[11] Jan. 23

Public Papers of the Presidents

sorrow, do hereby direct that the flag of the United States be displayed at half-staff at the White House and on all buildings, grounds, and Naval vessels of the United States for a period of thirty days from the day of his death. I also direct that for the same length of time the representatives of the United States in foreign countries shall make similar arrangements for the display of the flag at half-staff over their Embassies, Legations, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and stations.

I hereby, order that suitable honors be rendered by units of the Armed Forces under orders of the Secretary of Defense on the day of the funeral.

I do further appoint Thursday, January 25, 1973 to be a National Day of

Mourning throughout the United States. I recommend that the people assemble on that day in their respective places of worship, there to pay homage to the memory of President Johnson. I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in this solemn observance.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereinunto set my hand this twenty-third day of January in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred seventy-three and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred ninety-seventh.

RICHARD NIXON

NOTE: On the same day, the President signed Executive Order 11700, providing for the closing of Government departments and agencies on Thursday, January 25, 1973, as a mark of respect for President Johnson.

## 12 Address to the Nation Announcing Conclusion of an Agreement on Ending the War and Restoring Peace in Vietnam. January 23, 1973

Good evening:

I have asked for this radio and television time tonight for the purpose of announcing that we today have concluded an agreement to end the war and bring peace with honor in Vietnam and in Southeast Asia.

The following statement is being issued at this moment in Washington and Hanoi:

At 12:30 Paris time today, January 23, 1973, the Agreement on Ending the War and Restoring Peace in Vietnam was initialed by Dr. Henry Kissinger on behalf of the United States, and Special Adviser Le Duc Tho on behalf of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

The agreement will be formally signed by the parties participating in the Paris

Conference on Vietnam on January 27, 1973, at the International Conference Center in Paris.

The cease-fire will take effect at 2400 Greenwich Mean Time, January 27, 1973. The United States and the Democratic Republic of Vietnam express the hope that this agreement will insure stable peace in Vietnam and contribute to the preservation of lasting peace in Indonesia and Southeast Asia.

That concludes the formal statement.

Throughout the years of negotiations, we have insisted on peace with honor. In my addresses to the Nation from this room of January 25 and May 8 [1972], I set forth the goals that we considered essential for peace with honor.

In the settlement that has now been

18

agreed to, all the conditions then have been

A cease-fire, international will begin at 7 p.m., January 27, Washington

Within 60 days from Americans held prisoner out Indochina will be the fullest possible of those who are missing.

During the same American forces will South Vietnam.

The people of South Vietnam have been guaranteed their own future, interference.

By joint agreement, the United States and the People of South Vietnam will be issued tomor

Throughout these six months, President Thieu and his government have been in the closest接触 of the President Ho Chi Minh of the Republic of Vietnam meets the goal of a program of support of President Ho Chi Minh's government of the Republic of Vietnam as well as that of our own national security affected.

The United States recognize the Government of Vietnam as the government of South Vietnam.

We shall continue our efforts to secure a settlement within the terms and we shall support the program of South Vietnam to peacefully end the war in South Vietnam. We must recognize that is only the first step necessary to bring about a program of peace. All parties must work together to make this a peace that lasts and that healing—and that ends the war in South Vietnam.

Richard Nixon, 1973

Jan. 23 [12]

the United States. People assemble on active places of work to the memory of the people who invite the people of our grief to join in the memory.

OF, I have here- twenty-third day of our Lord nine- three and of the United States of America ninety-seventh.

RICHARD NIXON

The President signed the President's signed by the Presi- dence and agencies mark of the 1973 on.

On of an- gering

on January 27, 1973 at 2400, at the National Conference.

The effect at 2400 on January 27, 1973, was a Democratic press conference. The hope is that we will insure stable and stable contribute to the peace in Indo-

emal statement. The negotiations, with honor. In- volved in this room from 3 [1972], I set considered the essen-

tions, which have now been

agreed to, all the conditions that I laid down then have been met:

A cease-fire, internationally supervised, will begin at 7 p.m., this Saturday, January 27, Washington time.

Within 60 days from this Saturday, all Americans held prisoners of war throughout Indochina will be released. There will be the fullest possible accounting for all of those who are missing in action.

During the same 60-day period, all American forces will be withdrawn from South Vietnam.

The people of South Vietnam have been guaranteed the right to determine their own future, without outside interference.

By joint agreement, the full text of the agreement and the protocols to carry it out will be issued tomorrow.

Throughout these negotiations we have been in the closest consultation with President Thieu and other representatives of the Republic of Vietnam. This settlement meets the goals and has the full support of President Thieu and the Government of the Republic of Vietnam, as well as that of our other allies who are affected.

The United States will continue to recognize the Government of the Republic of Vietnam as the sole legitimate government of South Vietnam.

We shall continue to aid South Vietnam within the terms of the agreement, and we shall support efforts by the people of South Vietnam to settle their problems peacefully among themselves.

We must recognize that ending the war is only the first step toward building the peace. All parties must now see to it that this is a peace that lasts, and also a peace that healing—and a peace that not only ends the war in Southeast Asia but con-

tributes to the prospects of peace in the whole world.

This will mean that the terms of the agreement must be scrupulously adhered to. We shall do everything the agreement requires of us, and we shall expect the other parties to do everything it requires of them. We shall also expect other interested nations to help insure that the agreement is carried out and peace is maintained.

As this long and very difficult war ends, I would like to address a few special words to each of those who have been parties in the conflict.

