The next time you look at your "IP" bracelet... oops we mean your POW/MIA bracelet think about these questions.

Update on North Korea Remains - North Korea says 415 sets of remains unearthed.... Pentagon says No. North Korea says 405 sets of remains unearthed Pentagon says No. North Korea says come see for yourself. Pentagon says let's talk. Associated Press report North Korea insists 405 set of remains unearthed Pentagon says No. North Korea says 4 or 5 sets of remains unearthed. Pentagon says 2 sets of remains... maybe.....

North Korea extended an invitation to come and look for ourselves. Instead of calling their bluff, we ask for talks.

We don't know who is telling the truth. However, based on past experience with the North Koreans and the Pentagon, the odds are even money.

In a Press Release dated February 1, 2000 National Alliance of Families called for the Pentagon to accept "North Korea's efforts to return more than 400 sets of remains recently excavated..." "This could be a golden opportunity to account for missing servicemen," said National Chairperson Dolores Alfond.

The press release continued "... We are puzzled by the Pentagon double standard, of compensating Vietnam for their assistance in recovering remains, while refusing to compensate North Korea for their assistance in recovering remains."

"As one of our members wrote, after reading about North Korea's offer to return remains, "...we can find a few sewing machines and electric cutting knives to get back a mother's son. 50 years is too long to be away. Do what you must. "

Our membership gets it. Too bad the Pentagon doesn't. We set the precedent by paying for remains from Vietnam. Now, North Korea is looking for compensation. Do we let these remains stay in North Korea or do we do what we must to get them home?

SJ 39 - " IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 3, 2000

>Mr. CAMPBELL introduced the following joint resolution; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

Recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Korean War and the service by members of the Armed

Forces during such war, and for other purposes.

Whereas on June 25, 1950, Communist North Korea invaded South Korea with approximately 135,000 troops, thereby initiating the Korean War;

Whereas on June 27, 1950, President Harry S Truman ordered military intervention in Korea;

Whereas approximately 5,720,000 members of the Armed Forces served during the Korean War to defeat the spread of communism in Korea and throughout the world;

Whereas casualties of the United States during the Korean War included 54,260 dead (of whom 33,665 were battle deaths), 92,134 wounded, and 8,176 listed as missing in action or prisoners of war; and

Whereas service by members of the Armed Forces in the Korean War should never be forgotten:

Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of

America in Congress assembled, That the Congress--

(1) recognizes the historic significance of the 50th anniversary of the Korean War;

(2) expresses the gratitude of the people of the United States to the members of the Armed Forces who served in the Korean War;

(3) honors the memory of service members who paid the ultimate price for the cause of freedom, including those who remain unaccounted for; and

(4) calls upon the President to issue a proclamation--

(A) recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Korean War and the sacrifices of the members of the Armed Forces who served and fought in Korea to defeat the spread of communism; and

(B) calling upon the people of the United States to observe such anniversary with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

The National Alliance of Families supports this resolution and thanks our good friend, Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell for this continued support of our POW/MIAs, their families and Veterans of all wars.

Big Busine$$ $uffer$ In Vietnam - Excerpted from Foreign Direct Investment: "Good Night, Vietnam!" The Economist, London (January 8- 14, 2000) "Vietnam was meant to be the next Asian phenomenon. But this tiger never roared"

"Near the heart of Vietnam's two main cities stands a matching pair of relics. On one side of each city's central square is a lavish 19th century opera house built by the French before they were defeated, shamed and driven out from their main colony in Asia. Across from it, a modern American hotel serves as a monument to the incipient failure of a second, commercial invasion. The $64m Hilton Hanoi Opera, opened earlier this year, is nearly empty, as are most of the city's eight other new luxury hotels. Meanwhile in Hochiminh (sic) City, the concrete skeleton that was to be the Park Hyatt is staked by rust, its crane lying idle...."

"In 1994, American lift its trade embargo on Vietnam. Europeans and Asians were joined by such firms as Procter & Gamble, 3M, Ford and more than 400 other American firms. By 1996, foreign direct investment (FDI) had reached $8.3 billion a year, accounting for more than a third of Vietnam's GDP."

"The foreigners are now pulling back, almost as quickly as they piled in. Over the past three years new investment has plunged, firms have slashed existing ventures and sent many of their expats home. "The main entertainment these days is going-away parties," laments Devon Standard, who runs Colgate-Palmolive's Vietnam operation. Today, FDI has fallen below 1992 levels and is shrinking by around half each year. Even Vietnam Investment Review, a weekly newsletter that promotes FDI, has lost its foreign backing...."

National Alliance of Families Eleventh Annual Forum is scheduled for June 22th - 24th, 2000, at the Wyndham Hotel, Washington, D.C. (Same as last year.) Room rates are $105.00 per night. For reservations call 202-775-0800. Contributions are needed to finance our forum. Donations may be mailed to: