Statement by the White House Press Secretary on the Cambodian Seizure of U.S. Merchant Ship Mayaguez

In further pursuit of our efforts to obtain the release of the S.S. Mayaguez and its crew, the President has directed the following military measures, starting this evening Washington time:

—U.S. Marines to board the S.S. Mayaguez;

—U.S. Marines to land on Koh Tang Island, in order to rescue any crew members as may be on the island;

—Aircraft from the carrier Coral Sea to undertake associated military operations in the area in order to protect and support the operations to regain the vessel and members of the crew.