Speech #930276671

I fully appreciate the difficult problems in bringing normalization and peace to the people of Laos. and the added problems in bringing a unified administration to all areas of the country after many years of civil war. We must surely recognize the need for a time of transitionbut we must not lose sight of our obligation to give the new Government a chance to work. We must continue to support and help the refugees while they wait. but we must guard against using our aid program to perpetuate old relationships and the division of the country. Our true remaining obligations in Laos. and all of Indochina. are to the people in need of relief and rehabilitation. We can meet that obligation without further involving ourselves in the remaining political conflicts in the area. if we provide humanitarian assistance and channel it through international organizations and voluntary agencies. and if we end our old masterclient relationship with the governments of the area. As the Congress considers this fiscal years Indochina aid program. the refugees of Laos shot i be given the priority they deserve. Their situation. and the history of their problem. has been stated most clearly in a recent essay by John Burgess for the Washington Post. Mr. President. I would like to draw to the attention of Senators this excellent article on the plight of the refugees af Laos. and I ask unanimous consent that it be printed in the RECORD.