Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio) Several unanswered questions remain concerning Tuesday' evacuation of Americans, and South Vietnam from Saigon; exs. listed. ABC's Ken Kashiwahara among last to leave Saigon; arrives safely in Manila today.
REPORTER: Howard K. Smith

(Manila, Philippines) Growing number people involved in actual evacuation feel American embassy waited too long to evacuate Americans and South Vietnam. Some military men feel American embassy ignored Hanoi ultimatums for evacuation; embassy staff blamed in general and South Vietnam ambassador Graham Martin in particular for foot-dragging. At end of evacuation, United States Marines forced to use tear gas to keep South Vietnam back from United States copters landing on roof; embassy had promised these people they would be evacuated, but in end American promise broken. Kashiwahara recounts own personal experience of escape from Saigon. Film of embassy compound shown; fear, desperation and panic on every face.
REPORTER: Ken Kashiwahara

(Studio) ABC asks White House to respond to Kashiwahara's report
REPORTER: Howard K. Smith

(White House) Publicly and privately, sources not familiar with any North Vietnam deadline on Saigon evacuation. However, President did communicate his concern to ambassador Martin with regard to evacuation delay.
REPORTER: Steve Bell

(Studio) Defense Secretary James Schlesinger says all United States ships leaving South Vietnam coastal waters, but will pick up any refugees managing to escape to high seas. Earlier, new Saigon government charges United States ships violating Vietnam sovereignty. Later, at news conf., Schlesinger discusses equipment losses.
REPORTER: Harry Reasoner

(DC) [SCHLESINGER - says estimates of equipment now in North Vietnam hands run in excess of $5 billion.] ABC acquires only aerial intelligence photos of equipment; pictures shown.
REPORTER: Frank Tomlinson