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Whereas naval units of the Communist regime in Vietnam, in violation of the

principles of the Charter of the United Nations and of international law, have

deliberately and repeatedly attacked United States naval vessels lawfully

present in international waters, and have thereby created a serious threat to

international peace; and

Whereas those attacks are part of a deliberate and systematic campaign of

aggression that the Communist regime in North Vietnam has been waging

against its neighbors and the nations joined with them in the collective defense

of their freedom; and

Whereas the United States is assisting the peoples of Southeast Asia to protect

their freedom and has no territorial, military or political ambitions in that area,

but desires only that these peoples should be left in peace to work out their own

destinies in their own way: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of

America in Congress assembled, That the Congress approves and supports the

determination of the President, as Commander in Chief, to take all necessary

measures to repel any armed attack against the forces of the United States and

to prevent further aggression.

SEC. 2. The United States regards as vital to its national interest and to world

peace the maintenance of international peace and security in southeast Asia.

Consonant with the Constitution of the United States and the Charter of the

United Nations and in accordance with its obligations under the Southeast Asia

Collective Defense Treaty, the United States is, therefore, prepared, as the

President determines, to take all necessary steps, including the use of armed

force, to assist any member [Britain, France, Australia, New Zealand, the

Philippines, Thailand and Pakistan] or protocol state [South Vietnam, Laos and

Cambodia] of the Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty requesting

assistance in defense of its freedom.

SEC. 3. This resolution shall expire when the President shall determine that

the peace and security of the area is reasonably assured by international

conditions created by action of the United Nations or otherwise, except that it

may be terminated earlier by concurrent resolution of the Congress.