Speech #890122239

I have pointed out that. of that half a billion dollars. only about 10 percent goes for counterinsurgency and that we should materially increase that amount. Second. That we intensify and expand the refugee relief program in South Vietnam. It is now estimated that close to 600.000 refugees have been forced from their homes and villages since last January. largely because of an apparent step up in Vieteong tactics of terror. Whatever the reason. we have been told in the Judiciary Subcommittee on Refugeespresided over by the Senator from Massachusettsthat we can expect them to arrive in greater numbers. This increased flow of refugee.the most visible sign of the heartbreak of war---could critically strain the resources of the South Vietnamese Government and cause panic and grave civic discontent. The refugee program is very serious. Certainly the refugee crisis is one area where the U.S..Government. in cooperation with South Vietnam. can provide most effective aid. since nearly 500.000 of the 600.000 refugees are now located in coastal north and north central South Vietnam. Third. There are several specific programs. already underway or planned by AID and the Government of South Vietnam. that should be intensified and expanded. (a) Urban housing: The influx of refugees into Saigon and the concentration of our aid efforts in the countryside to meet the immediate threat of Vietcong activity. has worsened living conditions in Saigon and other major population centers. A survey of lowincome housing needs in the Saigon area was sponsored by AID and completed last January. The Saigon government has now produced a slightly altered plan. and is considering a variety of types of construction aid offered by the United States.