If true, remains of these Americans logically should be the most readily available for return since they were in captivity or on the ground in direct proximity to Vietnamese forces. Yet, Vietnam has accounted for very few of these Americans by returning identifiable remains. In 1986-87, the entire intelligence community maintained much higher estimates, but the numbers were subsequently further screened to establish the most realistic targets for the Vietnamese government to meet. In wartime, if jeopardized by imminent discovery or recovery by U.S. forces, burial was immediate to hide remains, which were disinterred and photographed when possible, then reburied or transferred to Hanoi when feasible. Evidence of this process is confirmed by U.S. intelligence.
Forensic evidence serves as another basis for establishing expectations.
Scientific evidence of above or below ground storage, or both, exists on 171 of the 444 identified remains returned from Vietnam. Evidence of storage also exists on three remains returned in 1992 and subsequently identified, and an important signal was sent by the Vietnamese in a 1989 stored-remains repatriation. Yet, in 1983, Vietnam returned eight remains with clear evidence of storage. Vietnamese officials have admitted storage of remains. The carefully drawn plan was for negotiations on live prisoners and remains, but the minister indicated that live prisoners were not on the table for discussion.