Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio) Report introduced
REPORTER: Frank Reynolds

(NYC) Importance to both United States and Vietnam of American fighter pilots noted; Communist propaganda film shown. [MIA (missing in action) father, Vincent DONAHUE - notes reasons Vietnam shouldn't release POWs.] Role Richard Nixon's letter to Vietnam Prime Min. Pham Van Dong in 1973 has possibly played in continued imprisonment of US POWs examined; letter quoted on screen. [Representative G.V. MONTGOMERY - acknowledges barrier letter has presented to solution of prisoners of war issue, as well as Nixon's inability to legally promise Vietnam money.] Vietnam publication released last year noted still concerned with United States promise of post-war recovery aid; question of obtaining POWs release discussed. [National League of Families spokesperson Ann GRIFFIThigh school - cites extremes of options available to US.] Details outlined on screen; possibility that 2 privately funded paramil. groups are planning rescue operations in S.E. Asia considered. [MONTGOMERY, State Department spokesperson John NEGROPONTE - claim United States has done all it can.] Vietnam noted indicating willingness to discuss MIA (missing in action) issue again. [Vietnam SPOKESPERSON - says they want to discuss MIA (missing in action) problem with Reagan administration at any time; remarks transcribed on screen.] Implications of Vietnam's statement considered; remaining questions discussed. [Resistance LDR. - claims Americans are still in Vietnam.] [House television tape, MONTGOMERY - says there's no evidence that Americans are alive.] [Representative Tennyson GUYER - believes there are live Americans] Guyer reported reopening investigation into situation.
REPORTER: Ron Miller