Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume IX, Vietnam, October 1972–January 1973

177. Message From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to the Chief of the U.S. Delegation to the Paris Peace Talks (Porter)¹

Washington, December 14, 1972, 1908Z.

WHP 257. Please deliver the following message from Dr. Kissinger to Ambassador Porter:

Begin text:

The President has decided that we will resume full-scale bombing of North Vietnam as early as Sunday, December 17.

In your conduct of the technical meetings it is now essential that you develop a firm written record of the outrageous performance of the North Vietnamese. The North Vietnamese stalling tactics must not be papered over. Your demeanor should be polite but you should conduct yourself in a strong, no-nonsense manner.

Dr. Kissinger presently intends to give a press conference, which is tentatively scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Washington time tomorrow, December 15. In his presentation, Dr. Kissinger will highlight the perfidy of the North Vietnamese.

We will keep you informed as plans become firmer and will insure that you receive a copy of Dr. Kissinger’s press conference.

End text.

Warm regards.

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 858, For the President’s Files (Winston Lord)—China Trip/Vietnam, Sensitive Camp David, Vol. XXII (2). Top Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. Sent via Guay and Haig.