Letter from Joan Vinson to Senator Bob Dole Regarding the Impacts of the Vietnam Withdrawal Date Discussions

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File Name (Dublin Core)

s-con_293_019_001

Title (Dublin Core)

Letter from Joan Vinson to Senator Bob Dole Regarding the Impacts of the Vietnam Withdrawal Date Discussions

Date (Dublin Core)

1971-07-01

Date Created (Dublin Core)

1971-07-01

Congress (Dublin Core)

92nd (1971-1973)

Topics (Dublin Core)

See all items with this valueVietnam War, 1961-1975

See all items with this valueFamilies of prisoners of war

See all items with this valueVietnam War, 1961-1975--Missing in action--United States

Policy Area (Curation)

Armed Forces and National Security

Creator (Dublin Core)

Vinson, Joan M.

Record Type (Dublin Core)

correspondence

Names (Dublin Core)

See all items with this valueNational League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia

See all items with this valueDole, Robert J., 1923-2021

Location representation (Dublin Core)

See all items with this valueDistrict of Columbia

Rights (Dublin Core)

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/CNE/1.0/

Language (Dublin Core)

eng

Collection Finding Aid (Dublin Core)

https://dolearchivecollections.ku.edu/index.php?p=collections/controlcard&id=31&q=

Physical Location (Dublin Core)

Collection 002, Box 293, Folder 19

Institution (Dublin Core)

Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS

Archival Collection (Dublin Core)

Robert J. Dole Senate Papers-Constituent Relations, 1969-1996

Full Text (Extract Text)

This document is from the collections at the Dole Archives, University of Kansas http://dolearchives.ku.edu

NATIONAL LEAGUE OF FAMILIES OF AMERICAN PRISONERS AND MISSING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA 1608 "K"' STREET. N. W. WASHINGTON. D. C. 20006

July 1, 1971

pow

Honorable Robert Dole Senate Office Building Washington, D. C.

Dear Senator Dole:

The National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia was organized more than a year ago for the purely humanitarian purpose of focusing attention on the prisoner/missing-in-action situation among all nations. We have been bringing worldwide attention upon the failure of South- east Asian Communists to treat American prisoners in accordance with humani- tarian principles and the provisions of the Geneva Convention. Our larger objectives, naturally, were to improve the treatment of the men and assist in bringing about their earliest release, as well as accounting for the missing.

The American people and the Congress responded to our appeals with a massive letter-writing and action campaign. By the end of 1970, mail flow from men held by North Vietnam had increased significantly, if not to the degree we had hoped. We received a partial, although unofficial, list of prisoners. Some men previously listed officially as missing-in-action wrote to their families for the first time. These gains, although small, gave comfort to the wives, brothers, sisters and parents of men who had sacrificed their freedom for their nation.

The humanitarian campaign was producing measurable results. The North Viet- namese, at least, were responding to the pressure of our efforts to focus worldwide opinion on the plight of our men. Unfortunately, there was no response from the Pathet Lao or the Viet Cong.

During recent months, however, the attention of the American people and the Congress has turned to various proposals for publicly announcing a definite withdrawal date of our forces from South Vietnam. As you would expect in an organization representing 2,500 families, individual members have varying views about this legislation. As a nonpartisan, humanitarian organization, it is inappropriate for the League to take a position on any proposed legis- lation. We have not done so.

But we are concerned that there be a sustained, strong focus by the President, the Congress and the American people on getting humane treatment of the pri- soners, and on the callous disregard which the other side has shown for fami- lies who have not heard any word of their missing men. The blame for this situation rests with those who hold our men, not with anyone else.

Page 1 of 2

This document is from the collections at the Dole Archives, University of Kansas http://dolearchives.ku.edu

Page -2- July 1, 1971

We believe lack of sustained public pressure on the North Vietnamese and their allies in South Vietnam and Laos as a result of the debate over setting a public withdrawal date is at least partially responsible for the decline in the number of letters received from the prisoners in recent months. For ex- ample, before January 1969, only 620 letters had been received from 102 of our men held in North Vietnam. After attention was focused on the prisoner- of-war/missing-in-action situation, 2,000 six-line letters were received from 332 men in a one-year period. Thus far in 1971, the mail has dwindled to 400 letters from 182 men. No additional prisoners have been identified since Decem- ber, 1970, even unofficially. No American prisoners in Laos or South Vietnam have ever been officially identified by the other side, and mail has been virtually non-existent from these men.

The families of the prisoners of war and missing in action are deeply grateful for the actions the President and the Congress have taken on behalf of our men. We are extremely aware of every effort, and deeply grateful for the support and concern shown by the President, Senators and Members of the House of Represen- tatives.

