Full title: "Press Statement [on the Conference on Solidarity with Cuba]".

BR writes that "the attitude of the United States towards Cuba is one of the main sources of tension in the world." BR is sorry to learn of the cancellation of the conference.

The date of 3 August 1965 has been crossed out with pencil. There is other editing in the hand of Schoenman.

The statement is referred to as an attachment at record 65400.

BR appeals for the release of Valeriy Tarsis, who is being "... retained in a mental hospital because of his criticisms of Soviet life."

BR is "... gravely disturbed to read of the sentences passed on Andrei Sinyavsky and Yuli Daniel", and appeals for amnesty on the "grounds of humanity and clemency".

Vassev is a staff member of the Soviet Embassy.

BR refers to "... the Richter concert arranged for June 21st [1966]", stating that he has "... no option but to cancel the concert before the costs rise yet further."

Betancourt is President of Venezuela.

BR is "gravely disturbed" over the arrest of 23 members of parliament who subscribe to left-wing politics. BR hopes that Betancourt will grant amnesty to the individuals arrested.

Ho Chi Minh is President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

BR is concerned about the "... imprisonment of a group of Vietnamese writers" and the fate of several contributors to the newspaper Nhan Van. BR appeals for amnesty for those arrested and is concerned about the fate of the contributors.

Those arrested belonging to the Nhan Van group are as follows:

Nguyen Huu Dang, the Assistant Editor of Nhan Van;
Tran Thieu Bao, writing under the name of Thuy An;
Miss Luu Thi Yen, writing under the name of Thuy An;
Phan Tai and Le Nguyen Chi.

The contributors to Nhan Van whose fate is unknown are: Hoang Cam, Tran Dan, Le Dat, Nguyen Hong, To Hoai, Nguyen Binh, Sy Ngoc, Huu Loan, Bui Quang Doai, Thanh Chau, Dao Duy Anh, Hoang Tich Linh, Truong Tuu, Van Cae, Nguyen Van Ty, Nguyen Sang, Tu Phac, and Dang Dinh Hung.

Also present is a copy of the letter, TL(CAR).

Ho Chi Minh is President of North Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh outlines his views on the U.S. imperialist actions in Vietnam and adds: "... U.S. policy is unacceptable to the entire Vietnamese people as well as to peace and justice loving people in the world."

Ho Chi Minh calls for the British government to "... stop supporting the United States in its aggressive war in Vietnam and take steps to end the war and the U.S. violation of the Geneva agreements."

Also present are 2 copies of the letter, TLS(X).

BR refers to his lost letter of 18 February 1965, in which he "urgently begged" Ho Chi Minh to send a statement outlining all the "... concessions which you and the National Liberation Front have already offered over a long period including those that you now offer."

BR mentions that he has sent a duplicate of this letter "... as well as a speech and statement published by me here."

Cu Dinh Ba is the London based deputy representative of Cứu Quốc Weekly newspaper.

Cu Dinh Ba refers to "these materials" (not present), that he has received from Hanoi and is now forwarding to BR.

At the upper left-hand corner: "File Chris Farley will thank verbally".

Ho Chi Minh states that he has sent BR the "... April report of my government and copy [of] statement of National Front."

Also present is a copy of the telegram, TEL(X). Attached is a printed sticker for the telegram with the words "Government Priority" on it.

Also present is a copy of the telegram, TEL(X).

BR extends birthday greetings to Ho Chi Minh on the occasion of his 75 birthday.

Ho Chi Minh wishes BR "happy returns" on the occasion of his birthday.

Attached is a sticker with the word "Urgent" on it.

BR is "deeply moved" by the birthday present he received from Ho Chi Minh.

A thank-you telegram for BR's "good wishes" on the occasion of Ho Chi Minh's 75th birthday.

Also present is a copy of the telegram, TEL(X).

Letter is addressed to the Secretariat of the Vietnam Peace Committee.

Schoenman assures the Secretariat that "... we are doing all we can to expose the brutal war of aggression waged by American imperialists."

Schoenman refers to the enclosed (not present) text of his "... remarks in Helsinki and of two letters recently published in the Observer."