First, to the people and Government of South Vietnam: By your courage, by your sacrifice, you have won the precious right to determine your own future, and you have developed the strength to defend that right. We look forward to working with you in the future—friends in peace as we have been allies in war.

To the leaders of North Vietnam: As we have ended the war through negotiations, let us now build a peace of reconciliation. For our part, we are prepared to make a major effort to help achieve that goal. But just as reciprocity was needed to end the war, so too will it be needed to build and strengthen the peace.

To the other major powers that have been involved even indirectly: Now is the time for mutual restraint so that the peace we have achieved can last.

And finally, to all of you who are listening, the American people: Your steadfastness in supporting our insistence on peace with honor has made peace with honor possible. I know that you would not have wanted that peace jeopardized. With our secret negotiations at the sensitive stage they were in during this recent period, for me to have discussed publicly

19

[12] Jan. 23

our efforts to secure peace would not only have violated our understanding with North Vietnam, it would have seriously harmed and possibly destroyed the chances for peace. Therefore, I know that you now can understand why, during these past several weeks, I have not made any public statements about those efforts.

The important thing was not to talk about peace, but to get peace—and to get the right kind of peace. This we have done.

Now that we have achieved an honorable agreement, let us be proud that America did not settle for a peace that would have betrayed our allies, that would have abandoned our prisoners of war, or that would have ended the war for us but would have continued the war for the 50 million people of Indochina. Let us be proud of the 2½ million young Americans who served in Vietnam, who served with honor and distinction in one of the most selfless enterprises in the history of nations. And let us be proud of those who sacrificed, who gave their lives so that the people of South Vietnam might live in freedom and so that the world might live in peace.

In particular, I would like to say a word to some of the bravest people I have ever met—the wives, the children, the families of our prisoners of war and the missing in action. When others called on us to settle on any terms, you had the courage to stand for the right kind of peace so that those who died and those who suffered would not have died and suffered in vain, and so that where this generation knew war, the next generation would know peace. Nothing means more to me at this moment than the fact

that your long vigil is coming to an end.

Just yesterday, a great American, who once occupied this office, died. In his life, President Johnson endured the vilification of those who sought to portray him as a man of war. But there was nothing he cared about more deeply than achieving a lasting peace in the world.

I remember the last time I talked with him. It was just the day after New Year's. He spoke then of his concern with bringing peace, with making it the right kind of peace, and I was grateful that he once again expressed his support for my efforts to gain such a peace. No one would have welcomed this peace more than he.

And I know he would join me in asking—for those who died and for those who live—let us consecrate this moment by resolving together to make the peace we have achieved a peace that will last.

Thank you and good evening.

NOTE: The President spoke at 10:01 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White House. His address was broadcast live on nationwide radio and television. An advance text of the President's address was released on the same day.

Before delivering the address, the President met separately with members of the Cabinet and 6 members of the bipartisan leadership of the Congress.

On January 24, 1973, the President met with the expanded bipartisan leadership of the Congress to discuss the agreement. On the same day, the White House released the following related material: the texts of the agreement and protocols to the agreement; the transcript of a news briefing on the agreement by Henry A. Kissinger, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs; and fact sheets on the basic elements of the agreement, the International Commission of Control and Supervision, and the Four-Party Joint Military Commission. The texts of the agreement and protocols and Dr. Kissinger's news briefing are printed in the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents (vol. 9, pp. 45-74).

20

[ec]

13 Message to the Plan I of the President

To the Congress of the

On January 5 I announced a program to streamline branch of the Federal Government, concentrating less on President's immediate needs, the hands of the departments, this program should prove the services of the Government more efficiently, and cooperation of the Congress with all of the rest during the coming year.

The first part of the newed drive to achieve legislative proposals to net departments. Seized the opportunity to point three Cabinet Counsellors to the President's responsibility of human resources and community development. Assisted to the President's responsibilities in the affairs, economic affairs, and the administration of the White House.

The third part of the sharp reduction in the Executive Office of the President, reorientation of the original mission as policy formation and execution in broad framework. The Executive Office of no longer be encumbered with managing or administering which can be run more efficiently.

Text of the Agreement To Be Signed in Paris on
January 27, 1973.¹ Released January 24, 1973

To be signed at the International
Conference Center, Paris,
Saturday morning, Paris time,
January 27, 1973:

AGREEMENT ON ENDING THE WAR AND
RESTORING PEACE IN VIETNAM

The Parties participating in the Paris Conference on
Vietnam,

With a view to ending the war and restoring peace in
Vietnam on the basis of respect for the Vietnamese peo-
ple's fundamental national rights and the South Viet-
namese people's right to self-determination, and to con-
tributing to the consolidation of peace in Asia and the
world,

Have agreed on the following provisions and undertake
to respect and to implement them:

CHAPTER I

THE VIETNAMESE PEOPLE'S FUNDAMENTAL
NATIONAL RIGHTS

Article 1

The United States and all other countries respect the
independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity

of Vietnam as recognized by the 1954 Geneva Agree-
ments on Vietnam.

CHAPTER II

CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES—WITHDRAWAL OF TROOPS

Article 2

A cease-fire shall be observed throughout South Viet-
nam as of 2400 hours G.M.T., on January 27, 1973.

At the same hour, the United States will stop all its mili-
tary activities against the territory of the Democratic Re-
public of Vietnam by ground, air and naval forces,
wherever they may be based, and end the mining of the
territorial waters, ports, harbors, and waterways of the
Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The United States will
remove, permanently deactivate or destroy all the mines in
the territorial waters, ports, harbors, and waterways of
North Vietnam as soon as this Agreement goes into effect.

