THE TET OFFENSIVE was launched (See Jan. 30), involving coordinated NLF and North Vietnamese attacks on numerous South Vietnamese cities—a contrast to earlier fighting, which had been largely confined to the countryside. Saigon and Huê were scenes of desperate fighting. Operations continued until Feb. 24, when South Vietnamese troops recaptured the palace grounds at Huê. The Communist forces had counted on a mass supportive rising of the population in the south; this did not transpire, and countless NLF forces were slaughtered in the fighting. Thereafter, Communist forces primarily consisted of North Vietnamese regulars. While the Tet offensive failed to attain its objective, it did make a profound impression on U.S. and world opinion; all parties were astounded by the power of the Communist forces. It proved to be a major turning point in the war.
U Thant, returning from an extended mission in the interest of peace, reported his conviction that a cessation of the bombing would soon lead to meaningful peace talks.
Johnson announced the cessation of air and naval bombardment north of the 20th parallel, which meant relief for some 90 percent of the North Vietnamese population.
Communist attacks on cities in South Vietnam were renewed; shelling and fighting near Saigon entailed heavy civilian casualties and a stream of countless refugees.
PEACE TALKSbegan in Paris with W. Averill Harriman as chief U.S. delegate and Xuan Thuy representing North Vietnam. North Vietnam immediately demanded unconditional cessation of the bombing.
Johnson announced the complete cessation of U.S. naval, air, and artillery bombing of North Vietnam. The U.S. later claimed that this was part of an unwritten understanding in which North Vietnam promised to respect the demilitarized zone, abstain from bombing southern cities, and embark on meaningful negotiations. Hanoi denied that there was any such understanding.
