[VT]: Letter to United States of America

[HeadlessSeeker]

Odinson

 

[Odinson]

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OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE​

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ENCRYPTED MESSAGE​

[TR][TD]

TO: Nguyễn Mạnh Cầm, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam ( HeadlessSeeker )

FROM: Jackson Fitzgerald, Secretary of State of The United States of America

Foreign Minister

I am happy to hear that your government is taking steps to improve and modernize Vietnam in order to provide a better standard of living for the Vietnamese people. The federal government would be happy to continue to host a Vietnamese delegation in Washington, and we would be happy to send Mister Anthony Wright (as our ambassador) and a delegation to Vietnam. I would be happy to meet with your ambassador in Washington.

In regards to the purchase of GM and Chevrolet vehicles, that is not something that the federal government has power over. Those corporations have the right to decide who they do and do not sell their products to. However, I can confirm to you that the federal government would not have an issue with General Motors or Chevrolet exporting those vehicles to Vietnam. Finally, while we appreciate your offer to conduct commerce with the United States, all trade negotiations are handled by the Department of Commerce.

I look forward to meeting your ambassador in person.

Sincerely,

Jackson Fitzgerald
Secretary of State
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[HeadlessSeeker]

Le Van Bang the Socialist Republic of Vieetnam's Ambassador to the United States would receive a phone call from the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs instructing him to call the American Secretary of State Jackson Fitzgerald to arrange a meeting to discuss various issues. After that the phone was hung up and Le Van Bang would put in a call to the office of Jackson Fitzgeral from his own private office to arrange a meeting. He would wait while he was either picked up by the front desk or transferred to the office of the Secretary of state.

Odinson

 

[Odinson]

Secretary Fitzgerald's personal secretary would answer the phone on a secure line. She would politely inform the ambassador that the Secretary of State was unavailable to talk right now because he was returning from a visit to the White House. However, she would indicate that the Secretary would be available to meet with him in thirty minutes. If the ambassador found that appropriate, she would instruct him to come to the Harry S. Truman building in Washington or, if he preferred, DSS agents could escort the ambassador to the building from the Vietnamese embassy.

If the Vietnamese ambassador found either of those options appropriate, she would wait outside of the Harry S. Truman building, welcome the ambassador, and escort him inside to meet with Secretary Fitzgerald in one of the diplomatic reception rooms of the building. She would escort him into the room, introduce him, and then leave. Secretary Fitzgerald would stand up, approach the ambassador, and offer his hand.

"Mister Ambassador, thank you for joining me. Can I get you some tea, or some water?" he asked as he showed the ambassador to his seat and poured them both a drink to enjoy while they talked.

HeadlessSeeker

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

Le Van Bang would opt for going to the Harry S. Truman building in Washington as suggested by the personal secretary. He would arrive after having left within the time frame provided to him knowing not to arrive too early or too late. After finding a parking spot and approaching the building and being greeted by the secretary he would follow them inside.

The Vietnamese Ambassador would bow before then accepting the handshake as was tradition in Vietnam. The handshake was firm and confident as he would then make direct and respectful eye contact. Then, once lead there he would take a seat and get comfortable.

"Some tea would be wonderful." Bang would say before watching them pour the drink. After blowing on the cup a little he would take a sip.

"Thank you for seeing me on such short notice. There is a lot I wish to discuss with you. But, most importantly there is a matter I would like to discuss that was not covered in the diplomatic letter sent here." he said having been informed of a recent incident.

"I have received word that when we attempted to purchase... Hamilton-class cutters? Yes, the cutters. I received word we were denied on two basis in regards to requirements. One of which I understand to be that we had not established proper diplomatic relations prior to the submission for the purchase." he said before awkwardly pausing.

"That is understandable. However, the other requirement which we did not meet was that you do not consider Vietnam a functional republic or democracy. If I may ask, why is that?"