The complete cessation of hostilities mentioned in this
Article shall be durable and without limit of time.

Article 3

The parties undertake to maintain the cease-fire and
to ensure a lasting and stable peace.

As soon as the cease-fire goes into effect:

(a) The United States forces and those of the other foreign countries allied with the United States and the Republic of Vietnam shall remain in-place pending the implementation of the plan of troop withdrawal. The Four-Party Joint Military Commission described in Article 16 shall determine the modalities.

¹ For Dr. Kissinger's explanation of the signing of two versions of the agreement, see page 68 of this issue.

Volume 9—Number 4

46

PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS: RICHARD NIXON, 1973

(b) The armed forces of the two South Vietnamese parties shall remain in-place. The Two-Party Joint Military Commission described in Article 17 shall determine the areas controlled by each party and the modalities of stationing.

(c) The regular forces of all services and arms and the irregular forces of the parties in South Vietnam shall stop all offensive activities against each other and shall strictly abide by the following stipulations:

- All acts of force on the ground, in the air, and on the sea shall be prohibited;

- All hostile acts, terrorism and reprisals by both sides will be banned.

Article 4

The United States will not continue its military involvement or intervene in the internal affairs of South Vietnam.

Article 5

Within sixty days of the signing of this Agreement, there will be a total withdrawal from South Vietnam of troops, military advisers, and military personnel, including technical military personnel and military personnel associated with the pacification program, armaments, munitions, and war material of the United States and those of the other foreign countries mentioned in Article 3(a). Advisers from the above-mentioned countries to all paramilitary organizations and the police force will also be withdrawn within the same period of time.

Article 6

The dismantlement of all military bases in South Vietnam of the United States and of the other foreign countries mentioned in Article 3(a) shall be completed within sixty days of the signing of this Agreement.

Article 7

From the enforcement of the cease-fire to the formation of the government provided for in Articles 9(b) and 14 of this Agreement, the two South Vietnamese parties shall not accept the introduction of troops, military advisers, and military personnel including technical military personnel, armaments, munitions, and war material into South Vietnam.

The two South Vietnamese parties shall be permitted to make periodic replacement of armaments, munitions and war material which have been destroyed, damaged, worn out or used up after the cease-fire, on the basis of piece-for-piece, of the same characteristics and properties, under the supervision of the Joint Military Commission of the two South Vietnamese parties and of the International Commission of Control and Supervision.

## CHAPTER III

### THE RETURN OF CAPTURED MILITARY PERSONNEL AND FOREIGN CIVILIANS, AND CAPTURED AND DETAINED VIETNAMESE CIVILIAN PERSONNEL

#### Article 8

(a) The return of captured military personnel and foreign civilians of the parties shall be carried out simultaneously with and completed not later than the same day as the troop withdrawal mentioned in Article 5. The parties shall exchange complete lists of the above-mentioned captured military personnel and foreign civilians on the day of the signing of this Agreement.

(b) The parties shall help each other to get information about those military personnel and foreign civilians of the parties missing in action, to determine the location and take care of the graves of the dead so as to facilitate the exhumation and repatriation of the remains, and to take any such other measures as may be required to get information about those still considered missing in action.

(c) The question of the return of Vietnamese civilian personnel captured and detained in South Vietnam will be resolved by the two South Vietnamese parties on the basis of the principles of Article 21(b) of the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities in Vietnam of July 20, 1954. The two South Vietnamese parties will do so in a spirit of national reconciliation and concord, with a view to ending hatred and enmity, in order to ease suffering and to reunite families. The two South Vietnamese parties will do their utmost to resolve this question within ninety days after the cease-fire comes into effect.

## CHAPTER IV

### THE EXERCISE OF THE SOUTH VIETNAMESE PEOPLE'S RIGHT. TO SELF-DETERMINATION

#### Article 9

The Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam undertake to respect the following principles for the exercise of the South Vietnamese people's right to self-determination:

(a) The South Vietnamese people's right to self-determination is sacred, inalienable, and shall be respected by all countries.

(b) The South Vietnamese people shall decide themselves the political future of South Vietnam through genuinely free and democratic general elections under international supervision.

(c) Foreign countries shall not impose any political tendency or personality on the South Vietnamese people.

Volume 9—Number 4

47

Article 10

The two South Vietnamese parties undertake to respect the cease-fire and maintain peace in South Vietnam, settle all matters of contention through negotiations, and avoid all armed conflict.

Article 11

Immediately after the cease-fire, the two South Viet-
namese parties will:

- achieve national reconciliation and concord, end hatred and enmity, prohibit all acts of reprisal and discrimination against individuals or organizations that have collaborated with one side or the other;

- ensure the democratic liberties of the people: personal freedom, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of meeting, freedom of organization, freedom of political activities, freedom of belief, freedom of movement, freedom of residence, freedom of work, right to property ownership, and right to free enterprise.

Article 12

(a) Immediately after the cease-fire, the two South Vietnamese parties shall hold consultations in a spirit of national reconciliation and concord, mutual respect, and mutual non-elimination to set up a National Council of National Reconciliation and Concord of three equal segments. The Council shall operate on the principle of unanimity. After the National Council of National Reconciliation and Concord has assumed its functions, the two South Vietnamese parties will consult about the formation of councils at lower levels. The two South Vietnamese parties shall sign an agreement on the internal matters of South Vietnam as soon as possible and do their utmost to accomplish this within ninety days after the cease-fire comes into effect, in keeping with the South Vietnamese people's aspirations for peace, independence and democracy.

