The memoir of Trần Quang Cơ (1927-2015), former member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV), brings to light the intense diplomacy among great powers and regional players over the continued conflicts in Indochina after the unification of Vietnam as well as the bitter disagreements within the Vietnamese leadership over the country’s political priorities during the period of 1975-1993.

Cơ put together his memories and thoughts on “many sensitive developments” in Vietnamese foreign relations that he believed had been “intentionally or unintentionally” forgotten (rơi rụng) in the state-endorsed history “to ‘smooth over’ (tròn trĩnh) the historical record.”  Completed in Vietnamese in 2001 (updated in 2003) and informally circulated on the internet, Merle Pribbenow’s English-translation makes this valuable historical source available to wider audiences.

In response to this perceived growing threat against the regime, on 2 December 1980 the Vietnamese Communist Party Politburo issued Resolution 31-NQ/TW on maintaining internal political security and law and order in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, with a specific focus on increasing the power and the responsibilities of Vietnam’s Public Security and Police forces, which were subordinate to the Ministry of Interior. 

Zhou Enlai and Pham Van Dong discuss North Vietnam's support for revolutions in South Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos.

Telegram to the Ambassador in the DRV details fundamental positions of the Soviet Union regarding maintenance of peace in Vietnam, strengthening of the political and economic situation, and increasing the well-being of workers. The Embassy is also tasked with further developing not only Soviet-Vietnamese relations but also Vietnamese-Chinese and other socialist countries relations. The telegram states that the Embassy should overall strive to strengthen the influence of the Soviet Union and should additionally monitor the situation in South Vietnam for reunification.

Choi Duk Shin reports on Vietnam's National Day celebrations, his discussion with the Vietnamese Foreign Minister concerning South Korea's admission to the Colombo Plan, and recent political events in Vietnam and Laos.

Choi Duk Shin reports on Japanese Prime Minister Kishi's visit, the sharing of Korean culture in Saigon, and major events in South Vietnam and the surrounding region.

Choi Duk Shin reports on Japanese Premier Kishi's travels in Southeast Asia, the current situations in Thailand and Laos, and Malaya's fright against communism.

Choi Duk Shin reports on anti-communist sentiment in South Vietnam, the exchange of diplomatic documents with Laos, and recent social meetings.

Choi Duk Shin reports on the observance of June 25th, Japanese local interference with the Korean publications, recent Vietnam affairs, and news form Laos and Cambodia.

Choi Duk Shin reports on recent South Vietnamese affairs, including the invitation to Washington's Nuclear Cooperation Conference, and news on the conflict in Laos.