Schoenman also mentions that he is enclosing BR's "Message to Helsinki" (not present).

Also present is a copy of the telegram, TL(CAR).

BR, writing on the anniversary of the Geneva agreements, feels "... that the necessity to condemn solemnly and completely the terrible crimes of the U.S. aggressors can best be fulfilled by a tribunal of international stature which will express the conscience of mankind in its indictment of the war criminals in Washington."

BR suggests that "the U.S. pilots who are in custody in the D.R.V. could be tried by the tribunal itself in Paris."

Those listed in support of a tribunal include: Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Peter Weiss, Isaac Deutscher, and Stokely Carmichael (President of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee).

Ho Chi Minh outlines how the U.S. has been "... seriously sabotaging the 1954 Geneva agreements and preventing the peaceful reunification of Vietnam." Ho adds that "the Vietnamese people will never submit to the U.S. imperialists' threats."

In Vietnamese with an English translation.

Pham Van Dong is Prime Minister of North Vietnam.

Pham Van Dong writes that both he and Ho Chi Minh appreciate that Mark Lane, one of the Directors of the BRPF, will represent David Mitchell. Mitchell is an American who has refused to serve in the U.S. Army on the grounds that the U.S. is "engaged in war crimes".

Pham Van Dong believes that the activities of the BRPF "... will be of an important contribution to the mobilisation of the world and American people to strongly condemn the U.S. aggressors...."

Also present are two copies of the letter, TLS(X), in Vietnamese and two one-page English translations, TL(CAR).

A thank-you letter for the hospitable treatment of Schoenman during his visit to Hanoi.

BR is "... confident that we shall be able to mobilise opinion through the trial of David Mitchell and the War Crimes Tribunal which we are preparing."

Xien is President of the Intellectuals' Committee of Action.

A thank-you letter for BR's 94th birthday greetings.

Tham is Chairman of the Vietnam Committee for the Defence of World Peace.

BR entirely agrees ".... that the crimes of the United States aggressors in Vietnam compare with those of Hitler...."

BR comments that the War Crimes Tribunal "... must aim at achieving the same world-wide hatred [as was achieved with the crimes committed by Nazi Germany] for the atrocities of the U.S."

Also a ribbon copy on BRPF letterhead of page 2, signed by BR, but annotated "Unsent re-done".

Ho Chi Minh appeals to "compatriots and fighters throughout the country" to fight against U.S. imperialist aggression and blames President Johnson for sabotaging the Geneva agreements. Ho adds that "the U.S. aggressors will inevitably be defeated."

The document includes an outline of the meeting of the Supreme National Defence Council of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, and a proposal dealing with Article 53 of the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (see record 65444).

On the verso of the document is the note: "Lowell Bergman Dept of Soc. University of Wisc Soc. Sci Bldg Mad Wisc 53706".

Also present on the verso is a cartoon drawing of an individual.

Edith Russell has written at the top: "Date?"

This is another copy of the telegram found at record 65408.

Misha is the Albanian Ambassador.

Misha invites BR's representative to Albania to meet with Prime Minister Hoxha.

The letter is in French with no translation.

In Albanian with an English translation.

Hoxha is Prime Minister of Albania.

Hoxha praises BR for his stand against American imperialism and adds that "the Albanian people and their government are and will be in solidarity with...", all those forces "effectively opposed to American imperialism".

Schoenman writes, "Dear Bertie please note this. Thanks, Ralph".

The letter is written on the document found at record 65474.

Letter is addressed to the representatives of the N.L.F. in Helsinki.

BR introduces Schoenman as a Director of the BRPF and mentions that he has "... written to President Huu Tho requesting the participation of representatives of the National Liberation Front in a rally to be held in London."

BR has also asked Ho Chi Minh and the People's Republic of China to send representatives.

Nguyen Huu Tho is the President of the South Vietnamese National Liberation Front.

BR extends thanks for the "generous cable" and comments that "the National Liberation Front and the people of Vietnam have inspired all who value liberty and justice."

Also present is a copy of the telegram, TL(CAR).

