5. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassies in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, France, and the United Kingdom1
28456. For Ambassador or Chargé only. Subject: U.S.-Vietnamese Relations.
1. We are about to undertake contacts with the Vietnamese to explore further the prospects for obtaining a satisfactory accounting for our missing personnel and establishing a more normal relationship between the U.S. and Vietnam. As the Secretary has made clear, we believe that normalization of relations is in the interests of both the U.S. and Vietnam, and we hope that such a process can begin promptly.
2. As an initial step, we are proposing directly to the SRV further contacts shortly with this objective in mind. The actual pace and substance of the normalization process will depend to a considerable extent on Hanoi’s attitude, and we hope for a prompt and positive reaction. We will need to be satisfied on MIA issue if progress is to be made.
3. For Bangkok, Jakarta, Canberra, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Seoul, Singapore, Tokyo, Wellington: You should immediately communicate substance of above to host governments at highest appropriate level. [Page 15] You should stress that information must be closely held in strictest confidence, and that we intend to continue to keep them informed. You should add that we are taking these steps in the belief that normalization of U.S.-Vietnamese relations is in the interests of the region as a whole and that we intend to proceed in full consideration of the concerns of all the countries involved. This move does not constitute a turning away from old friends.
4. For Vientiane: Above is FYI only. Plans for initiative do not involve Laos at present, and you should not repeat nor consult with Lao on this matter.
5. For Moscow and Peking: Department is informing Soviet Embassy and PRCLO officials here of above. You should take no further action.
6. For Paris: Ambassador should inform Foreign Minister along lines of paras 1–3 above, emphasizing need for holding information closely.
7. For London: Ambassador should inform Foreign Minister or Palliser2 similarly.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P800033–1157. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Drafted by David C. Harr and James D. Rosenthal (EA/VLC); cleared by Holbrooke and Peter Bridges (S/S); and approved by Habib. Sent for information Immediate to Vientiane, Moscow, and Beijing.↩
- Sir Michael Palliser, Permanent Under Secretary of the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office.↩