But constant pressure must be exerted if the other side is to be convinced that American concern for its imprisoned and missing men is harmful to its cause. We plead with the Congress to reassert its desire for humane treatment of our husbands, brothers and fathers.

We continue to seek an impartial inspection of prisoner facilities, a complete list of prisoners, release of the sick and wounded, proper treatment of prisoners, regular flow of mail, and an accounting of those men who are missing. We also want to emphasize that we have men missing in South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, as well as North Vietnam. Therefore, attention must be focused on the Viet Cong, the Pathet Lao, and Communist forces in Cambodia, in addition to the North Vietnamese.

The prisoner-of-war/missing-in-action issue is humanitarian, not political. These brave men have given up their freedom honorably for their Country. They need, and they certainly deserve, your continued efforts and attention.

The League asks that you help us return our focus upon Hanoi and its allies to act in the spirit of common decency, humanity and according to the Geneva Convention.

Sincerely yours,

Joan Mr. Vinsia Joan M. (Mrs. Bobby G. ) Vinson National Coordinator

Page 2 of 2

This document is from the collections at the Dole Archives, University of Kansas http://dolearchives.ku.edu

NATIONAL LEAGUE OF FAMILIES OF AMERICAN PRISONERS AND MISSING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA 1608 "K"' STREET. N. W. WASHINGTON. D. C. 20006

July 1, 1971

pow

Honorable Robert Dole Senate Office Building Washington, D. C.

Dear Senator Dole:

The National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia was organized more than a year ago for the purely humanitarian purpose of focusing attention on the prisoner/missing-in-action situation among all nations. We have been bringing worldwide attention upon the failure of South- east Asian Communists to treat American prisoners in accordance with humani- tarian principles and the provisions of the Geneva Convention. Our larger objectives, naturally, were to improve the treatment of the men and assist in bringing about their earliest release, as well as accounting for the missing.

The American people and the Congress responded to our appeals with a massive letter-writing and action campaign. By the end of 1970, mail flow from men held by North Vietnam had increased significantly, if not to the degree we had hoped. We received a partial, although unofficial, list of prisoners. Some men previously listed officially as missing-in-action wrote to their families for the first time. These gains, although small, gave comfort to the wives, brothers, sisters and parents of men who had sacrificed their freedom for their nation.

The humanitarian campaign was producing measurable results. The North Viet- namese, at least, were responding to the pressure of our efforts to focus worldwide opinion on the plight of our men. Unfortunately, there was no response from the Pathet Lao or the Viet Cong.

During recent months, however, the attention of the American people and the Congress has turned to various proposals for publicly announcing a definite withdrawal date of our forces from South Vietnam. As you would expect in an organization representing 2,500 families, individual members have varying views about this legislation. As a nonpartisan, humanitarian organization, it is inappropriate for the League to take a position on any proposed legis- lation. We have not done so.

But we are concerned that there be a sustained, strong focus by the President, the Congress and the American people on getting humane treatment of the pri- soners, and on the callous disregard which the other side has shown for fami- lies who have not heard any word of their missing men. The blame for this situation rests with those who hold our men, not with anyone else.

Page 1 of 2

This document is from the collections at the Dole Archives, University of Kansas http://dolearchives.ku.edu

Page -2- July 1, 1971

We believe lack of sustained public pressure on the North Vietnamese and their allies in South Vietnam and Laos as a result of the debate over setting a public withdrawal date is at least partially responsible for the decline in the number of letters received from the prisoners in recent months. For ex- ample, before January 1969, only 620 letters had been received from 102 of our men held in North Vietnam. After attention was focused on the prisoner- of-war/missing-in-action situation, 2,000 six-line letters were received from 332 men in a one-year period. Thus far in 1971, the mail has dwindled to 400 letters from 182 men. No additional prisoners have been identified since Decem- ber, 1970, even unofficially. No American prisoners in Laos or South Vietnam have ever been officially identified by the other side, and mail has been virtually non-existent from these men.

The families of the prisoners of war and missing in action are deeply grateful for the actions the President and the Congress have taken on behalf of our men. We are extremely aware of every effort, and deeply grateful for the support and concern shown by the President, Senators and Members of the House of Represen- tatives.

But constant pressure must be exerted if the other side is to be convinced that American concern for its imprisoned and missing men is harmful to its cause. We plead with the Congress to reassert its desire for humane treatment of our husbands, brothers and fathers.

We continue to seek an impartial inspection of prisoner facilities, a complete list of prisoners, release of the sick and wounded, proper treatment of prisoners, regular flow of mail, and an accounting of those men who are missing. We also want to emphasize that we have men missing in South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, as well as North Vietnam. Therefore, attention must be focused on the Viet Cong, the Pathet Lao, and Communist forces in Cambodia, in addition to the North Vietnamese.