Odinson

 

[Odinson]

"That is correct, your government was denied in regards to those two requirements. While we can rectify the fact that we have not established diplomatic relations, the other matter is more difficult. The federal government presently classifies Vietnam as a 'Single-Party State' meaning that only one political party can legally govern your nation - that being the Communist Party of Vietnam. The federal government does not consider a single-party state a 'functional' republic or democracy," Secretary Fitzgerald said.

"Please understand that the word 'functional' really means 'true' in this case, as in a 'true-democracy,' and is not a comment on how efficient the Vietnamese government operates," he clarified. Secretary Fitzgerald said all of this as respectfully as he could, before taking a sip of his own tea. While Vietnam and the United States had different governments, Vietnam was one of the few "socialist" governments that the United States viewed with more of a neutral light instead of an adversarial one.

HeadlessSeeker

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

"Hmm, I see." Bang would say before taking another sip of his tea. "So your definition precludes any single party states from being any functional or 'true' republics or democracies." he said lowering his tea. "Would the fact that we host elections that our citizens take part in make any difference? Is there anyway we can have an exception made to this rule?" he would say wondering if the Americans would take anything in exchange for this. "We are very interested in pursuing positive diplomatic relations with the United States. Does this sales policy extend to diplomacy?" he asked. Odinson

 

[Odinson]

"The fact that Vietnam has a single-party government still stands," he said. He thought for a few moments, and then said, "The Defense Department's rules and regulations, including those for American Defense Sales, have been written by the White House under my counsel... This policy is in place because the United States supports free and open societies; it would be morally corrupt of us to sell weapons of war to governments who we fundamentally disagree with ideologically. However, this policy does not extend to diplomacy - the federal government is open to discussing anything at any time with anyone, as you and I are doing now. If the Vietnamese government wants to pursue positive diplomatic relations with the United States, then I think that is very much something we could work toward. Perhaps, if enough progress is made, policies could change in the future - but I can make no promises. Changes like that would have to come directly from the top," he said before sipping his tea.

"Where should we begin?" Secretary Fitzgerald asked.
HeadlessSeeker

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

"So, that policy is more or less set in stone during the Al Gore administration?" he sipped some tea as he thought over what was said to him. "I doubt that a... Republican? yes that is what they are called... Republican Administration would change that policy either." he said knowing it would take a lot for the Americans to change their mind on this. Plus, he was exactly negotiating from a place of strength either. "But..." he paused. "You are saying that if we were to have more the one legal political party... the decision reached on our government might be up for reconsideration? Hypothetically speaking, would such a party require seats, or would the option of voting for them be enough?"

"As mentioned before we are very interested in pursuing positive relations with the United States. While the denial of military sales does hamper this, it does not block it thankfully. Aside from the embassy that will be located in Hanoi we are interested in having a consulate in Ho Chi Minh City and possibly other locations in Vietnam. This will be a useful diplomatic link between our nations and their people."

"While there are nations we have made contact with that wish for the United States to stay out of... Oceana and Asian affairs and have verbally made so clear we believe that the United States does have a place to conduct diplomacy and trade within South East Asia. We believe that given time and or effort that our two nations can become friends."

"An odd question I know. But have you ever read our declaration of Independence?"

Odinson

 

[Odinson]

"I understand this entire discussion is a bit... touchy, so I appreciate your candidness, Mister Ambassador. Yes, this policy was set in place after President Gore took office. The greater issue is that, according to the Federal Government, Vietnam is not a true-democracy as I said before. If there was, for example, only two legally-allowed parties in Vietnam, that still would not fit what we would consider a true democracy - but I'm neither demanding nor asking for Vietnam to do so, your government is legitimate and your nation is sovereign... Despite these differences, however," he continued, "I could potentially see our countries working together, and our governments perhaps even becoming friends. But we would need to have some difficult discussions, and I think this would need to turn into high-level talks that would even be beyond my office or that of your Foreign Minister. Out of curiosity, why does your government wish to purchase the Hamilton-class? And.. who said that they don't want us to interact in Oceana and Asia?"

