jurists is issuing today dealing FERNANDO FOURNIER SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA with "Human Rights in Armed Conflicts and Vietnam". HANS-HE1NRICH JESCHECK FREIBURG IM BR., GERMANY RENE MAYLR The Commission has been gravely concerned with the PARIS, FRANCE SIR LLSLIE MUNRO mounting brutality and with the often apparent disregard of AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND humanitarian rules in such armed conflicts. JOSE T. NABUCO RIO DE JANEIRO, DRAZIL LUIS NEGR6N FERNANDEZ SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO Knowing your own anxieties in this regard, I felt that 'JL-MAURICE ORDAN HENT, BELGIUM you might be interested in the suggestions contained in pages 3 .jiEFAN OSUSKY and 4 of the statement. I am also conveying copies of the WASHINGTON, D.C. MOHAMED AHMED ADU RANNAT enclosed statement to the International Committee of the Red KHARTOUM, SUDAN EDWARD ST. JOHN Cross in the hope that it could, in collaboration with the SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA United Nations, or independently, take an initiative on the THE RT. HON. LORD SHAWCROSS LONDON, ENGLAND lines indicated on page 4. SEBASTIAN SOLER BUENOS AUIES, ARGENTINA PURSHOTTAM TR1KAMDAS NEW DELHI, INDIA I should like to take this opportunity to express my H. U. TYABJI admiration and gratitude to you for your constant efforts to KARACHI, PAKISTAN TERJE WOLD bring about a cessation of hostilities in Vietnam. OSLO, NORWAY

Yours respectfully and sincerely,

Sean 1-IacBride Secretary-General Enclosure

U Thant Secretary-General United Nations JJew York, N.Y. U. S. A. COMMISSION INTERNATIONALE DE JUR1STES INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF JURISTS INTERNATIONALE JURISTEN - {COMMISSION COMISI6N 1NTERNACIONAL DE JURISTAS

Geneva, March 7th, 1968

HUMM RIGHTS IN ARHKD CONFLICTS

VIETNAM

The spread of "brutality throughout the world, and its contagious effect on humanity was the subject-matter of a statement made by the International Commission of Jurists in September 1966:

:'The Commission deplores the increasing brutality which narks this era. I-Ieither fatalism nor the violence of the age should ever be permitted -co dull the sense of horror and indignation which executions and imprisonment without trial, massacres, torture and like acts of brutality must arouse in mankind ..... These acts erode human standards; the inherent dignity of all mankind suffers.: 1

This statement, made a year and a half ago, is unfortunately no less relevant today. The wave of brutality that was condemned then has gathered momentum and threatens to submerge the world in a cataclysm of horror. The unprecedented scale of the massacres in Indonesia, for example, and the widespread slaughter that is accompanying the civil war in Nigeria have aroused a profound sense of shame and indignation throughout the world. However, the present situation in Vietnam, where a steady escalation in brutality is taking place, is undoubtedly the most striking and most distressing example of this tendency in the world today.

d or undeclare abrogation of the Rule of Law which the International Commission of Jurists is pledged to uphold and promote throughout the world. Faced with a war, a bod;,- such as the Commission can do little more than draw attention to the basic principles of humanity involved and condemn their violation; it has no other means of influencing events. V COMMISSION INTERNATIONALE DE JURISTES INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF JURISTS INTERNATIONALE JURISTEN - KOMMISSION COMISION INTERNACIONAL DE JUR1STAS

It is nevertheless essential., whatever the circumstances, that those involved in an armed, conflict should not be allowed to forget the minimum rules of humanitarian conduct, which are derived from the conscience of mankind and which must be respected in every armed conflict. This is what prompted the International Committee of the Red Cross on the 9th February last to draw attention to the situation in Vietnam in the following terms:

"The International Committee of the Red Cross reminds belligerents that in all circumstances they are bound to observe the elementary and universally recognized rules of humanity. These rules demand that the lives of combatants who have been captured shall be spared., that the wounded, the sick and those giving them medical care shall be respected, that the civilian population shall not be subject to attack from the air and lastly, that summary executions, maltreatment or reprisals shall be prohibited.

"The International Committee of the Red Cross has often made known to . those taking part in the hostilities the obligations they must fulfill. It ardently hopes that they will shortly put an end to this blood- stained conflict and meanwhile urgently calls upon them to observe the basic rules of humanity."

The right of the parties to a conflict to adopt means of injuring the enemy is not unlimited. Therefore, the International Commission of Jurists feels itself bound to endorse this statement of the International Committee of the Red Cross and to call upon all those throughout the world who believe in human rights and the Rule of Law to make every effort to ensure that these fundamental and imperative principles are no longer trampled upon in Vietnam by any of the parties to the conflict.

The Commission further draws attention to certain relevant factors:

1. Whatever the motives which inspire them, acts of barbarity such as those mentioned in the Red Cross statement, have never served the cause of civilization. The co:rmission of atrocities cy cr.e siie tc a conflict ca:: neither justify nor excuse the atrocities of the ether. All who are guilty of such acts remain fully responsible. Thus., the deliberate killing of a prisoner of war. which was ir.stcj2.ced by recent ".ridel; •oublished Tress phonographs (in respect of which no denial has been issued) has become notorious. Such an act is even more inexcusable when it is commixed by a person of high rank, for it is then bound to be regarded as an example to be followed. Under any view it must be considered a crime which calls for sanction.

2. Attention should also be drawn -DO the fact that on the 19th I lay 1?6T, the International Committee of the Red Cross in a communication to all governemnts drew attention to the need to provide more up-to-date and comprehensive international safeguards for civilian, populations and other victims cf armed conflicts. In this communication the Red Cross promts out: _-_3 3. rest t ci tec^mics.j_ c.e~« e—op—e.-^o — ^.eapons SJT.I warfare. COMMISSION INTERNATIONALE DE JUR1STES INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF JURISTS INTERNATIONALE JURISTEN - KOMMISSION COMISI6N INTERNACIONAL DE JURISTAS _ o,_

given also the nature of armed conflicts which have arisen in our times, civilian populations are increasingly exposed to the dangers and consequences of hostilities." This appeal by the Red Cross does not appear to have received the attention which it deserves from governments. While the elaboration of a new Convention may take time, the initial preliminary steps should not be further delayed.

The :'laws of war" date from The Hague Conventions of 1907, before the invention of the means of mass destruction used in modern warfare such as napalm, aerial bombardments,, chemical warfare and nuclear weapons. Its provisions nonetheless remain relevant today and do provide a guide. Attention should in particular be drawn to the Preamble:

"Until a more complete code of the laws of war can be drawn up, the High Contracting Parties deem it expedient to declare that, in cases not covered by the rules adopted by them, the inhabitants and the belligerents remain under the protection and governance of the principles of the laws of nationss derived from the usages established among civilized peoples, from the laws of humanity and from the dictates of the public conscience."

It is undoubtedly time that the Hague Convention was revised in the light of technological developments which have made a new codification of the law and customs of war essential. In the meantime, however, the principle set out in the Preamble to the Convention, which requires that both in the use of weapons and in the conduct of operations the civilian population and the combatants should be protected, remains fully in force. The same principle applies to ''classical'' warfare as to less orthodox forms of warfare, equally ruthless and resorted to with increasing frequency.

It is also highly desirable that strict adherance be given to the provisions of the Geneva Protocol of 1925 which "prohibits the use of asphyxiating, poisonous or other gases and of all anologous liquids, material or devices."

The parties to the Geneva Conventions are bound by article 1 not only themselves to respect the humanitarian rules contained in these Conventions but also to ensure their respect in all circumstances. While this obligation falls primarily upon those states which are parties to the Vietnam conflict, it also binds all other governments to do everything in their power "to ensure their respect in all circumstances." Therefore each of the 117 States which is a party to the Geneva Conventions has a direct duty to use its best endeavours to secure the observance of the Geneva Conventions. By so doing, Governments would help to protect the minumum standards of human civilisation which have been codified in the Geneva Conventions.

It is regrettable that this collective responsibility arising out of the Geneva Conventions has never been acted upon in the Vietnam conflict; this failure is probably due in part to the absence of any procedure for its exercise. This serious defect will have to be remedied sooner or COMMISSION INTERNATIONALE DE JUR1STES INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF JURISTS INTERNATIONALE JUR1STEN - KOMMISSION COMISI6N INTERNACIONAL DE JURISTAS

-U-

In present circumstances there is little hope that the voice of reason will persuade the belligerents to open negotiations for a cease-fire and a

peaceful, solution of the Vietnam conflict. In the meantime= however, it is "becoming daily more important that the United Nations and the Red Cross should join forces in an effort to ensure that the Hague Convention and the Geneva Conventions are more fully respected. These Conventions, "binding in international law, provide an essential protection for the combatants in the Vietnam conflict, whatever their nationality, as well as for its civilian victims. i It would be desirable and possible to initiate immediate consultations, under the neutral aegis of the United Nations and the Red Cross - the two ,'. international bodies with the greatest moral authority - limited to questions j • relating to the protection of combatants , of prisoners of all categories ! ' ; ; and of the civilian population. Such consultations might well result in , : decisions which would alleviate sufferings on both sides and would act as a brake to the escalation of brutality. In the face of the tragedy that is being enacted in Vietnam, of which the rest of the world is the helpless /' witness, an initiative of this sort is surely worth attempting.

Consultations of this nature could equally well take place in other cases 3 such as that of Nigeria where there is open warfare, or the Sudan where a secret war is being carried on. In both these cases there is the same urgent need to ensure that human rights are protected in armed conflict. It is imperative to the stability of our present civilization that the growing brutality and the massacres of innocent victims in Vietnam and in other strife-torn areas be brought to an end. CVH/MK cc: Mr. Lemieux

2 April 1968

Dear Mr. Steere,

Thank you for your vexy kind letter of 26 1-Ssreh from Birmingham. I note the readiness of the Friends ¥orld ConiEdt-fcee to assist iis any •way In the critical search for peace in Vietoeua. I am raost gratefxil to you for your kind sentiments and good wishes.

Yours sincerely,

U Thaat

&r. Douglas V. Steere Cbsdrssn Fjpiesads World Cenooiittee for Consultation ¥oodbroofce., Selly Oak » England Chairman - Douglas V. Steere • _,/ Telephone: SELly Oak 1769 Vice-dialrmen Cable Address: QUWORLD Rnnjlt M. Chetsingh (India) Sigrid H. Lund (Norway) Thomas G. Lung'aho (Kenya) 3. Floyd Moore (U.S.A.) Friends World Committee for Consultation Heberto M. Sein (Mexico) Kiyoshi Ukaji (Japan) Lewis E. Waddilove (Great Britain) WOODBROOKB, SELLY OAK, BIRMINGHAM 29, ENGLAND Treasurer Coward Diamond General Secretary Blanche W. Shaffer

The Eon. TJ Thant Secretary General of the united Nations -7 New York City, N.Y. Dear Friend: At a recent meeting of the Executive Committee of the Friends world Committee for Consultation held in Binningham, England, the representatives of Friends from many parts of the world asked me to express to you our deep thanks for your untiring efforts to secure an early settlement of the ?iet ^am war. We know that you have been in frequent touch with our Quaker united Nations team in New Tork City, but this world body wanted to say to you again that with our full realization of how small and how frail a body we are, we stand ready to consider any way that you might suggest that we could in any way assist you in this critical search for a way to conclude this war. I want to send to you my own warmest personal greetings and my deep personal thanks for all that you are doing to press for an early peace. Sincerely your friend,

Douglas V» Steere Chaiiman 26 March, 1968.

American Section Secretary Herbert M. Hadley, 152-A North Fifteenth Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, U.S.A. European Section Executive Secretary Margaret S.Gibbins, 28, House o'Hill Avenue, Edinburgh 4, Scotland JHB/dv cc: Mr. C.V. Maraalaihan Mr. J, Holz-Bennofct Mr. A.A. Hasaid Mr, I, KIttani Mr. Lu Leznleux>/ Registry

2 de afcril de 1968

i consideraeida: Agradesco a Yd. isqy eisaplldamc-ute su ateiita carts el 20 fie isarso de 1568, coo la

SeScir

Are. Astois Bello» £&£&§££» ENGLISH TRANSLATION

Dear Sir, Thank you very much for your letter of 20 March 1968 conveying to me copy of the statement issued by the Venezuelan Journalist Association regarding the var in Viet-Nam. Please accept my gratitude for your kind words which I request you to extend to the members of the Venezuelan Journalist Association for their support for my efforts to "bring about a peaceful settlement of the tragic Viet-Nam conflict. Yours sincerely,

U Thant

Venezuelan Journalist Association Ave. Andres Bello Edificio A.V.P. Caracas Venezuela A. s o < ' I A

JUNTA OIUKCTIVA IVACIONAL

AVE. ANDRES HELLO KIMK. A. V. P.

CABLES Y TEI.EGRAMAS: "AVEPK"

TELEFONOH.- 71*39.06" *" 7'l;90.6.t

Caracas, n

Sefior U Thant Secretario General de las Naciones Unidas Uueva York.

Distinguido senors 1JTTTIA.1 For ezcpreso nandato del III Gonsejo Nacional de la Asociacidn Veneaolana de Periodistas, reunido recienteinente en Higuerote, me pernito enviar- le anexa copia de un Acuerdo que sobre la guerra en Viet Ham, y las gestiones de paz adelantada por Ud. fue aprobado por aclamacion.

El III Consejo Hacional de la AVP, que reune a los dirigentes del gremio de periodistas de todo el pals, estin6 como una importante contribu- ci6n suya al arreglo pacifico de tan delicado problem, las gestiones que ha ve- nido desarrollando desde hace meses, y en tal sentido, acordamos expresarles nuestro nias decidido apoyo. De la misma manera consideramos positivas y nos so- lidarizamos con ellas, sus declaraciones hechas publicas el pasado 24 de febre- ro, segiin las cuales "el indispensable primer paso de teminar todos los bombar- deos y otros actos de agresi6n contra la Republica Democr£tica del Viet Nam del Horte debe tomarse"<, El Acuerdo cuya copia le anexo no hace sino recoger el sen - timiento de la enorne mayoria de los periodistas venezolanos, agrupados en nuestra instituci6n, y la cual en otras oportunidades ha fijado posicidn ante este \ conflicto. Sin mas a que referirme, en la confianza de que la sensatez vuelva a quienes agreden al heroico pueblo vietnamita, y se hagan realidad los deseos de paz de toda la huraanidad, me suscribo, atentanente.

For J\yit K IST A IS* A I> 10 I* 10 R I O 1> I S T A S

JUNTA IJIKKCTIVA NACIONAI. AVK. ANDKKS 1IKL.I.O KDIF. A. V. I'.

