Chapter 14: Peace Flashcards
What was Clark Clifford’s role?
He was Johnson’s secretary of defence, and advocated negotiations as part of a strategy to bring the War to a close.
What did Johnson do in 1968?
His speech was televised, he announced his intent to pursue a negotiated settlement with North Vietnam. Hanoi soon accepted talks concerning Johnson’s willingness to end the bombing of North Vietnam. May 1968 preliminary talks began in Paris.
What prevented Johnson from achieving peace?
Talks stalled over whether or not the US would commit to stopping bombing of North Vietnam. Johnson was concerned that the North may use a lull in the bombing to prepare for a further offensive in the South. By Oct 1968 talks had reached a stalemate. After Tet offensive, Hanoi’s military forces were on the defensive rather than offensive, and so would not commit itself to any action or decision that may have appeared weak e.g de-escalation of its efforts (what US was seeking). In return, US would not agree to blanket end bombing of NV.
What was the outcome of Johnson’s request for negotiation of peace?
Johnson remained committed to bombing, warned of a restoration of the escalation of the War if North Vietnam remained cooperative. Initial talks died down although negotiation approach to conflict remained alive.
What happened between Kissinger and Le Duc Tho?
Feb 1970, Kissinger met secretly with Le Duc Tho, who insisted any peace settlement must emcompass both a military and political solution, and an armistic must trigger a replacement of the current Saigon regime and introduction of a coalition government with Vietcong representatives. For Kissinger and Nixon this was unrealistic and they could not abandon Thieu by agreeing to this.
What was the fundamental issue of peace negotiations with Nixon?
North Vietnamese demand for the removal of Thieu. Kissinger eared that South Vietnam would collapse into chaos and see US actions as a betrayal.
Who was Kissinger?
Nixon’s principal advisor on foreign policy. Negotiated with both China and North Vietnam.
Who was Le Duc Tho?
A communist politician who served as a special advisor to North Vietnam during the negotiations.
What was the turning point in peace negotiations?
October 1972, North Vietnam moderated their position on Thieu’s removal from power. Not to do so would have ensured a continuation of War.
What were Nixon’s overall strengths?
Vietnamisation: positive domestic outcome, opened possibility of positive negotiations, route to ‘peace with honour.
What were Nixon’s overall weaknesses?
Bombing campaigns continued, Cambodia invaded, Loas invaded and failed to persuade China to pressurise North Vietnam.