HeadlessSeeker

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

"Hmm, I see. So, in order to count as a true-democracy under your definition we would need to... remove the restrictions on party creation? If I may ask, what exactly is your definition on what counts as a true republic or democracy? This is very important for us going forward. From my understanding we may be willing to allow the creation of parties under the Vietnamese Fatherland Front that meet the criteria for being under it. If, and I do have to emphasize if we were to start moving in that direction, would that help relations between our two nations?"

"Well, who do we talk to in regards to these... difficult discussions? When you say high level I imagine you are referring to the level of being between our President's yes? I think that we could go in that direction. We were going to have a state visit with Turkey but they ceased replying, so the President is free for such lengthy discussions. Or, he should be."

"The reason we wish to purchase the Hamilton-class is due to the nature of our situation. The South China sea is disputed waters, the Spratly and Paracel Islands are disputed. Multiple nations have overlapping claim lines. The most major of them all being China. We want to ensure our claims, and be able to defend them. We are also aware of an apparent growing piracy issue in the area. Not to mention we wish to hamper golden triangle smuggling. We wish to secure our waters as best as we can and viewed the Hamilton-Class as the best lead ship to get our coast guard."

"The Nation that does not wish to have the United States in Oceana and Asia is Australia. They have made it very apparent with their references to the war. They want the and I quote 'Pacific and Asian region to deal with their own problems without countries like the United States getting involved and destroying things'. While we are happy to doo diplomacy and grow relations with them we do not want them to try and square the united states out of being able to do diplomacy and relations building with us. As it is not their place to decide these things." Odinson

 

[Odinson]

"Forgive me if I'm not entirely up-to-date on the inner-workings of Vietnamese domestic politics, but if I recall the Vietnamese Fatherland Front has a history of only including parties that would label themselves as socialist, Marxist, or communist.. or am I mistaken? I forget whether or not the former Democratic Party of Vietnam was grouped under the Vietnamese Fatherland Front. Regardless, I believe I understand what you are asking. Essentially, Mister Ambassador, if Vietnamese politicians are freely elected in fair and open elections, and they are free to associate with whatever party they like or even create their own, then that would meet our definition of a true democracy. There can be some exceptions, but that is the general idea," he said.

"If Vietnam started to move forward in that direction, that would significantly help relations between the United States and Vietnam. While I understand not everything I just said can be realized over night, moving forward in that direction would be seen as an incredible step forward, and we would recognize it as such... I have to say, Mister Ambassador, this discussion itself is significant. Considering our history, I personally consider it very honorable that your government is willing to try to work together with us - I will be sure to pass that along to the President. Considering that you wish to use the Hamilton-class as part of your Coast Guard, I am going to also mention that to the President and see if we can make any ground in that regard... President Gore is still entertaining the British Prime Minister at the White House, but that should be concluded soon. We could, however, perhaps have some kind of prelude to such talks. Whether it would include me, or the Vice President, or our Ambassador to Vietnam is yet to be decided, but those are all possibilities. Do you think that your government is actually open to.. stepping in that direction?"

Internally, Sinclair was shocked when he heard the ambassador outright say that it was an official from the Australian government who mentioned keeping the United States out of Asian and Oceana affairs. He wasn't sure if he believed the ambassador, but if he was lying, the man had a good poker face. "That's... very unfortunate to hear," Sinclair said. "Up until now, I would consider the Australians a natural friend.. Thank you for bringing this to my attention," he noted.

"You mentioned the Vietnamese Declaration of Independence earlier? I have to say, it's been some time since I read about it," he said honestly.

HeadlessSeeker

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

"Well, the opening of our declarations of independence I felt is relevant to talks of our relations going forward. The opening went:
'All people are created equal; they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights; among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

This immortal statement was made in the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America in 1776. In a broader sense, this means: All the peoples on the earth are equal from birth, all the peoples have a right to live, to be happy and free.'

These words were spoken by Ho Chi Minh whom consulted American OSS agents repeatedly prior to speaking them."

