HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES NO 77-70 RESOLUTION NO. 77-?0
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BAKERSFIELD REGARDING REPATRIATION OF
CAPTURED AMERICAN AND ALLIED FIGHTING MEN.
WHEREAS, the Government of North Vietnam acceded to "THE
GENEVA CONVENTION RELATIVE TO THE TREATMENT OF PRISONERS OF WAR,"
August 12, 1949, which provides that "The High Contracting Parties
undertake to respect and to ensure respect for the 'present Convention
in all circumstances;" and
WHEREAS, the Government of North Vietnam has evidenced no
intention, thus far, of' compliance with the Articles of the Geneva
Convention to which it is honor bound as a signator and as a civilized
nation; and
WHEREAS, the repeated appeals on the part of wives, parents,
children and other dependents of the Americans who are prisoners of
war, or are missing in action, have proven ineffective, thus far,
through diplomatic, military and humanitarian channels;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City
of Bakersfield as follows:
That this group representing the citizens of the City of
Bakers field urges the President of the United States to condemn the
repressive and cruel treatment of American and allied prisoners of
war; to press the Government of North Vietnam and other signators
to the Geneva Convention for the immediate designation of a Protecting
Power or a recognized international humanitarian organization to carry
out the protective measures for prisoners outlined in the Articles' of
the Geneva Convention; to effect the repatriation of all Americans
detained by the Government of North Vietnam prior to the withdrawal
of United States Military Forces from Southeast Asia; during this week
citizens are urged to sign petitions directed at the Government of
North Vietnam which should state:
"There is no issue upon which we, as citizens of the
United States and as human beings, are more united
than our concern for the welfare of our men whom
you hold captive. On June 28, 1957, you signed the
Geneva Conventions which embody the morality of
world citizenship with respect to the treatment of
prisoners of war. The men you now detain can pose
no threat to you. These men did not wish to leave
home and fight but have done their duty to their
country, just as you require of your citizens.
There are presently 1,095 men unaccounted for and
presumed to be in your hands.
'We are asking that you live up to the obligations
you assumed upon signing the Geneva Conventions by:
Releasing the names, addresses and state of
health of every man held in your camps.
Repatriating or removing to a neutral country
all sick and wounded prisoners.
Permitting the Red Cross or some other inter-
national humanitarian organization to monitor
the prison camps and help minister to the
needs of the captives.
Allowing prisoners to send and receive mail,
including shipments of food, clothing, medical
supplies and educational and recreational
materials."
o0o
TO: .
PETITION
THE GOVERNMENT OF NORTH VIETNAM:
There i,s:::no issue upon w-hich we, as citiz.e:ns' :orf.~'t-he ..United 'States. and as
human beings, are more united than our concern for 'the welfare of our men
whom you hold captive. On June 28, 1957, you signed the Geneva Conventions
which embody the morality of world citizenship with respect to the treat-
ment of prisoners of war. The men you now detain can pose no threat to
you. 'These men did not wish to leave home and fight but have done their
duty to their country, just as you require of your citizens. There are
presently 1,095 men unaccounted for and presumed to be in your hands.
We are asking that you live up to the obligations you assumed upon signing
the Geneva Conventions by:
~'lT"'R~l~'~'~i~g the names, addresses and state of health of every man held in your camps.
2. Repatriating or removing to a neutral country all sick and wounded
prisoners.
3. Permitting the Red Cross or some other international humanitarian
organization to monitor the prison camps and help minister to the
needs of the captives.
4. Allowing prisoners to send and receive mail, including shipments of
food, clothing, medical supplies and educational and recreational
materials.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was passed
and adopted by the Council of the City of Bakers field at a regular
meeting thereof held on the 9th day of November, 1970, by the following
vote:
AYES: COUNCIl. MEN BtF, F,,;~R, HEISEY, REES, RUCKER, STIERN, VETrEI~ WHITTENtOI~
ABSENT COUN I z~
STAINING COUNCILMEN: 2'9 ~ -.~ _
MARIAN S~ IRVIN
CITY CLERK and Ex-Offlcio Clerk of the
APPROVED this 9!th,-dayI November, 1970
,'ROVED this~ake rs fie ld
APPROVED: