The World - News from Jan. 28, 1988

A private group launched a campaign it hopes will raise a reward of $1 billion to offer for the return of any U.S. serviceman from the Vietnam War still being held in Southeast Asia. The American Defense Foundation said that up to 40 million Americans will be asked to contribute $25 after an American POW is freed, and the reward would be paid only to a citizen of Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos. The State Department and the League of MIA/POW Families have opposed the reward campaign, fearing it will encourage swindlers and reduce cooperation by Vietnam and Laos in clearing up MIA cases.