If the ICRC persists on the course on which it is tentatively embarked. we have serious doubts that U.S. (Government) interests will be served by making this grant and we would not approve a final decision to make it. Followup cables from Ambassador Martin repeat the recommendation. that the "Department should instruct Mission Geneva to indicate to the ICRC that the tentative assurance previously given for $2 million in fiscal year 1975 had been withdrawn." On the face of it. the Ambassadors recommendation is a petty form of diplomatic blackmailwhich not only offends the sensibilities of most Americans. but also does a disservice to a highly respected international organization. Moreover. if the recommendation is carried out. it would sabotage needed and important international humanitarian programs among war victims. especially in Cambodia. where the International Red Cross is carrying a major burden in meeting medical *needs among the millions of refugees and civilian casualties produced by continuing war. Given the ICRCs activities and interest in past years over American POWs in North Vietnam. and the organizations possible assistance in the full accounting of our MIAs. the Ambassadors recommendation is incredible. I do not know the fate of the Ambassadors recommendation.
Keywords matched
refugees