CAI»I,KH Y TKl.EGHAMAS: "AVEPK" I, li F O N O !•*: 71 UO.OO - 71.9B.5U

Caracas,

GUEHBA BEL VHSHASJ

EL in COESEJO HACIOH&L BE U ASOCIACIOH VEBEZOL&M DE FERIODISTAS Conscienta do la reaponsabilidad social do los profesioia&les do la eidn ooleetivatf dal imperative moral de velar por la pas del saaasb y d@ solida« con todos los pueblos qua luchan por su Hberaoidnp Informado de la terrlblo aituaoldn que viva el pueblo vietoamit&g 3ometi€o raia do laa mis oruontas y desvastadoras guerras sufoidas durante eu

Conaideramlo que toda la huraanidsd progresista repudia esta guerra sonaliclades d@ las arfcea^ las letsast la ciencia y la polltica d@ laa mas dis«» tintao tendcncias o ideologlos ban espronado este sentimicnto9 entre otras 8«S9 Raulo VI y el Prealdente d© Prancia, General Charles Da Gaulle g Inter^retaado el sentinlento un&alne de todo«* los oiembroa de la Asoclaci^a Tonesolarm do Perlodista3e que advierfeon en la prologacidn d®l cosafliGto ?ietmm un gsov® pollgso pa3?a la pas jmmdial? sontiraiento ym eospEesEsb en 7 GoavenoI6a Hacional de la A.7«F«

A G U E R D A

I<> Esesltar a todos los avoplstas a luchar por el cess del fuego y ®l do la pass en 1& §« oatsgtSricamente todos los aotos de agreei6n y eont^a el

Eespaldas las gestloaaa del eenor Secrotarlo Gsses^l do la U $hsnt» tsaSiestes 3! restableeiaiento el eodest© aaldtico y el csds psronto ioieio da las eoiwersaoloaes- ooa ©3© fin* o,I ssSor U Siiaat solidariaando eon sa plsatssiaieato n 4s ©ate aSo en las Haoiones Uhidass eegdn el eusl ©l SISKS S© toKsiimity todos l©a boabardoos ^ otsros aotos ds la Eepdbliea DsEoeE&tiea de Vietasn del Sort© debs tomsssa"? Ikwiar coplas d© este Acuezdo ©1 seSoff Secretario Geaeral de loa tM,das» al 8®fto? Prosideate de los Estedos Uhidog 4d Host® Am&iea SoSoa? Presidoate do la EejsSbliea Deaocr^tica Sd Vietcaa dsl lort@9 IK/nfc ce: Mr. Narasiahan Mr. temieux Begistry

11 April 1968

On feelsalf of the Sseretary-0aaaral I your let-fear to hiia deat®! $1 Ifereh tour views aad proposels

Jsssat f. Eittaai Prlmolpnal Offiear

!4r. Bevid l^arle lolly^oot Office Suite 3^> Fadra j California IK/znh cc. Mr. Narasimhan Mr. Lemieux Mr. Roosevelt Registry

15 April 1968

Bear Sr. Holds, G» behalf of ths Seoratery-CJQseral I acknowledge your letter dated U April anclosing texts of your letter to Pi-ealdent Joimaon follovisg his address on 51 March and of a sable to Foreign Minister Hguyen duy ^rinh. •fhs Socratazy-Genersl is grateful to you for your thoughtfulness sad ths expressions of support for his efforts towards s peaceful settlement of the Vlet-JJasa conflict, Yours

Issat T. Klttani Principal Officer

Mr. 0. Fngdsrlek SoMe Director Coasaission of the Chare has on liiternatlonsl Affeirs Sha World Couacil of Churches 297 Park Avonus South »«w fork, S.I. 10010 ALD/KSN cc: Mr. Narasimhan Mr. Rolz-Bennett Mr. Stavropoulos Mr. Schreiber Mr. Lemieux.v Registry

PO 240 Vim (2)

Bear Mr* On 7 !&H?C&. 1968, jrou tT&izsaji'tte& to sss a issued bsr the Istesmtiossl CosBHstssios o-f Jxsrlsts oa ctsgr eozsespsing "Bissau HigMs in toa®d Ccm£3Liets ^mn» la tMu ©tat^sâtj tlas Iat«a?«sKt-i«nal oaf Jurists, dbeg3L«s?iag tb© tsteeasizag tbia «m» es^geestet that It wtaM fee Wds0irsbie aasd possible to initiate isEeiiate ccaasaltaticaiSj. tsuiss- tfae neata^l of t&e !tMitea la^LcaiB .aed the Bed Cross •» limited to relating to tise iôtêtitm o£ eaaasatentSj, ©f frieosers of ©31 esfesgeg&es «EA of tte eivddtoi pcêtilatiim*1,, lil?e also draws attention to a •eoBaiuBieatiea mi 19 Kay 1967 t&e la-fesjâtiosoal Câaitte® off the Bed Côss to all the n^5d to ^®vld@ sore «p -bo foe eivlliaia po^tlatiîs and

S BsEtf® s^?Belf ON. alseut tte Ines^^^ of violeixe® "test siwe tflth tbe Comissloii the vietr that tlseee serous prefeêj^s ifeieli Se^srtfe positive aetioa CM. the part oJ* 1â® ^©wgrrssatfi êoj^teya^.. Tlsat is i&y, la ^

Mr. Xiatroduetioa to th& Annual Sepea't &n t&® ¥0a& of the

Qx^antgatioa -fee ths fiea^pai AeseafeJy for 1966«X96TI» I have &asm atte&tisra to 3?©so3,uticm Zfflll @t tta© twentieth Zhteamtiwil Cesaf esfaaee of t&e EM e^oss ia regard to the pretotftioa of civilian. papulaticae a©alaet the feag^rs of inSiscs'SEilJmte inatrfsre* Hie ooofelnueS deauaeiatisn of as alax'BJisg ts^sad towards saor® "brutality has Iweis a eosstan in J^ST p^teli^ emd tselwate i«t©rr«atiGsis f

Bights ia Tefesaraa on 88 %rll 19&8? the fcepe tfeafe tfe^e wuM b© a greater respect 5 of th© tfeiveysal. feelsffl-ation, I aa to zaot© tiaat, at its recent ssssioa ia Hegr Yorks the Coffitssion ea Itesaa Eights reaff&KaM its duty to tfee vioS^tions oaf IhxiKssi rights ^Meh occxtr

X $js eus'e you are s&so ©ware of tbs faet timt sudb as t&s f rsfaiMtion of tfee «@s of eertsln laave Ijsari ineluS©! ia th© ageosda of tfee la reeeat years. Ss disettssiosis of these as wean as diseugsiesm in tSs® Cosmissioa of Bights, hair© sfcesm, oaly tiies Jsitiatlve of ci^legattoas tfee CSeaeral Aes«sal>3^ to tafee app'ops-iatg! aetiea. tha q-aestioa o^ eoBtpilasice ^ri'Si tfcs Gassva of 19% sad ©f possible eoasultstSos^ fosr of su^h ecsrswiticsaSp tlaea© ar© •y^ payticiasr conc^rae the lyitsmaticji^l CosKSdttee of th& Bed Cross whiefe is Its attsntioa to this problem, I haS agala the opportunity it Is tfce sewss «£ a ssetiag triLtfc tfee tfe® &«d Cress jpeeeat&y is GSOTTO mid t3as Ctasmittee is war^ tisat I aa s'^% to give It sill poseifel^ e^s.ls*«âe« !«t^tto sg? gcsaps&esiro as oi1 the Usaitad Hati©as» S oiil^ viafc tiaat Hl oâtleue to the I«t©JEimtioami Cossaittee of S©d Ciâs has ti^^taJsis te tMs »att«a?, @&d feslp *° ^P©s^ê ^M s^â^tiiSia ulsst tbe bdLe to ^ssesÔ-i^, ss» in Qeiiijsiusitsas, tfenk sroî fo*- te -felse stat^^n^ af ? fearefc 1968 of C©»aiis®lcm of Jtai'lgts aM ay sincere hope it «iH ^ctyfe^buts to a greater eaa^r@tiaes ef tlie sl'V^tj, fw wMefe tM i?eetcs^tiî ef paaee i the

Xbaat . JOSEPH T. THORSON, HQN. PRESIDENT OTTAWA. CANADA VIVIAN BOSB, HON. PRESIDENT NAGPUR, INDIA COMMISSION INTERNATIONALE DE JURISTES © INTERNATIONALE JURISTEN-KOMMISSION T , S. FERNANDO, PRESIDENT COM1SI6N INTERNACIONAL DB JURISTAS COLOMBO, CEYLON A. J. M. VAN DAL, VICE-PRESIDENT THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS 2, QUA! DTJ CKBVAL-BLANC, 1211 GENEVA 24, S' 42 69 50 © CABLE ADDRESS: LNTERJURISTS OSVALDO UXANES BBNITEZ, VICB-PRBSIDENT SANTIAGO, CHILE SEAN MACBRIDB VLADIMm M. KABES SECRETARY-GENERAL EXECUTIVE SECRETARY SIS ADETOKUNBO A. ADEMOLA LAGOS, NIGERIA ARTURO A. ALAPRIZ MANILA, PHILIPPINES GIUSEPPE BETTIOL March 7, 1968 ROME, ITALY B. BONSAL Ref. 8/0675 ^iiiSEW YORK, USA PHILIPPE N. BOULOS BEIRLT, LEBANON U CHAN HTOON [3 - Ack:io\v)cd

, t, ,>,1JL-MAUR1CE ORBAN IHENT, BELGIUM you might be interested in the suggestions contained in pages 3 '""i'iEFAN OSUSKY and 4 of the statement. I am also conveying copies of the WASHINGTON, D.C. MOHAMED AHMED ABU HANNAT enclosed statement to the International Committee of the Red KHARTOUM, SUDAN EDWARD ST. JOHN Cross in the hope that it could, in collaboration with the SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA United Nations, or independently, take an initiative on the THE RT. HON. LORD SHAWCHOSS LONDON, ENGLAND lines indicated on page 4. SEBASTIAN SOLER BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA PURSHOTTAM TRIKAMDAS. NEW DELHI, INDIA I should like to take this opportunity to express my H. B. TYABJ1 admiration and gratitude to you for your constant efforts to KARACHI, PAKISTAN TERJE WOLD bring about a cessation of hostilities in Vietnam. OSLO, NORWAY

Yours respectfully and sincerely,

Sean MacBride Secretary-General Enclosure

U Thant Secretary-General United Nations New York, N.Y. U. S. A.

THE INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF JURISTS IS A NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION WHICH HAS

CONSULTATIVE STATUS WITH THE UNI ILL) NATIONS AND UNESCO <& ' j ^ COMMISSION INTERNATIONALE DE JURISTES | INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF JURISTS INTERNATIONALE JURISTEN - KOMMISSION COMISlON INTERNACIONAL DE JURISTAS

Geneva, March 7th, 1968

HUMAN RIGHTS IN ARMED CONFLICTS

VIETNAM

The spread of "brutality throughout the world and its contagious effect on humanity was the subject-matter of a statement made by the International Commission of Jurists in September 1966:

"The Commission deplores the increasing brutality which marks this era. Neither fatalism nor the violence of the age should ever be permitted to dull the sense of horror and indignation which executions and imprisonment without trial, massacres, torture and like acts of brutality must arouse in mankind These acts erode human standards; the inherent* dignity of all mankind suffers."

This statement, made a year and a half ago, is unfortunately no less relevant today* The wave of brutality that was condemned then has gathered momentum and threatens to submerge the world in a cataclysm of horror. The unprecedented scale of the massacres in Indonesia, for example, and the widespread slaughter that is accompanying the civil war in Nigeria have aroused a profound sense of shame and indignation throughout^ the world. However, the present situation in Vietnam, where a steady escalation in brutality is taking place, is undoubtedly the most striking and most distressing example of this tendeijcy in the world today.

Declared or undeclared, the mere existence of a state of war is an abrogation of the Rule of Law which the International Commission of Jurists is pledged to uphold and promote throughout the world. Faced with a war, a body, such as the Commission can do little more than draw attention to the basic principles of humanity involved and condemn their violation-, it has no other means of influencing events. I COMMISSION INTERNATIONALE DE JUR1STES INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF JURISTS INTERNATIONALE JURISTEN - KOMMISSION COMISION_ INTERNACIONAL DE JURISTAS

It is nevertheless essential, whatever the circumstances, that those involved in an armed conflipt should not be allowed to forget the minimum rules of humanitarian conduct, which are derived from the conscience of mankind and which must be respected in every armed conflict. This is what prompted the International Committee of the Red Cross on the 9th February last to draw attention to the situation in Vietnam in the following terms:

"The International Committee of the Red Cross has often made known to those taking part in the hostilities the obligations they must fulfill. It ardently hopes that they will shortly put an end to this blood- stained conflict and meanwhile urgently calls upon them to observe the basic rules of humanity."

The right of the parties to a conflict to adopt means of injuring the enemy is not unlimited. Therefore, the International Commission of Jurists feels itself boiuid to endorse this statement of the International Committee of the Red Cross and to call upon all those throughout the world who believe in human rights and the Rule of Law to make every effort to ensure that these fundamental and imperative principles are no longer trampled upon in Vietnam by any'of the "parties to the conflict.

The Commission further draws attention to certain relevant factors:

1. Whatever the motives which inspire them, acts ^f barbarity such as those mentioned in the Red Cross statement, have never served the cause of civilization. The commissioruof atrocities by one side to a conflict can neither justify nor excus,e the atrocities of the other. All who are guilty of such acts remain fully responsible. Thus, the deliberate killing of a prisoner of war, which was instanced by recent widely- published press photographs (in respect of which no denial has been issued) has become notorious. Such an act is even more inexcusable when it is committed by a person of high 2*ank, for it is then bound to be regarded as an example to be followed. Under any view it must be considered a crime which calls for sanction.

2. Attention should also be drawn to the fact that on the 19th May 1967, the International Committee of the Red Cross in a communication to all governemnts drew attention to the need to provide more up-to-date and comprehensive international safeguards for civilian populations and other victims of armed conflicts. In this communication the Red Cross points out: "As a result of technical developments in weapons and warfare, COMMISSION INTERNATIONALE DE JURISTES INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF JURISTS INTERNATIONALE JURISTEN - KOMMISSION COMISI6N INTERNACIONAL DE JURISTAS -3- given also the nature'of armed conflicts which have arisen in our times, ; civilian populations are increasingly exposed to the dangers and p. consequences of hostilities." This appeal by the Red Cross does f not appear to have received the attention vhich it deserves from j governments. While the elaboration of a new Convention may take time, ; the initial preliminary steps should not be further delayed. -- !

3. The :'laws of war" date from The Hague Conventions of 1907, before the invention of the means of mass destruction used in modern warfare such as napalm, aerial bombardments, chemical warfare and nuclear ;• weapons. Its provisions nonetheless remain relevant today and do provide a guide. Attention should in particular be drawn to the Preamble: * "Until a more complete code of the laws of war can be drawn up, the High Contracting Parties deem it expedient to declare that, in cases not covered by the rules adopted by them, the inhabitants and the belligerents remain under the protection and governance of : the principles of the laws of nations, derived from the usages es-- : tablished among civilized peoples, from the laws of humanity and from the dictates of the public conscience." ,

It is undoubtedly time that the Hague Convention was revised in the • light of technological developments which have made a new codification ' of the law and customs of war essential. In the meantime, however, '' the principle set out in the Preamble to the Convention, which requires that both, ini the use of weapons and in the conduct of operations the ; civilian population and the combatants should be protected, remains fully ; in force. The same principle applies to "classical" warfare as to less orthodox forms of warfare, equally ruthless and resorted to with increasing frequency. : •.« • > It is also highly desirable that strict adherence be given to the provisions of the Geneva Protocol of 1925 which "prohibits the use of asphyxiating, poisonous or other gases and of all anologous liquids, material or devices."

k. The parties to the Geneva Conventions are bound by article 1 not only themselves to respect the humanitarian rules contained in these Conventions but also to ensure their respect in all circumstances. While this obligation falls primarily upon those states which are parties to the Vietnam conflict, it also binds all other governments to do everything in their power "to ensure their respect in all circumstances." Therefore each of the 11T States which is a party to the Geneva Conventions has a direct duty to use its best endeavours to secure the observance of the Geneva Conventions. By so doing, Governments would help to protect the minumum standards of human civilisation which have been codified in the Geneva Conventions.

It is regrettable that this collective responsibility arising out of the Geneva Conventions has never been acted upon in the Vietnam conflict; this failure is probably due in part to the absence of any procedure for its exercise. This serious defect will have to be remedied sooner or COMMISSION INTERNATIONALE DE JURISTES INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF JURISTS INTERNATIONALE JURISTEN - KOMMISSION COMISI6N INTERNACIONAL DE JURISTAS

-u-

In present circumstances there is little hope that the voice of reason will persuade the belligerents to open negotiations for a cease-fire and a ' peaceful solution of the Vietnam conflict. In the meantime, however, it is /••••*!* becoming daily more important that the United Nations and the Red Cross should ***•& join forces in an effort to ensure that the Hague Convention and the Geneva Conventions are more fully respected. These Conventions, binding in international law, provide an essential protection for the combatants in the Vietnam conflict, whatever their nationality, as well as for its civilian victims.

It would be desirable and possible to initiate immediate consultations, under the neutral aegis of the United Nations and the Red Cross - the two "; international bodies with the greatest moral authority - limited to questions j; relating to the protection of combatants, of prisoners of all categories i i and of the civilian population. Such consultations might well result in : 'i I decisions which would alleviate sufferings on both sides and would act as \ a brake to the escalation of brutality. In the face of the tragedy that j is being enacted in Vietnam, of which the rest of the world is the helpless / witness, an initiative of this sort is surely worth attempting. i '^J Consultations of this nature could equally well take place in other I cases, such as that of Nigeria where there is open warfare, or the Sudan where a secret war is being carried on. In both these cases there is the same urgent need to ensure that human rights are protected in armed conflict. It is imperative to the stability of our present civilization that the growing brutality and the massacres of innocent victims in Vietnam and in other strife-torn areas be brought to an end. AED/KBI

Apyil 1968 A.I. ^aaagftwA XO1Q1-301

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15 my 1968

Behalf of t&e Secret8^-G®aes?al» I of year id,&d letter 'fco Mm dated 30 April ia to **a neutral place f«a? pgaee s%gotiatl£Hi^ **, As fsra ases isffifars,, ttese talks is

G, ?,

16 ccj Kegistiy (,..--.r.i-.'..-:—.- --J-.

