Letter from U.S. Representative Jack Brooks to President Gerald R. Ford requesting the evacuation of all American citizens from South Vietnam

JACK BROOKS 9TH DISTRICT, TEXAS COUNTIES [illegible] GALVESTON HARRIS [illegible] [illegible] COMMITTEES JUDICIARY GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS CHAIRMAN JOINT COMMITTEE ON CONGRESSIONAL OPERATIONS Congress of the United States House of Representatives Washington D.C. 20515 April 17, 1975 The Honorable Gerald R.Ford The President The White House Washington D.C. 20500 Dear Mr President: [black circle stamp] This is an urgent appeal to you to act at once to remove all American citizens from South Vietnam. There can no longer be any doubt that further delay in evacuating them jeopardizes their lives. With enemy troops virtually on the outskirts of Saigon and with the two major airports available for evacuation flights already threatened, immediate action is imperative. I have been deeply disturbed by the testimony of administration witnesses the week before several congressional committees, including my Legislation and National Security Subcommittee of the Government Operations Committee. From the evidence made available to us, it appears that none of the present actions in South Vietnam are directed at removing all U.S. personnel. In view of the indecisiveness of the U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam and the State Department in the face of the mounting threat to American lives, I was all the more disturbed to learn this morning that you responded to a question at a convention of newspaper editors by stating the tragic events in South Vietnam would not have occurred if the military aid you requested have been provided. I supported $150 billion in appropriations for assistance to Vietnam, as you did, and I honestly fortunately demoralized ARVN. Last week, I listened with approval when in you address to Congress, you called for national unity on this painful that you would not engage in recriminations or attempt to assess blame. Your statement that events in Indochina "had the makings" of a political issue in 1976, carries dangerous implications of divisiveness within our country. The Honorable Gerald R. Ford Page Two April 17, 1975 There will be a time for the American people to make their judgment on the role of the United States in Indochina. But now the immediate need is for action to speed the departure of all U.S. personnel remaining in South Vietnam. I know you take most seriously your constitutional duty to protect American citizens. Surely, each day's delay in evacuating those remaining in South Vietnam threatens not only their lives, but increases the probability that large numbers of American troops will have to be reintroduced into South Vietnam to protect them. That eventuality must not be allowed to happen. With every good wish and confidence that, together, this country can move forward to meet this crisis and the other problems confronting us, I am Sincerely, Jon Hooh [Hand-written?] FROM: JACK BROOKS, M.C. NINTH DISTRICT, TEXAS