282. Situation Report by the Executive Secretary of the Department of State (Read)1
Washington, January 15, 1969.
Ambassador Vance called on the Secure Phone at 9:45 a.m.
- 1.
- Vance reported that he had just reached agreement with Lau on procedures.2 Seating would be arranged as set forth in the Soviet proposal. There would be no name plates or flags. On the order of speaking Vance and Lau agreed that each would send a subordinate officer to see Manach at the French Foreign Office at 6:00 p.m. (Paris time) today. In the presence of the US and DRV officers Manach would be asked to determine by chance, either by lots or flip of a coin which side would speak first.
- 2.
- Lau told Vance that he would have to get the agreement of the NLF delegation to this arrangement before it could be considered final and he would call Vance as soon as this had been done.
- 3.
- At that time Lau and Vance will go together to see Manach to spell out the above arrangements.
- 4.
- After the winner is determined on the question of order of speaking by Manach, it was agreed that the US and DRV officers would telephone Vance and Lau from the Quai and that two hours later the US and DRV delegations would make separate public statements about the procedural agreement.
- 5.
- Part of the understanding reached is that the first US/GVN-DRV/NLF meeting—which would be devoted to procedural questions—would be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 18.
- 6.
- Vance had talked to Lam when GVN concurrence to these arrangements was cabled from Saigon and Lam had not raised any problems. Vance intended to see Lam again, after hearing from Lau, to report developments.
Comment:
Vance urged greatest precaution in handling this information until NLF concurrence is obtained and the arrangements are carried out as outlined above.
BHR