He said with a pause before setting down his tea.

"The founding spirit for this direction I believe is there. This spirit of cooperation I believe can be built upon from foundations set long ago. However, this direction is not something that can be promised. It can however be promised to be worked on. As you said this cannot be done overnight, but there is a will to try. This is something that will need to be taken up in the National Assembly and be voted on."

"The Vietnamese Fatherland Front is a grouping of groups that are traditionally aligned with the Communist Party of Vietnam. The Socialist Party of Vietnam, and yes the Democratic Party of Vietnam were a part of it. As I recall the Democratic Party of Vietnam were Democratic Socialists prior being deactivated. Democratic socialists being... reformers? I believe that is the right word. As opposed to revolutionaries. But, this does set a precedent for allowing multiple parties of different ideas within the organization. So, it is certainly a possibility."

"If you can make any ground for that it would be wonderful. Security in the South China sea is of great importance. Incidents such as the Johnson South Reef Skirmish have shown us this. As said we merely wish to be able to effectively police and protect our territorial waters. If we were to get that ship I believe it may be a good indicator for the National Assembly to dwell on."

"I thank you for your compliments in regards to this step forward. I am hopeful that this discussion and these steps forward will bear fruit in terms of a relationship between the United States of America and Vietnam. We have a great deal to discuss to make even more progress. I believe that our government is open to this possible direction, and that we should act on it and see where this goes. I believe that we can have Nguyễn Thị Bình, the Vice President and myself meet with your Vice President and yourself. The Minister of Foreign affairs is unfortunately very busy at this time and he will not be able to attend."

"At such a meeting what can be expected to be discussed? I can hazard a guess but I would like to hear your expectations."

"As for the Australians I believe that they are attempting to assert themselves. They have offered to help us cleanup the agent orange contaminated areas in exchange for us joining an organization they are building. Being that their organization is based on democratic principles I do not see why the Australian Government and the United States cannot work together. It was a very odd thing coming from them."

Odinson

 

[Odinson]

"The meeting between our Presidents would be... if it happened, it would be something significant, if not incredible. I think that would be something that the White House would insist holding in Washington. We wouldn't have to make it an official state visit with all of the pomp and circumstance, or we could, but I could see that being something with a grand entrance at the White House and long talks at Camp David, and then perhaps some kind of ending ceremony at the White House.... But I'm getting ahead of myself there, as I haven't even spoken to the President yet about all of this. This is all provisional, Mister Ambassador, at the end of the day President Gore calls the shots, but he and I are close, and I can assure you he's one of the most honorable men I know.

"But anyway, yes. A high-stakes meeting between our vice presidents and possibly you and myself... I do not think that kind of meeting would be as big of a public meeting - not that we would keep it secret - but it would really be more brass tax, so to speak..." he said. In case his Vietnamese colleague didn't understand the euphemism, he followed with, "Meaning they would be focusing much more on serious negotiations rather than ceremony. I think that having Vice President Sinclair go to Vietnam would be much too noticeable, as would having your Vice President come to the United States..."

The Ambassador could probably see the gears turning in Fitzgerald's head as he thought of where they could go that both would consider at least relatively third-party, or neutral. "I'm just throwing out darts here, but do you think your government would find it acceptable for our Vice Presidents to meet in South Korea? This would be under the assumption that both of them would be well-versed in what our Presidents wanted, and had some real negotiating power."

"In regards to what would be discussed? I think that it would be important for them first to recognize that the United States and Vietnam now have embassies and actual ambassadors - that itself is a big step. Next, they could briefly discuss lifting the trade embargo that the United States has had on Vietnam since the end of the war... This would need to come with some discussions on human rights issues," he said carefully. "I'll remind you of the later phrase in our declarations of independence, which state our unalienable rights: 'Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.' I can't begin to imagine how that discussion would go forward right now, but any kind of reforms that could be discussed and agreed to, along with a set-in-stone timeline, would be helpful. I'm keeping things vague here, Mister Ambassador, because I said before Vietnam is a sovereign nation - I'm not here to dictate to you what your country to do, but I'm trying to offer ideas that we can use to bring our countries together," he said, making sure again that his Vietnamese counterpart knew that Fitzgerald was trying to treat him as more of a diplomatic equal and less like an old enemy.

