Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume VII, Vietnam, September 1968–January 1969

190. Telegram From the Embassy in Vietnam to the Department of State¹

Saigon, November 4, 1968, 0800Z.

41853. Ref: A. Paris 23330; B. Paris 23331.²

1. I think there is a third alternative, and that is to stall with respect to fixing the date for the first meeting.

2. It seems to me that the same argument that has been used to explain why we cannot meet on Nov 6, namely complexities beyond our control, can be used to explain why we require more time before we can fix a different date. We could also say that the US and DRV have arranged this conference on the basis of certain understandings and we must translate our understandings into procedural practice. I note that they are already in our conversations referring to the talks as a “four-sided” conference. I was under the impression that we would not allow such statements to go unchallenged.³

3. While it will be unpleasant to stall, it is necessary for a while if we are to bring the GVN along in orderly fashion. Setting a date now, and telling them that we will go ahead without them, carries the risk that they will dig in their heels. Cooler heads are beginning to be heard here, and given a little time and perhaps a sop to their pride, I think they will decide to come.

4. I would add that I do not have in mind postponing the first meeting indefinitely, or for a long time. That would give the GVN the veto that we have all along said we cannot concede to them.

5. I am concerned by Lau’s observation in para 14 Ref A that the rocket attack against Saigon is related to the NLF. I had always thought Hanoi might seek to exonerate itself from responsibility for attacks on cities on the grounds that the NLF is separate entity, and we now have the first evidence of this.

Bunker

1. Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Vietnam, HARVAN/DOUBLE PLUS, Vol. V. Secret; Immediate; Nodis/HARVAN Double Plus. Received at 6:40 a.m. Repeated to Paris.
2. Documents 184 and 185.
3. In telegram 23348/Delto 928 from Paris, November 4, Harriman and Vance wrote: “We do not think this is a good alternative as it may end up with the worst of both worlds. The GVN has already dug in its heels and is divulging the differences between our governments in a distorted and vicious manner. We believe that the time has come for us to set a deadline for the meeting and force the GVN to face up to living up to their prior agreements with us.” They proposed the date of November 13 for the first meeting. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Vietnam, HARVAN/DOUBLE PLUS, Vol. V)