(b) The National Council of National Reconciliation and Concord shall have the task of promoting the two South Vietnamese parties' implementation of this Agreement, achievement of national reconciliation and concord and assurance of democratic liberties. The National Council of National Reconciliation and Concord will organize the free and democratic general elections provided for in Article 9(b) and decide the procedures and modalities of these general elections. The institutions for which the general elections are to be held will be agreed upon through consultations between the two South Vietnamese parties. The National Council of National Reconciliation and Concord will also decide the procedures and modalities of such local elections as the two South Vietnamese parties agree upon.

Article 13

The question of Vietnamese armed forces in South Vietnam shall be settled by the two South Vietnamese parties in a spirit of national reconciliation and concord, equality and mutual respect, without foreign interference, in accordance with the postwar situation. Among the questions to be discussed by the two South Vietnamese parties are steps to reduce their military effects and to demobilize the troops being reduced. The two South Vietnamese parties will accomplish this as soon as possible.

Article 14

South Vietnam will pursue a foreign policy of peace and independence. It will be prepared to establish relations with all countries irrespective of their political and social systems on the basis of mutual respect for independence and sovereignty and accept economic and technical aid from any country with no political conditions attached. The acceptance of military aid by South Vietnam in the future shall come under the authority of the government set up after the general elections in South Vietnam provided for in Article 9(b).

CHAPTER V

THE REUNIFICATION OF VIETNAM AND THE RELATION-
SHIP BETWEEN NORTH AND SOUTH VIETNAM

Article 15

The reunification of Vietnam shall be carried out step
by step through peaceful means on the basis of discus-
sions and agreements between North and South Viet-
nam, without coercion or annexation by either party,
and without foreign interference. The time for reunifi-
cation will be agreed upon by North and South Vietnam.

Pending reunification:

(a) The military demarcation line between the two zones at the 17th parallel is only provisional and not a political or territorial boundary, as provided for in paragraph 6 of the Final Declaration of the 1954 Geneva Conference.

(b) North and South Vietnam shall respect the Demilitarized Zone on either side of the Provisional Military Demarcation Line.

(c) North and South Vietnam shall promptly start negotiations with a view to reestablishing normal relations in various fields. Among the questions to be negotiated are the modalities of civilian movement across the Provisional Military Demarcation Line.

(d) North and South Vietnam shall not join any military alliance or military bloc and shall not allow foreign powers to maintain military bases, troops, military advisers, and military personnel on their respective territories, as stipulated in the 1954 Geneva Agreements on Vietnam.

Volume 9—Number 4

48

# CHAPTER VI

## THE JOINT MILITARY COMMISSIONS, THE INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF CONTROL AND SUPERVISION, THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

### Article 16

(a) The Parties participating in the Paris Conference on Vietnam shall immediately designate representatives to form a Four-Party Joint Military Commission with the task of ensuring joint action by the parties in implementing the following provisions of this Agreement:

- The first paragraph of Article 2, regarding the enforcement of the cease-fire throughout South Vietnam;

- Article 3(a), regarding the cease-fire by U.S. forces and those of the other foreign countries referred to in that Article;

- Article 3(c), regarding the cease-fire between all parties in South Vietnam;

- Article 5, regarding the withdrawal from South Vietnam of U.S. troops and those of the other foreign countries mentioned in Article 3(a);

- Article 6, regarding the dismantlement of military bases in South Vietnam of the United States and those of the other foreign countries mentioned in Article 3(a);

- Article 8(a), regarding the return of captured military personnel and foreign civilians of the parties;

- Article 8(b), regarding the mutual assistance of the parties in getting information about those military personnel and foreign civilians of the parties missing in action.

(b) The Four-Party Joint Military Commission shall operate in accordance with the principle of consultations and unanimity. Disagreements shall be referred to the International Commission of Control and Supervision.

(c) The Four-Party Joint Military Commission shall begin operating immediately after the signing of this Agreement and end its activities in sixty days, after the completion of the withdrawal of U.S. troops and those of the other foreign countries mentioned in Article 3(a) and the completion of the return of captured military personnel and foreign civilians of the parties.

(d) The four parties shall agree immediately on the organization, the working procedure, means of activity, and expenditures of the Four-Party Joint Military Commission.

### Article 17

(a) The two South Vietnamese parties shall immediately designate representatives to form a Two-Party Joint Military Commission with the task of ensuring joint action by the two South Vietnamese parties in implementing the following provisions of this Agreement:

- The first paragraph of Article 2, regarding the enforcement of the cease-fire throughout South Vietnam, when the Four-Party Joint Military Commission has ended its activities;

- Article 3(b), regarding the cease-fire between the two South Vietnamese parties;

- Article 3(c), regarding the cease-fire between all parties in South Vietnam, when the Four-Party Joint Military Commission has ended its activities;

- Article 7, regarding the prohibition of the introduction of troops into South Vietnam and all other provisions of this article;

- Article 8(c), regarding the question of the return of Vietnamese civilian personnel captured and detained in South Vietnam;

- Article 13, regarding the reduction of the military effectives of the two South Vietnamese parties and the demobilization of the troops being reduced.

(b) Disagreements shall be referred to the International Commission of Control and Supervision.

(c) After the signing of this Agreement, the Two-Party Joint Military Commission shall agree immediately on the measures and organization aimed at enforcing the cease-fire and preserving peace in South Vietnam.

### Article 18

(a) After the signing of this Agreement, an International Commission of Control and Supervision shall be established immediately.