PANEUROPEAN UNION NO. ""*' Vl^ A-f •':'". r-\\\ /' '.A... f: •;•»„••'' J 'I

d 4000 Basle, 3 K Qf -O f - Apr'i l 1 9 6S m-i-Jo f-Monn^uirert 5 Lconhardsgraben 10 .-. - . .- x „ ', ^t: "i^.jO ! RCK/ri

Your Excellency, I am sending you a' copy of a suggestion that I have made for^'a neutral place for peace negotiations between Washington and Hanoi! Since this suggestion came from a private person, there was no reaction on the part of any government. I am sure that if you were to promote the idea of negotiations on a ship under the flag of the United Nations, this suggestion might be accepted by the two nations. Under such circumstances neither side would-' lose face. France would certainly be ready to lend one of her ships„ Since Vietnam is ready for negotiations at Warsaw, the ship could be stationed in the waters of Gdynia, if it seemed necessary that negotiations be held in the neighbourhood of a port. t •» For the USA negotiations on a ship are not new. The United Nations where practically created at the meeting between Churchill and Roosevelt. And again on a ship the American and Japanese delegations met to end the war in the Pacific. Let me tell you how much I admire your great and difficult work for peace, I am most sincerely

Yours

Richard Coudenhove-Kalergi Founder and President of the Paneuropean U,

To His Excellency the Rt.Hon. U Thant Paris, le 23 Avril 1968

POUR LA PAIX ALT VIETNAM

Pour terminer les discussions sur le lieu des premieres rencontres entre les delegues de Washington et de Hanoi, le Comte de COUDENHOVE-KALERGI, President - Fondateur du Mouve- ment Paneuropeen, vient de proposer la solution suivante: La France mettrait un de ses navires a la disposition des Nations Unies. * La rencontre des delegues aurait lieu sur ce navire, sous pavilion des Nations Unies.

FOR PEACE IN VIETNAM

To end the discussions about the place of the first contacts between the delegates of Washington and Hanoi, Count COUDENHOVE-KALERGI, Founder and President of the Paneuropean Union has proposed the following resolution: France would lend one of her ships to the United Nations. The meeting of the delegates would take place on this ship under the flag of the United Nations. ALD/KSH

cc: Mr, Lemieux,/ Registry

iteaar We. Jo-toi, && balbalf ocf t&e Seereta^^aaex&l., I wish to tfee reeelp* ol1 yoas* letter to Mm 0f 3 Jfey 1968* Itoajr vlesFS assfi js^opesals oa Viet-Iig® aegottatloas beeji soted. Yours

C.V. Chef

EonouraMe a larle ^J Hotel S^are, Suite 500 Ifc&^tJOOcL Califoztiia CHAIRMAN. THE BOARD OF EDITORS. KOnMFTY CO'IN'TI oil NATIONAL ft THt GRAPHIC INTERNATIONAL NEWS FOHliiGN f'CJLICV TO riLM^jr. • i Of- ORGANIZATIONS THE HONORADLE 7 HE UNITELi OTA I L3 £iLlj"AT C

Hollywood Office: Suite 300 Hotel Padre, HO-4-I18I, Hollywood 28, California

Hon. U Thanr, May 3, 1968 Secretary General of The United Nations, United Nations, N.Y.

Your Excellency:

Thank you for your recent letter in regard to my memorandum to you and several memoranda to my government in regard to agreeing to a place and date for the commencement of negotiations with N. Vietnam with the ultimate aim of ending the hostilities in No and S. Vietnam.

The fact that our government and the N. Vietnamese government have now agreed to initiate such negotiations May 10 at Paris is a matter of much gratification, 1 am sure, to both you and 1, and to all thinking men and nations concerned with peace and stability in Asia and the world.

You, Mr. Secretary, cannot be highly enough commended for the paramount role you have played in first urging and then arranging these negotiations now set for the 10th of this month, just a week away. A great debt of gratitude is due you for your singular dedication and capability in the cause and service of international peace and justice; and, none are more aware of your virtually indispensable contribution and efforts in the present circumstances than my government, and particularly the leading members of the Senate and the President.

Looking ahead, now, and projecting, as it were, the contingencies before us at the May 10 conference, I would venture the considered opinion that if the May 10 Paris Conference sets a time and place for full scale peace negotiations --- or perchance simply evolves through several adjournments and reconvenings into a full scale peace conference --- that the first order of business would then become arranging an overall cease fire and general armistice. The full cease fire to take place simultaneous with the convening of the conference to reach 'permanent armistice accords.

I also believe the United States is prepared to agree that any percentile role in government that the NLF can succeed in electing --- in new elections to be called for the S. Vietnamese Government --- that degree of representation in the government there it is entitled to — along with the prior right to freely participate in the political campaign and elections and pursuant to a general amnesty, military and political, and flatly guaranteed freedom of speech and press in S. Vietnam. It may take a little doing to arrange that political climate and those guarantees in S. Vietnam but it can be done. Our side would not be prepared to support any move for coalition government arrived at anywhere but at the ballot box, however, and preferably in elections supervised by the United Nations or a multi-lateral elections supervision commission. Our side will also insist, ! feel sure, upon the continued divisions of N. and S. Vietnam and the maintainance of the integrity and sovreignty of the governments there until and unless those two governments at some future time bi-laterally agree to the re-unification of the two Vietnams.

The United States, as indicated by the President, would be interested in providing substantial economic and technological and agricultural aid to N. and S. Vietnam if they wcmt.it to QVSJEient economic and technological and agricultural development of the region in an Alliance for s a as we an Progress there. This would apply to the other countries of S.E... A ' "/ d for that matter Asia in general, including Chinaa.. Our government would be prepared to make vast contributions to such a Alliance; as , in the final anaa lysis lysis,, /economic /economic"" anandd trad tradee developmendevelopment t inin peacpeacee and progress to war or wars, and you and I, Mr. Secretary, know only to well those are the two alternatives it boils down to in the end. fage Two... Hon. U Thant, Secretary General of the United Nations May 3, 1968

Those are "the potentials of the negotiations about to commence Peace, and even prosperity in an Alliance for Progress in Asia. That is the bright picture of what can grow out of the negotiations set for May 10 at Paris.

The dark picture is more plain and simple. Should N. Vietnam simply engage in propaganda diatribes, and refuse to agree how, when, and where a full peace conference will be convened in the very near future, — or refuse to agree to a general cease fire and make it an effective one during the peace conference envisaged, then the hostilities will not cease in Vietnam, and full scale bombing of N. Vietnam on a scale to swarf the previous bombing will be undertaken by the United States to force N. Vietnam into peace negotiations in earnest, or to destroy utterly and completely her ability to wage war. The United States has been restrained in its use of power in N. Vietnam compared to the power it has the ability to bring into play there. It is prepared to cease hostilities altogetre r. But, if N. Vietnam aborts the attempt to do so she can look for utter and complete destriction of her industrial and transportation and military complexes. Nor can the United States abide for very long the present stepped up level of infiltration of S. Vietnam by N. Vietnam with men and supplies to wage war there. N. Vietnam must act positively, in good faith, and with dispatch in these negotiations if she wants peace. That is the way it is, and it is simply a fact of life that must be faced squarely by N. Vietnam and the rest of us.

1 hope that you, Mr. Secretary, can compound the great service you have given in the search for peace in Vietnam by influencing both sides toward the bright picture outcome of peace, and progress, prosperity and stability in Asia, rather than the dark picture of escalated warfare. You may be sure that I will be advising my government in that direction and let us hope that Peace can be found in S.E. Asia sooner, rather than later and at a great cost in lives and destruction and economic paralysis there. Asia has suffered enough these 35 years of turmoil and wars. The time to prosper and develop in peace has come, and the opportunity to do so — thanks in large measure to your efforts— is at hand. With deep appreciation of your efforts, and best wishes for their continued success, I am... VeV CVB/mpd

1966

la the atoence of the Sses?etajy-Ge»erals I O8 Ms !>©half pmr vea?y Iciad letter to him flated 5 sjjggestis^ 3ft«He ^iiv€3?slt^- of Psaee in Belgium as a staltafels site for the pease talks teethes the [email protected] of Hanoi aM W8&b±Bgtti£t. As you OT© as«are, IbcFtti sides have agsreed to tioM ^ee« talks is Baeis. With kiiadest Yours

C» V. Bsaa&Uafoaa Chef de

P. Doedaigiae Hea^t open ts> the World" 55* *ae du

ccj Mr. Lemieua: (V Translation. May 3rd 1963.

U Thant \ Secretary General of the ; United Nations } New York.

Dear friend, i ^rom Tokyo, on April 29th, I sent you the following telegram : "Terribly sad by delay for tal-'S Hanoi-U.3. Propose my University of Peace Belgium for the purpose." I should like to underline the important fact that the University of Peace is one of the exceedingly rare places in the world where no utilit- arian ulterior motive of a national, political, religious or other order is to be found. It is one of the rare places in which each human being has the ri^ht to be himself. I know that what,I am proposing to you is nothing. But everything must-be tried even if a single Vietnamese child were saved.

VJith all my affection,

(sgd.) P. Dominique Pire. ^ * P.S. All the Nobel Prize Winners who are natrons of the University of Peace stand surety - with me - for what I am writing to vou. CVN/CC cc: Mr. Bunche Mr. Marasimhan Mr.

21 my 1968

Bear ifr, you for your kind letter of 17 May. I aat interested to note your endorsement of t3ae view recently that the prevailing siooa, of is aasgr parts of the world tofiay can be as a coiasequence of tbe psychological cheated by tfce ?iet-Sto ^OP, With kind regards »

"Koiars

S, Ford Director s-C Ball scni Jersey LAWUliNDC K. I'.HAMLII?. MAYOR

CITY HALL ANNEX PATERSDN, NEW JERGEY

JOSEPH S. FDRD CAPTAIN JAME3 T. HANNAN DIRECTOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

May 17, 1963

Honorable U« Thant ^ Secretary General of the United. Nations Hew York? New York

Dear-Mr« Secretary: t Please let me take this opportunity to coi.imend you for your recent speech at the University of ..vlberta in Ec.monton, Canadaa I ara specifically referring to that part of your speech where you

said "I regard the prevailing mood of violence in the U«30 ana elsewhere as a consequence of the psychological climate created b; the Vietnam war."

As the Director of Police-Community Relations for the City of Paterson? NeJo» a City of 150? 000 v/ith a large minority 'oo'oulation and afflicted with all of the familiar urban -ills, I can testify to the truth of what you say. For in my many conversations with young people it is a common experience to hear violence in the ghettos of this City justified, among other things, on the basis of what the UeSo is doing to innocent non coiajatants and to the country of Vietnam,, These young people and some adults too are filled with cynicism regarding the official U»S«, reasons for waging this war; they feel that if the national policy of the U0S0 is one where force and violence is used to achieve certain stated, aims and objectives then this is the green light for them to go the same route. For me to urge "respect for law and order" in the face of such an attitude is to court charges of "hypocrisy" and 'Qouble standards,," The young people to whom I talk are thinking youth and they believe that the war in Vietnam gives the lie to all our loudly professed concern for lav/ and order „ And to the degree that the war in Vietnam is responsible (rightly or wrongly) for the mood and/or acts of violence in Paterson^ the police and others in authority are made to suffer. So violence and the mood of violence breeds more of the same0 It is a vicious cycle0

-1- do not write this letter from the ivory towers of an academic institution but from ray contacts and conversations on the streets of this City, And I do not write with the intention of scolding or condemning the government of the U.S« It is rather my hope that the

(over) 2 -

..perionce I have related will be one more v/ay o.;: J •idic.'ic.in^; tho v/:r, 1 in v.;hich the U0S» Vietnam policy is an i licit on , ei it to do.iac:;tic urban violence 0

Than]-' you for your kind attention.

I incerelv yours, \

Joseph S. i.;1ord Director, i/'oli vnii-y Relations

JSF.:rr ccs Senator Harrison Williams Senate Office Building

Senator Clifford Case So Oo Bo V7as ii ing ton , D . C0

Attorney Gcnaral Ramsey Clark Office of the U0S0 Attorney General Washington, D«Ce President TELEGRAMS: " COMPRESUNL LONDON" COl.ONPI. T1IE I.OR1> ASTOR OF HEVEP Chairman of Council : TELEPHONE: FLEET STREET 6428/9 THI: HON GAVIN ASTOR Vice Chuirnian i>( Council: THK LORD THOMSON OF FLLET Hon. Treasurer : COMMONWEALTH PRESS UNION R. P. T. UNISON

Founder anti Hun. l,\fe Member : SIR HARRY DRITIA1N, K.B.L., C.M.G. BOUVERIE HOUSE,

SECRETARY BRIG. I.. L. CKUSS, C.B.E. 154, FLEET STREET,

ASSISTANT SECRETARY: MRS. M. A. KRFXGARD, M.B.E. LONDON, E.C.4

TELECOMMUNICATIONa ADVISER F. I. RAY C.B. CBE-

Overseas Chairmen Canada Australia New Zealand 22nd May 1968 ROBS MUNRO. VINCENT C. FAIRFAX, C.M.G. G. BURNS. C.3I.G.

Centra! Africa Nigeria India J. HENNESSY A. B. JOSE TUSHAR KANT! GHOSH

Pakistan The West Indies Malaysia 5. G. FLETCHER A. C. SIMMONS

Ceylon C. E. L. WJCKREMESINGHE

I am grateful for your letter of llth May and for the personal trouble which you have taken to consider the question of the non-combatant status of journalists covering the war in Viet-Nam,,

While we had hoped for United Nations action, we fully realise that you are inhibited by the fact that only the U.S.A. is a Member State. We will certainly therefore follow up your suggestion of an approach to the International Red Cross.

We share your hopes for a solution of the Viet-Nam problem and for a successful issue to the Paris talks.

With kind regards,

His Excellency U Thant The Secretary-General United Nations Manhattan New York

Cc : CVH/CC cc: Mr. Harasimban Mr. Lemieux

Bear IS?* JUstor, reeeived your telegram dated 7 regarding the killing of soaaa j^y^^îists in Sslgoa. I aai a£y&M that aa^ ialtiativs to obtais th© agreeiaeat of all ^Jtfearaameats to tbe xeec^dtio& of the aoa- ecaatotaat status of Jounmllsts "griH iuave to lie te&ea up by bodies like the laternaticaml Ccaâittee of the Bed CrssSj or fcgr oopôsisatioas such as yours, direct •with ttte parties eoneeyaesL As yoa are asrare, aamaig the parties ijwolved in the eaaaf iiet oaly the USA is a ixtember State or the United Hatioas. It seesas to as tfcat tlie mfortusate killing of these joxjyaalists only proves that a mr such as we are witaessisg ia ?let-m® is aa z^speeter of persoas. Th0 sooser the târ is enêd and the ;pest for a 0olufcioai to the problem of Viet-lfes is sorred to the tablts? t!he festter ¥ill be the elioate of

With

B^ass Union Fleet UINY CO GPLP 056

PRESS UNION BEEPLY OUTRAGED KILLING OF STRONGLY URGES UNITED NATIONS OBTAIN

mm IK tig

tflf IH ASTOE CHAIRMAN OF COMPRESUNI LONDON

&*.' -.AV'1 . •v-'vr'-- i ''v "-•^~ *^trt!tJ5r:*ki_:i--.iVj1,J11;!-Jl,;J j._ ,r.ji „ 10 June 1968

Dear Bob, Many thanks for your letter of 22 May 1968, enclosing a copy of the cease fire resolution which was adopted at the ADA Convention on 19 Hay. I look forward to receiving the final draft of the over-all resolution on Viet-Kam adopted by the Convention, tjhich you indicate vUl be sent to me. With beat wishes, Yours sincerely,

U Thant

Mr. H. Belson Messrs. Delson & Gordon 230 Park Avenue Hew York, S.Y. 1001T LAW O FTI CES DELSON S, GORDON 23O PARK AVENUE NEW YORK, N. Y. 10017

(212) MU 6-8O3O CABLE "OELEGOR"

May 22, 1968

His Excellency U Thant Secretary General United Nations New York, New York

Dear U Thant: I thought you might like to have a copy of the cease fire resolution which was adopted at the ADA Convention on May 19th. I will also forward to you, as soon as it is available, a final draft of an overall resolution on Vietnam adopted by the Convention, which, among other things, calls for the cessation not only of bombing, but all other offensive military acts against North Vietnam.

