2. Message From the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Haig) to Richard Kennedy of the National Security Council Staff1
Please Flash the following from Kissinger to Bunker.
Quote: You should tell Thieu as soon as possible that at today’s meeting the other side pressed very softly on political issues and major concentration was on military and security arrangements. This means that the other side may surface a ceasefire proposal during these meetings. While we certainly will not agree without further consultation, it is essential that Thieu instruct his commanders to move promptly and seize the maximum amount of critical territory. I am especially concerned about the environs of Saigon and III Corps and the areas currently occupied by the enemy’s 5th Division in northern IV [Page 26] Corps. Please reassure Thieu that we will keep him posted as talks continue. Unquote.
Warm personal regards.2
End of message.
- Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 856, For the President’s Files (Winston Lord)—China Trip/Vietnam, Sensitive Camp David, Vol. XIX. Top Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. Sent via Guay.↩
- Bunker responded the following day: “Concerning your reference to fact that it is essential for Thieu to instruct his commanders to move promptly to seize the maximum amount of critical territory, Thieu informed me at my meeting with him on October 6 that he had given these instructions to his Corps commanders whom he had called in for a lengthy review of the military situation the same day.” (Backchannel message 183 from Saigon, October 9; ibid.)↩