"If they could reach any kind of an agreement on lifting our trade embargo and progressing human rights in Vietnam, then that would open many more doors... I think the conversation would also include where Vietnam sees itself in the southeast Asian sphere, as well as in world affairs, along with Vietnamese feelings towards the Spanish, British, Canadians, and Koreans as they are all our closest allies and friends at this moment. Whether we tell him to or not, I'm sure Vice President Sinclair - who I know to be a very philosophical and esoteric man - would want to discuss the finer workings of the Vietnamese government, and if a democratic republic that isn't required to be socialist is possible in your country... I hope that your Vice President wouldn't take offense to that," he noted.

"This is a big assumption, but if we could get through all of that, and they could come to some meaningful agreements, it's possible that we could have our first major diplomatic agreement could be some kind of... 'Treaty of Cooperation.' Perhaps it could include lifting the American trade embargo, a legal promise of some meaningful democratic or human rights reforms in Vietnam - such as allowing other political parties - as well as mutual recognition of each other's sovereignty, and a pact to cooperate on some minor matters of military affairs or intelligence... That would be a colossal step," he said. "There might be some kind of in-between step after that involving myself and your foreign minister, but after that our President's could meet in Washington. At those high-stakes talks we could, dare I say, step forward as far as establishing some kind of friendship and even American recognition of some or all of those islands you mentioned as being Vietnamese.... but that would come with equal measures taken on your side.."

Jackson sat back for a moment, and reveled at the idea of bringing two former enemies together, but then he remembered that his duty was first a foremost for the good of the United States. "Our agreements would have to be equitable, but I think they are within the realm of possibility. In regards to the Hamilton-class... and this is not a promise, but I can try as a sign of good faith to you since you have taken the first step - I could see if I could get the White House and the Defense Department to agree to... 'leasing' six of them to Vietnam for two years. And, if the meeting between our Vice Presidents went well, the lease could turn into us selling you those six - at a fair price that would take into account whatever we charged you for the least - with the option to buy six or so more. Again, I can't promise that will happen, but I promise you I will try... Hopefully that would show your government that we are serious, and that our nations could potentially have a future of working together in more than just political matters..."

"But I've talked enough, Mister Ambassador, tell me what you think? What would you like discussed at the meeting of the vice presidents, if it happens?" he said.

HeadlessSeeker

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

Bang thought for a moment on all that had been said and discussed before speaking himself.

"I believe that having a meeting between our Vice Presidents in Korea would be a wise move. Discreet, and it wouldn't bring much expectation with it. We are already building a friendship with the Korean government, and thus it would be easy for us to arrange such a meeting there. As for the eventual higher meeting if things go well I agree that it should take place in Washington. As for me being in Korea I will have to decline. My services are best used here. I am sure that those accompanying the Vice President will be just as competent."

"I will leave the majority of those discussion points for the meeting between the vice presidents. However, I would like to discuss some of them a little as to make this go as smoothly a possible. Vietnam, while we may allow for multiple political parties if everything goes well in the National assembly, Vietnam will remain a socialist nation. Not remaining one would go against Ho Chi Minh Thought which has been formalized since 1991. There is however nothing in that ideology preventing multiple political parties or reforming many of your concerns. But, pushing that matter will without a doubt give the National Assembly second thoughts. The reason for this being what has occurred to the USSR during it's liberalization process. Not only that but the status of many post Soviet states is concerning. They are naturally cautious as you can imagine. Despite this, I believe if progress is made then us being socialist or not will be a minor issue in the grand scheme of things. Especially if we make progress on the issues that you have brought up. The cold war is over, and the United States won it."

