The Nation: Frustrated Clemency

President Gerald Ford's offer, made Sept. 16, to allow the Viet Nam War evaders and deserters to work their way back into American society has produced discouraging results. Of the 126,500 persons who are eligible in one way or another to take part in the program, barely 3,200 have come forward.

In the deserter category, the Defense Department estimates that some 12,500 could participate in the plan. A total of 2,283 have chosen to do so and received the mandated "undesirable" discharges. Each of these men could win a "clemency" discharge men working up to 24 months in community service programs....

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