The memoir of Trần Quang Cơ (1927-2015), former member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV), brings to light the intense diplomacy among great powers and regional players over the continued conflicts in Indochina after the unification of Vietnam as well as the bitter disagreements within the Vietnamese leadership over the country’s political priorities during the period of 1975-1993.

Cơ put together his memories and thoughts on “many sensitive developments” in Vietnamese foreign relations that he believed had been “intentionally or unintentionally” forgotten (rơi rụng) in the state-endorsed history “to ‘smooth over’ (tròn trĩnh) the historical record.”  Completed in Vietnamese in 2001 (updated in 2003) and informally circulated on the internet, Merle Pribbenow’s English-translation makes this valuable historical source available to wider audiences.

Zhou Enlai and Pham Van Dong discuss North Vietnam's support for revolutions in South Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos.

Choi Duk Shin reports on Japanese Premier Kishi's travels in Southeast Asia, the current situations in Thailand and Laos, and Malaya's fright against communism.

Choi Duk Shin reports on the recognition of the Federation of Malaya, trade missions between South Korea and South Vietnam, and recent Vietnamese and Southeast Asian affairs.

Choi Duk Shin reports on the preparation for Malayan Independence Ceremony, National Day activities, and Vietnamese affairs, including President Diem's travel to Thailand and the continued issue of Chinese minorities in South Vietnam.

Choi Duk Shin reports on President Ngo Dinh Diem's planned foreign travels, discussions with foreign dignitaries, and recent Vietnamese and regional affairs.

President Rhee discusses the order of President Diem's foreign travels and orders Choi to be careful of his involvement in other country's foreign relations.

Choi Duk Shin reports on his meeting with the South Vietnam Foreign Minister, President Diem's visit to Thailand, and recent Vietnamese and regional relations.

Mao Zedong and Norodom Sihanouk discuss the deteriorating situation in Laos.

Prince Nordom Sihanouk weighs in on the situation in Cambodia, stating that though the situation is grim, "his own policy was to wait and see" what would happen next.