Speech #940041483

I am submitting a concurrent resolution urging the President immediately to undertake diplomatic initiatives directed at all parties to the Paris accords for the purpose of restoring the accords. with special emphasis to be placed on articles relating to a ceasefire In place and the convening of a national council of reconciliation and concord. composed of the two South Vietnamese parties plus a neutral third party. I believe such a restoration of the accords represents the best hope today of a peaceful resolution which would safeguard the security and rights of citizens who might otherwise be subject to reprisals. Section 2 of my resolution would instruct the President to undertake diplomatic initiatives aimed at all interested parties for the purpose of assuring. to the extent possible. the safety and welfare of all refugees in contested areas of Vietnam. Section 3 of the resolution would instruct the President to urgently request the Secretary General of the United Nations to use his good offices to secure compliance by all parties to the IndoChina conflict with provisions of the Geneva Convention relative to the protection of civilian persons in time of war. and with General Assembly Resolution 217. the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. While this resolution will certainly not guarantee the security of persons in South Vietnam subject to future reprisals. it represents an alternative to armed intervention.