Speech #960205959

It states: (U) 1976 to present. Laos/Kampucheathe evidence is highly convincing that a lethal chemical agent has been used by Vietnamese and Laotian government forces against rebel tribesmen in these areas. The evidence comes primarily from the interrogation of refugees. A few reports of use in Laos go back to the mid1970s. and reports became more frequent in late 1978. All reports referred to air delivery of a chemical agent causing severe illness or death. In May 1979 initial interviews were conducted by a U.S. State Department representative of more than 20 HMong refugees who claimed to have been eyewitnesses or victims. These interviews showed that there was reason to believe lethal chemical agents were being employed on a significant scale. (U) In late September 1979. an Army medical team interviewed over 40 HMong eyewitnesses who claimed first hand knowledge of gas attacks on over 25 villages In Laos. Although details of the attacks varied. the agent was most frequently described as "yellow rain" or red clouds. disseminated by spray tanks or aerial rockets.