Speaking Out

P.O.W.s Speaking Out The Gordian tangle of debate on ending the war has descended on the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia. Holding its second annual meeting in Washington, the league, which in the past has generally backed the Administration's policies, showed signs of dividing along the lines of argument that exist in Congress: setting a withdrawal date v. trusting the President's maneuvers.

A new wave of anxiety was evident among the 500 wives, parents and other relatives present. "It is our strong fear," declared one resolution, "that the ability of our men to survive confinement may now be measured in hours and days, not weeks or months." Many were afraid that Nixon's China initiatives had diverted attention from the P.O.W. issue.

Some families of prisoners and men missing in action (M.I. A.) began arguing for the league to take a more activist role. A handful of members picketed the White House. Campaign-style buttons appeared on lapels--P.O.W.-M.I.A.S NUMBER ONE, NOT THIEU--a reflection of concern that the Administration is using the issue of the prisoners' release to win more time for Nguyen Van Thieu's Saigon government. A splinter group, P.O.W.-M.I.A. Families for Immediate Release, offered anti-Administration position papers, and urged the league to shift from a strictly humanitarian to a frankly political stance by demanding that Nixon negotiate the prisoners' release without regard to Thieu's future.

The President paid a surprise visit to the league convention at Washington's Statler Hilton to promise that "we are checking every possible lead, wherever it comes from." But he coupled his reassurance with a warning: "We are dealing with a savage enemy, one with no concern for humanitarian ideals." The next day the convention voted by a substantial majority, to avoid "political" positions. At the same time, the families moved their next convention date from September 1972 to May, so that they can attempt to turn their appeal into political clout during next year's presidential campaign if they are not satisfied with developments by next spring.

Said Mrs. William F. Mullen, whose husband, a Marine pilot, was shot down over Laos in April 1966: "We've been told for so long not to say anything because it would aid Hanoi. Well, being quiet and leaving everything up to the President has not done anything. The President is turning the fate of our men over to President Thieu. So I, for one, am going to start speaking out."

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