Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume VII, Vietnam, July 1970–January 1972

295. Message From the United States to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam¹

Washington, undated.

It is with great reluctance, but with no reasonable alternative, that the United States is revealing publicly the secret negotiations with the North Vietnamese.

Over three months ago, the U.S. side transmitted a comprehensive new proposal designed to bring about an early negotiated settlement of the conflict. This proposal built upon the progress made in previous meetings and specifically took account of remaining North Vietnamese concerns. Since then, the North Vietnamese side has failed to respond to the proposal or agreed to meet at an authoritative level to discuss it. In the meantime, public accusations continue to be made that the United States refuses to negotiate seriously. This has left the United States no choice but to demonstrate its attitude toward negotiations and seek a response to its proposal.

The United States side, as it said in its message of November 19, 1971,² continues to seek “to bring a rapid end to the war on a basis just for all parties.” It repeats its willingness to consider alternative ideas put forward by the North Vietnamese side. It stands behind everything that it has said in the private discussions, both its general attitude toward a peaceful settlement and its specific proposals.

The United States is ready to negotiate on the basis of the proposal outlined by the President in his speech.³ The President is prepared to send Dr. Kissinger back to Paris to resume negotiations with Special Adviser Le Duc Tho, or any other appropriate official from Hanoi, together with Minister Xuan Thuy.

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1040, Files for the President, Vietnam Negotiations, Camp David 1972, May 2 to October 7, 1972. No classification marking. Walters reported that, pursuant to his instructions, he delivered the message to Vo Van Sung at 10 a.m. on January 26. Walters read the text to him in French and Vo said he would transmit it to Hanoi. Vo stated that the DRV believed that Nixon’s speech the day before was contrary to the understandings they had with Kissinger on the confidentiality of the secret talks. (Ibid., Box 872, For the President’s Files—Lord, Vietnam Negotiations, Encore Sept. 71–15 Feb. 72, President’s Speech January 25, 1972)
2. See Document 272.
3. See Document 294. The proposal the President put forward comprised the points given to the North Vietnamese in Paris on October 11; see Document 269. He added that President Thieu and Vice President Huong would resign one month before the new election.