BR is "immensely pleased" for Nguyen Huu Tho's support of the proposed War Crimes Tribunal and comments that "the opportunity to have witnesses and victims from South Vietnam ... will ensure the most profound impact of the Tribunal on world opinion."

BR mentions that Russell Stetler and Schoenman "... will be visiting the United States next week to advise on the press conference we are holding about the Tribunal."

General Khanh is the leader of South Vietnam.

BR strongly urges Khanh to stop the executions of anti U.S. demonstrators as "... firing squads will never bring peace or justice."

Vejnadl is Yugoslav Ambassador.

He acknowledges receipt of BR's book Common Sense and Nuclear Warfare and BR's letter to President Tito. Vejnadl confirms that both items have been forwarded to Tito.

Tito is President of Yugoslavia.

Tito agrees with BR's "... appeal against the resumption of nuclear tests", and has sent the appeal to the UN on 14 April 1962.

Tito does not hold BR's proposal to send ships to Christmas Island to be "unrealistic", but mentions that he "... cannot take the responsibility of ordering the crews of our ships to go into waters where the tests, as it was announced, were to take place."

Also present are six copies of the letter, five TL(CAR) and a TL(CAR,X). One of the TL(CAR) has been heavily edited and includes the handwritten text of a letter to the Yugoslav Embassy. Three of the TL(CAR) contain the typed text of the handwritten letter on the second page; see record 65454.

BR's responds to Tito's letter of 27 April 1962.

The handwritten text and the typed version of the letter are found at record 65453.

BR mentions that "the Committee of 100 is cooperating with the American Committee for Non-Violent Action in dispatching a ship with a volunteer crew from San Francisco." The ship is to leave on 13 May 1962 and is on route to Christmas Island to protest nuclear testing.

Also preset are three copies of the letter, TL(CAR) and TL(CAR,X).

The letter occupies three sides of two pages.

BR comments that "our planet is covered with rocket bases on a hair-trigger, the radar on which these rockets depend cannot distinguish natural phenomena from missiles."

BR believes the rocket bases in Britain to be its Buchenwald and Auschwitz and appeals to Tito to "... draw up a document of settlement upon which other neutral states could agree."

BR has "profound concern and anxiety" about the arms race in the Middle East and asks Tito to sign the enclosed appeal (see record 65457) calling for a halt to the arms race.

Also present are four copies of the letter, three TL(CAR) and a TL(CAR,X).

A public appeal calling for the halt of the arms race in the Middle East.

BR calls for the governments of the Arab states and Israel to "... accept international supervision of nuclear and rocket weapons systems and plants and for an internationally supervised embargo upon further arms shipments to the region."

Also present are three copies of the letter, TL(CAR).

BR mentions that he will be sending two of his representatives to Europe "... in connection with a project in which I am deeply interested." He tells Tito that he cannot go onto details about the project "at this time".

The project in question is probably the establishment of the BRPF.

Tito mentions that BR's proposal of 28 May 1965 (see record 65456) contains "... a certain vagueness, that some attitudes are not quite in harmony with one another." Tito outlines how the proposal's "... disharmony and vagueness could be overcome...."

Also present are four copies of the letter, three TL(CAR) and one TL(CAR,X).

Srdja is the Yugoslav Ambassador.

A thank-you note on behalf of President Tito for BR's book Unarmed Victory.

Also present are four copies of the letter, one TL and two TL(CAR).

BR calls Tito's criticisms of his nuclear moratorium "very instructive", and outlines the events leading up to the moratorium; namely, discussions between his representatives and the leaders of the Arab world and Israel. BR also outlines the talks his representatives held with Prime Ministers Nehru and Bandaranaike and Premier Chou En-lai.

BR writes that he would "... be delighted if you [Tito] would be willing to receive two of my secretaries."

Also present are five copies of the letter, TL, three TL(CAR), out of which one is edited.

Srdja is responding to BR's letter of 12 March 1964.