"I think that many of the issues you brought up including human rights issues would follow after the national assembly votes on allowing multiple political parties. They would take some time, but with proper prodding I am sure they can get done. This would involve the loosening of restrictions on freedom of expression, association, assembly, and the rights to freely practice beliefs and religion. Already private ownership is being encouraged under Đổi Mới and the market economy it brings with it. So, anything is possible with enough effort and encouragement."

"Vietnam wishes to become a developed nation within South East Asia. We wish to lead an effort to help develop the rest of South East Asia as well. We are already in talks with Thailand and Indonesia in regards to this. For which we have proposed the recreation of ASEAN. So, that is where we see our self within Southeast Asia. Being proactive leaders so to say of the region for economy and development. On the world stage we are not ready to take a larger role. We do however wish to build healthy and positive relationships all around the world. Part of the reason we did our contracts program was to see how receptive nations would be to doing business and diplomacy with us. While we have yet to contact the Spanish, British, and Canadians we have no negative opinions of them. We are however working on building a positive relationship with Korea."

"What would a treaty of cooperation entail exactly? Aside from lifting the embargo? You mentioned cooperation... minor cooperation on military and intelligence? Would this involve possible joint exercises? Also, at what stage would things have to go right for the consideration of reactivating the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization be? This is possibly thinking to far ahead since the national assembly has not voted yet, but as I recall the government in the south was a part of that organization. I believe that it would in the end be only fitting if we manage to make it that far."

"For the leasing would it be possible if it occurs to have a transfer ceremony? I believe that would give some weight behind the reforms as they come. A transfer ceremony between our nation's two coast guards that is."

"As for other matters I have brought up before how the Australians have offered to help us clean up the agent orange sites in our nation. This is a sensitive issue for both our governments. But, I believe that if the United States were to at some point in all of this commit to helping us clean up those sites, it would go a long way in convincing the national assembly in taking further steps aside from the first vote. Not only that, but I feel that you would have the appreciation of not just the Vietnamese government, but all of the people of Vietnam. If you could have that prepared to be discussed in a serious manner then I believe it will go a great length."

Odinson

 

[Odinson]

Secretary Fitzgerald closely listened to what the ambassador had to say and then responded. "This theoretical treaty of cooperation would possibly, yes, include the lifting of the embargo, a legal promise of some meaningful democratic or human rights reforms in Vietnam - such as allowing other political parties - as well as mutual recognition of each other's sovereignty, and a pact to cooperate on some minor matters of military affairs or intelligence. I say 'military affairs or intelligence' lightly, as I'm not sure what the White House would be willing to agree to at such early times, but perhaps the first step in normalizing our armed forces would be the further sale of the Hamiltons that you mentioned earlier, where there may be some kind of official turning over ceremony and a presentation from both of our navies and or coast guards on their histories - that's just an idea, of course.

"I can also tell you that President Gore is an environmentalist, and would be very receptive to having the United States assist Vietnam in cleaning up some of the Agent Orange sites. I'm sure that the Environmental Protection Agency and the Forest Service could send officials and organize teams to assist in the process - knowing the President, I'm sure this would be made into a significant contribution, and I'm sure it could be into a considerable PR moment for our two countries. I will be sure to inform Vice President Sinclair as well as the President in order to test the waters," he said.

"If anything changes, or if any assumptions I made here about the White House were wrong, you will be the first person I tell. However, assuming everything goes according to plan here, I will contact your Foreign Minister and let him know that the United States wishes to build closer relations with Vietnam and wishes to do so with high-level talks. If he is receptive, then I can send a message between he and I to the Koreans in order to request a meeting there. Does this sound acceptable?" he asked, feeling that their productive meeting was now coming to a conclusion.

HeadlessSeeker

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

Le Van Bangwould listen and think a moment before nodding. "Yes, this all sounds acceptable to me. On all fronts of course. I believe that this may very well be the start of good and healthy relations between our two nations. In regards to military affairs and intelligence I believe that starting with the sale of Hamilton's is a good step. Nothing to big, and will go a long way of convincing those in the National Assembly that this is a good path forward. We are currently in talks with the Swedes on strategies and cooperation in regards to our disputed waters. They seem to agree that working with the united states on procurement is the best way forward."

