Stop the Bombing Says Humphrey

Vice-President Hubert H. Humphrey declared his support for a bombing halt for all for North Vietnam and a de-Americanization of the war last night in a halfhour televised speech.

In his speech Humphrey set forth a four point plan for bringing an honorable peace to South Vietnam. The aim of his steps, he made clear, would be to deescalate the conflict in Southeast Asia.

The four points were:

* A complete bombing halt. "As President I would stop the bombing of the North as a risk of key importance," said Humphrey.

* A de-Americanization of the war and an increase in the load of fighting carried on by the Army of South Vietnam. In explaining this point which he said would be "possible next year," Humphrey stated, "I would take the risk....I would move towards a de-Americanization of the war."

* An immediate ceasefire. As an effort to bring our troops home as North Vietnam withdraws theirs, Humphrey predicted that as President he would "propose once more an immediate ceasefire."

* Free elections throughout South Vietnam. Calling free elections in South Vietnam "the ultimate key to an honorable peace," Humphrey opened his proposal to any party "willing to follow the peaceful process [of elections]."

Although Humphrey stated he did not "condemn any past decisions of Presidents," by his proposals, some of which are in direct conflict with President Johnson's views, he became the first Vice-President in modern history to break with a President publicly on an issue of major importance.