(b) Until the International Conference provided for in Article 19 makes definitive arrangements, the International Commission of Control and Supervision will report to the four parties on matters concerning the control and supervision of the implementation of the following provisions of this Agreement:

- Article 3(c) regarding the cease-fire between all the parties in South Vietnam;

- Article 8(a), regarding the return of captured military personnel and foreign civilians of the parties.

The International Commission of Control and Supervision shall form control teams for carrying out its tasks. The four parties shall agree immediately on the location and operation of these teams. The parties will facilitate their operation.

(c) Until the International Conference makes definitive arrangements, the International Commission of Control and Supervision will report to the two South Vietnamese parties on matters concerning the control and

Volume 9—Number 4

49

supervision of the implementation of the following pro-
visions of this Agreement:

—The first paragraph of Article 2, regarding the enforcement of the cease-fire throughout South Vietnam, when the Four-Party Joint Military Commission has ended its activities;

—Article 3(b), regarding the cease-fire between the two South Vietnamese parties;

—Article 3(c), regarding the cease-fire between all parties in South Vietnam, when the Four-Party Joint Military Commission has ended its activities;

—Article 7, regarding the prohibition of the introduction of troops into South Vietnam and all other provisions of this Article;

—Article 8(c), regarding the question of the return of Vietnamese civilian personnel captured and detained in South Vietnam;

—Article 9(b), regarding the free and democratic general elections in South Vietnam;

—Article 13, regarding the reduction of the military
effectives of the two South Vietnamese parties and the
demobilization of the troops being reduced.

The International Commission of Control and Supervision shall form control teams for carrying out its tasks. The two South Vietnamese parties shall agree immediately on the location and operation of these teams. The two South Vietnamese parties will facilitate their operation.

(d) The International Commission of Control and Supervision shall be composed of representatives of four countries: Canada, Hungary, Indonesia and Poland. The chairmanship of this Commission will rotate among the members for specific periods to be determined by the Commission.

(e) The International Commission of Control and Supervision shall carry out its tasks in accordance with the principle of respect for the sovereignty of South Vietnam.

(f) The International Commission of Control and Supervision shall operate in accordance with the principle of consultations and unanimity.

(g) The International Commission of Control and Supervision shall begin operating when a cease-fire comes into force in Vietnam. As regards the provisions in Article 18(b) concerning the four parties, the International Commission of Control and Supervision shall end its activities when the Commission's tasks of control and supervision regarding these provisions have been fulfilled. As regards the provisions in Article 18(c) concerning the two South Vietnamese parties, the International Commission of Control and Supervision shall end its activities on the request of the government formed after the general elections in South Vietnam provided for in Article 9(b).

(h) The four parties shall agree immediately on the organization, means of activity, and expenditures of the International Commission of Control and Supervision.

The relationship between the International Commission and the International Conference will be agreed upon by the International Commission and the International Conference.

Article 19

The parties agree on the convening of an International Conference within thirty days of the signing of this Agreement to acknowledge the signed agreements; to guarantee the ending of the war, the maintenance of peace in Vietnam, the respect of the Vietnamese people's fundamental national rights, and the South Vietnamese people's right to self-determination; and to contribute to and guarantee peace in Indochina.

The United States and the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, on behalf of the parties participating in the Paris Conference on Vietnam, will propose to the following parties that they participate in this International Conference: the People's Republic of China, the Republic of France, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the United Kingdom, the four countries of the International Commission of Control and Supervision, and the Secretary General of the United Nations, together with the parties participating in the Paris Conference on Vietnam.

CHAPTER VII

REGARDING CAMBODIA AND LAOS

Article 20

(a) The parties participating in the Paris Conference on Vietnam shall strictly respect the 1954 Geneva Agreements on Cambodia and the 1962 Geneva Agreements on Laos, which recognized the Cambodian and the Lao peoples' fundamental national rights, i.e., the independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of these countries. The parties shall respect the neutrality of Cambodia and Laos.

The parties participating in the Paris Conference on
Vietnam undertake to refrain from using the territory of
Cambodia and the territory of Laos to encroach on the
sovereignty and security of one another and of other
countries.

(b) Foreign countries shall put an end to all military activities in Cambodia and Laos, totally withdraw from and refrain from reintroducing into these two countries troops, military advisers and military personnel, armaments, munitions and war material.

(c) The internal affairs of Cambodia and Laos shall be settled by the people of each of these countries without foreign interference.

(d) The problems existing between the Indochinese countries shall be settled by the Indochinese parties on the basis of respect for each other's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

Volume 9—Number 4

50

# CHAPTER VIII

## THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM

### Article 21

The United States anticipates that this Agreement will usher in an era of reconciliation with the Democratic Republic of Vietnam as with all the peoples of Indochina. In pursuance of its traditional policy, the United States will contribute to healing the wounds of war and to post-war reconstruction of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and throughout Indochina.

### Article 22

The ending of the war, the restoration of peace in Vietnam, and the strict implementation of this Agreement will create conditions for establishing a new, equal and mutually beneficial relationship between the United States and the Democratic Republic of Vietnam on the basis of respect for each other's independence and sovereignty, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs. At the same time this will ensure stable peace in Vietnam and contribute to the preservation of lasting peace in Indochina and Southeast Asia.

# CHAPTER IX

## OTHER PROVISIONS

### Article 23

This Agreement shall enter into force upon signature by plenipotentiary representatives of the parties participating in the Paris Conference on Vietnam. All the parties concerned shall strictly implement this Agreement and its Protocols.

