American Merchant Ship Seized / Cambodian Government | Vanderbilt Television News Archive

American Merchant Ship Seized / Cambodian Government #37121

ABC Evening News for Tuesday, May 13, 1975
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(Studio) United States moving cautiously on several fronts to secure release of American merchant ship, Mayaguez, captured yesterday by Cambodian gunboat. Diplomatic efforts underway through Republican of China; China has relations with Cambodia; United States Marines on alert in Okinawa; reconnaissance Navy plane fired upon and hit by Cambodians yesterday.
REPORTER: Howard K. Smith

(White House) White House either would not or could not explain whereabouts of Mayaguez's 39-member crew. Overnight, reconnaissance planes located ship near island of Koh Tang. This seizure makes 3rd incident at sea in area in recent days; other incidents involved Korean freighter, Panamanian ship; details given. President holds emergency session with National Security Council
REPORTER: Tom Jarriel

(Pentagon) It's confirmed Navy reconnaissance plane hit while flying over captured Mayaguez; no one injured. Defense Department in holding pattern but plans being made if diplomacy should fail. So far, no Marines flown into Thailand because of sensitivity of Thai-American relations
REPORTER: Frank Tomlinson

(DC) [Ambassador from Thailand Anand PANYARACHUN - doubts Thai government will allow United States Marines to land in Thailand. Says seizure of Mayaguez between US and Cambodia; involvement of Thailand in matter won't benefit cntry.] Despite Thailand's seemingly strong objections to United States Marines in Thailand, American diplomats know Thais often say 1 thing and mean another.
REPORTER: Herbert Kaplow

(Studio) Senator Robert Byrd thinks President should set 48-hr. deadline for release of ship; if deadline not met, necessary actions should be taken. Secretary State Henry Kissinger in Mid. West on spking. tour; reacts to Mayaguez seizure.
REPORTER: Harry Reasoner

(Kansas City, Missouri) [KISSINGER - says seizure of Mayaguez being dealt with as American merchant ship on peaceful trade mission in international waters.] Kissinger suggests congress approval not required for President to take military action. [KISSINGER - concedes President and Congress to consult closely on this matter, however.] United States position firm - Mayaguez and crew to be returned immediately; US won't admit any error; military action not ruled out.
REPORTER: Ted Koppel

Reporter(s):: Jarriel, Tom;; Kaplow, Herbert;; Koppel, Ted;; Reasoner, Harry;; Smith, Howard K.;; Tomlinson, Frank
Duration:: 00:06:30

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