Revised Background Statement on U.S. Prisoners of War in Vietnam, October 1970

The American Red Cross organized a nationwide letter-writing campaign to pressure North Vietnam to follow the Geneva Conventions and treat U.S. prisoners of war humanely. Thousands of Americans, including students, joined in sending letters demanding that prisoners be identified, cared for, and allowed to contact their families. Although some progress was made, such as more letters from prisoners being delivered, the Red Cross pledged to keep raising the issue until North Vietnam fully respected international agreements.