Done in Paris this twenty-seventh day of January, One Thousand Nine Hundred and Seventy-Three, in Vietnamese and English. The Vietnamese and English texts are official and equally authentic.

[Separate Numbered Page]

FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:

WILLIAM P. ROGERS

Secretary of State

FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE
REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM:

TRAN VAN LAM

Minister for Foreign Affairs

[Separate Numbered Page]

FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF
VIETNAM:

NGUYEN DUY TRINH

Minister for Foreign Affairs

FOR THE PROVISIONAL REVOLUTIONARY
GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF
SOUTH VIETNAM:

NGUYEN THI BINH

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Volume 9-1

[97] Mar. 28

and women in the frontlines of the war against crime—our law enforcement officers. Public opinion is untying their hands, and they are once again being given the public support they deserve in their efforts to insure that we match public support with all the financial, legislative, and judicial support our police need.

We can turn the tide of crime in Amer-

ica. These statistics demonstrate that we are well on our way. Now we must have the tools we need to finish the job. I call upon the Congress to act quickly on this Administration's proposals for law enforcement legislation so that we can advance the work of providing the safe and secure country our citizens want and deserve so much.

## 98 Address to the Nation About Vietnam and Domestic Problems. March 29, 1973

Good evening:

Four years and two months ago, when I first came into this office as President, by far the most difficult problem confronting the Nation was the seemingly endless war in Vietnam. Five hundred and fifty thousand Americans were in Vietnam. As many as 300 a week were being killed in action. Hundreds were held as prisoners of war in North Vietnam. No progress was being made at the peace negotiations.

I immediately initiated a program to end the war and win an honorable peace.

Eleven times over the past 4 years I have reported to the Nation from this room on the progress we have made toward that goal. Tonight, the day we have all worked and prayed for has finally come.

For the first time in 12 years, no American military forces are in Vietnam. All of our American POW's are on their way home. The 17 million people of South Vietnam have the right to choose their own government without outside interference, and because of our program of Vietnamization, they have the strength to defend that right. We have prevented the imposition of a Communist government by force on South Vietnam.

There are still some problem areas. The provisions of the agreement requiring an accounting for all missing in action in Indochina, the provisions with regard to Laos and Cambodia, the provisions prohibiting infiltration from North Vietnam into South Vietnam have not been complied with. We have and will continue to comply with the agreement. We shall insist that North Vietnam comply with the agreement. And the leaders of North Vietnam should have no doubt as to the consequences if they fail to comply with the agreement.

But despite these difficulties, we can be proud tonight of the fact that we have achieved our goal of obtaining an agreement which provides peace with honor in Vietnam.

On this day, let us honor those who made this achievement possible: those who sacrificed their lives, those who were disabled, those who made every one of us proud to be an American as they returned from years of Communist imprisonment, and every one of the 2½ million Americans who served honorably in our Nation's longest war. Never have men served with greater devotion abroad with less apparent support at home.

234

Let us provide veterans benefits: ties they have earned with the respect they again tonight, let those who served their amnesty to those who

Tonight I want to state to the Nation: make this day possible, great majority of me tonight, who were dented barrage of but vocal minority with honor. I know you to do so.

We have been times together. In vember 1969 when of demonstrators in the House, the time I found it necessary for the Communist bases in May 1972 when of Haiphong and targets in North Vietnam, a massive Communist encirclement in the North. hopes for peace were the North Vietnam's the conference table to order more air gets in North Vietnam, the deadlock.

On each of these of opposition we were so loud they were so proud to be the majority. But overwhelming majorities who advocate even if the price is paid and humiliation for

demonstrate that we
now we must have
sh the job. I call
it quickly on this
als for law en-
that we can ad-
ling the safe and
tions want and de-

Domestic

oblem areas. The
tent requiring an
ing in action in
s wongard to
the prions pro-
North Vietnam
e not been com-
will continue to
ent. We shall in-
comply with the
aders of North
doubt as to the
to comply with

 difficulties, we can
act that we have
aining an agree-
ce with honor in

onor those who
possible: those
those who were
e every one of
ican as they re-
nunist imprison-
the 2½ million
onorably in our
ever have men
ior and with
home

Richard Nixon, 1973

Mar. 29 [98]

Let us provide these men with the
veterans benefits and the job opportuni-
ties they have earned. Let us honor them
with the respect they deserve. And I say
again tonight, let us not dishonor those
who served their country by granting
amnesty to those who deserted America.

Tonight I want to express the appreci-
ation of the Nation to others who helped
make this day possible. I refer to you, the
great majority of Americans listening to
me tonight, who, despite an unprece-
dented barrage of criticism from a small
but vocal minority, stood firm for peace
with honor. I know it was not easy for
you to do so.

We have been through some difficult
times together. I recall the time in No-
ember 1969 when hundreds of thousands
of demonstrators marched on the White
House, the time in April 1970 when I
found it necessary to order attacks on
Communist bases in Cambodia, the time
in May 1972 when I ordered the mining
of Haiphong and airstrikes on military
targets in North Vietnam in order to stop
a massive Communist offensive in South
Vietnam, and then—and this was perhaps
the hardest decision I have made as Presi-
dent—on December 18, 1972, when our
hopes for peace were so high and when
the North Vietnamese stonewalled us at
the conference table, I found it necessary
to order more airstrikes on military tar-
gets in North Vietnam in order to break
the deadlock.

On each of these occasions, the voices
of opposition we heard in Washington
were so loud they at times seemed to be
the majority. But across America, the
overwhelming majority stood firm against
those who advocated peace at any price—
even if the price would have been defeat
and humiliation for the United States.

