Johnson Argues Against Pause In Bombing

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31339, 8 April 1967, Page 13

Johnson Argues Against Pause In Bombing

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright) WASHINGTON, April 7.

President Johnson yesterday again rejected calls for the unconditional cessation of American bombing of North Vietnam. The President, speaking at an award ceremony at the White House, suggested that American troops died needlessly because of war supplies sent by North Vietnam to the South during previous American bombing pauses. His remarks appeared to be directed at critics of his Vietnam policy and calls made by Congressmen and United Nations Secretary-General, U Thant, as well as at Hanoi itself, for an unconditional and permanent bombing halt or a unilateral United States cease-fire.

The President spoke as he made the posthumous award of the Medal of Honour, the nation’s highest military honour, to Private Daniel Fernan-

dez, who threw himself on a Viet Cong grenade on February 18, 1966, and saved the lives of four of his comrades. President Johnson declared at the ceremony: “The ques-

tian that haunts me today should concern every American.” “It is this: Was that grenade on one of the trucks, or on one of the trains, or on one of the sampans that we let pass unmolested during those 37 days?

“If it was, then Daniel Fernandez died as more than a hero of battle. He died a martyr in the search for peace. “And those who are urging an unconditional and permanent cessation of bombing should ask themselves: ‘What are the consequences?’ Peace And War

“It is one thing to talk abstractly of peace and war. It is something quite different to think of a young man named Daniel Fernandez who will dream no more.” The Medal of Honour was accepted from the President by the parents of the slain soldier.

Emphasising the continuing

United States commitment to the defence of South Vietnam, Mr Johnson told Mr and Mrs Fernandez that the Medal of Honour was poor compensation for their loss.

“But be assured that the death of your son will have meaning,” he said. “For I give you also my solemn pledge that our country will persist—and will prevail in the cause for which he died.”