The prisoner-of-war/missing-in-action issue is humanitarian, not political. These brave men have given up their freedom honorably for their Country. They need, and they certainly deserve, your continued efforts and attention.

The League asks that you help us return our focus upon Hanoi and its allies to act in the spirit of common decency, humanity and according to the Geneva Convention.

Sincerely yours,

Joan Mr. Vinsia Joan M. (Mrs. Bobby G. ) Vinson National Coordinator

Page 2 of 2

This document is from the collections at the Dole Archives, University of Kansas http://dolearchives.ku.edu

NATIONAL LEAGUE OF FAMILIES OF AMERICAN PRISONERS AND MISSING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA 1608 "K"' STREET. N. W. WASHINGTON. D. C. 20006

July 1, 1971

pow

Honorable Robert Dole Senate Office Building Washington, D. C.

Dear Senator Dole:

The National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia was organized more than a year ago for the purely humanitarian purpose of focusing attention on the prisoner/missing-in-action situation among all nations. We have been bringing worldwide attention upon the failure of South- east Asian Communists to treat American prisoners in accordance with humani- tarian principles and the provisions of the Geneva Convention. Our larger objectives, naturally, were to improve the treatment of the men and assist in bringing about their earliest release, as well as accounting for the missing.

The American people and the Congress responded to our appeals with a massive letter-writing and action campaign. By the end of 1970, mail flow from men held by North Vietnam had increased significantly, if not to the degree we had hoped. We received a partial, although unofficial, list of prisoners. Some men previously listed officially as missing-in-action wrote to their families for the first time. These gains, although small, gave comfort to the wives, brothers, sisters and parents of men who had sacrificed their freedom for their nation.

The humanitarian campaign was producing measurable results. The North Viet- namese, at least, were responding to the pressure of our efforts to focus worldwide opinion on the plight of our men. Unfortunately, there was no response from the Pathet Lao or the Viet Cong.

During recent months, however, the attention of the American people and the Congress has turned to various proposals for publicly announcing a definite withdrawal date of our forces from South Vietnam. As you would expect in an organization representing 2,500 families, individual members have varying views about this legislation. As a nonpartisan, humanitarian organization, it is inappropriate for the League to take a position on any proposed legis- lation. We have not done so.

But we are concerned that there be a sustained, strong focus by the President, the Congress and the American people on getting humane treatment of the pri- soners, and on the callous disregard which the other side has shown for fami- lies who have not heard any word of their missing men. The blame for this situation rests with those who hold our men, not with anyone else.

Page 1 of 2

This document is from the collections at the Dole Archives, University of Kansas http://dolearchives.ku.edu

Page -2- July 1, 1971

We believe lack of sustained public pressure on the North Vietnamese and their allies in South Vietnam and Laos as a result of the debate over setting a public withdrawal date is at least partially responsible for the decline in the number of letters received from the prisoners in recent months. For ex- ample, before January 1969, only 620 letters had been received from 102 of our men held in North Vietnam. After attention was focused on the prisoner- of-war/missing-in-action situation, 2,000 six-line letters were received from 332 men in a one-year period. Thus far in 1971, the mail has dwindled to 400 letters from 182 men. No additional prisoners have been identified since Decem- ber, 1970, even unofficially. No American prisoners in Laos or South Vietnam have ever been officially identified by the other side, and mail has been virtually non-existent from these men.

The families of the prisoners of war and missing in action are deeply grateful for the actions the President and the Congress have taken on behalf of our men. We are extremely aware of every effort, and deeply grateful for the support and concern shown by the President, Senators and Members of the House of Represen- tatives.

But constant pressure must be exerted if the other side is to be convinced that American concern for its imprisoned and missing men is harmful to its cause. We plead with the Congress to reassert its desire for humane treatment of our husbands, brothers and fathers.

We continue to seek an impartial inspection of prisoner facilities, a complete list of prisoners, release of the sick and wounded, proper treatment of prisoners, regular flow of mail, and an accounting of those men who are missing. We also want to emphasize that we have men missing in South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, as well as North Vietnam. Therefore, attention must be focused on the Viet Cong, the Pathet Lao, and Communist forces in Cambodia, in addition to the North Vietnamese.

The prisoner-of-war/missing-in-action issue is humanitarian, not political. These brave men have given up their freedom honorably for their Country. They need, and they certainly deserve, your continued efforts and attention.

The League asks that you help us return our focus upon Hanoi and its allies to act in the spirit of common decency, humanity and according to the Geneva Convention.

Sincerely yours,

Joan Mr. Vinsia Joan M. (Mrs. Bobby G. ) Vinson National Coordinator

Page 2 of 2