For once, Kissinger’s optimistic expectations were exceeded. With a few words, Le Duc Tho swept away his government’s longest lasting impediment: “We do not want to let the political issues of SVN, which are the most difficult, to prolong our negotiations.” Differences over the composition and function of the proposed CNR need not prevent a peace settlement. In fact, Hanoi was prepared to observe a ceasefire even before a tripartite council was put in place.
