1954 in the Vietnam War was a Catholic appointed to rule a country that was predominantly Buddhist. In the words of one historian, "Diệm's attractiveness to his first American patrons derived from three qualities: he was a certified anti-communist nationalist, he was a Roman Catholic, and he understood English." English language ability was rare among Vietnamese at the time. 21 July The Geneva Accords were signed in Paris. The accords called for a cease fire in the war, the independence of Vietnam, its division at the 17th parallel of latitude into two provisional states, North Vietnam and the State of Vietnam (South Vietnam), and the
1972 in the Vietnam War National Security Adviser Kissinger documents outlining the communist proposal for a peace agreement in Vietnam. The proposal dropped demands for the ouster of President Thieu of South Vietnam and called for the withdrawal of all American troops, the release of all American prisoners of war. and a cease fire "in place" which would allow North Vietnamese soldiers in South Vietnam to remain there. A tentative text was agreed upon by both sides. Kissinger met with Nixon in Washington to explain the draft peace agreement with North Vietnam. Nixon approved the agreement subject to the agreement of President Thieu of South