Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio) Reagan administration said criticizing Ethiopian government's attitude toward famine there; Representative Thomas O'Neill's similar criticism of Reagan administration's lack of pol. and moral will to provide necessary relief aid noted. Films shown.
REPORTER: Tom Brokaw

(DC) Factors inhibiting efficient distribution of food sent by United States and other relief efforts examined; films shown. [Ofc. of Disaster Assistance spokesperson General Julius BECTON - cites inability to get available food from Ethiopian ports to the starving.] Ethiopian government's approach to famine described. [Agency for International Dvt. spokesperson M. Peter McPHERSON - claims President Reagan seeks immediate relief measures for Ethiopia.] Famine noted in Sudan, Kenya, Niger and Mozambique as well; estimate number Africans starving to death by year's end mentioned. [BECTON - feels situation is world's responsibility, not just US.] Representative Joseph Addabbo's letter to Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger suggesting establishment of famine relief force quoted on screen, discussed; White House exceleration of relief measures said due to public pressure and attention
REPORTER: Marvin Kalb