This program is 27 minutes long
#487
(Studio) Defense Secretary Clark Clifford accuses South Vietnam of backing out of agreement to take point in Paris Peace Talks. South Vietnam refusal to take point deadlocks talks.
REPORTER: Frank Reynolds
(DC) [CLIFFORD - says communique agreed on earlier by President Johnson and President Nguyen Van Thieu. Later on, Thieu says he couldn't go along with agreement because he couldn't get South Vietnam delegation together. More reasons given the next day. President felt he had to proceed; he'd made commitment. Asks if he only has two choices when reporter asks if he'd call South Vietnam move sabotage or double-cross.] Clifford lost his cool. United States wants South Vietnam's help, but will proceed alone if necessary.
REPORTER: Bill Downs
#488
(Studio) Since agreement fell apart, South Vietnam objects number times and proposes South Vietnam lead peace talks.
REPORTER: Frank Reynolds
(Saigon, South Vietnam) November 8, 1968 film shown. [THIEU - can't attend talks because basic conditions not realized. Hanoi must guarantee to talk seriously with South Vietnam. Direct talks must be new phase. NLF can only attend as point of North Vietnam delegation.]
REPORTER: No reporter given
#490
(Studio) Questions of personality played role in Vietnam negotiations.
REPORTER: Frank Reynolds
(DC) President Johnson has resisted advice to get tough with South Vietnam. United States Dep. Ambassador to Saigon, Samuel Berger, may have blundered. In October 31, meeting with Nguyen Van Thieu and Vice President Nguyen Cao Ky and Ambassador Ellsworth Bunker, Berger told Thieu if he insisted NLF not be separate entity, United States wouldn't support South Vietnam. Thieu said he thought Berger was ambassador to South Vietnam not Hanoi. Bunker tried to reassure Thieu.
REPORTER: Bill Gill
#491
(Studio) Clear South Vietnam reluctant to take point in negotiations.
REPORTER: Frank Reynolds
(Saigon, South Vietnam) Ho Chi Minh thought he had negotiated understanding with French in 1946. In 1954, both North Vietnam and South Vietnam delegates disapptd. at peace terms. In 1962, diplomats in Geneva discussed Laos. 3 party coalition created; proved unworkable. Chief American diplomat then was Averell Harriman. South Vietnam despaired when Harriman picked as ambassador American's track record at negotiating table poor. South Vietnam are shrewd bargainers and it is just they take lead in talks. Thieu saying thanks American, but we'd rather do it ourselves.
REPORTER: Bill Brannigan
#493
(Studio) Wednesday session of peace talks cancelled. Clark Clifford denounces South Vietnam. Frank Reynolds talks to reporters about United States and South Vietnam.
REPORTER: Frank Reynolds
(Studio) John Scali in Washington, DC and Ted Koppel in NYC. Felt impasse can't be allowed to continue much longer. Significant Clifford acted tough 1 day after President Johnson's meeting with Richard Nixon. Clifford was at meeting Nixon probably approved Clifford statement. Nixon gone further than any President-elect with show of unanimity. Hoped Nguyen Van Thieu may relent. United States tactics compared to detectives who are both harsh and soothing to suspect. Indicated Thieu tried to drive wedge between President Johnson and Richard Nixon.
REPORTER: Frank Reynolds; John Scali; Ted Koppel
#495
(Studio) Comment on Richard Nixon supporting President Johnson.
REPORTER: Frank Reynolds
(DC) Usually, old President does what he pleases until Inauguration Day and new President reads about it. Yet Nixon says Johnson will be spking. for old and new admins. with regard to Vietnam, Mideast and relations with USSR . May be reading more in announcement than is there. May have been meant solely for Nguyen Van Thieu. May be similarity between policies. Consequences of act likely to be good.
REPORTER: Jim Kilpatrick
#496
(Studio) Snow, rain and gale-force winds hit E. Coast from North Carolina to Massachusetts. New York City bridge closed due to swaying.
REPORTER: Frank Reynolds
#497
(Studio) Supreme Court reports Arkansas anti-evolution law unconst. Law makes teaching evolution crime.
REPORTER: Frank Reynolds
#498
(Studio) NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) says Apollo VIII to fly around moon on or after December 21.
REPORTER: Frank Reynolds
#499
(Studio) Trial of James Earl Ray postponed until Mar. 3. Judge Preston Battle grants delay to give defense attorney, Percy Foreman, more time.
REPORTER: Frank Reynolds
#502
(Studio) Report on tragic love affair.
REPORTER: Frank Reynolds
(London, England) Giant pandas, one from USSR and other from England, put together in hopes of their mating. No luck.
REPORTER: Bill Beutel
#663211