Speech #850008885

I assume that we shall have more enemies by the time our representatives leave than we had friends there when our representatives began their work. When I was in South Vietnam 2 years ago. in 1955. it was my privilege to talk to President Diem. a very intelligent and able man. After visiting the refugee campsand. as I remember. approximately 800.000 refugees had come there from the northern part of IndochinaI suggested to President Diem that he cooperate with our representatives to the fullest extent. in the hope that it would be possible to provide work for the refugees. and keep them contented. I was glad to note on my trip that the suggestions I made in 1955 had been followed. It was my privilege to travel for many miles along canals which had been dug by hand by the refugees. with our financial help. Inthat effort we spent approximately $40 million. I am glad to be able to say that most of the refugees are now at work. and have houses in which to live. All that has come about as a result of our assistance. Last December. 1 year after the canals and houses were built. our representatives brought tractors. bulldozers. and plows to prepare the new land for planting. Much of the rice which was harvested this season was planted as a result of our efforts. In December 1956. the people were plowing the rest of the area. It made me feel good to see the excellent work done in rehabilitating the refugees and in making it possible for them to earn their own way. Mr. President. inasmuch as we had provided $40 million with which to complete the work. one would assume that in the next budget that amount would be deducted. We now find. instead. that even more is asked forand for what purpose? Our planners say we must provide the money to build roads there. I do not mean it is intended to build new farm roads for the refugees whom we have rehabilitated and established on farms. Good stone roads have been available from time immemorial. but now our dreamers say that those roads must be macadamized. Our eager beavers in Vietnam do not know where to stop.