Role of bombing overstated

Richard Emery’s Dec. 7 letter regarding the end of the Vietnam War misses his stated goal of finding the truth. The use of the word “rumor” to describe President Kennedy’s policy, and his application of the term “misguided” in reference to protesters only serve to dilute his position. Neither contributes to an actual analysis of events.

While Emery is correct that President Johnson escalated the war, he misrepresents the role of Linebacker II, the bombing campaign against North Vietnam in December 1972, in ending the war. The United States and North Vietnam reached a tentative settlement in October 1972. When announced, the South Vietnamese government balked and issued its own demands. This led to further discussions, which broke down on Dec. 13, 1972.

Nixon played both ends, making promises to South Vietnam and ordering the bombing of North Vietnam. Talks began again on Jan. 8, 1973. A document was signed on Jan. 27. This document was essentially the same as the one from the previous October. Although North Vietnam suffered significant damage in Linebacker II, the bombing did nothing to alter the agreement that ended U.S. involvement in Vietnam. The U.S. accepted an agreement it could have signed months earlier.

Ron Large

Spokane