Nation: Behind the Points in Paris

NOW that all sides in Viet Nam seem willing to relinquish rhetorical pronunciamentos for real bargaining, the distances separating the adversaries on specific issues can begin to be measured. There is no substantial gap—in principle at least—on a number of items. On others, grave differences and difficulties remain.

The U.S. and the Communists agree to respect the territorial integrity of Laos and Cambodia. They are willing to negotiate a prisoner exchange. Both say that the entire political spectrum of South Viet Nam must be eligible for representation in its government. The U.S. insisted...