The 'Most Distinguished Envoy of Peace': Averell Harriman and the Vietnam War in the Johnson Years. Issue 1 (1st January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Colman, Jonathan
• Is Part Of: International history review. Volume 38:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 66
• Page End: 87
• Publication Date: 2016-01-01
• Subjects: Averell Harriman -- Vietnam War -- peace negotiations; History -- Periodicals; Histoire; History; Internationale politiek; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 905
• DOI: 10.1080/07075332.2015.1007514
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0707-5332

Abstract

Abstract : From 1965 to 1969 the eminent diplomat Averell Harriman was at the forefront of US efforts to achieve a negotiated peace in Vietnam, pursuing numerous initiatives with vigour. He grew frustrated and embittered at how, in his view, President Johnson and his advisers were responsible for missing a number of opportunities for peace. However, recent research indicates that Communist attitudes were at least as much a sticking point. Harriman was also keen to enlist Soviet assistance, but it has become clear that Moscow was ambivalent towards engaging wholeheartedly with the peace effort. The article provides a fresh perspective on Harriman's attempts to bring peace in Vietnam, not least through the use of recent research in Communist archives.