APPENDIX A: POW POLITICAL TIMELINE UP TO SON TAY

(Nixon Administration)

Chronology of Events

January 1969 President asks Ambassador Lodge to call for prompt POW talks at his first session in Paris.

March 1969 Administration undertakes review of POW policies.

May 1969 Secretary Laird news conference setting forth in detail the treatment accorded our men and expressing the deep concern of President and Administration regarding the POW situation.

June 1969 Administration spokesmen begin meetings with families to inform them of efforts on behalf of POW/MIA.

November 1969 President proclaims November 9, 1969 a National Day of Prayer and Concern. Also, U.S. makes major statement of concern in United Nations (UN) Human Rights Committee.

December 1969 President meets with representative group of POW/MIA family members.

February 1970 President signs Public Law 91-200 removing limits on savings program for POW/MIA.

March 1970 At President's direction, Paris Delegation begins weekly pressure on enemy regarding POW/MIA problem.

May 1970 President sends message in support of May 1 Appeal for International Justice, at which vice President spoke. President proclaims May 3 as a National Day of Prayer and Concern.

June 1970 President signs Public Law 91-289 authorizing special compensation up to $5.00 per day for period spent in POW status.

August 1970 President sends special representative, Astronaut Frank Borman, around world to enlist support and assistance for POW/MIA.

October 1970 President proposes immediate release of all POWs in October 7 message.

APPENDIX A: POW POLITICAL TIMELINE UP TO SON TAY (CONT.)

(Nixon Administration)

November 1970 Postmaster General Winton Blount meets with Ambassador David Bruce to discuss an appeal to the Government of North Vietnam. Postmaster meets with International Red Cross in Geneva. Postmaster in Atlanta for commemorative stamp ceremony which honors POWs and MIAs. President Nixon authorizes rescue mission to Son Tay.

This timeline was taken from a letter dated 1 December 1970, by Herbert G. Klein, Director of Communications for the Nixon Administration. The letter and enclosed timeline were found in the Charles W. Colson file under 'POW/MIA.' Colson's file is located at the National Archives II, within the Nixon Presidential Materials section.