Because you stood firm—stood firm for
doing what was right—[Air Force Lt.]
Colonel [George G.] McKnight was able
to say for his fellow POW's, when he re-
turned home a few days ago, "Thank
you for bringing us home on our feet in-
stead of on our knees."

Let us turn now to some of our prob-
lems at home. Tonight I ask your support
in another battle. But we can be thankful
this is not a battle in war abroad, but a
battle we must win if we are to build a new
prosperity without war and without in-
flation at home.

What I refer to is the battle of the
budget—not just the battle over the Fed-
eral budget, but even more important, the
battle of your budget, the family budget
of every home in America.

One of the most terrible costs of war
is inflation. The cost of living has sky-
rocketed during and after every war
America has been engaged in. We recog-
nized this danger 4 years ago. We have
taken strong action to deal with it. As a
result of our policies, we have cut the
rate of inflation in half from the high
point it reached in 1969 and 1970. And
today, our rate of inflation in the United
States is the lowest of that of any indus-
trial nation in the world.

But these positive statistics are small
comfort to a family trying to make both
ends meet. And they are no comfort at all
to the housewife who sees meat prices
soaring every time she goes to the market.
The major weak spot in our fight against
inflation is in the area of meat prices. I
have taken action to increase imports
from abroad and production at home.
This will increase the supply of meat, and
it will help bring prices down later this
year.

But what we need is action that will

235

[98] Mar. 29

stop the rise in meat prices now. And that is why I have today ordered the Cost of Living Council to impose a ceiling on prices of beef, pork, and lamb.¹ The ceiling will remain in effect as long as it is necessary to do the job.

Meat prices must not go higher. And with the help of the housewife and the farmer they can and they should go down.

This ceiling will help in our battle against inflation. But it is not a permanent solution. We must act on all fronts, and here is where the Federal budget comes in.

I have submitted to Congress for the next fiscal year the largest budget in our history—$268 billion.

The amount I have requested in this budget for domestic programs in such fields as health, housing, education, aid to the elderly, the handicapped, the poor, is twice as big as the amount I asked for for these items 4 years ago. However, some Members of Congress believe the budget in these areas should be even higher.

Now, if I were to approve the increases in my budget that have been proposed in the Congress, it would mean a 15 percent increase in your taxes, or an increase in prices for every American. And that is why I shall veto the bills which would

break the Federal budget which I have submitted. If I do not veto these bills, increased prices or taxes would break the family budget of millions of Americans—including, possibly, your own.

This is not a battle between Congress and the President. It is your battle. It is your money, your prices, your taxes I am trying to save.

Twenty-five years ago, as a freshman Congressman, I first came into this office. I met Harry Truman, who was then President of the United States. I remember he had a sign on the desk. It read, "The buck stops here." Now that meant, of course, that a President can't pass the buck to anyone else when a tough decision has to be made. It also means that your buck stops here. If I do not act to stop the spending increases which Congress sends to this desk, you will have to pay the bill.

Now I admit there is an honest difference of opinion on the matter of the Federal budget. If you are willing to pay the higher taxes or prices that will result if we increase Federal spending over my budget, as some in Congress have proposed, you should ask your Senators and your Congressmen to override my vetoes, but if you want to stop the rise in taxes and prices, I have a suggestion to make. I remember when I was a Congressman and a Senator, I always seemed to hear from those who wanted government to spend more; I seldom heard from the people who have to pay the bill—the taxpayer. And if your Congressman or Senator has the courage to vote against more government spending, so that you won't have to pay higher prices or taxes, let him know that you support him.

Winning the battle to hold down the Federal budget is essential if we are to

achieve our goal of prosperity without inflation. I ask you to port in helping to meet a pertinent battle.

Let me turn, finally, to the great challenge we face.

As we end American efforts to solve the problems of our country, I believe that in 20 years of hostility have opened a con- ship with the People of one-fourth of the world live. We need the Soviet Union and her agreements, including those which takes a major part in a clear arms race.

Now there are views of all this problem, why not cut our defense budget?

Well, let's look at the budget today. A budget of one-half of one percent of our gross national income that it has in 20 years. I would like better defense it further. But that we would not toward lasting peace in this past year is a military strength that should be participating in the defenses of other countries.

This year we have no plans with the Soviet Union or any of the other countries for mutual defense. Europe.

If prior to these United States will

¹ A statement on the implementation of meat price controls and other anti-inflation measures by George P. Shultz, Secretary of the Treasury and Chairman of the Cost of Living Council, was released by the White House on March 29, 1973. The statement is printed in the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents (vol. 9, p. 316).

On the same day, the White House released a fact sheet on the history of the economic stabilization program and the transcript of a news briefing on meat price controls by Secretary Shultz and Secretary of Agriculture Earl L. Butz.

236

[Lc]

Richard Nixon, 1973

Mar. 29 [98]

achieve our goal of a new prosperity—prosperity without war and without inflation. I ask you tonight for your support in helping to win this vitally important battle.

Let me turn, finally, tonight to another great challenge we face.

As we end America's longest war, let us resolve that we shall not lose the peace. During the past year we have made great progress toward our goal of a generation of peace for America and the world. The war in Vietnam has been ended. After 20 years of hostility and confrontation, we have opened a constructive new relationship with the People's Republic of China where one-fourth of all the people in the world live. We negotiated last year with the Soviet Union a number of important agreements, including an agreement which takes a major step in limiting nuclear arms.

