Report 19750404A
Date
April 04, 1975
Administration
Gerald FordLocation
South VietnamWas 4(a)(1) Triggered? (Hostilities/Imminent Hostilities)
No, as described in/inferred from report
Was 4(a)(2) Triggered? (Combat- Equipped Introduction)
Yes, stated or used terms in statute
Was 4(a)(3) Triggered? (Substantial Enlargement)
No, as described in/inferred from report
Joint/Coalition Mission
Yes
Details: The U.S. "has been joined in this humanitarian effort by a number of other countries who are offering people, supplies, and vessels to assist in this effort..."
Article 51 Report to UN
Not applicable because no self-defense claim
Purpose/Mission
HumanitarianDetails: "transport refugees from Danang and other seaports to safer areas farther south in Vietnam"
Domestic Legal Authority
Const. (Art. II) and StatuteDetails: "This effort is being undertaken pursuant to the President's constitutional authority as Commander-in-Chief and Chief Executive in the conduct of foreign relations, and pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961"
Claimed International Legal Basis
Consent of territorial stateDetails: Undertaken in response to "urgent appeals from the Government of the Republic of Vietnam"
Estimated Scope/Duration
Scope/duration specified
Details: "You will appreciate, I am sure, my difficulty in telling you precisely how long U.S. forces may be needed in this effort. Our present estimate... is for a period of at least several weeks."
Type of Enemy or Mission
Nation-stateDetails: North Vietnam
Military Activity
Air operations Use of naval forces/vesselsDetails: "I have ordered U.S. naval vessels to assist with this effort, including Amphibious Task Group 76.8 with 12 embarked helicopters and approximately 700 Marines."; "authorized to approach the coast of South Vietnam to pick up refugees and U.S. nationals, and transport them to safety"
US Casualties Reported
Unknown
Non-US Casualties Reported
Unknown