"I look forward to hearing from the Ministry of Foreign affairs about whether or not the high level meeting goes forward. I am hopeful that things shall progress in a positive direction. Given our talks here today I believe that once this higher level meeting happens in Korea things shall fall into place." Odinson

 

[Odinson]

If there was nothing else to discuss, Secretary Fitzgerald would shake hands with the ambassador and see him out of the building. Fitzgerald personally felt that five years worth of progress had been made in less than fifty minutes of meeting between the two men. After the meeting, Secretary Fitzgerald immediately scheduled a meeting at the White House with President Gore and Vice President Sinclair. While President Gore was at first apprehensive to "making friends with the communists" he was much more receptive once Secretary Fitzgerald assured him that the Vietnamese government would be open to making reforms, including allowing other parties to exist in the Vietnamese government and also human rights reforms. President Gore gave Fitzgerald the go-ahead to contact the Vietnamese government and, if they were open to it, create a meeting between the vice presidents of the two countries in South Korea. Fitzgerald would begin writing his message to the Vietnamese Foreign Minister.

HeadlessSeeker

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

After shaking hands with Secretary Fitzgerald the Vietnamese Ambassador Le Van Bang would return to the Vietnamese Embassy. From there he would call the Vietnamese ministry of Foreign Affairs and inform them of the details of the meeting he had just finished. This was good news, the Americans were willing to play ball, or at least they seemed to. The Minister of Foreign Affairs was pleased, as the President was the one who had given the go ahead on this. Now all that was left was to wait and see if the Americans would follow through and contact them next. Not only that, but to set the stage in the national assembly and get as many people on board as possible.

Odinson

 

[Odinson]

[TR][TD]

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OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE​

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ENCRYPTED MESSAGE​

[TR][TD]

TO: Nguyễn Mạnh Cầm, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam ( HeadlessSeeker )​

FROM: Jackson Fitzgerald, Secretary of State of the United States of America

Foreign Minister,

I have had a productive meeting in Washington with Ambassador Le Van Bang. To everyone's surprise there was a large amount of things that we agreed on, and I believe there is an exceptional amount of progress that we can make. We have already taken a monumental step in reestablishing diplomatic relations by allowing both of our nations to host embassies and ambassadors, but now it's time we take even more significant steps. The Ambassador and I discussed how having high-level talks between our vice presidents would be a solid first step in healing relations between the United States and Vietnam. Discussions at these high level talks would include agreements as well as concessions on both sides. The Ambassador should be able to describe in more detail what we discussed, however I can specifically mention the following items that we think would be helpful for our vice presidents to discuss:
-Mutual recognition of each nation's sovereignty;
-Lifting of the American embargo on Vietnam;
-Vietnamese commitment to legal reforms that will allow other political parties to form and be a part of its legislature;
-American commitment to assisting in the cleanup of agent orange;
-Vietnamese commitment to beginning human rights reforms and minor economic reforms such as the ownership of private property;
-American commitment to leasing Hamilton-class cutters to Vietnam along with a formal handing-over ceremony where American and Vietnamese personnel can meet and enjoy a small reception together.

At the very least, we would like to discuss these items and, if we can come to some kind of agreement, put each one of them in a treaty to jumpstart American-Vietnamese relations. However, we would have no issue with either of our vice presidents bringing up additional topics. Seeing as South Korea is an Asian nation that has managed to do what many of us around the world considered to be impossible by mending the bond between the DPRK and the Republic of Korea, we propose that we ask the Koreans if they would be willing to host this meeting between our delegations. The United States specifically proposes Jeju Island for the meeting if the Koreans agree.

If your government is interested in arranging these talks between our vice presidents in Korea on the aforementioned topics, please let me know as soon as possible so that we can make this a reality.

Respectfully,

Jackson Fitzgerald
Secretary of State
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