This British Cabinet discussion took place in 1967, almost two years after
the US committed ground troops to the Vietnam War.
Britain supported US policy throughout the Vietnam War. This brought a lot
of criticism on the government from inside Britain, especially from some sections
of the Labour Party.
The USSR and China always denied helping North Vietnam and the Viet Cong.
However, it was well known that they did provide help.
Throughout the conflict US politicians were anxious not to look as thought
they were weak. As a result, they demanded an end to Communist action before
talks took place. Not surprisingly, the Communists refused.
The Communists demanded that the US stopped bombing North Vietnam before
talks took place. Not surprisingly, the USA refused.
Some talks did take place in 1968 but they achieved little.
