Da Nang Seeks Heirs for Unclaimed Gold and Heirlooms of Vietnam War Officials

Local authorities in Da Nang, Vietnam, are actively seeking to locate the families of former officials who were sent to the South during the Vietnam War, a group often referred to as 'can bo di B' (officials sent South).

More than five decades after the war's end, personal belongings and gold belonging to these individuals have yet to be claimed. Official records contain their full names, hometowns, and family information, but their descendants remain elusive. The Da Nang City Department of Home Affairs has issued public notices in an effort to find these relatives and return the preserved historical items.

Among the unclaimed items are gold, badges, and other mementos held by the National Archives Center III in Hanoi. The center is safeguarding records for three such officials, all of whom have their names, hometowns, and addresses documented, yet their families have not been found. Two of these individuals hailed from the former Quang Nam province, which now includes parts of Da Nang city.

One case involves Mr. Nguyen Van Kim (Tống), born October 1, 1925, from Duy Trinh commune, Duy Xuyen district, Quang Nam province. His archived information lists his parents as Nguyen Van Thuan and Nguyen Thi Thuan, his wife as Doan Thi Thau, and siblings Nguyen Van Mai, Nguyen Van Thich, Nguyen Thi Tua, Nguyen Van Toai, Nguyen Van Tao, and Nguyen Van Lap. He was sent South on December 26, 1961, having previously worked for an agricultural and forestry product import-export corporation.

Another official is Mr. Nguyen Dong (Nguyen Huu Phan), from Duy Phuong commune, Duy Xuyen district, Quang Nam province. Records indicate he had a mother and two younger brothers, and a wife and children whose names are not specified. His father passed away early. He joined the Communist Party on July 10, 1941, becoming a full member on October 15, 1941. His birth year and the unit he served with before being sent South are not available in his file. Local authorities in Nam Phuoc commune are collaborating with the Nguyen Huu Family Council to aid in the search for Mr. Dong's relatives.

“

The Nam Phuoc commune has sent information requesting the Nguyen Huu Family Council to assist in the search, hoping for early results.