Discussion between Zhou Enlai and Truong Chinh

ZHOU ENLAI AND TRUONG CHINH^[1]

Beijing, 8:40 pm, 31 December 1972

Truong Chinh inquired about Zhou Enlai’s opinions about the prospects of the Paris negotiations.

Zhou Enlai: It seems that Nixon is truly planning to leave [Vietnam].  Therefore, this time it is necessary to negotiate [with them] seriously, and the goal is to reach an agreement.  Of course, you also need to prepare [for the possibility] that the negotiations will not result in an agreement, and that some setbacks may occur before [the agreement is finally reached].

^{[1] Truong Chinh (1907-1988), ICP/VWP general secretary from during WW II to 1956. Stepped down in 1956, after admitting mistakes during the land reform program in North Vietnam. Became deputy premier in 1958 and chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly in 1960, a position he kept until 1981. Returned briefly to the post of General Secretary after Le Duan’s death in 1986.}