Vietnam 4 Flashcards
What were the Paris peace talks?
As chaos ensued in Vietnam attempts to negotiate towards a peaceful resolution of this conflict. Different representatives from the US, NV and other states were involved.
Why did the Paris peace talks
Both parties had different objectives in mind ahead of peace negotiations. For US they had to leave Vietnam because of the mess while avoiding humiliation of defeat.
For NV they saw peace talks as a tactic to be used to prolong the war and frustrate the enemy if either side was hostile or aggressive, this could lead to the failure of the peace negotiations.
Demands coming from both parties appeared to be irreconcilable to point where a peace agreement was impossible both sides were firms on respective positions
What was Vietnamisation?
The purpose behind Vietnamisation was to enable the US to withdraw troops from Vietnam by getting the SV to take on responsibility for the war. Nixon drew out 25,000 US troops in June 1969, followed by 60,000 in the next 6 months
Idea that the SV soilders would be trained and equipped to take US troops place. US troops began to return home.
President Thieu’s Gov in the south still received financial aid and US air forces still provided
What were the reasons for the failure of Vietnamisation?
Vietnamisation stratergy did not work. The Hanoi gov realised that the anti-war movement in the US would force a US withdraw leaving SV to fight alone. ARVN could not match the communist forces. SV forces would be united with the north. Many senior US military commanders believed tat ARVN could only contain the NV forces.
What was the madman theory?
Nixon’s advisers told him the feared that the gradual removal of US troops would result in an NLF victory. It was therefore agreed that the only way to avoid a humiliating defeat was to negotiate a peace agreement in the talks that were in Paris.
US used the madman theory to scare Hanoi gov into accepting peace terms
Attempt to convince gov in Hanoi that Nixon hated communism that he was planning to use a nuclear weapon against NV if the war continued
What were the relations like between the US and China?
As Vietnam war raged on, China gave assurance to the US it would not be involved with communist NV unless US threatened the southern border.
Nixon sought to improve its relationship with China. As tension escalated between the Chinese and SU during the 1960s, Nixon saw oppotunity sent Henry Kissinger, a US emissary on a trip to China assuring the Chinese gov it would withdraw its troops from NV .
What was the Paris Peace talks of 1972?
Prior to this peace talks between US and NV had been settled in Oct 1972. NV representatives and US national security advisor, Henry Kissinger negotiated and composed a treaty to end the Vietnam war. Nguyen Van Thieu. President of SV feared withdrawal of US troops from his country did not signed the peace agreement. Nixon threatened US would continue bombing raids if they did not signed it
Kissinger offered a peace terms. Jan 1973 Paris peace accords signed by Kissinger and Le Duc Tho, member of Vietnamese communist party politburo. Ceasefire was agreed and US withdraw troops.
What were the Paris talks like between 1968 - 73?
Following Tet offensive in 1968 President Johnson suggested peace negotiations should begin and NV agreed. Talks began Johnson halted the bombing of NV and hopeful of peace agreement
No progress for months each side haggled over minor issues. One major issue confronting negotiators was the inclusion of SV communist as a separate negotiating group. SV President Thieu did not want them at any meetings because they gave Vietcong legal status. VK no form of gov or recognised leader disrupted life they were part of negotiations though.
Neither side was predated to move from stance no progress. President Nixon authorised Henry Kissinger, US national security advisers to open negotiations with the NV. Nixon hopeful of advances. Talks nowhere near improved
How was there a break through in negotiations?
When Nixon visited China in 1972. Both China and SU were supporting Vietnam neither trusted each other. Nixon’s visit help to exploit divisions between China and the 2 communist forces. USA soviet relations had improved following the Moscow summit in May 1972. At Détente Brezhnev and Nixon improved relations with US and SU and also had influential decision on Vietnam.
What were the demands of the US?
Withdrawal of US and NV forces from SV
Hoped to allow the SV people to work out their own political problems without influence or invasion from NV
Wanted all prisoners of war released.
What were the demands of North Vietnam?
Demanded the US remove its forces immediately and unconditionally
requested resignation of President Thieu
What were the demands of the South Vietnam?
Demanded the immediate and unconditional removal of all NV forces
Wanted SV to have one leader
What were the demands of the Vietcong?
Demanded the immediate removal of US forces
Vietcong forces must be allowed to stay in positions already under their control
Requested resignation of President Thieu
What were the agreements of the Paris peace agreement, 1973?
NV dropped its demand that President Thieu be replaced by a coalition
Nixon and Kissinger allowed the NV army to remain in area they controlled
Vietcong allowed to participate in final settlement
Ceasefire agreed and US to withdraw remaining troop
All US prisoner of war repatriated
What were the Peace terms?
All parties pledged to respect the independence sovereignty unit and territorial integrity of Vietnam as recognised by 1954 Geneva agreement on Vietnam US agreed t continue the withdrawal of troops complete withdrawal by March 1973