Now there are some who say that in view of all this progress toward peace, why not cut our defense budget?

Well, let's look at the facts. Our defense budget today takes the lowest percentage of our gross national product that it has in 20 years. There is nothing I would like better than to be able to reduce it further. But we must never forget that we would not have made the progress toward lasting peace that we have made in this past year unless we had had the military strength that commanded respect.

This year we have begun new negotiations with the Soviet Union for further limitations on nuclear arms. And we shall be participating later in the year in negotiations for mutual reduction of forces in Europe.

If prior to these negotiations we in the United States unilaterally reduce our defense

budget, or reduce our forces in Europe, any chance for successful negotiations for mutual reduction of forces or limitation of arms will be destroyed.

There is one unbreakable rule of international diplomacy. You can't get something in a negotiation unless you have something to give. If we cut our defenses before negotiations begin, any incentive for other nations to cut theirs will go right out the window.

If the United States reduces its defenses and others do not, it will increase the danger of war. It is only a mutual reduction of forces which will reduce the danger of war. And that is why we must maintain our strength until we get agreements under which other nations will join us in reducing the burden of armaments.

What is at stake is whether the United States shall become the second strongest nation in the world. If that day ever comes, the chance for building a new structure of peace in the world would be irreparably damaged, and free nations everywhere would be living in mortal danger.

A strong United States is not a threat to peace. It is the free world's indispensable guardian of peace and freedom.

I ask for your support tonight, for keeping the strength—the strength which enabled us to make such great progress toward world peace in the past year and which is indispensable as we continue our bold new initiatives for peace in the years ahead.

As we consider some of our problems tonight, let us never forget how fortunate we are to live in America at this time in our history. We have ended the longest and most difficult war in our history in a way that maintains the trust of our allies

get which I have to veto these bills, we would break the laws of Americans—town.

between Congress and your battle. It is up to you, your taxes I am

to, as a freshman class into this office. Who, who was then the President of the United States. I remember the desk. It read,

Now that meant, of course, that I had to pass the budget. But that is not the point. The point is that if I did not act to decrease which Congress can, you will have to

an honest difference of the Fed-willing to pay the debt that will result if we go over my budget, we proposed, you and your Congress, to cut taxes and prices, make. I remember when I was a Senator, I was from those who depend more; I believe people who have to pay taxes, and I know that the government spend have to pay higher taxes than that you sup-

to. But down the list of priorities are to

237

[98] Mar. 29

and the respect of our adversaries. We are the strongest and most prosperous nation in the world. Because of our strength, America has the magnificent opportunity to play the leading role of bringing down the walls of hostility which divide the people of the world, in reducing the burden of armaments in the world, of building a structure of lasting peace in the world. And because of our wealth, we have the means to move forward at home on exciting new programs—programs for progress which will provide better environment, education, housing, and health care for all Americans and which will enable us to be more generous to the poor, the elderly, the disabled, and the disadvantaged than any nation in the history of the world.

These are goals worthy of a great people. Let us, therefore, put aside those honest differences about war which have divided us and dedicate ourselves to meet the great challenges of peace which can unite us. As we do, let us not overlook a third element, an element more important even than military might or economic power, because it is essential for greatness in a nation.

The pages of history are strewn with the wreckage of nations which fell by the wayside at the height of their strength and wealth because their people became weak, soft, and self-indulgent and lost the character and the spirit which had led to their greatness.

As I speak to you tonight, I am confident that will not happen to America. And my confidence has been increased by the fact that a war which cost America so much in lives and money and division at home has, as it ended, provided an opportunity for millions of Americans to see again the character and the spirit which

made America a great nation.

A few days ago in this room, I talked to a man who had spent almost 8 years in a Communist prison camp in North Vietnam.² For over 4 years he was in solitary confinement. In that 4-year period he never saw and never talked to another human being except his Communist captors. He lived on two meals a day, usually just a piece of bread, a bowl of soup. All he was given to read was Communist propaganda. All he could listen to was the Communist propaganda on radio.

I asked him how he was able to survive it and come home, standing tall and proud, saluting the American flag. He paused a long time before he answered. And then he said, "It is difficult for me to answer. I am not very good at words. All I can say is that it was faith—faith in God and faith in my country."

If men who suffered so much for America can have such faith, let us who have received so much from America renew our faith—our faith in God, our faith in our country, and our faith in ourselves.

If we meet the great challenges of peace that lie ahead with this kind of faith, then one day it will be written: This was America's finest hour.

Thank you and good evening.

NOTE: The President spoke at 9:01 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White House. His address was broadcast live on nationwide radio and television.

On the same day, the White House released an advance text of the President's address.

² The President was referring to Col. Robinson Risner, USAF, with whom he met on March 12, 1973. On the same day, the President also met with former prisoner of war Capt. Jeremiah A. Denton, Jr., USN.

238

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99 Letter to the People of the Republic of the Far East
March 5

I HEREWITH authorize reduction of port barriers to res

The proposed license the President temporarily any article and to import value or quantity of whenever the President supplies of the article to meet domestic needs can be ascertained.

100 Remarkable Stories of Ladies and Gentlemen

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am interrupting my program to greet you, perhaps points that may put the things you are experts here, and coming to Washington to give us the opportunity to discuss the future Members of the United States.

I am not recommending [laughter]—and I will let me see, unless you

First, I wanted to talk this morning to all our State legislators. I want to talk to you, my brothers, about the opportunity to talk to only a few of you, a few invitations to come during the balance of the day.

31-670 O - 75 - 19