Srdja informs BR that "... the followers of the Nazaren Sect are not subjected to any kind of criminal procedure for their belonging to the mentioned Sect." Srdja also mentions that the Nazarens can be imprisoned under criminal law for refusing to bear arms, although some modifications have been made towards a more "gentle punishment". Srdja informs BR that the Yugoslav government is considering amnesty for the six Nazarens BR had mentioned in his letter.

BR is "... encouraged that a tolerant attitude will be taken towards the Nazarens", and he hopes "... an amnesty for conscientious objectors to military service will be forthcoming as you suggest" (see record 65462).

The copy is typed on the verso of a sheet of letterhead of 22 Argyll Mansions, the BRPF's London flat.

BR informs Tito of the formation of the Atlantic Peace Foundation and the BRPF.

BR also asks Tito to sponsor the BRPF and refers to an enclosed (not present) document that outlines the aims of the BRPF.

BR asks Tito to release Milovan Djilas from prison. Djilas is a writer and former Yugoslav political leader.

Kaunda is Prime Minister of Zambia.

Schoenman hopes Kaunda received his message, which was sent with Robert Chekerema.

BR is concerned about "... the rapid development of a rocket and nuclear arms race in the Middle East." He asks Kaunda if he would be able to sign the enclosed appeal.

A copy of the Nuclear Moratorium Appeal is attached and also found at record 65457.

Schoenman comments that "We would greatly value your public association with the Foundation and as a sponsor and advisor, if you feel that is possible."

Schoenman writes Kaunda c/o The Washington Hotel in London.

Schoenman was "... very happy to see you [Kaunda] yesterday and very grateful to you for taking the time." Schoenman speaks of the aims of the BRPF and inquires if Kaunda "... could be our advisor on African affairs."

Schoenman writes Kaunda c/o The Washington Hotel in London.

BR is "... pleased to learn that you [Kaunda] are able to accept sponsorship of the Foundation which is both an honour to us and a benefit to our work."

BR asks if Kaunda would consent to serve "... as the advisor to the Foundation on African affairs."

BR has "... no doubt that the election of Goldwater will make a nuclear war probable...." "Goldwater has uttered a sentence of death on all of us."

Barry Goldwater is a Republican Senator and Presidential candidate.

The letter is addressed to BR from the Secretary of the Zambian Cabinet, whose full signature is not legible.

A thank-you letter on behalf of Prime Minister Kaunda. The letter states that the Zambian government "... is considering your request for an annual grant."

BR can not travel to London to see Kaunda due to "circumstances beyond his control"; however, BR hopes "... we shall have an opportunity to meet in the near future." BR mentions that Schoenman will be "raising several matters on my behalf" and suggests opening an office of the BRPF in Lusaka. BR also asks if Zambia could make "a modest annual contribution" to the BRPF.

BR writes Kaunda c/o The Dorchester Hotel in London.

The memorandum lists the aims of the BRPF in Africa. Among the aims are the issue of African unity, development problems, setting up an office in Lusaka, and arranging a trip to Zambia for Schoenman.

At the top left-hand corner, in Schoenman's hand: "Dear Bertie please note this. Thanks, Ralph".

BR is "very grateful" to Kaunda "... for your contribution to our work and for your support for the aims of the Foundation."

BR writes Kaunda c/o The Dorchester Hotel in London.

Schoenman hopes Kaunda's trip to London will afford him the time to visit BR in Wales.

Letter is from the Principal Private Secretary to the President. The signature is not legible.

The Private Secretary informs BR that Kaunda "... very much regrets that his programme will not allow him to travel into Wales."

The letter is addressed from the Dorchester Hotel in London.

Schoenman refers to the enclosed (not present) article on the Congo written by himself and Khalid Zaki. Schoenman notes that the article is being published in Africa and the World and in The Minority of One.

Schoenman writes to Kaunda c/o The Dorchester Hotel in London.

Schoenman encloses his article on the Congo (not present) and mentions that he is looking forward to his trip to Zambia with "great anticipation".

The published article ("Death and Pillage in the Congo") is about 2/3 of the full ms.
 

BR thanks Kaunda "... for your kindness in receiving my representative, Mr. Schoenman."

BR also would "welcome the opportunity" to meet with Kaunda during the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference in London.

