Monday, Oct. 26, 1970
Talking Points in Paris
POINT by point, the Communist negotiators tore apart Richard Nixon's latest peace plan to end the Viet Nam War. Almost with relish, they announced in the baroque grand ballroom of Paris' Majestic Hotel last week their "total and categorical" rejection of the five-point program. Nonetheless, Chief U.S. Negotiator David Bruce patiently replied that the U.S. "will not take your comments today as your final position" and that "all proposals, yours as well as our own," are still open to discussion. Thus Nixon's program and an eight-point plan submitted by the Viet Cong's Mrs. Nguyen Thi Binh last month remain the chief talking points--if the Communists intend to talk, that is. The main sticking points are still the withdrawal of U.S. troops and the end of support of the present Saigon regime.
Here is how the two programs compare:
Cease-Fire
U.S.: An immediate cease-fire in place for Viet Nam and the rest of Indochina. The previous American proposal called for a cease-fire only after arrangements for elections and a timetable for withdrawal were established.
VIET CONG: A cease-fire only after agreement is reached on all points of its peace plan. Previously, the Communists simply did not mention a ceasefire.
Troop Withdrawals
U.S.: The timing and pace of a pull-out subject to negotiation as part of an overall settlement, with no mention of a mutual withdrawal of North Vietnamese troops. Previous position called for a mutual withdrawal by U.S. and North Vietnamese troops, but mentioned no timetable.
VIET CONG: U.S. to withdraw all military forces and close all military bases by June 30, 1971, without any preconditions. Previous position: unconditional withdrawal of all U.S. troops within six months.
Interim Government
U.S.: Rejects demands to oust President Nguyen Van Thieu, Vice President Nguyen Cao Ky and Prime Minister Tran Thien Khiem, but makes no mention of keeping Communists out of the government that would be created to supervise elections. Previously, Washington has said that all "peaceful" political elements can participate; that, of course, could be interpreted to exclude any Communists who didn't agree to a ceasefire.
VIET CONG: The Thieu-Ky-Khiem regime must be removed. Then the Communists will begin talks with Saigon on procedures for setting up a coalition government. Included in it would be Viet Cong representatives. Previously, the Viet Cong named no names, but made it clear that the present top men in Saigon would be unacceptable.
Elections
U.S.: Calls for "a fair political solution reflecting the existing relationship of political forces" in an elected South Vietnamese government. This could mean a coalition government including Communists. Previously, the U.S. called for elections under international supervision. VIET CONG: Elections supervised by the interim government. The Communists previously emphasized that there should be no foreign interference in elections, a point they presumably still insist upon.
Prisoners Of War
U.S.: Immediate and unconditional release of all prisoners. Previously, Washington simply called for the earliest possible release of prisoners held by both sides.
VIET CONG: Discussions on prisoners to be held only after the U.S. agrees to withdraw its forces. Previously, the V.C. refused to consider discussing prisoners until a peace agreement was reached.
Reunification
U.S.: Not mentioned. Presumably, Nixon's May 1969 position stands --that there would be no objections as long as the decision reflected a free choice by the South Vietnamese.
VIET CONG: Both North and South Viet Nam will work out steps to reunify the two sections--the same stand as before.
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