THE WAR IN VIETNAM AND WHAT IT MEANS TO ME

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP70B00338R000300100100-3
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 19, 2016
• Document Release Date: January 12, 2006
• Sequence Number: 100
• Publication Date: September 19, 1967
• Content Type: OPEN

Approved For Release 2006/01/30 :CIA-RDP7OB~O 3 000300100100-3
n __1 __._7 ,..., ~ n , nary rn1~Tr_~FRQTnNAT. RF.C(~RD -APP N -
They are learning. culture and customs. They
have fought for our country and died-but
they did not die in vain. That is the way
the war is helping us.
THE WAR IN VIETNAM AND WHAT
- IT MEANS TO ME
(By Teresa Paolilla, fifth grade, first place)
This war is the most unpopular, most
talked about ar3d the most confusing war
the United States was ever in. Young men
have burned their draft cards, marched in
protest of the war. You hear many views
expressed on radio and TV. It is claimed
that we are the agggressor, and have no right
to be in South Vietnam.
The Constitution of the United States
states that Pnly Congress shall have the
power to declare war. Then the question is:
Are we at war and why?
To try to understand, we must go back in
history. After the war with France in .1954,
Vietnam was separated into the North and
South. South Vietnam made an agreement
with the United States that upon request
the United States would send men and
material. The Senate ratifies all treaties and
commitments. We are committed to send
material and men to any nation that has
signed treaties or agreements with the
United States if they are invaded and ask
our help.
North Vietnam sent material and men to
support the Viet Cong and their revolution
with the South Vietnam government. They
feel that they are not invading a foreign soil
because Vietnam .is still part of their coun-
try-therefore they are not aggressors-the
United States is.
West Germany and East Germany is a
divided country and .we recognize West Ger-
many. North and South Korea is a divided
country and we recognize South Korea.
South Korea asked our help and we sent men
and material. The war never ended-there is
only an armistice.
Under the UN Charter all member nations
are supposed to send troops to maintain peace
when a member-nation is invaded. The
United States of America has signed this
obligation and other various treaties. The
President, the Commander-ln-Chief, has the
power to send men and material to police a
country ar to maintain peace when that
country is invaded by another, but only
when that country requests our help. We
did the same thing in the Dominican Re-
public when Cuban Communists invaded
that country and when peace was restored
we withdrew our troops.
In South Vietnam the USA wants a politi-
cal solution to the Vietnam question and not
a military one. Recently President Johnson
wrote a personal letter to the Premier of
North Vietnam. He offered tp stop the bomb-
ing of the North and the sending of more
men to South V}etnam if the North Viet-
namese would also stop sending men and
material. This direct offer oP peace was re-
Jected by North Vietnam.
We are trying to follow along the lines of
Pope Paul's suggestion for an honorable
peace. Many of our boys are dying in South
Vietnam to protect the freedom of other
people 'and thereby protect the freedom of
the USA.
I am proud to be an American. Wei have
the legal and moral right to be in South
Vietnam. Right ar wrong I am an American.
I support our country because we value
human life-and men have laid down .their
lives to .protect their own rights and those
of other human beings. By protecting the
rights and freedom of other people, we there-
by protect our own rights and freedom and
that is what the war in Vietnam means to
me.
THE VIETNAM WAR-A REAL WAR OR
POLITICAL WAR?
(By Robert Benvenuto, sixth grade, first
place)
Vietnam is a small insignificant country in
southern Asia that has captured the hearts
and minds of all men because of man's
weapon to build and destroy other nai;ions
and peoples. The Vietnam war started as a
political war caused by many disagreements
between North and South Vietnam, North
Vietnam declared war on the Soutil. The
United States felt that she should step in
and try to stop the Communists from spread-
ing their doctrines and cruel ways of life.
After this, the war in Vietnam became a
"'real war."
While in the Vietcong territory, the North
Vietnamese and Vietcong suffered great mili-
tary losses. Even with these hardships i;here
still seemed glenty of fight, left in them,.