Sincerely,

Robert Delson RD:at Enc. - 21st Annual ADA Convention FOREIGN POLICY .' ' *Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D. C. . ftay 17, 18, 19, 1968 Number 188 * .

Subject; Cease-fire in Viet Nam

Disposition: Accepted

ADA endorses Senator Joseph S. Clark''s call for the United States to take the

initiative in the Paris negotiations as a matter of high priority in pressing for

an agreed mutual cease-fire in Viet Nam.

Notwithstanding the fact that negotiations to bring the war in Viet Nam to an

end are now being conducted in Paris, hostilities are continuing at a daily cost in

American and in Viet Nam lives. The American death rate for this first week of

negotiations is the highest on record - a tragic irony reminding us that death has

a high priority on the agenda of peace discussions.

The tragedy of war is magnified beyond the range of human comprehension and

compounded beyond the possibility of justification when armed hostilities are con-

tinued while verbal hostilities begin.

No overwhelming necessity dictates the prolongation of the killings which clearly

qualifies for the much abused concept of overkill.

The military situation in Viet Nam makes it highly unlikely that victory by

either side will come in the immediate future and the negotiations may continue for

many months to come. The most elementary sense of decency and humanity dictates

that the lewdness of death on what may be the eve of peace must end at the earliest

possible moment.

A neutral power, the United Nntions, or the International Control Commission

could be entrusted with the responsibility for insuring that neither side takes

advantage of the cease-fire for secret military build-ups.

We recognize that Hanoi may refuse to accept responsibility for compliance by

the Viet Cong, but this may be overcome by arrangements for the NLF and Saigon to be

involved in the talks.

The end of all hostilities would automatically remove the difficulties created

by Hanoi's demand for cessation of hostilities against North Viet Nam, without

reciprocal concessions.

If Hanoi' is unable or unwilling to agree to a cease-fire, the rest of the world

should know about it and judge them for it. We will have made it clear that we do not

wish to shed Vietnamese or American blood for diplomatic advantage.

This offers an opportunity for the United States to win the favor of the

uncommitted people of the world, and to throw their weight into the balance for a cease-

fire. If we press the North Vietnamese for a cease-fire, we will find that many who

have been critical of us in the past will be on our side on this issue. L.

We urge all peaceminded individuals and organizations throughout the world, not least the students in ferment against the war, to communicate impartially with both sides to demande a cease-fire. Write, or if possible cable, to the United States and

Vietnamese delegations in Paris to voice the demand to negotiate now but to cease-fire first. for yssr Isc&fcejr of

t® t&t fferla 1 s?itia tk© iâ-S'âace ®f â8a3Lts

in tfee

a. s f tl TTIHIE (T.IHI Iti'.jg AJPTTT.ATKTF AK]D> WTELTVB) mAIHWAY

TERM IN AL TOWER • C L EVE L A N D , O H I O -4-4IO

CYRUS S. EATON CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD J UHG I?}

>-\\)

CONFIDENTIAL,

Dear Mr. Secretary General:

I have just returned from a trip to "West Germany, Yugoslavia, Rumania, Poland, the Soviet Union, Great Britain and France. I spent several hours with Mr. Harriman in Paris as well as with the North Vietnam delegates. I also had confidential talks with Premier Kosygin in the Soviet Union. Since my return to the United States, I have spent a day in Washington. It seems to me of the greatest importance that progress be made in the conferences in Paris. If nothing constructive is achieved in Paris, there will be serious disallusionment, especially in the socialist countries of Europe.

Every American is indebted to you for your well directed efforts for peace. I hope that I may keep in touch with you over the next month, so that I may be able to get suggestions from you as to the best steps to be taken to influence Washington, where the important decisions must be made.

The strong vote for peace in the New York primary elections yesterday will have a marked influence on American politicians.

Sincerely yours,

Hon. U Thant Secretary General of the United Nations United Nations Building New York, New York 10016

CE:rs CVK/mpd

10 July 1968

Dear Bob, In the absence of the Secretazy-General I acknowledges on his "behalfs your kind letter to him dated 18 June vith "which you sent a copy of the resolution on Viet-Nem adopted by the AM Convention. I shall bring your letter to the attention of the Secretary-General on his return to his desk from his trip to Europe towards the end of this week, With kindest regards meanwhile, Yours sincerely,

C. V. Sarasirahan Chef de Cabinet

Mr. Robert Delson Messrs* Balsoa & Gordon 230 Park Avenue Hew York, H.TT. 10017 cc: Mr. Lemieux .ENCLOSURE!

LAW O FFICES DELSON & GORDON 23O PARK AVENUE NEW YORK, N.Y. 10017

(212) MU S-SO30 CABLE DELEGOR

June 18, 1968

His Excellency U Thant Secretary General United Nations New York, New York

Dear U Thant: Thank you for your letter of June 10th. In accordance therewith, I am enclosing herewith the resolution on Vietnam adopted by the ADA Convention. I would like to get together with you, at your convenience,, to get your reactions to this resolution.

Sincerely,

Robert Delson RD:at Enc. .irr.fericf.ins for De.-.o^.ratic Action FOREIGN POLICY 1424 16th bLreet NW Washington, D. C. 20036 ADOPTED AT 1968 CONVENTION

Subject: Vietnam

Proposal A creative foreign policy that demands a negotiated settlement in Vietnam by abandoning U.S. war aims, a ceasing of all offensive military operations against North Vietnam, recognition of the NLF as a party in the talks, and international development in Southeast Asia.

Text: page 1 of 2 Since 1963, ADA has consistently and vigorously opposed American military involvement in the war in Vietnam; since 1965, ADA has supported:

(1) immediate cessation of the bombing of North Vietnam; (2) negotiations with the NLF; (3) the establishment by a compromise settlement that will allow all South Vietnamese, including the NLF, to participate in the reshaping of their own society.

ADA therefore welcomes the holdings of peace negotiations in Paris and hopes that the Administration will continue to move further in the direction recommended by ADA policy on Vietnam so that the negotiations may succeed.

A fundamental change in American policy now appears to have taken place. For this change to be meaningful, however, our original war aims must be abandoned. The U.S. cannot indefinitely keep in power in South Vietnam an unrepresentative and viru- lently anti-communist government. We have to accept an interim coalition government in which the NLF, the Buddhists and other substantial elements can play a role, if that is the will which the Vietnamese people express in free elections.

We must also look forward -to both an American and a North Vietnamese withdrawal from South Vietnam. Moreover, the chances for a successful conclusion of the negotia- 'tions and the credibility of the U.S. negotiating position will be greatly enhanced if those key officials in the United States government steadfastly opposed to negotiating should now resign. This would confirm the change of policy in Vietnam and the abandonment of the goal of military victory. It would be in a tradition of sound public administration for the principal architects of the past policy, and particularly the Secretary of State, to now leave office.

The settlement in Vietnam should herald the beginning of a radical change in our foreign policy, it should recognize the limits of our power, our wealth, and our interests; the need for greater selectivity in determining our commitments; and the need for greater restraint before exercising our power. Henceforward we must discipline ourselves to remain militarily aloof from civil wars in which there is no intervention by outside powers, and even where there is such foreign intervention, the United States should not in reflex fashion unilaterally assume the burden of what is basically a multilateral responsibility.

While we should not evade the responsibilities that accrue to all great powers (as defined by the United Nations Charter), we urge a reappraisal of those numerous treaty commitments made in our former stance of indiscriminate anti-communism. Isolationism must not be a substitute for intervention.

The tragic experience in Vietnam will have served no purpose unless we are prepared to draw appropriate lessions from it. At the root of the Vietnam tragedy were a series of miscalculations central among which were two: a disproportionate fear of Chinese expansionism and a belief that American power could be substituted for the inadequacies of an Asian elite. Were it not for our confrontation with China, Vietnam could never have assumed such over-riding importance in our foreign policy. It is for this reason that we roust now begin to normalize our relations with China. The hope- fully prospective end of the Vietnam war and the appearance within China of a moderate opposition to Mao makes such a goal more feasible than it has been for a number of years in the past. In an Asia where there is a more normal relationship between the United States and China, we could remain aloof from civil wars with less fear that the outcome would be detrimental to our interests.

ACTION PROPOSALS

ADA calls upon the Administration:

1. To immediately and unconditionally cease all bombing of and other offensive military actions against North Vietnam, so that the good faith of the Waifffd oV-a.Tf/ ^"^fynfftffjuf ,'0** J'fsg,'**? #? ttvgoffuPe «•»<• *=•« t.ft «.*•/•* sw^i-j.'ifeff. ^* - 2 -

2. To take the initiative in the Paris negotiations as a matter of the highest priority in pressing for a mutual cease-fire in Vietnam and to halt the buildup of military forces; it should therefore call for an immediate cessation of all military activities in North and South Vietnam by all parties to the conflict.

3. If a political settlement must precede a cease-fire, no military action must impede the process of agreement. In the interim, prior to a cease- fire, to de-escalate and restrict military conduct in South Vietnam only to defensive and holding operations in order to separate military forces and to promote the search for a negotiated peace.

A. To recognize that the establishment of peace requires that the four major parties to the conflict (the United States, the NLF, South Vietnam and North Vietnam) must participate in negotiations; hence, steps to this end must be taken at the first opportunity.

5. All parties have called for a settlement based on the "essentials of the Geneva Agreement"; therefore the following issues should be firmly resolved:

(a) Relations between the Saigon government and the National Liberation Front looking toward the creation of a freely-elected and fully representative government in South Vietnam; this new government would be charged with the tasks of national reconciliation and of negotiating progress towards reunification.

(b) Relations between the United States and North Vietnam, including the permanent withdrawal of North Vietnamese and United States armed forces from South Vietnam, within a brief and explicitly defined period of time.

(c) A strengthened International Control Commission (or the creation of an alternative unit of international supervision), to be charged with the responsibility for supervising military withdrawal and political change.

6. To markedly expand the American effort for refugee relief and to revamp the administration of the Refugee Program Program in conjunction with the appropriate Vietnamese authorities so that there is no question that supplies and monies reach the people for whom they are intended. U.S. efforts should also seek to rectify the gross inequities of the Vietnamese land tenure system by initiating widespread programs of land redistribution.

7. To increase pressure on the Saigon government to cease repressive measures and to effect the release of the arrested Buddhists and other Vietnamese Nationalist politicians so that they may be free to participate in political life and make their contribution to a peace of reconciliation and honor.

8. In order to rebuild Vietnam from the ravages of the war, and in order to develop the other nations of Southeast Asia, to favor a long-range development program under international auspices. The object is to assist all countries of the region in a program to help close the gap between them and the industrialized West.

Should the present negotiations break down, the U.S. should nevertheless continue its intensive efforts through bilateral and multilateral channels to seek peace through negotiations and in the interim to insist that the South Vietnamese government increasingly provide the necessary troops to defend its own country and that the United States scale down and in short time terminate its military participation and return to the pre- 1963 advisory status.

# # # # CTO/mpd

16 July I960

Dear Mr. Pa£fmt&, ''Iliarfe you for your Iclnd letter of 8 July on the et of the >;ar la I ss deeply nicn?ed "by your kiac! sentl.seats and good t-rlisiies* Y

U Siant

Bi?» Leslie Presidsat TST.O Jolui

Mr. Lemieux THE JOHNSON FOUNDATIO

IN RACIN E, WISCONS IN

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

' Ofc, . July 8, 1968

His Excellency U Thant Secretary-General The United Nations United Nations , New York

Dear Mr. Secretary- General:

Your continuing involvement in efforts to resolve the war in Vietnam gives confidence, especially in the light of the reported impasse in the Paris talks.

There is a peculiar strength in the courage of persistence, a quality so notably present in your quiet, patient quest.

Many are grateful for what you are doing, and I count myself among them.

Respectfully yours..

..' /// Leslie Paffrath

LP/ms cvw/cc cc: Mr. Narasimhan Mr. Lemieux"X

15 July 3.968

Bear I am most grateful to you for yxnxr kind letter of 13 JvOy. I was also glad to be sfele to visit Paris and to iaeet both of the representatives of tbe Uteited States and Uorth Viet-S&a aad to get a first-hand idea of the preseat situatioa. I aia glad to loao*? from you that the movGEjeat for peace is gaining ground ia this country. I have also take» careful note of tbe Deelsration sent with your letter* I have no eoanieatB to offer OB the suggestion contaiaed in the last paragraph of yoaff letter.

Witb kind regardss Yowrs siacerely,

Thaat

Buth Gage-Colby 307 East Mtfjb Sta?eet Hew ¥orks H.T. 10017 -— \ RUTH GAEE-CDLBY ( ' • 3D7 EAST 44TH STREET NEW YDRK, NEW YQRK 10017 The 13, July, 1968

My dear U Thant, ^ All pe^ce people here were glad that you could" speak with both Delegations at the Paris meeting between the North Vietmanese and United States representatives, but we were saddened by the discouragement you were reported to have felt after talking with the two parties. You will be glad, in turn, to hear that a new and very broadly based effort is being made by the peace movement of tnis country, hope- fully to impress upon the American representatives in Paris that we are not deceived by the "peace" talks and are insistent that these conversations became genuine deliberations to end the war. Enclosed is a copy of our Declaration initiated by the Lawyers' Committee to End the War in Vietnam, the Committee of the Universoties and the Women's International League for Peace and Free- dom, and now signed by forty other groups. I can provide you with a list of the signers. One of the efforts of our new coalition is to have three high prelates fly from Uppsala to Rome to see Pope Paul to ask him to intercede with the American delegation for a cessation of the US bombing of the North and an end to the killing while talking about PEACE. We would deeply value your good' counsel. Devotedly yours, 29 July 1968

Dear Mr. Saton, I thank yens, for your kind letter of July 8 enclosing a copy of Field-Marshall Montgomery's interview on the war in Viet-SJanu I agree with you that his observations ought to "be taken seriously "by all responsible leaders, and 1 have noted since ay return from Surope that a very great interest in this article is evident at the Baited Nations. With my very best wishes and warm regards, Sincerely yours,

Sfhaat

Mr, Cyrus S. latoo Chairman of the Board The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Company Terminal Tower Cleveland, Ohio «~\..

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TERMINAL TOW ER • C LEV E L AN D, O H 1 O 4-41O1

CYRUS S. EATON CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD J U-Ly Oj

Dear Mr. Secretary General:

In the event you may have missed last weekTs New York Times interview of Field-Marshal Montgomery on the war in Vietnam, I am enclosing a copy. Montgomery is one of the world's highest authorities on military strategy. He is also a sincere friend of the United States. His conclusions that the United States should end the war in Vietnam ought to be taken seriously by all men in public office everywhere in the world, and especially at the United Nations.

