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derivative filename/jpeg
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363-06805 to 363-06806.pdf
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Digital Object Identifier
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363-06805 to 363-06806
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Title
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Memorandum for the press
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Description
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Military Assistance Command Office of Information (MACOI)'s rules for journalists covering the Vietnam War as signed by Brigadier General Winant Sidle
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AI Usage Disclosure
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Draft transcripts were automatically generated via Google Document AI and are currently under review. Please report significant errors to Archives & Special Collections at archives@unl.edu.
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Transcript
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MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESS
27 MARCH 1968
Subi: Interpretation of Ground Rules
1. A MACOI memorandum to the press of 29 January 1968 reminded
all press members of the ground rules involving ground combat to
which they agreed when they were accredited by MAVC. A follow-up
memorandum of 26 February further explained one of the rules.
2. Members of the press have been most cooperative in ttempting
to stem the flow of important intelligence information to the
enemy. However based both on logic and the many queries received
from newsmen it is obvious that no set of ground rules can cover
every tactical situation encountered by newsmen in the field.
Although relatively few in number, "gray areas" cannot be eliminated.
3. To assist newsmen in correctly interpreting any ground rule
gray areas, MACV will provide 24-hour service to anyone who obtains
information which he feels is subject to interpretation under the
ground rules. Any newsman in the I CTZ who is concerned about the
intelligence value of material he wishes to use in a story should
contact the ISO at the MACV Press Center, Danang: phone Danang 6259.
Elsewhere in Vietnam, queries should be addressed to MACV extensions
3163 or 3989 where someone able to make a decision will always be
on duty.
4. We hope that this service will help ensure a maximum flow
of information while in the necessary protection to our troops.
5. For your information, a copy of the key ground rules is attached.
1 INCL
as
WINANT SIDLE
Brigadier General, USA
Chief of Information
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INCLOSURE
27 MARCH 1968
Excerpts from "Rules Governing Public Release of Military Information"
(31 Oct 1966 & 29 March 1967)
The following information is not releasable, unless and until
released by MACV.
1. Future plans, operations, or strikes.
2.
Information on or confirmation of Rules of Engagement.
3. Amounts of ordnance and fuel moved by support units or on
hand in combat units (ordnance includes weapons or weapons systems).
4. During an operation, unit designations and troop movements,
tactical deployments, name of operation and size of friendly forces
involved.
5. Intelligence unit activities, methods of operation, or
specific locations.
6. Exact number and type of casualties or damage suffered by
friendly units.
7. Number of sorties and the amount of ordnance expended on
strikes outside of RVN.
8. Information on aircraft taking off for strikes, enroute
to, or returning from target area. Information on strikes while
they are in progress.
9. Identity of units and locations of air bases from which
aircraft are launched on combat operations.
10. Number of aircraft damaged or any other indicator of
effectiveness or ineffectiveness of ground antiaircraft defenses.
11. Tactical specifics, such as altitudes, course, speeds, or
angle of attack. (General descriptions such as "low and fast" may
be used.
12. Information on or confirmation of planned strikes which do
not take place for any reason, including bad weather.
13. Specific identification of enemy weapons systems utilized
to down friendly aircraft.
14. Details concerning downed aircraft while SAR operations
are in progress.
15. Aerial photos of fixed installations.
-END-
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Date
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1968, Mar. 27
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Subject
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Vietnam War, 1961-1975; Government and the press; Journalists; Freedom of the press; Censorship; United States. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Office of Information; Defense information, Classified
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Location
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Saigon, South Vietnam
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Coordinates
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10.8231; 106.6311
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Size
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20 x 26 cm
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Container
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B9, F33
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Format
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press releases
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Collection Number
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MS 363
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Collection Title
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Beverly Deepe Keever, Journalism Papers
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Creator
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United States. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Office of Information
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Collector
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Keever, Beverly Deepe
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Copyright Information
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These images are for educational use only. To inquire about usage or publication, please contact Archives & Special Collections.
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Publisher
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Archives & Special Collections, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries
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Language
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English