Despite America's decision in June to bomb
oil dumps and installations in the vJ,cinity
of Hanoi and Haiphong, North Vietnamese
infiltration into the South continued at a
high rate. Notwithstanding their stlgply
problems, the North Vietnamese boosted
their total of troops fighting in South Viet-
nam to same fifty thousand by the end of
1966. This is a "real war."
Pope Paul, knowing the results of war,
pleaded with all to cease fire. He knew a com-
promise on all sides was necessary. The Com-
munists failed to see his ideas for com-
promise and peace. Therefore they demanded
the withdrawal of ail United States troops
prior to the peace talks. Because of this the
United States stated that they would meet
the terms if the Communists would do the
same. The Communists then made an at-
tack on South Vietnam the next day. This
is a "real wall"
When President Johnson was running for
reelection he commented that he would not
send any more troops to Vietnam unless nec-
essary. Circumstances have warranted dou-
bling the number of troops in South Viet-
nam, raising the total to 327,000 at its peak.
With more United States troops in action
casualties took a sharp upward turn. Be-
cause of this, in March, the United States
dead for the first time exceeded the South
Vietnamese dead.
In the air war the United States lost more
than 400 Blanes during the year, the bulk of
-them being shot down by intense ground fire.
During the year there was a lull in air strikes
against the North as President Johnson
launched an intense peace drive. But with no
response from Hanoi, United States Jets again
screamed northward after bombing was
stopped for 37 days. This is a "real war."
For Americans, 1$68 in Vietnam was a year
of continuing hope and anguish. Hope
stemmed from the fact that the military posi-
tion of the United States and its allies was
more improved. The anguish derived froth
the undisputable fact that this improvement
was wrought with higher casualties and. cost.
The hope of all Americans and peace-loving
people is in being victorious in the war and
returning once more to the "the land of the
free and home of the brave." It is the hope of
America that this-real war will be a real
and lasting peace for all nations.
MY REACTION TO THE BURNING QF THE
AMERICAN FLAG
(By Susan Hallran, seventh grade, first place)
My feeling is very strong for my country.
I love it and would never want to see it de-
stroyed. The American flag stands far' my
country, so I feel that same, way about it.
Anyone who burns the American flag could
only be mentally ill, or not an American
citizen.
A 4659
If an American citizen burns the flag, in
my opinion he is committing an act of trea-
son. It really makes me angry to know that
a citizen could burn a symbol that stands
far peace and Justice and also the repre-
sentations of other states. The American flag
is not only a symbol, but something hundreds
of men have risked their lives far. The .flag
lets everyone know that all men are equal
and that all love their country.
If I had been there when those men
burned the American flag, I would have tried
to stop them. I couldn't Just stand by and
see the flag, which represents so much,
burned to ashes in front of my eyes. The peo-
ple who were there and didn't try to stop this
action should be totally ashamed- and not
be able to call themselves American citizens.
-FLAG BURNING
(By Patricia Passadino, seventh grade, second
place)
Our country is a strong. and steadfast one
until a law violated against its very meaning
is permitted to occur.
A peace rally against the war was held
some two weeks ago in Central Park. Demon-
strators got carried away and very boldly
burned the flag of the United States of Amer-
ica. This mob mentality is a si;I and crime
against our country as well as God. We have
a duty to love and perfect our country. This
goal cannot be obtained if the people of the
states act so violently against the flag.
This act, performed in public, is the lowest
form Hof government ridicule possible. No
punishment is too harsh on the person or
persons involved when we think of the blood,
sweat and tears put into and represented by
our flag. The development of a barren terri-
tory and the freedom of the individual-this
is the meaning of the flag to hundreds of
our citizens.
So many have fought for it and are striv-
ing to keep it-.what of these ignorant in-
dividuals who would .destroy it7 We must
overcome them and wipe them out and con-
tinue to progress in the ways seen fit for our
welfare and that of our government.
As a student and prospective voter oY the
United States I feel that such treason cannot
exist if we are to continue on in life. There
cannot be any motive behind these insane
people. Ii this were to be overlooked a great
nation would collapse.
An act as horrible as this cannot and will
not go unpunished.
THE BURNING OF THE FLAG
(By Annette Incarbone, eighth grade, first
place)
I think the burning of the flag is showing
that the boys in the United States are down-
right cowards. Look at all the boys shedding
their blood in Viotnam for the freed ctures of
country. When our enemies- see p
the United States flag being torn, dirtied and
burned to ashes with no one being punished
for it they laugh at the stupid Americans be-
cause they feel they are so weak minded.