Sincerely yours,

J/%0~?-t«~*/££-^~ X//

Hon. U Thant United Nations New York, New York

CE:cjo Enclosure THE NEW YORK TIMES, WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 1968 Montgomery Calls on U.S. to Write Off the War in Vietnam ' Sp«dtl te Tht New York TUn« higi. 'iclu"' •"•f war has got to p;:k,'iij- as they used to in nation did after the war to that Chinese domination of the LONDON, July 2 — At the to ir.. .• V.;• - hands. Once the old days." help the nations recover, the Asian land mass was inevitable.. age of 80, Field Marshal Vis- wai gc..-. in iiit Lands of gen- Lord Montgomery visited generosity of the United States He said this would happen "not count Montgomery of Alamein erals, you aift tione. Communist China in 1961, met was unprecedented. And now.by military conquest but by "They are not winning anc v you are becoming one of the ideological and economic pres- Is still a man of strong opinions Chairman Mao Tse-tung and they can't .win on the battle- was feted by the Government most hated people in the world." : sure." and pungent language. field. They have lost the damn After a tour he said that "the Lord Montgomery was asked He said the countries border- In a recent interview, the war already." whole population is solidly how he would deal with the ing China—but he excepted famed commander expressed The hero of El Alamein, who united," and he praised "the evident concern of other non- India—"will all go." By that he his views on a wide variety of became a great popular military tremendous accomplishments of Communist Asian nations, such meant, he added, that they world issues. He eschewed poli- figure during and after the war the past 12 years under Mao ;is_ Thailand, that an American would look to Peking for leader- tics, but he was willing to talk is still distinguished by thai withdrawal from Vietnam ship and would be ideologically on matters touching his pro- Tse-tung." familiar clipped speech anc Lord Montgomery was crit- would endanger their status. tuned to Asian Communism. fession of arms, including Viet- deep-set blue eyes. The United_ States should con- "Half the people in the world nam. ical of the United States posi- It was at El Alamein, in the tion in Vietnam in part because, tinue its alliances in Asia, he today are Communists," he •- Lord "Montgomery believesi northern Egyptian desert, that answered, * and the "Southeast went on. "That is a fact, and that the United States should as he saw it, the war did not, the British stopped Field Mar- fit into any political strategy Asia Treaty Organization should another fact to understand is write off the -war in Vietnam shal Erwin Rommel's eastward go on. But, he said, the United that the Communism in that and accept the idea of a Com- advance and then, in October, that took account of Asian States must not commit land'part of the world [Asia] is not munist-controlled government realities. 1942, launched the great coun- ;

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la ssta de

A "Llamamiento al Pais For la Paj en Vietnam" Solidaridad Argentina con Vietnam URUGUAY 546 - Ur. plso Escrll. A Buenos Aires — Argentina

Sr. COMISlQr PRQMOTORA: U Thant

—Sr«. SARA CALVENTO DE FRANCO Secretario General —Sr. SEBASTIAN INGRATTA de la Organ!zaci6n de las Naciones Unldas (Predicador Evangelico) —R. P. ALEJANDRO MAYOL i (Sacerdote Catolico) NUEVA YORK —Dr. FRANCISCO A. PENA (Educador, Dirigente U.C.R.P.) —Dr. ROBERTO GUARESTI Buenos Aires, 2^ de jiillo de (D.rigcntc Juitidalista) 1968 —Dr. JOSH E. MACHICOTE (Dingo Me Accion Civica No-Violenta) —Sr. ALFREDO VARHA (E'.critcr) De nuestra mayor consideracidns —Sra. ISABEL DE SOUZA (Dirigente Cotolica, Presidents de "M-irl-er. r,o- \3 Paz") Nos es muy grato dip —Dr. AIDO TESSIO girnos a Ud, con el objeto de poner en su cojioclmie. (Ex Gobernador -Pcia. Santa Fe U.C.R.P.) —Dr. Lrg.i::-ut v. COÔMlNAS to la eplnidn pdblica argent ina, con respecto a la (Lx PfCJidcitc dc la CEA) guerra atroz que los EE.UU. rfailzan desde hace ano —Sr. RINATO VASALIO (Dirirjcnte P. Soaalista Argentine) contra la Republica Democrltica del Vietnam del Sud —Sr. CARLOS R. CABRERA (Secret. Gral. Aooc. Obrera Minera Argentina - A.O.M.A.) Esa opinidn esta expresada en los claros —Sr. GUiLLE.WO BLANCO (Prejidojple Ftderacion Universitaria de cumentos que, para su mejor infonaacidn, acorapana- La PlDfJ - FULP) mos a la present e. —Sr. JULiO R. BARBARO (Prciidente de la Liga HumanistaJ —Sr. JUAN C. LOUREIRO El primero es el "Llamamlento al pa£s: Po (Secret. G:cl .de Acdon Sindical Argentina - ASA) el fin de la gaerra en Vietnam" , que fuera publica —R. P. JOSE NASSER do como "solicttada" en diarios de gran difusi6n el (Sjcerdote Cetolico, Cordoba) —Sr. MARIO HERRERA 23 de abril y el 31 de mayo dltimos. Al pie figjurai (Diriênto juventud Derr.6:rata-Cristiana) muchos centenares de firmas que, como es f^cil com- —Sr. HORACIO GUALDIERI (liaLtor Evanêlico) probar , corresponden a las mas diferentes tendencl —Sr. CARLOS GUASTAVINO (Co.T.pCiitor) polfticas, corrientes ideoldgicas y creencias de m —Sr. HAROLCO CONTI tro pa£s. En efecto, 'subscriben dicho Llamamiento (E:c itor) —Srta. MARIA LUiSA ANIDO dirigentes, ex parlamentarios y ex gobernantes de ] (Concertista de Guitarra) diversos partidos politicos democraticoss sac((prdot« —Sr. CEiAR LOPEZ C'.ARO (Presicc-.re do la Asoc. do Artistas catdlicos.pastores ©vang^licos y activistas'de c£rc Plasticos - SAAP) los religiosos; representantes y dirigentes de grai —Dr. RAUL FERNANDEZ (Ex Prcsidcntc blociuc Diputados organizaciones sindicales, estudiantiles y agraria: Nacionalei U.C.R.P.) de movimientos femeninos, juveniles^ universitarios —Sr. JUAN CARLOS LUCO (Ex Piput:do Nccional Justicialista) culturales; investigadores y hombres de ciencia; ff —Dr. GUilLERMO AHUMADA (Publicists, ex P.-ofesor Universita'io) mosos artistas del teatro, el cine« la radio y la ' — Sra. CEIIA VERLIAf conocidos escritores y artistas pllsticos, y9 en f: —Ino. ALEaiTO T. CASELLA (Presidents Conêjo Argentine Paz, ex gente de las mas diversas profesiones y especialldi Rector Uni^caidad La Plata) de las diferentes regiones de la Beptiblica Ar,gentii —Sr. O. Dl MARTINO (Oirigente M^vimicnto "Agitacion y Lucha dc la U.C|R|P|) —Dr. JULIO ANTUN Todos han coincidido en este tan vasto, (Ex Diputado Nacp/ Dirigente Justicialistfl] movimiento de opinidn y de accidn que -como se ,ind —Sr. CELESTINO BLANCO (Secret, cie Organiz. del Sindicato O. y en el Llamamientoapoya la dnica soluci6n posible E. Tcleforiico;, Bs. As. - FOETRA) para la guerra del Vietnam, sintetizada en este re< —Sr. ANTONIO BALCEDO (Rcp.cscntanto del Ateneo "Felipe mo: | Vallc;c", La Plata) -»Dr. LEPANTO BIAN.CH! < "' ' (Ex Consejcro Iracultad Medicina, Univers. bs. Aires) "Los Estados Unidos deben cesar yay e in —Dr. LUIS AGUSTIN LEON dicionalmente^ los bombardeosI~afreQ3 ny todo . .gtro.... . a (Ex Diputado Nac.onal U.C.R.P.) de guerra contra la R«D» del Vietnam^ para Vque" p'ue —Sr. IGNACiO COLOMBRES (Pit.tor. Vkopresidcnto SAAP) iniei^rsenego"ciae Jones "de 't> jiz veTdad^rasVTas.^qu —Sr. ENRIQUE GONZALEZ (Sfc:U. Adiunto ACM A) •een cuaplimiento d© los 'ActiQrdos da . .(line~bra del9g —Dra. CORA R..TTO DC SADOVSKV tienen que conducir al retire de .las, fueraas norte ir;-,.., c/ v,;'•-•:•!> i),.,,,,•.,..,,:,!) —St. HECTOR POLINO americanas y a la total (Cx. Cor.'.fjjl Socioliita, B-j. Airea) —Dr. FRANCISCO PITA (/•be, jodo) Tambiln se aclara especialmente que coiij —Dr. CLIA! MLILIJ cidimos con la posicl6n mantenida al respecto por ojalc U.C.R.P., Pcia. Bs. Aires) Secretario Generals de la ONUS Sr* U Thant. —Dr. HtC.\OZ K. GONZALEZ (Ex Diputado Prov. C6:doba) —Sr. L2ON FERRARIS El segundo documento adjunto es la "Decl (Pir.lor) racl<5n sobre las conversaciones en Parfs de los re »-Sr. URBANO VirOHDO presentantes de la R.D, del Vietnam y de los EE.Ui; (A-jiinerncr, La Plata) aprobada por una gran Asamblea de firmantes del pi Llamamiento, realizada en iiaenos Aipes el 22 de ms "Llomamiento al Pais Por la Paz en Vietnam" Sclidaridad Argentina con Vietnam URUGUAY 546 - lor. plso Escrit A duenos Aires — Argentina

COMISIOM PROAAOTORi: dltimo, y que fuera ratificada desptie*s en otras r nlones. En dlcha Declaracidn, se advierte con pesi .—Sro. SARA CALVENTO CE FRANCO que el Gobierno de los EE.UU. no ha aceptado aon, —Sr. SEBASTIAN INGRATTA (Piedicador Evarvelico) como ansfa la opinidn ptiblica mundial9 poner t4rm —R. P. ALEJANDRO MAYOL desde ya e incondicionalmente a los actos de guer (S.icerdcte Cafolico) -Dr. FRANCISCO A. PENA contra la R»D. del Vietnam* con lo que Impida el ' (Educador, Diriue.ue U.C.R.P.) mienzo de verdaderas negociaciones de pas;, por el •Dr. ROBERTO GUAF.ESTI se llama al Gobierno norteamerieano a a tender est -Dr. JOSE E. MACHICOTE (LVi.je .to Accio.i Civica No-Violenta) just a ezigencla de los pueblos (inclufdo el d@ lo <—Sr. ALFREDO VARELA EE.UU.), y se decide invitar a los ciudadanos de (E:c:itor) Argentina, y a los que en todos l^s pais*s quiere; —Eip. ISABEL DE SOUZA (Dirigentc Goto! ca, Presidenta de el fin del sangriento conflicto ojbl ¥ietf|am, a ac "Madres r.o" ia Paz") —Dr. ALDO TESSIO resueltamente para iraponer este o,bjetivo» (Ex Gobernador Pcia. Santa Fe U.C.R.P.) —Dr. ENRIQUE v. COxOMINAS (Ex Preiidclte de la GEA) Por estos motives, saludamos los nobles —Sr. RiNATO VA5AILO " esfuerzos que Ud. realiza pr> ra lograr que, con el (Dii'i'jr.te P. Socialista Ârgentine) k —Sr. CARLOS R. CABRERA cese incondicional de los feorabardeos contra la R. (Secret. Gral. Aôc. Cbrera Minera Argentina - A.O.M.A.) sea allanado el camino para aegurar una pas real —Sr. GUILIERMO BLANCO durafiera en el Vietnam y en el mundo,^ lo incita: (Prc3idente Ftdeiacion Universitario de La Plata - FULP) a perseverar en esa actitud* —Sr. JULIO R. BARBARO (Presidents de to Lisa Humanists) —Sr. JUAN C. LOUREIRO A la vez, le rogamos se slrva llevar al (Secret. G:el .de Acc!6n Sindical conocimiento de los pafses represejatados en la ON Argentina - ASA) — R. P. JOSE NASSER la posicio*n de nuestro movimiento Ir el amplisimo (Sacerdote Cat6lico, Cij.-doba) apoyo popular de que goza» - -Sr. PARIO HEPRERA (FJiriQente Juvontud Democrata-Cristiana) —Sr. HORAC1O GUALQIESI Con nuestros m£s cordlales saludos (Pastor Evanêlico) --Sr. CARLOS GUASTAVINO por la Comisidn Promotora (CofnpositorJ HAROLDO CONTI . (Est'itor) —Srta. MARIA LUiSA ANIDO (Concertitta do Guitarra) —Sr. CE3AR LOPEZ C1ARO (Preside:.to do ID Asoc. de Artislas PlOiticoj - SAAPJ —Dr. RAUL FfRNANDEZ (Ex Presidcntc bior,ue Diputados Nacionale; U.C.R.P.) —Sr. JUAN CARLOS LUCO (Ex Diputjdo N^cicnal Justiclolista) —Or. GUiLlERMO AHUMADA (Publici'-fa, ex P,ofo:or Universitario) —Sra. CELIA VERLIAC —Ing. ALBERTO T. CASELLA (Prcîdente Conicjo Argentine Paz, ex Recfo.- Univcsidad La PlatJ) Dr. Francisco Pena —Sr. O. Dl M-STINO (Diriênlo J«V^vi.-nicnto "Agitacion y Luch,i do la) U.C|R|P|) —Dr. JULiO ANTUN (Lx Uir.utjc'j N.TC., Dirigcnto Justicialistaj —Sr. C'ELEST;NO Ei',nco (Secret. c,'o Ortjdr.iz. del Sindicato O. y E. Tclefonicoo, 13;. As. - FOETRA) —Sr. ANTfNiO EALCEDO (Repnfcscntj;-,tc del Ateneo "Felipe Vallcse", La Piora) —Dr. LERANTO BiAMCHI | (Ex Co:.scjcro Tccultad Medicina, y Univers. b;. Aire^) —Dr. IUIJ AGUiTIN LCON (Ex Diputatlo Naclondl U.C.R.P.) —Sr. IGNAC.O COLOMCRES (Pir.tor, Viccpre.idenle SAAP) — Sr. ENRIG'UE GONZALEZ (Sc'.rct. /-.'.iiuiitij AGMA) - Dro. CORA p/.no DE SADOVEKY

•Si. HtCTOH POLINO (tx Cc,i/.cjj| Soclali^to, EJ. Airci) —Dr. FRAMCISCO PITA

•-Dr. HIA5 M.MHJ

U.C.R.P., Pcia. Bs.' Aires) •-Dr. HtCTCV (;. GONZALEZ (lr DipuldJij |'fr/v. (.6:fJobo) --Sr. LEON

Sr. UMANO VICONCO I (Aiiiir.crnor, l.o I'ldlo) JHB/br ce. Mr. Mr. Mrs,

12 August

of taksss of tSss your

77 I• .,. E'JCIO

Herbert Pitch c/o Cheryl Klausner 63-49 77 Place 4- _I_ :_J- V"r* „!?_ .t -1 -i ~" J*-"^£ ap**j *"' - » i'l_- -* .- Y(f 11379 Jime 19? 1968

Bear- Sirs BelieT:Lag you to be en interested party? v/e s?j?e sencing you the result of a±y. nonths of intenssiTe . research r/itli the goal of attaining-; an adeauete ^ . "~ — - •" t.» r t, j j.^^ ^ j solution to the conflict in 'V ietii£jJ3c This project j was undertaken by five students of tho G-arden School of Hew York with the aid of a faculty Deiii- Ij-ezv his wii'Sp and a United. States iTavtal Ofl*ice:c0 She approach v/as to designate to each .nenbor- of our group an interested partys the 'Jhited States^ North Vietnam^, the Saigon govsmnentp the ^f-,L(.F^g the TJ3SaS,KB9 the Ben^ooratic Peoples RepublicBof China j Australia,, the Philippines# Thailand., iaosr, and South Korea0 In this seminar, 0113: specific responsibilities included researching the background and present policies of our respective forcestl Since there are some significant similarities "beforeon the Korean and Yistna^ese conflicts? we decided to base our document on the settlement at J Us realise that the fears of the- surlier allied. nations hs^re not "been alleviated by thin a;;::eee-- rionte frhuss ssprirate pacts nust be jrornulated 'bol-vjeen these countries and the ?•:&;) or powora for the iissesfessdKi^sa. ss§ ti-sg- forners* protoctioB,:. I7e do not presume to be in a position to -vrito : an all fccoBpassing doeuiTiento U e would f;reatl:v- appreciate your reaction in order tc further our l development ,3 Thank you for your tirr-.e and

'i'if3 ry j. Kl au a n G r ":?..tohell Cohen >;:iir1.!;j Groopno.ii ;:•;•'.'.rm Cooper acci.'v/j ine TlesM JSB/tor ce« Mr, Mr. Ktttooi Mrs.

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TABLE STOP WOtf THAT TALKS HAVE BEEN GOING OM9 ¥X!H LITTLE OR

m PROGK£SS9 YOU COULD ADVISE SENDING A TEAM OR TEAMS OF OBSEEVEHS TO NQ8TK VIETNAM IH ORDER TO SEE THAT THE NORTH VIETNAMESE "-IF IN GOOD FAITH-DO MOT TAKE MILITARY ADVANTAGE OF THE COMPLETE HALT IN BOMBING* RESPECTFULLY raLM E KLINE 17 MCKINSTRY PLACE HUDSON NY 820AMEDT AUG 2 CVKryvw

cc: Mr. David B. Vaughan Mr. Lemieux

September 1968

Dear Mr. Gordon, On behalf of the Secretory-General I acknowledge your letter to him dated September k, where you have informed him of your intention to hold a peaceful rally on the subject of the Vietnam ivar at the United Nations Plaza on Saturday, October 12. The Secretary-General has so jurisdiction over the Uhited Nations Plaaa. I vrould therefore suggest that you address your inquiry to the Police Department of the City of New Yor£.

Yours sincerely,

C. V. Warastahan Chef de Cabinet

Mr. Edwin A. Gordon 1^90 Kidgeway Avenue Rochester, New York 1430 Ri-i;v;y;r;y ••".•<•; • :lo oh«-.-. L c:r, i-J.Y. 1:. 61 b oe;/t. •! 3 19C8

^ecr;-:t:;ry-"enerul If. Thcnt United Cations, i'J.Y.

