University of Virginia Library

Dow Answers Protesters

The following statement is Dow Chemical Company's answer to criticism
of the sort voiced by yesterday's demonstration.—Ed.

We are a supplier to the Department of Defense and to
dozens of firms manufacturing items of military equipment ranging
from aircraft components to medicines and food. One of
the products we supply is napalm.

The United States is involved in Vietnam, and as long as
we are involved, we believe in fulfilling our responsibility to
this national commitment of a democratic society. And we do
this because we believe in the long-term goals of our country.

We respect the right of people to protest peacefully against
an action with which they disagree. However, our company has
made the decision to continue to produce napalm and other materials
as long as they are needed by our government.