I do not know what could be plainer than that. that they are demanding that we withdraw all defensive weapons which we have given to the South Vietnamese people to defend themselves. Also. a question has been raised. that when I said that 200.000 people were killed in North Vietnam between the years 1950 and 1956 or 1957. that this statement may not be exactly correct. The figure of 200.000 is the best estimate that I can get from talking with officials of that government and refugees who got out of the country in time to save their own necks. and from officials of our country and officials of other countries as well. That figure. 200.000. is an estimate. I admit. But if the slaughter was as low as 100.000. it was not justifiable that we should stand by and see them slaughtered. and that is why we helped move 900.000 of them to the south. It is not justifiable now that we should yield to the demands of the enemy to leave the 900.000 refugees helpless so the north can get hold of them and give them the same punishment they gave those who were not able to get out in time. I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the RECORD a colloquy which took place between Secretary Rogers and myself on April 17. 1972. when several members of the Foreign Relations Committee. including the chairman. were present.
Keywords matched
refugees