De;.;r '«ir. Thsnt:

You personally have done all that you can to oring the Vietnam vizr to an and. '.'ury pjo;. In throughout the world feel that if more encouir- E)f;i:":ient or pressure were put on the United I^;.ioiS3 it ai^ht be iud'Kied to "m.-. ke a study of the Vietnam problem, and to recommend and participate in a juyt settlement."

-.Accordingly, all bvor the world efforts are b^ing m-jde to hoitd meetings and to get petitions signed with this the goal in mind. (3e?j the enclorjed material)

Do you hnve any objections to peoples of the wo rid holding a _peaceful rally for this purpose at the United Nations Plaza on 3>;.turday, October 12th, for one hour at 10:30 i-.. M. ? "/e anticipate no trouble whatever because everybody serins to be for the idea. Some way must be found to bring this terrible war to an end-perhaps this could be a start.

Anxiously awaiting your answer,

Respectfully yours,

Edwin A. Gordon, retired history teacher. IK/mh cc; Mr.NarasimhBii Mr. Lemieux ^ ~ Registry

18 September 1>68

Dear Mrs. Waidlingar-Friedli, On behalf of the Secretary-General I acknowledge your letter to him dated 14 September. Your views regarding a negotiated settlement of tha Viet-Hara conflict have been noted. Yours sincerely,

Ismat T. Kittarsi Principal Officer

Mrs. M. Weidlinger-Friedli 136 Sast 76 Haw York, N.Y. 10021 CVN:yvw

cc: Mr. Lemieux

18 September 1968

Dear Sir, On behalf of the Secretary-General I acknowledge your telegram to him dated 17 September on the subject of Vietnam. The Secretary-General has taken note of your suggestion. With kind regards,

Yours sincerely,

C. V. Harasimhan Chef de Cabinet

Mr. Marshall Seawell 2011 West 12th Avenue Kennewick Washington, D.C. m

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cc: Mr. Lemieux

27 September 1968

Dear Ms?. Winte&nhofer, On behalf of the Secretary-General I acknowledge your letter to him dated 2J September. So far as the Secretary- General's stand on Viet-ffem is concerned, it is not true that he proposed that the Assembly should adopt a resolution in regard to the stopping of the bombing of North Viet-lfem. In this connexion, I enclose a eopy of a statement made by the Secretary-General's press spokesman on 2k September. The Secretary-General's stand on such questions as Viet-Nam, Czechoslovakia, etc., is more fully developed in the Introduction to the Annual Report. Excerpts from this Introduction appeared in the Uew York Times of today and I send you a copy of it. I aia sending you this material as I can see that you are seriously interested in world affairs and in a proper understanding of the position of the Secretary-General, and of the United TBatione. With kind regards, Yours sincerely,

C.V. Sarasimhan Chef de Cabinet

Mr. Arnold Winkenhofer 2595 H. Thompson Road H.E., Atlanta, Georgia 50319 MRP ARNOLD WINKENHOFBR

2595 N. THOMPSON ROAD N. E., ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30319

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cc: Mr. Harasimban Mr. Lemieux

SI October 1968

Dear Miss BueJoaaster, I regret the delay In acknowledging your very liind letter of Septesibsr 27 • I was vesyfesppj rt o receive It and I sm most grateful to you for your support of sny comments on the subject of Vlet-lfam at s§r recent press conference• I have also read your book M!Efae Lion in the Stora" vitb the greatest interest. With kindest regards, Yonrs sincerely*

Thaat

Miss Henrietta Buetosaster 30 CharltoB Street Sew York, H.Y. HENRIETTA BLJCKMASTER "

September 2'

Dear Mr Secretary General

As an American citizen, I should like to thank you with all my heart for your remarks at your press conference, on Vietnam.

What you said represents the

sort of courage we desperately need. I kriOY/ you spoke for the majority of people oil over the world - and I believe you spoke for the majority of Americans.

"vVith warm admiration,

Sincerely, 29 SEP /96B

c^ry 3-fia^rEl ad 17° 1; ions i'Je": York, ,-T lOGly HENRIETTA BLJCKMASTER 3D CHARLTDN STREET

NEW YORK. N. Y. 1QD14

•Ml CVW/fcC cc: Mr. Rolz-Bennett Mr. Naras imhan Mr. Lemieux ^ Registry

13 November 1968

Bear Mr, lolfle, ^Itoajik you for your kind letter of 2h October. I have taken careful note of its contents and also of the suggestion that the tfnlted Batioas might assume responsibility for a study of the long-term effects of the use of chemical herbicides OB the ecology of Vietnam. You will realize that, for the time being at any rate, it would be difficult to implement this suggestion, kind regards,

Yours sincerely}

U Thant

Kr. Bael Wolfle Executive Officer American Association for the Advancement of Science 1515 Massachusetts Avenue, U.W., , S.G. 20005 1515 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, NW, WASHINGTON, D. C., 20005

Phone: 387-7171 (Area Code 202) Cable Address: Advances:!, Washington, D. C.

F- ruf:

October 24, 1968 '/•/., ^

The Honorable U Thant ; Secretary-General United Nations New York, N. Y., 10017

Dear Mr. Thant: • '' ' *' '•''•'• ' c-

On July 19, I sent you a statement prepared by the Board of Directors of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, expressing the hope that the United Nations might assume responsi- bjLljLty_f or _ a study of the long-term effects of the use of chemical herbicides on the ecology of Vietnam. I wish now to acknowledge the reply' dated 5 August that"came from Mr. Jose Rolz-Bennett and to express the Board's appreciation for consideration by the United Nations staff of the recommendation we submitted. At the same time, however, I would like to emphasize that our recommendations dealt only with the use of chemical herbicides, and not with the other agents referred to in Mr. Rolz-Bennett's letter.

I enclose another copy of the statement that accompanied my letter of July 19.

Sincerely,.

Dael Wolfle / Executive Officer

DW:chb Enc.

cc: The Honorable James Russell Wiggins CVN/CC Mr. Harasimha.n Mr. Lemieux

8 my 1969

Dear Mr. ¥arb

? 1 em gmtefdL to you for your referenee to EQT persoaal efforts to bring about a p©a<*0ful solution of the Viet-lte eoirflict. With Yours sincerely,

fife*, ftiliisza Little ^aapherds I'sm R^e, Sussex luglanIL (W 7 July 1969

Dear Mrs. Hughes, I have been asked by the Secretary-General to acknowledge your letter of 24 June 1969 concerning the imprisonment in the Democratic Republic of Vietnam of your husband, Lt. Colonel James Lindberg Hughes* It goes without saying that the Secretary-General is most concerned over the fate of persons who are victims of the tragic war in Vietnam. Since the United Kations has no established channels of coirmuaieation with the Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, we have transiaitted a copy of your letter to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva for its possible intercession in this case. I enclose a copy of isy letter in this regard. itfith personal sympathy. Sincerely yours.

C.V. Uarasiiahan Chef de Cabinet Mrs. James Lindberg Hughes 115 *fest Santa Fe Avenue Santa Fe New Mexico 87501. IL

? JtOy 1969

Dear Mr, SaviUe, Pleas© find attached copy o£ & letter v-zfaieh the Seer«tary-£enersul received frcsa Mrs, Jaxass Idisdberg Hughes, aii American lady tshose husband has been imprisoned in the Democratic Republic of ?i@taasi for more than two years. It isfQi£ld be appreciated if the International Committee of the Red Gross could see Aether ar^thiag can b© dose to assist Mrs. Haghes to re-establish cossKmaieation vdth her husband.

C.V. Chef de Cabinet Kr. Harcelle &, latemational C^csuittee of the Sed. Cross Geneva Svn.tser3.snd.. 24, 1969

The. llano taJjLe, U Thant The. United ftatsLom flew {/.oik., lleiu y.aiL

D&ai Illi. Thant.:

3 am. witttnrf to ij.au, -because. o-fL human p-iobLemA* Ou.l -^am^LUj, and c.aantt&^>^ o.tlie.1 ./Lai,i tJj.lou.g.hou,t the, Untted.

h.e&nAa.cJie. i4 o-fL 4jn a. mAÂ-LriQ. AJ\. ac.'bLoir îa^tuxi -in. /~lax.£h U-Le,tiiam. and iro one, aJaLe. -tAwa -fLan. io h.oJ.jp. t/i&m.. Tliejj, afie, &uipip.ed, -in a &La.q..ic, io<44.fLsil.e. uslie.>Le. ne^Lîe.^, -j£aC't>toa c-ati a.y,n,e,e. and >~th.ejj, a>ie. a d-Lfi.Loma^Li.c. JÛnJjo ax) LaeAJ-. 04 'in a. ll fihj, /ruAJjand, ££. Co-Lone^L .Ô>L two ij,&a.fc4 and -hoo nwntfi^ and. •b'e.caiuie. o.f. a, ea.fiAjij. .'ui /wx) ca-teeA, /ixix) ^)-to.-tao 'Lo pa./L!tA,cjiiJja.fiA lie, I~uo4 e..ri£7Tx)>i. -ia I'IAJII. -teen, male, Jlian a tj,&ai 4'lnc.e. 3 ii.eja.ld -Liom. f-uim., Bu^L, j am. not onLij. psL&cuLuig. heJjp, £01 IIAML .bu^t 'ini-t&ad .jLai aLL o.jL Hieê, /.aiao&ten men. 'in I to ith, ULeJunam. wlio ale, &iap.,ae.d 4-u)ip.tjj, bu. is-Litue. oL tJ iHe, w+.u'es) want, -t/ie wno-Le. urn ltd, t,o p,aitîc^Lp,a;Le, AJI tliA^ p.lobLem. and, walk, t-awald -Li-d 40>LiLtA,on — not. be.c.au^,e, amj, one, p,e,i/jon -to any, p.a.ltsLcuJM.1 cau-oe. biiA, onhj, /recaiiê, tJi,e^>e, ale, aen w

3 liaae. ap,p.LLed, to tire. Ho ith Ute^tnameê. .jLoi a atâ to m.ed-ic,a^LLon and to ut^Jjt nut. husband bu,t. 3 haise. h&aid notlitna JLiotn the, auLtlralVtsie^) jjn. Hanot. 01 'Palt^m 3£ y,oa can a^^t^t, me. tn avenue, tn OITJJ. way., 3 ^naLL be, eJê,inaAA^.

fi.ddttA,onatAjjj., 3 am. encA,a^tng. a, copy. of. a nenJ4p.ap.e,l ai-tLcsie. tah^Lch. ou,1 LocjîA, p,ap.eJt p,lLnt-ed 40 that, ij,ou, wLLL beAAjz.n, unde,ntand nuj, dLLemna, and, 3 a^k, that. u,on iUian^niLt my, nie^âae, -to the. p,e,opA,e^> w-LtliAjt tj,ou.l 4pJre.le. at, tire, United, rtatton^ -in hop,e, that, the,ie. w-LLL be, 4ome.one. who mtg.htt.ejnd the, {\iiieJit,c,an JLajntsLLe^ a heJ^pAng. lând and c,om,pA,eA,e. a u.1 JLainAsLtess aatn..

Illl^. .:•••• _ 775tie^ tSant a 7e. _ __ Phone.: 505-982-5651 Santa Te., 11^ llle.xtc.a~87501 CVH/nt

19 May 1969

Bear Mr. Grovct,

I regret the Qelay in acknowledging your kiosi letter of 18 April with which you sent me a copy of the "5-Point Program to End the War in Yietnam'*, prepared by the lawyers Committee on American Policy Towards Tiettxara. I have taken note of your proposals with the greatest interest. With kindest regards,

lours sincerely,

U Shaat

Mr. Joseph S. Crowa Secretary-Treasurer Lawyers Committee o& American Policy ^towards Vietnam 250 Park -Aveaus lew York, H,Y. 10017

cc - Mr. Harasiratian./7 Mr. Lemieux WILLIAM L. STANDARD Chairman. CAREY McWILLIAMS Vice-Chairman. JOSEPH H. CROWN Secretary-Treasurer. ROBERT L. BOEHM Chairman, Executive Board. Lawyers Committee WILLIAM MEYERS Director of Organizational Activities. CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL: On American Policy RICHARD A. FALK Chairman. Milbank Professor ot International Law, Princeton University. RICHARD J. BARNET Co-Director, Institute for Policy Studies, Washington, D. C. JOHN H. E. FRIED Professor of Political Science, City University of N. Y. (City College). Towards Vietnam JOHN H. HERZ Professor of International Relations, City University of N. Y. (City College). STANLEY HOFFMANN Professor of Government and International La*, Harvard University WALLACE McCLURE Lecturer on International Law, Universities of Virginia, Duke. Dacca, Karachi. SAUL H. MENDLOVITZ Professor of International Law, Rutgers University School of Law. RICHARD S. MILLER Professor of International Law. Ohio State University College of Law. HANS J. MORGENTHAU Albert A. Michelson Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science and Modem History, University of Chicago. WILLIAM G. RICE Professor of International Law, University of Wisconsin Law School. •69-Pafk-Rew, New York, N.Y. WG3S BURNS H. WESTON Professor of International Law, University of Iowa, College of Law. Area Code 212 OUINCY WRIGHT Professor Emeritus of International Law, University of Chicago.

&U:!-.^ :.,«,» '• I ft n. YA/STG -U July

l^fs&lf of tSss S^esrsta^H^gsfisai I aefeirarlM-^ -»Ith tharte y of 89 Jun$ 1569 am-etsmi^g th© ^^ri«aa FrisosisK'S of tfar in the Bep^foiie of lorth ?iet£ffi®t« %e csont®a%s of

As pas?t of his s^spaiislîlitias fcs? istsnmfeicsaal pease ^td securitys | tfee 3@Gpetai?5?'«eesssial ^s^ 'stem (leepl^f eorteesmed &v®y tfeea •wsa? - its hwasolt»"Jaa asjp©st, f&& eaa sêst is fe>iKLe to slleîiafee fhs agsa^f of th® imz' \d.t&in his of

P.O. Mr*. Davk Eagletree, P. O. Box 408, Walnut Grove, CaW. 95690 MPJ. Qolr 6, Eagletree, P. O. Booc 408, Walnut Grave, CaW. 95690 IX Jfcly

Oa 1 ^esar letter of of ?v

of s&taeU to effort® to ®.l the * is /I-6& June 30, 1969

U Thant Secretary General of the United Nations United Nations Building New Yorkj New York Dear Sir It is with hope that I write this letter to you, trusting that you are willing to assist us in prying information concerning our prisoners of war from North Vietnam,, It is useless for Americans t o argue if this war is "moral IT or not, for we are already there» It is not useless for us to plead for information concerning our prisoners. North Vietnam signed the Geneva Convention but has flaunted, it blatantly. There are over 1300 American families who live in agony not knowing if their husband, or father, or son is dead or a. prisoner. There are lives that could be slowly built again with just that information. I am not naive enough to even think of their immediate release. . o . .but why not the immediate release of their names? Yes, it will take a special effort and will most certainly be difficult. It is not a time of saying who is "right" and who is "wrong". Sometimes we are all pawns of our countries. We would appreciate any assistance you can give us and any influence you may be able to exert to help alleviate this needless agonye Thank you, Sincerely

Mrs. Robert A. KLott 19 314-1' Blacks tone J Detroit,, Michigan ij.8219

.'V-' II Jn^ XpSf

& i?

I tS of

^" ifeg £. iiikHHT* v *£** s ^j^ O of §fe© Sssil ^rtpCKgas to iw**sa ^^ silamtios* P.O. Box 498 Walnut Grove, Calif. 95690 June 27, 1969

U Thant Secretary General of the United Nations United Nations Building New York, N.Y. Dear Mr. Secretary General, My concern is deep over the failure of North Vietnam to honor the 1949 Geneva convention in regard to American Prisoners of War. This is purely a humanitarian issue and has nothing to do with the politics of the conflict. Only 330 of the!300 men listed as missing or prisoners have been announced. Only 150 have been able to write one letter tb their families. No inspection teams have been allowed and what sketchy evidence that is available indicates that those prisoners in North Vietnam are not receiving adequate medical treatment or food. ourely the humanitarian influence of your great organisation can be brought to bear on woril opinion to see that theae men are allowed the humane treatment, the impartial inspection teams, the communications required as a minimum of human decency.