Anyone who destroys the American flag is
an enemy to himself and his country and
would think nothing of conspiring with the
Communists. They would love to force our
freedom into dictatorship.
Our flag stands for freedom slid always
will.
As an American I feel that people who de-
stroy or mishandle the flag in any way should
be punished severely by fines or imprison-
ment.
I wonder how our forefathers would feel if
they were alive today and could see how our
flag is maliciously set afire and spit upon
knowing of all the blood that was shed to
preserve our flag 'and freedom. Again I say,
Approved For Release 2006/01/30 :CIA-RDP7OBOO338ROOO3OO1OO1OO-3
 A 4660
Approved For Release 2006/01/30 : CI RDP7 00030 1 ~~~r 19 :T 967
CONGRESSIONAL RECOR - A e
punishment for those who mistreat our flag.
Let us remember Philip Nolan-"the man
without a country:'
THE BURNING OF THE FLAG
(By Patricia Slesarchik, eighth grade, second
place)
On April lbth something happened which
all Americans can be very proud of. The
American flag was burned by Americans.
They should really be proud of what they
did for our country. It was a real milestone in
what our morals are coming to. When an-
other country burns our flag, everyone is
shocked and that., is enough to break-off dip-
lomatic relations. So what happens when
our own country does it? We can't break off
diplomatic relations.
What really gets me is that no one said
anything. Nobody stopped it. Are we all so
hardened as not to care? This time they
can't blame it only on teenagers. There were
grownups there too:. Why didn't they stop
it?
The burning of the flag didn't have any-
thing to do with the war in Vietnam. Oh
yes, it started out that way, but even if you
don't like the way your country does some-
thing, out of respect you would not burn its
flag!
Teenagers were very fairly represented at
the demonstrations. Whose fault is it? Their
parents? Maybe, After all, they were sup-
posed to instill in their offspring a respect
for their country..
But I doubt if that was the case with all of
them. Most likely it was that they would
be big shots with their friends. They prob-
. ably didn't expect it to go so far, and when
it did, they were afraid to speak up.
Why? Was. it worth it-to lose all of your
self-respect for a few minutes of fun?
Surely none of us can be so hardened that
we wouldn't be ashamed of what happened.
In contrast, take the pro-Vietnam demon-
strations. No disrespect was shown to the
United States. Our flag -was proudly carried
down Fifth Avenue. The people who took
part in that can really be proud.
What is this country coming to?
EXTENSION OF REMARKS"
HON. WILLIAM 0. COWGER
OF KENTVCKY
IN THE HOSISE OF REPRESENTATIVES
every resident of Louisville in which I
asked the question, "Should the Uxlited
States immediately begin action on an
antiballistic missile system?" Sixty-two
and six-tenths percent answered ixl the
affirmative. To my mind, this is a perfect
example of citizen participation in their
Government. Through their elected
representatives in the Congress, Ameri-
cans have made their views known to the
President and to -the Defense Dellart-
ment. Continued pressure forced the
President and the Secretary to bend to
the will of the people.
EXTENSION OF REMARKS
OF
HON. JOHN R. RARICK
OF LOUISIANA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Tuesday, September i9, i967
Mr. RARICK, Mr. Speaker, while gal-
lant Americans of Polish descent strug-
gle to preserve their homes and families
in Milwaukee, their National Capital sees
a Pole from the Communist-suppx?essed
homeland arriving to aid in the inter-
national undermining of these United
States.
My prayers are for our gallant Mil-
waukee fellow countrymen. My political
regards but scorn for the Washington
Socialists .representing the Communist
regime of Poland.
Mr. Speaker, I am inserting the :Even-
ing Star article of September 13 follow-
ing my remarks
NEW ENVOY'S WIFE Is ARTICULATE CAREER
WOMAN, TOO
(By Tani House)
She is a satirist, translator, art collector,
mother, concert-goer and loves living in an
apartment.
She is an outspoken, articulate proponent
of the working woman and is a shining ex-
ample of combining career and home to the
advantage of both.
She is the diplomatic corp's newest distaff
addition, wife of Polish Ambassador Jerzy
Michalowski, who, yesterday, presented his
credentials to the President.
