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

283. Message From the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs (Sullivan) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)¹

Paris, January 16, 1973, 1806Z.

1. US and DRV delegations met January 16 from 1030 and to 1700 at golf club. Thach and I led respective groups.

2. During course of day, we resolved all outstanding issues on both cease-fire—JMC protocol and ICCS protocol except for number and location of teams. On this latter subject, he presented his proposal for teams in 44 province capitals. I proposed ours for teams in 42 places near troop concentrations.

3. Thach subsequently presented outline of compromise in which there would be 25 to 30 teams, all in province capitals. I hope to get some variation on this, in which we would end up, let us say, with 26 teams, only 16 of which are in province capitals, plus about fourteen teams at land and sea frontiers, including DMZ.

4. If we wrap this up morning of January 17, sole remaining issues will be (a) termination date for mine clearing (b) release schedule for civilian detainees, and (c) Red Cross inspections. I believe we can hold our basic positions on all three of these points and we should, therefore, be able to finish the protocols evening January 17.

5. Separate message will address other issues discussed with Thach in private conversations.

6. Warm regards.

From: Col. Guay

To: General Scowcroft personal

Congratulations on new assignment² and best wishes for continued success. Signed Guay.

End message.

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 860, For the President’s Files (Winston Lord)—China Trip/Vietnam, Sensitive Camp David, Vol. XXIV. Secret; Operational Immediate; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. Sent via Guay and Scowcroft.
2. Scowcroft became Military Assistant to the President on February 12.