Yours truly, > € t.jr' A" ' Mrs. Paul Barnes IA/PJG

23 July 1969

Mr* On tjahalf of the Sec3^tary«€«a-eral I acknowledge with thanks your a£ 11 July 1969 aoueeraiag the war in Vietnam. Jt is tru©fefea tih s bc

Akashi Firat Officer

Mr. Habert Bailay 202 Pert JTiX-f-vy.S,1'" o

He" it* -/-/' } <«. (-•

<-i- i It-'"*' & " ^

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CV J- -(-.-« - U '/ /i'i •< '•/

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By Recommendation ' YA/SD

Le 2k Quillet 1969

Monsieur, Le Secretaire general zn'a charge d'aeeuser reception de votre lettre du 96 juin 1969 et <3e la declaration POOR t£ PA IK AU VXE3SIAM adoptle par la P^diratlon Internationale des Seslstants. Kous ai/ons pris bonne note du contenu de votre lettre et de la declaration,

?etiilles agr^erf Monsieur^ les assurances de ma const- deration cijstinguee«,

Yasushi Mashi

fensteur Jean Federation Internationale Kisistants Vlezaae II (Autriebe) _... . / 1 L-". . /•' * s* > -.- •>: <• o • o (/" /i I. ^ Fct^railon ro«cmljlr * '• ' x 0 ~ '~Ci fi'M*tan!f lev pat list •jv ' i.-i'1*"" !c"i palnolrs qui nnl FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE Ix 1-.--J i /'^ !Q L'trt alien dr lc "^A/ ^^^ [A^ , /y' -•- ic di-pni tcx loi I'ttctiu-s, DES RESISTANTS •- en po'i' qyci ft! lou rv outre nei p&nucutces par ' :e na fc fascisine; — le famillei de disparifi. SECRUJSIAI or.MkAi lOZi VltNNE II. Cuslelle/gusbe 35. Auiudie leleuh. 35 44 49 • Teligiomine F t D E RI N DIR

Reference a

MS/ Vienae/le 20 juin 1969

Moisleur U THANT

Or'^aaisa^ion d^;; t\!ax,-..o-jy Unies ew Y o r K

-Monsieur le Secretaire general,

Nous vous faisons parvenir ci-joint le te:--.-t,e d'unp orir.e de position aclopte ;.>ar le Secretariat de la KED-;R''."1IOM IMTEKMA/l'lONAI DES RESISTAMl'S (F.l.R. )

POUR Lft PA IX AU VTETNAr'.

Nous vous prions d'agreer^ Monsieur le Secretaire general, 1'expression de uos salutations les plus distinguees.

Le Secretaire general

L. -? Jean TOUJAS

• •;' Lettre recomraandee DECLARATION du Secretariat de la Federation Internationale des Re"sistants (F.I.R.)

POUR LA PAIX AU VIETNAM

Bien qu'au cours de ces dernieres semaines 1'opinion publique mondiale puisse consta.ter avec satisfaction une activite politique et diplomatique accrue en vue de la solution du probleme vietnamien, le nombre des victimes, parmi la population paisible du Sudvietnam, et les destructions consecutives aux bombardements s'accroissent sans cesse.

A cet egard, le Secretariat de la F.I.R. rappelle les diverses motions votees en differentes occasions par les instances dirigeantes de la Federation et demande instamment de nouveau :

1. - que soit respscte le droit d'auto-determination du peuple vietnamien, reconnu par les accords de Geneve de 195^ et que la solution soit enfin trouvee au conflit qui atteint si cruellement le peuple hdroique du Vietnam;

2. - que les negocintions de Paris soient poursuivies profitablement et sans retard afin d'aboutir le plus rapidement possible au retrait de toutes les troupes des USA et de leurs allies du sol vietnamien et a la conclusion de la paix, empechant ainsi 1'assassinat insense de la population paisible et eliminant du Monde un foyer dangereux de tension.

On doit permettre au peuple vietnamien de realiser ses droits nationaux fondamentaux, son independence, sa souverainete et son integrite" nationals, de reparer les ravages causes par la guerre et de jouir enfin des avantages si desires d'une politique de paix et de neutralite.

Vienne, le 23 Juin 1969 YA/SD

28 July 1969

Dear Mrs. Laundry,,, Ga behalf of the Secretary-General^ I acknowledge with thanks your letter of IS July 1969. Your sentiiaent concerning the question of American servicemen missing in action in Vietnam has been carefully nested, in particular your concern over the war as a mother who will be sending the fourth member of her family to military service is understandable. It is regretted, however, that the United Nations has so far been kept from the war and has no formal channels of communication with some of the parties directly concerned. The Secretary-General has made numerous efforts to help find a political solution to the war in his personal capacity. He will continue to make such efforts in, the future. Tours sincerely^

Yasushi Akashi First Officer

Mrs. Hose B. laundry S5605 Bowers Dearborn Heights Michigan, 1*8125 cc: Mr. Barasimhan Mr. Lemieux (2^V ' p- , ' / yd-t^u'

/^ ^ *s 8

•••-•• i <••••' •,; ^ • •' ' • .-• * . /., * J«> ; •!••.*«. ij.-*-; r-J. fi,.. <* *,!,;• :••". . - ..;;..,. ,,, - ,,.t\ ' ' '-'-.. ' •' ...-.- •s ''• "> ••''> •;.'• :^'.-; •••-. , 'i v •A; YA/SD

28 July 1969

Bear Mrs. Hart, On behalf of the Secretary-General, I acknowledge letter of ^ July 1969 concerning the question of the American prisoners of war in the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, Despite his deep eoneern over the war and his repeated personal initiatives to help in reaching a political solution to this tragic war, the Secretary-General does not have the mandate from any of the United Nations organs to establish formal channels of communication with some of the parties directly concerned in this conflict. It is hoped that all the parties to the conflict will soon reach agreement on a basic solution of the problem of Vietnam, including that of the exchange of prisoners of war.

Yours sincerely,

Yasushi Akashi First Officer

Mrs. R.E, Hart P,0. Box 156 Walnut Groveg Calif.

cc: Mr. Karasimhan Mr. Lemieux Mrs. R. E. Hurt Post Office Box 156 Walnut Grove, (jaliiornia

July ^, 1969

U Thant . «, Secretary General of the United Nations United Nations Building Mew York, N.Y.

Dear Sir: As a gravely concerned citizen I address these remarks to you with the deep conviction that your influence will be brought to bear toward the resolution of the truly dreadful plight of the American prisoners of war held by North Vietnam. The prisoner cr • ?r ' issue must receive top priority at the Paris negotiations. North Vietnam, by wide public demand, should abide by the Geneva Convention of 19^9 and signed by them. Above all, the desperate need for a solution to the prisoner of war issue must not await the final political and military conclusion of the Vietnamese War.

Most respectfully, YA/SD

2B July 1969

Deer Mrs. On behalf of the Secretary-General, 1 acknowledge your letter of 9 #u2y 1969 concerning the war in Vietnam. Your view that the Vietnam problem is a "United nations problem not a U.S. problem" has been noted. It would seem to mef however., that this view runs counter to views aired by many other people in the world. It has been the belief of the Secretary-General that this Is primarily a Vietnamese problem,

Yours sincerely,

Yasushi Afcsshi First Officer

Mrs. Abbey 221 Paulison Avenue Passaic, Sf.J. cc: Mr. Karasimhan Mr. Lemieux 1../) /-^ :? i YA/SD

28 July 1969

Bear Mrs. Wilson,

On behalf of the Secretary-General ? I aeknowledge with tnanks your letter of 10 July 1969 concerning the American prisoners of war In the BemoGratie Bepublie of Vietnam. The contents of your letter have been carefully noted. It is felt here at the United nations, which has not been given a formal mandate by the parties directly concerned, in the

Vietnam w&Tf that the countries immediately involved should "be able to find, a basic solution to the conflict, including of course its humanitarian aspect which is of deep concern to all the people in the world. Yours sincerely.,

Yasushi Akashi First Officer

Mrs. Grace E. Wilson 1US83 Mark arain Betroit, Michigan cc: Mr. Harasimhan Mr. Leraieax Tetroit, ::i chig&n, July 10th, 1:369.

?;ie Honorable U . Thant, "Secretary "eneral United., Rations, Tin i t e ci Ta t i o n B u i 1 u i n g , re.v vork, ". Y.

D e a r . 1 e c r e t u r y n, 2 a 5 r a I -,-

It '-'3 .veil as I a ;n .jure ;nan.y others, a a deeply concerned re^ardiu^ jur ..ien lidteJ as "pi'ij onera of .var', or "'ai j 3 in£-; in .

.ye jpeair. auc think .11 u oh about priorities these days, &nu I believe this is a :;ioat important priority. ?o.r our uien'j sa-ce, .yej, but ~IJQ for the f^milieu of theje .;jen, ,,ho I ij.a ,r^re spend ruany sleeplejj ni0ht3 praying and w oude ri :ij- ,/h3re t.iey are, anu ho,-, t.i-jy are f uri ;i£, . ano lon^in.; to hear fro. a them.

Let 13 not forget t.,e:ri because c o,n:.!.ini ca t i on ha a "u t? e n 1 o j t , ? h •• .\ ; . u t }i e i r families n -2 e o to i:u o .v ",ve c«re" arid that no jr^3tten i,.;. id all the - t r.y i.v;:-:. ci rc'.uu tane-s j o j :• ^elovsd .America ij Z&cin-.. the J^.vd. I feel j ire thid :;; .1 '; t e r is on .your he^rt aljo unu pray that our 3-ou'd ^uiuance .vaay be yours in these i ra p o r t a n t decisions to b a .:i a d e .

Y j ;rs very truly , YA/SD

23 July 1969

Dear Miss O'Reilly,

On behalf of the Secretary-General, I acknowledge with thanks your letter of 19 July 1969 concerning the United States prisoners of war in the Democratic Republic of ?ietnam. The contents of your letter have been carefully rioted. The scope of the United Mations action in this question ia clearly limited inasmuch as the parties to the war in Vietnam have preferred to deal with it in their own direct negotiations rather than bringing it before the United Nations, She Secretary-General of the United Nations lias, however, taken personal initiatives to help in finding a solution to the conflict out of his deep concern. It is hoped that the peace talks in Paris will come to a successful conclusion in bringing to an end all human tragedies relating to the war.

Yours sincerelyj

Yasushi Akashi First Officer

Miss Maureen O'Reilly 7^67 Bingham Dearborn, Mich. 48126 cc: Mr. Narasimhan Mr. Lemieux "7

J# YA/PJG

4 September 1969

Dear Venerable IMefe t'aa Cha\is The Sseretary-'Osriera]. has asked m© to acknowledge with thanks ycmr letter of 22 Atxgust 3969' 3"hs Sserstary«0es©ral appreciates th© kind woMs you exprsissM for bis work for IntorsiSfcional peaoe aad for th@ preservation of huraaa rights. lie shares jcsur hop^ that the United Nations will be ab3s3 to ira^e a greater eoniribi'ctloK to-Kards the atiainiuent of a peaceful world for the present as w©13. as for future generations. In this eoaxussioR the [email protected] haa ta>.©n careful nets of th«s appeal isadQ to the United Nations bj the Genars.1 Cosiferenoe of the

As you i*;no^.s the J>oerotery«€eneral Is deeply eonseraed over the la&grdtwde of the tragedy of th© l?i^t-»Hasi siii«stion and. hias ali.ajs hoj. ed that he id.1,1 bs able to contribute to its alleviation in his official or capacit-y. With ktisd regards, Tours

First Officer T&i&h Tat« Ghau Vice President Buddhist Sar^ha Ceui«sil 64/1, Hum Thanh PHAT-GIAO THE-GIOI PHUNG-Sl/ XA-HQI

Phat-lich 2':>}

CENTRAL HEADQUARTERS 1 W M C-' VAN-PHONG TRUNG-ITONG j J_ y w ^ 584;I, Phan Thanh Clan • SAIGON — VIETNAM

£>. T. 24.526

0 t(7. S6.~A-0.-LX --/VP/CT/TU PHAT-GIAO TH§-Gl6l PHgNG-Sl/ XA-HQl

To His Excellency UThant , The Secretary ucneral of .the United Nations York.

Your Excellency,

On behalf of the i/orld Uuddhist Social Service we beg to convey to Your Excellency our heartfelt r^reetin^s. ,.'e h.ave been following v/ith intense interest and deep admiration yo;:r L_itirirLg efforts in alleviating the sufferings of the people of the world and in the restoration of a just, genuine and durable peace in the v;ar-torn country of Vietnam. l.e deeply admire your selfless devotion to the cause of freedom and dignity of man, to the preservation and development of the highest spiritual and moral values of mankind. To join our efforts in the noble projects undertaken by the United Cations, the world Buddhist leaders from 19 countries attended the General Conference of the i.orld Buddhist Sangha Council and the Jo rid Buddhist Social Service held in Saigon from the £th to the 1^-th of June 19^9 and discuss ways and means to contribute their pact to the betterment of human society. In one of the resolutions passed, the General conferencs of the vVorld Cuddhist Sangha Council and the World Buddhist Social Service expressed its high appreciation for the declaration made by Your Excellency on June 27, 19b9 to -lend a

;hr- helping hand to the development of Liirribiri, the Holy Jirth Place >' 1*' of 1,0rd ijuddha, ^ good r-oad loading to Lumbini, onco constructed, will be a source of great joy for millions of pilgrims thoughout the world. The General Conference of the i,orld Buddhist ^angha Council and the L-orld Buddhist Social L.-or vice earnestly appeal, to the United Nations to kindly expedite the construction of a good road to Lurabini. itore than one year has elapsed since the important statement was made and as far as-v;e~know the v:orld buddhists have received no nev/s about trie starting of this worthwhile project. The General Conference also humbly requests the United Nations to kindly : I-/ have adequate planning for the preservation and advancement of Buddhist arts and culture and Buddhist education in order to keep balance cf the ae^elopne;- ts which -..-ill restore world peace and. harmony, 2-/ give -r-ioral and material support for the establishment of a v.orld Buddhist oociai .'jervica Center in Vietnam which consists of an orphanage, a home for the aged, a vocational training Center,' an elementary and high school, a Social iiesearch Institute, 3-/ call on the members of the United Cations to join i.i the observance of January 15, IS'VO as YietricC.i ..ar Victims Relief iiay and to bring trieir ccnsti-i;ctive eff:u¥ts for relief and rehabilitation of Vietnam v/ar-victims to the fullest mobilisation of resources by that day. Your great wisdom and dedication to the good cause has been a most precious asset to the whole of mankind, we are convinced that the United rJations v.'ill make greater and more lasting achievements for the benefit not only of the present but also for the future generations, i.e would like to avail ourselves of this opportunity to convey to Your Excellency our best wishes for the splendid success of you^-ln'oble'."mission anc[ for the full realization of the noble ains ajftS, Objects o#,%he United Nations. . ^' \ ' \ Very Sincerely Yours,

Thich Tain Chau ' v Senior Vice President, uBSC President, .j.B.S.S. YA/PJG

26 September 1969

Dear Beveread Suzuki, 1 acknowledge Kith thanks your kind letter informing me of yoxvr programme of relief for the Vietnamese people. My colleagues here have also informed m© of your visit to United Mations Headquarters OR Monday, 22 September. I am sorry that I was not able to see you due to the heavy pressure of work during the General Assembly session. also like to thank you for the various presents vihieh you broxight to me. These thoughtful gifts were very much appreciated. 1 share your concern for the well-being of the people of fietnamj xiiho have suffered so such from the tragic conflict. You may foe assured that all hutaaoitarlan and religious activities aiming at the alleviation of the Vietnamese situation have ray full support and sympathy. With kind regards, lours sincerely,

U Thant

Reverend Kingo Suzuki Director- Japan Buddhist League Headquarters c/o Japan International Buddhism Centre S/l Kanda lwatsuka~chofr Hakaraura—ku Magoyap General Huaclqartcrs, Japan Maha Dodlii Society H (Alias: Japnn RLiddliist League Headquarters) Headquarter-, Asian Friendship League Headquarters. India Amity Association. Nagoya Bianch of India Maha Bodhi Society. Headquarters. League of pilgrims to the Buddha's Crt tfr- -I- -M-- -in .'^_ X7 -I • FT* -J; RJ (ji. y^ tf J!"• Countries to Nagoya DirectorRev. Kingo Suzuki (Pilgrim to the Sacred Places) c/o Japan India Amity Hall and Japan International Buddhism Center, 8/1 Kanda Ivvatsuka-cho, Na^kamura-ku, IS 471-5595 11995 Nagoya, Japan.

