Office of the Historian

308. 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 19, 1973, 1718Z.
1.
You have asked for a checklist of issues for January 23 meeting.2 Herewith my first cut, which may be updated before your arrival.
2.

January 30 note.3

Le Duc Tho will clearly push this hard. I believe you should be prepared to give him some papers which indicate the possibilities we see in PL 480 food and other commodities on a basis which amounts to grant, and which may add substantially to the $3 billion over five years. You may wish to check with legislative experts about need to include “constitutional processes.” My own recommendation is that you stick to it.

3.

U.S. prisoners.

If we have yet had definitive word on place and method of prisoner return, you should insist on this prior to initialling. We want them picked up by aircraft (preferably U.S.) in Hanoi and flown to Vientiane.

4.

International conference.

You will need a date and place. I suggest February 19 and would accept Copenhagen.

5.

Your visit to Hanoi.

You have my recommendations this subject by previous cable.4

6.

Arrangements for signature.

There will be certain details to be worked out for January 27 session at Kleber. If you have Charlie Bevans5 with you, he can wrap them up.

7.

Aerial reconnaissance.

At one stage, Thach indicated that Le Duc Tho might wish some understanding re aerial reconnaissance in SVN. This has never been surfaced again, but you may wish be prepared with strong stand re U.S. intentions.

8.
That is all I can think of for the moment. My head may be clearer in the Swiss Alps where I’ll think of you constantly. My telephone number in Switzerland, incidentally, is area code 082, dial 66292.
9.
Aldrich is preparing check list for you on protocols, will fly back with you and then return with Secretary Rogers.
10.
Warm regards.

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. See Document 303.↩
  3. See Document 301.↩
  4. Document 288.↩
  5. Charles I. Bevans, Assistant Legal Adviser for Treaty Affairs, Department of State.↩