BR has "... followed with great apprehension the betrayal by the British government of the cause of the African people in Zimbabwe."

BR refers to the BRPF's proposed publication, The Spokesman, stating that it "... could play a very important role in alerting public opinion to the true issues concerning the Smith government and European domination in Central Africa."

BR asks if Kaunda could "contribute substantially" to the Spokesman, for which £20,000 has been raised.

The letter is written by the Deputy General Secretary of the Aden Trades Union Congress. The signature is not legible.

BR is informed that he "... will be expected in Varna to attend the Solidarity Conference."

BR informs the Deputy General Secretary of the Aden Trades Union Congress that he will be sending Khalid Zaki as his representative. BR also asks what arrangements will be made to cover Zaki's airfare and expenses incurred during his visit to Aden.

Zahir Shah is the ruler of Afghanistan.

BR asks if Zahir Shah would "consider the work" of the BRPF, and "... entertain the possibility of some form of public association with it and its objectives." BR refers to an enclosed (not present) brochure that outlines the aims of the BRPF.

Also present is a copy of the letter, TL(CAR).

BR asks for Zahir Shah's opinion on the enclosed pamphlets (not present) that refer to Western aggression in the Congo and the "war of atrocity in Vietnam". BR refers to an enclosed (not present) brochure that outlines the aims of the BRPF.

Also present is a copy of the letter, TL(CAR).

BR is pleased that the pamphlets he had sent Zahir Shah (see record 65485) meet with his approval. BR asks Zahir Shah to sponsor the BRPF and to receive one of his representatives.

Zikria is the First Secretary at the Embassy.

Richardson, writing on behalf of Christopher Farley, thanks Zikria for the "kindness" shown Farley during their meeting about the BRPF. Richardson also refers to enclosed (not present) literature concerning the BRPF.

An invitation from the Ambassador of Afghanistan to attend a reception at the embassy in honour of the anniversary of Afghan Independence Day. The reception is to take place on 27 May 1966.

Misha is the Albanian Ambassador in Paris. His business card is included.

The Independence Day reception is to take place on 27 May 1966.

Hoxha is the Prime Minister of Albania.

Business card of Hoxha.

Business card of Hoxha.

BR asks for Hoxha's opinion on the enclosed pamphlets (not present) that refer to Western aggression in the Congo and the "war of atrocity in Vietnam".

BR spells Hoxha's name "Hodga".

BR writes Hoxha to tell him "... of our plans to identify, isolate and expose U.S. imperialism and all those who cooperate with it."

BR refers to enclosed (not present) recent statements, and asks if it were possible to receive Schoenman in Tirana as his representative.

Also present is a copy of the letter, TL(CAR).

BR shares Hoxha's "... conviction that it is necessary to oppose U.S. imperialism and, most especially, its present brutalities in Vietnam." BR appreciates Hoxha's offer to receive his representative and suggests the second week of June (1966) as a date for the visit.

BR spells Hoxha's name "Hodga".

BR responds to Misha's letter of 26 May 1966 (see record 65445), in which BR was invited to sent a representative to Albania. BR regrets that Schoenman cannot represent him due to "passport difficulties"; however, BR would be "grateful" if Christopher Farley "could visit Tirana on my behalf".

Misha acknowledges BR's letter of 19 June 1966 (see record 65495), and can foresee no difficulty in issuing a visa for Christopher Farley

Letter is written In French.

BR informs Misha that Christopher Farley will be "... arriving in Paris Monday 10 a.m. for visa."

BR offers his "warmest thanks" for the presents and for the hospitality shown Christopher Farley during his visit to Albania.

Commenting on the talks Farley had with Mr. Alija and Mr. Shtylla, BR states that "I very much welcome both the frankness which characterized these discussions and their outcome."

A thank-you letter for the assistance provided by Misha.

Farley refers to an enclosed letter (not present) BR has written to Prime Minister Hoxha, and requests that the letter be transmitted to Tirana "... as we should prefer not to use the postal service."

Farley thanks Hoxha for the "... opportunity to visit Albania and, in particular, for the presents which you kindly gave me."