Dear Sir,

I am one of the Buddhist priests who have

written to you9 asking for your understanding and cooperation in our activities., Wow we are promoting the program to console miserable Vietnam people. \Ve have been to Vietnam for five times and are planning to visit there from this time forth until peace is brought to Vietnam people„ We are no one but citizen v;ithout any political tendency, Vve are those who are eagerly expecting for peace and happiness of the peoples all over the world„ I believe you are kind enough to support us either financially or spiritually. Any kinds of offering, if they are of use to console the destitute and orphans in Vietnam, are v/elcome to us. Yours sincerely,

Kingo Suzuk^ TA/PJG

Dear Mr. Mori* 1fflcfc.aoid.adgs ;wit h thanks jaur latter cf 1 September 1909 vihieh Rsveresisi Swsuki was kied sncugh to briiog to sy stt

1 && grateful for ysuui Mad words for ^ eiTorts for peace t ly pea«© I'fi f iefeiam* 1 have csrefull^ noted the concern of the Japas&se people for this tragic ooaflict which you expressed in j'vttr letter* s;e all slxsre th© ccvs&ca eoace3-*a for the res'fcoraiioa cf peass IB 7i«ti3sm at the ©srliest possible jataserafc* ii-itfe kind regards, leurs s

Yasoichi Mos'i ifsktseho, o# Japsa 1, September 1969

Mr. Uh. Tant, . /;

1 ; The Secretary General of the United Nations, ' . ••'f V•

Llr. Yasoichi Mori A Member of Japanese House of Councilors

Respectfully I state that I entertain usually a high regard and honor to you. You advanced for the Peace of Vietnam, for example, at February 1966 about Peace of ' Vietnam you reported to the United Nations. And at May you speeched at the beginning of the General Congress about the Peace '• between U,;.;S. A. and North Vietnam. /'',"•'. At August you appealed to U. S. 'A. the su spent ion of Bombing to North Vietnam. And your effort goes to the enlarged Congress newly contained "Vietnam Liberty Front" in Paris,, etc. ' •

We Japanese also hope that on Vietnam the perfect Peace come. . So we usually thank to your great effort, and hope the peaceful day rapidly should :" ! ':' come. -' '

Of cource Japanese Government also have been efforted to realise the Peace. } • '•*•'..,.' .:' ^'-ft. That is why Vietnam War is already the matter of primary concern_of our Japanese 'and; -:'t of the World. .. . . V '-y—' ./'•'•'.''-'' '. -v'^ : ..•.,.- '.. -,.! \ The Vietnam War continues since almost ten years long, and pitiful lives and ._ - -''.'»- • \ \ miserable situation of peoples over through North and South Vietnam,, .-.,...• , • •"••;•• "It must be promptly disappeared. ' • .-. .'•-.' .It" is the Common appeal of the People all over the Vtorld. .• •• .'" " •- .•: ' "•

.';!,And also United States of America beginned the withdrawl of troops. .•''•'''•" *•'".": f • • • ' ' • " •' .' ' — • • • • •• ':''•.• , .'"' ,...' "•' • ., f'.^hese.fact aaist be determined by your great effort. v' .-, •' •" • •' ; ••» Pare 2

Mr. Kingo Suzuki - President of Dai-bo sat su Party, a Buddhist Party in Japan - has been several times in Vietnam under fire, and experienced to help lives of Peoples and rescue with reliefgoods from Japanese Buddhists.-, /»« , .• And he feeled something about that, and wants repectfully to have a favor to ask you. • .

Be Glory and Peace on the earth.

Yours respectfully

Mr. Yasoichi ilori

Adress: Tokyo, Japan 51, Eifukucho, Suginami-ku..

'' (i ••'-' ''"., •.' ' •' ^-'. '< '"""? •' . • ;/;, v; .;-. - ::>:•••!% ,,A I ' . i - ' ',",*/' V.-*1 YA/PJG

1969

Dear Bevel-sad Sh Blank yon very such for jour kind letter of 6 which Hevei*end Stasuki was good enough to bring •sait I am gratofiil for youy kind s^c-tds for s^f work for international peace and progress. I aa also gratillsd; to acts your work for human brotherhood 9 which you are promoting

,'iith klM regards, Yours sincerely »

B !£

Eeveread Shinraku Eoxm 1074 Kyoto, Japan TEL. Kurama 3. Kurama Kokyo Cable Address : Kurama-Dera "KuramaKyoto" (Head Temple) Your Ref. No. K)74 Kurama Honmachi, Sakyo-ku Kyoto, Japan. Our Ref. No.. Kyoto, 195

ftp - RdeB/ksn cc: Mr. Warasimhan Mr. Lemieux Registry (+ incl. and incoming)

PO 2kG VINA (PI) 30 September 1969

Dear Mr. Friedgood,

The Secretary-General has asked me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 20 September 1969, with which you enclosed an article on the question of the Viet-Ham war. The Secretary-General has taken note with interest of the content of your article. He sincerely hopes that the efforts undertaken by people like you in the United States and in other countries will contribute to creating the conditions for a better understanding of the situation in the Far East and to bringing closer an end to this conflict.

Yours sincerely,

C.V. Narasimhan Chef de Cabinet

Mr. Harry B. Friedgood, M.D., P.A.C.P. Visiting Professor of Philosophy and Human Ecology ForschungsstStte der Evangelischen Studiengemeinschaft 69 Heidelberg 1 Schmeilweg 5 Federal Republic of Germany MENTAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE 555 Middlefiejld Road, Palo Alto, California 94301

Telephone (415)' SERSafcX 323-9588

LOSUSE'.-M :'S.CEED September 20, 1969

•^ ] o honourable U hant t f £- .;::-3tary ueneral of the Baited Nations A /- ' IL .Ited Cations Plaza ' f-''j - > ^n- . Ii: - York City.

L'-^.r Mr. Secretary General: v^ .1*1 .DO cause of the deepened concern about Id affairs^ that you manifested after hcnri "i~ ^r . Kixon's .IJiJ "?-cgsy I am hoping that you v.r.'_ II take th<- time to read the en- -oc. erticls. It deals in dra^rll with tha r:^^cns why (.and how) United states must settle the Vietnam ivar by submitting itself, re se rvatious , to thb ju?'isdioti on • cf the united Mations»

Although I speak for myself, I believe t1 it iriy formula , based on talks I had with the late ^rine Minister iWhi-u ( sbout ending the Korean war), is rcalistio enough to warrant •y:ar personal attention.

If you think we] 1 of ray peaco formula a 1 the woy iu. which it is pr e sc n l;o d , perV^c you would consider i' np^ropri''t c to give me your off -the~re c ovJ. views on ho~..r I night ': c the b^ st use of this article,

I have written LKGEiMT across the face ersv lcpe in wl'ioh this article is bi -i r^g sent because i'iir,e pressing. On September 30th, I am taking off for Prague, under ; aegis of the F'ord ^"o.undatio n, to attend a Human ôology cbnfer- c and assist the Czechs vrith the Agenda for a 1970 conference j ar i immediately thereafter I go to -Heidelbe'rg for a two-year appoint— me nt as îsiting Professor of Philosophy and Surnan Ecology at the Fc - s chungs s tatte der Evangel! schon Studiengeme ins chaf t (69 Heidelberg"' So 'ineilweg 5, ti'est Germany). In these circumstances, it would be • go .>d to hear from you before I leave the country; but if this is not ; ' possible, please address me at êiclelberg. I am stopping there for a '.êk on ir.y way to Prague, and will be back again within the monthe

Respectfully youres

flarry B. ^riedgocd, M.D., Consultant to the Direct or &esearchAssociate» PO 240 PI NBR/SR cc: Mr. Narasimhan Mr. Lemieux^

The Secretsrv-Qeneral of the United Ifatiens presents his compliment© to tfee Be-psaamftt Representative of ths Socialist Federal Bepufrlie of Yugoslavia to tfos llnitad Katloa© and has the hcaiawr to ackH0wl®dge th© recej.pt of hist aote Ste. 1065 of IT ffe'tfeiaber 1969* traasaitting -fee ooj^' of a tel©g£"gas frosa the workers ce?ll@etiv® of UMIS in Sara^le-TO asEpressii'ig t&eir position of sollcl&rity the struggle of the people of ?iet~I%js. sGretary-SeiTsral vould appreciate it if the t Espresentativs of Titgoslairia iKstald tliank the of the sorters oollectivs «f TMIS for bringing their views to his attention.

Sovesnter 1 / ^

. i J\ PERMANENT MISSION HE SOCIALIST FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA

TO THE UNITED NATIONS '. ?. 854 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK. N. Y. 1OO21

No. 1065

The Permanent Reprise at at ive c>f the Socialist Fedei'al Republic of Yugoslavj a to the United M; bions presents his compliments to 'he Secrei ary-Genei il of the United Nations and has the honour to transit Lt a copy of a telegramme forward by the workers collective of QN1S, Sarajevo, expressing their solidarity with the struggle of the people of Vietnam.

The Permanent Representative of Yugoslavia avails himself of this opportunity to convey his assurances to the Secretary-General of the United Natinns.

New York, 17 November 1969.

fc"; ••" •, ••

His Excellency U Thant Secretary-General United Nations New York

LM/mr His Excellency U Tharit Secretary-General United Nations

Excellency, The working people of our collective associate themselves with the week of solidarity with the struggle of the people of Vietnam, which is being organized in our country.

Aware of the suffering and sacrifices borne by the Vietnamese people we request you to undertake through the United Nations Organization and all the progressive forces in the world appropriate action in order to prevent further bloodshed and extermination of the Vietnamese people.

The position of our country, its Government and its peoples in respect of the struggle of the Vietnamese people is well known all over the world and has been many times confirmed through material help and moral and political support to the just cause of the Vietnamese people.

We stand firmly behind our opinions and request to entitle the Vietnamese people to: Demand from the aggressor to cease its intervention and to withdraw its troops from Vietnam; - Acquire the right to decide by themselves on the fate of the people of South Vietnam; - Establish their own political system in their own country and to conduct their own foreign affairs; Recognize the provisional revolutionary government of the South of Vietnam as the sole representative of the legitimate struggle of the people of that country. - 2 - The members of our working collective wish to assure Your Excellency that they will not spare any efforts in helping the realization of. the just demands of the people of Vietnam to stop further bloodshed, since their efforts are part of the endeavours of all the peoples of Yugoslavia.

Sarajevo, 17 November 1969.

(Signed) Working Collective of UNIS Sarajevo Roller Bearing Factory TME (EIEDESAJPEAJEJE A.TSJE) (DBMS!)

T ERM I NAL TOW ER • C LEVEI LA N D, O H [O

AREA CODE 216 / 3SI-22OO

BETTY ROYON P.O.BOX64I9 STAFF ASSISTANT™ THE CHAIRMAN December Zii, CABLE ADDRESS: BROYON-CLEVELAND

Dear Mr. Secretary General:

You will see from this copy of "The Editor's Notebook, " as it appeared in yesterday's Akron Beacon Journal, that the head of the influential Knight newspapers has strongly endorsed Mr. Cyrus Eaton's persistent efforts for peace. The Knight Chain includes the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Detroit Free Press, the Miami Herald and several other important dailies, with a total circulation close to 2, 000, 000. The editorial also appeared in the Chicago Daily News and other major newspapers that use the Knight service.

Sincerely yours,

Hon. U Thant Secretary General of the United Nations United Nations Building New York, New York 10017

BR:ok Enclosure Eaton Helps AKRON BfcACON JOURNAL Peace Cause Sunday, December 21, 1969 Editor's Notebook, D-2

The Editor's Notebook Eaton's Hanoi Trip ps Peace Cause

• AT this season of the year, as we pray for ; £\. peace and the safety of loved ones in Vietnam, it seems appropriate to talk of a man who has dedicated his wintry years to ending a cruel and senseless war. I speak of Cyrus S. Eaton, the 86-year- okLOhio industrialist, who in recent weeks has visited Paris, Moscow and Hanoi in .the quest for a solution to the impasse between the United States and North Vietnam. But first, as a noted editor is fond of saying, "Let me give you the background." Cyrus Eaton is an atypical capitalist. Though he presides as chairman of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway and has served on dozens of corporate boards, his interests range from cattle breeding to membership in the Academy of Political and Social Sciences. He is the founder of the famed Pugwash seminars where world leaders of government, science, education and philosophy gather each Summer in Nova Scotia to exchange views and explore common problems. if TTTHAT distinguishes Eaton from his fel- VV low tycoons of the business world is his long held conviction that Russia and the United States must reach accommodations on trade and other questions at issue if we hope to have a peaceful world. He was largely responsible for arranging the visits to this country of Nikita Khrush- chev, Alexei Kosygin and Anastas Mikoyan. He thinks, too, that the United States Even so, Eaton said he has "discovered It all began some 15 years ago when a was wrong in placing an embargo on Cuba. enough give and enough good will in Hanoi group of Russian journalists wanted to see "We thought an embargo would bring an to indicate that compromises are possible the home of an American industrialist. The end to the Castro regime, but the things to end the war." In this connection, he State Department requested Cyrus Eaton Cuba needs of American origin can be ob- mentioned assurances from the North Viet- to undertake this responsibility because of tained from our allies — Canada, Great namese that American prisoners would his contacts with the Russians- during World Britain, France — and, of course, from the henceforth receive better treatment includ- War I. Communist countries." ing mail from home and dispatching of Eaton's advocacy of the need for better As Merriman Smith has written, "Cyrus letters to the United States. relations with Russia has not contributed to Eaton is not only a capitalist, he is a highly his popularity. He has been called a Com- pragmatic capitalist." * munist and worse by the business establish- ONE of the above is intended to have ment. The general public has shown but N you believe that Mr. Eaton will suc- little sympathy for his views. rpHERE are overtones of Eaton's prag- ceed where two Presidents have failed. -L matism in his just concluded eight day As the old saying goes, it is easier to get To such criticism, Eaton replies: "I discussions with the leaders of North Viet- involved in wars than to get out of them. am a dedicated capitalist, both in theory nam in Hanoi. For he feels that to prolong Yet Mr. Eaton has performed a useful and practice. The Soviet Union exists, so the war is to invite serious economic con- mission. As he told me, "I wanted the Com- let's meet them halfway — let's know sequences in our own country. munist world to see an American capitalist the top people and work with them. As The main obstacle to peace, as Eaton who is opposed to the war. North Vietnam long as we carry on warfare, we just sees it, is Hanoi's conviction that President has the notion that our industrialists are in- make them fanatics — they go to ex- Nixon's peace gestures are not sincere and terested only in profiting from the war." tremes. So let's see if we cannot compro- that he really wants to continue the war. mise with them." This vigorous man of 86, the object of In a Hong Kong talk to foreign corre- derision in the past, may have made an In an interview with Merriman Smith of spondents, Eaton expressed tbe view that invaluable contribution to the cause of United Press International, Eaton added: lie thought he had made "some progress" peace by providing a better understand- "We need to export our food products in in convincing North Vietnamese leaders great quantities and extend credit. We also to the contrary. ing of the barriers of peace. ought to supply backward countries with machinery and equipment. At a profit, of Another hang-up is the refusal of Pre- Cyrus Eaton will hear that he has been course. This is better than sending military mier Pham Van Dong and Foreign Minister- brainwashed, and be scorned as a Russian missions to police them." Nguyen Duy Trinh In have any dealings lover by those whose haired of the Soviet Union paralyzes the ability to reason. Eaton observes that "it used to be fash- with the present Saigon government. They ionable to be anti-Communist and denounce are still demanding the r-omplolp withdraw- But never mind. Cyrus Eaton has in his al of Americim troops and formation of a way and with remarkable courage obeyed anything of that kind. Now, half of the the Biblical injunction to live peaceably world is Communist—that's a hell of a lot." provisional government to replace Presi- dent Thieu and Vice President Ky. with all men. JOHN S. KNIGHT CaHnESAJPEAjKJE ARfffl (DffilKG) JRAIZ-WAY

TERM I NAl- TOWER • C LEVE L AN D, O H I O 44IOI

CYRUS s. EATON December 22, 1969 CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Dear Mr. Secretary General:

You will see from this copy of "The Editor's Notebook, " as it appeared in yesterday's Akron Beacon Journal, that the head of the influential Knight newspapers has strongly endorsed Mr. Cyrus Eaton's persistent efforts for peace. The Knight chain includes the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Detroit Free Press, the Miami Herald and several other important dailies, with a total circulation close to 2, 000, 000. The editorial also appeared in the Chicago Daily News and other major newspapers that use the Knight service.

Sincerely yours,

Administrative Assistant

Hon. U Thant Secretary-General of United Nations New York, New York 10017 . ;ft$ (JiltKm €2490

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