U. S. Military back to Vietnam - It's going to happen! Maybe not tomorrow, next week or even next year, but it is going to happen. Talks are under way at this very moment, in Hanoi, between Admiral Joseph Prueher, commander in chief for the Pacific and the Vietnamese government, represented by Vietnams Defense Minister. Admiral Joseph Prueher was also scheduled to meet with war criminal and Vietnams current Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet.

According to information contained in a Reuters article dated March 21st Admiral Joseph Prueher said "the two sides might also look at exchanges involving military training, including jungle warfare training, adding that Hanoi had expressed strong support for a continued U.S. military presence in the region."

Referring to our POW/MIAs Prueher said, according to Reuters, "the Vietnamese government was cooperating in full over the issue but added, without explanation, that this did not mean Hanoi could not do better."

If someone is cooperating in full, how can they do better, unless they are not cooperating in full? Is this what they mean when they say someone is speaking out of both sides of their mouth?

On March 18th, prior to his trip to Hanoi Admiral Prueher appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee. During an exchange with Admiral Prueher, Senator Bob Smith (R-NH) stated:

"There are two areas that I think are very important that ought to be looked at. One is the so-called Red Book which concerns reports on MIA's that were captured or shot down by the North Vietnamese forces in Laos. "

"And there was a researcher by the name of Schweitzer (ph) who had had some limited access to that book, and we've never gotten it completely. And I think.. and then also, finally, wartime prison camp records. The records that the Vietnamese kept on our POW's during the war. Many of those POW's as you know, were in the system captured, but the Vietnamese never accounted for them, even through some of our own guys had seen them. And those are referred to as the Blue Files."

"And I would urge you to zero in on that and not follow necessarily the political, or the policy line. I mean, these are issues that the Vietnamese clearly have information on that they've not provided. And I think hearing that from you, I think would be very important that the Vietnamese understand that we're still focused heavily on that."

Now we don't know what Admiral Prueher said to the Vietnamese behind closed doors, but publicly, he's towing the party line on Vietnamese cooperation on the POW issue. As we all know, the party line is a lie.

We do know Vietnam needs a strong ally against China. Disputes over oil rights, in the South China Sea, between Vietnam and China could get ugly. Alone, Vietnam can not stand against China. Russia is not in a position to ally themselves with Vietnam against China. So, it is now to Vietnam's advantage to support a strong U.S. military presence in the region.

The thought of U.S. troops stationed in Vietnam, under the guise of training, is totally offensive to us.

Training, isn't that how it all started the first time around.

How dare we even consider sending U.S. troops back to Southeast Asia when we haven't gotten back all of the troops we sent the last time.

Meanwhile, China through illegal campaign contributions to the Democratic National Committee, attempted to buy every political advantage available in Washington De Ceit. Not to be outdone, Mr. Riady and his Vietnam based Lippo Group also made illegal campaign contributions to the DNC.

Is normalization of relations with Vietnam and a Chinese naval base in Long Beach, Ca. a result of these illegal campaign contributions? Someone better get the answers and get them fast! Because if the answer is yes, someone is playing both sides against the middle and it will be U.S. servicemen and women left to clean up the mess.

Anthony Lake withdraws as President Clinton's nominee to head the CIA - Anthony Lake withdrew his name from consideration as head of the CIA. In a three page letter Lake condemned the Senate confirmation process and referred to a "Washington gone haywire."

Imagine Senators, during a confirmation hearing, asking hard questions of a Presidential nominee and expecting honest answers. To a member of the Clinton Administration, that must indeed seem like a "Washington gone haywire."

Anthony Lake was a strong supporter of normalization of relations with Vietnam. He is no friend to the POW/MIA issue. Score one for the good guys.

Update - the confirmation of an ambassador to Vietnam remains on hold, thanks to Senator Bob Smith. Call or write your senators care of U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510, and ask them to support Senator Smith's efforts to stop the ambassadorship to Vietnam until the Huang/Lippo/Riady connection is thoroughly investigated.

Update - HR. 409 needs co sponsors. Get your congressman on board. Send your letters of support to your Congressman care of: United States House of Representatives, Washington D.C. 20515. Visit their local office. Let your voice be heard.

Remains Identified - The three Army members returned for burial at the end of February are identified as Sgt. John A. Jakovac, PFC Brian K. Mc Gar and PFC Joseph E. Fitzgerald. The three men missing since 31 May 1967 were members of a Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol. The remains of two other members of the patrol, Sp4 Carl Flower and Cpl. Charles Rogerson were recovered 1 June 1967.

There was a Republican dinner Friday evening, in Los Angles, honoring Senator John Mc Cain. The event was MC'd by entertainer Fred Travalena. During the question and answer session Mr. Travalena acknowledged Senator Mc Cain's POW status and service to his country. Mr. Travalena then asked Senator Mc Cain if in fact the confirmation of an Ambassador to Vietnam should be held up until Mr. Huang testifies before Congress and the Lippo Group connection can be thoroughly examined to determine whether campaign contributions could have played a role in the lifting of the trade embargo by the Clinton Administration. Senator Mc Cain acknowledged Mr. Travalena's work with POW families and stated that the Senate was looking into the problem.

Mr. Travalena closed the evening with a special rendition of the Star Spangled Banner dedicating it to our nation's POWs and reminded the audience that our nations' Hymn was, in fact, written by a Prisoner of War... Francis Scott Key held POW by the British during the War of 1812.

Perhaps, we all should remember that the song of our Nation was indeed written by a Prisoner of War.

Remembered by those who wear their bracelets: Wayne Allen, Clifton Cushman, Jon Sparks, Henry Mac Cann, Paul Czerwonka, Charles Finney and David Holmes.

The National Alliance of Families Eighth Annual Forum is scheduled for June 19th - 21st, 1997. Once again, we will meet at the Sheraton City Centre Hotel in Washington D.C. Room rates are $99.00 per night double occupancy. To make reservations, call 800-526-7495. Remember our meetings are open to all, at no charge. In order to make this Forum a reality, funds are needed. Please consider a contribution to The National Alliance of Families. The Alliance is registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a charitable organization. All donations are tax deductible. Contributions may be mailed to The National Alliance of Families, P.O. Box 40327, Bellevue Washington 98015-4327.
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