Mr. COWGER. Mr. Speaker, on July dente at the Washington Hilton. Come tae salve the technical manpower problem.
month's end they will move to their perma-
6, 1967, in my weekly report to the citi- nent residence in the C7olonade Apartments- The program is called the Korean Na-
zens of my district-Louisville-I pre- over-looking Glover Archbold Park in North- tional Science-Cultural Center. TYle pre-
dicted "that the President will succumb west. ~ gram had its actual beginning in March
to a thin defense system, costing between such greenery, such trees, raptures Mrs. of,1966, when Mr. Joseph Allen Patter-
$3 and $5 billion." Today President Michalowski-"There are more trees in that son, then Director of the American Asso-
Johnsan and Defense Secretary Robert park than in all of Warsaw." ciation of Museums, was asked to assist
S. McNamara announced that the United The mother of two sons interrupted a in the planning for a new institution to
States will start building a $5 billion career in television writing three weeks ago replace their science museum which had
antiballistic missile system which will when they moved to Washington. been destroyed during the war. From a
be a prelude to an expanding defense But she has no intention of being a lady , series of meetings which followed, a plan
system that might ultimately cost $40 of leisure here. ~ evolved for a new center with a program
billion. On June 22, I joined with 35 first- The linguist said yesterday she has' a great combining all aspects of science and
term Republican Members of Congress~in affection for the English language (which technology with the broad spectrum of
urging the administration to immedi- she divides into "English" and `American") .Korean cultural history. The Korean of-
ately establish an adequate ABM system. and leas translated about 15 works into facials realized that their people- lacked
Polish, including Hemingway, Caldwell and an adequate base of understanding to
We sent a strongly worded resolution to Miller.
Secretary McNamara demanding action Raising her eyebrows in a gesture of mock fully appreciate or be of assistance in the
at an early date. This was followed up concern, she states her housekeeper once de- rapid technological changes which are
by a meeting with the. Secretary of De- scribes her as a "woman who does nothing- taking place in Korea. These officials flxr-
fense at the Pentagon, where additional. just sits and reads or writes all day." they felt that the center should provide
arguments were voiced in favor of such. TRANSLATEa programs in the cultural history of Korea
a system. Before moving to Washington, Mira to help firmly establish for Koreans their
In April, I sent a questionnaire to Michalowski finished translating an adult historical identity, traditions, and heri-
Approved For Release 2006/01/30 :CIA-RDP70B00338R000300100100-3
novel by the late A. A. Milne, author of every-
one's teddybear, "Winnie-the-Pooh:'
The Polish, she said, have a great affection
far Poah and friend's creator and at his
death named a Warsaw street in his honor:
"Winnie-the-Pooh Street."
This is not the Michalowskis first tour in
the United States. From 19b7 to 1960, the am-
bassador was the Polish envoy to the UN.
"I loved Ne.w Yosrk," said his wife, "but I
find Washington- intriguing. I suspect it will
take me about 6 months to find my way
around: '
Ambassador Michalowski replaces former
Ambassador Edward Drozniak, who died last
November.
The Korean National Science-Cultural
Center
EXTENSION OF REMARKS
OF
HON. RICHARD T. -HANNA
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Tuesday, September 19, 1967
Nlr. HANNA. Mr. Speaker, one of the
most serious problems confronting the
developing nations of Southeast Asia is
the shortage of personnel capable of per-
forming the technical tasks inherent in
industrialization. Education and training-
are, of course, the keys to the solution of
this problem, but these are not simple
processes. Most of the Southeast Asian
nations lack any base from which to
commence any valuable training pro-
gram; educational facilities are far be-
low the necessary level. The United States
and other friendly developed nations are
lending what assistance they can; but
this kind of aid has definite shortcom-
ings. First, most often it cannot be ade-
quately extensive. Second, it is Western
training and education and does not pro-
vide ahealthy incentive for the trainee
to remain in the homeland-opportuni-
ties in the West are far too attractive.
Consequently, if the shortage of qualified
personnel is to be overcome, it must be
overcome by the developing nations
themselves.
I would like to make a few comments
today on a program recently established
in the Republic of South Korea which.