ACTION

MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT

FROM:	ROBERT C. MCFARLAND
SUBJECT:	Letter to the National League of Families on the Interment of a Vietnam Unknown

Issue

To sign a letter to the National League of Families in response to their letter at Tab B.

Facts

We successfully resisted Congressional and veterans group pressure to inter an unknown prematurely for the past two years in order to assure ourselves that the remains to be interred are unidentifiable. We brought Ann Griffiths, the Executive Director of the League in Washington, into the technical process and she is satisfied in this regard. The Secretary of the Army spoke to the Chairman of the Board of the League prior to the public announcement. He approved and believed that the Board would also approve. Subsequently, the Board itself led by Anne Hart voted by a majority to oppose interment and sent the letter at Tab B.

Discussion

This reaction is emotional and due to many years of apathy towards the POW/MIA issue by prior Administrations. The fear expressed is that interment will close book on Vietnam and in the public eye the POW/MIA issue. One of my staff members spoke to the Western Regional Meeting of the League last week. He explained the procedures and the Congressional law and assured them procedures and the book on this issue, it will be used to highlight the true unknown question of the Vietnam War -- the fate of almost 2,500 missing Americans. After the presentation, the families voted almost 2 to 1 in favor of proceeding. Your remarks at the scheduled ceremony will be tailored appropriately. Your suggested response to the League Vice Chairman will reinforce the message given to the general membership by the League Executive Director and appeal for unity.

Recommendation

OK	NO
x	___	That you sign the letter at Tab A to Mrs. Hart
		Chairman of the Board

OK No

Attachments

Tab A Presidential Letter for Signature

Tab B National League of Families Letter, dated 4/18/84

Prepared by:

Richard Childress