Paris Peace Conference Simulation at Washington College

Chestertown, MD — Under the auspices of the United States Institute of Peace and Washington College, students from Washington College, Howard University, The Catholic University of America, and the University of Baltimore will come together on the College campus in Chestertown, MD, for a two-day simulation of the 1972 Paris Peace talks. The original talks were begun in 1968, but reached an impasse. After behind-the-scenes negotiations, the official talks began again in October 1972. On January 25, 1973 a final agreement was signed. On March 29, 1973, the last U.S. troops pulled out of South Vietnam. The simulation at Washington College takes place Thursday April 6 and Friday April 7.

In addition, Peter Rodman, assistant to Henry Kissinger from 1969 to 1977, will join the students, their faculty sponsors, and faculty observers from West Point the evening of April 6 for a lecture/dinner in Chestertown.

The United States Institute of Peace was established 16 years ago by Congress as an educational research institution to help in preventing, managing, and resolving international conflicts. Educational outreach is one of its emphases.

The Peace Conference will begin with each team of three students presenting a brief detailing its negotiating stance and position. From that point on, the conference assumes a life of its own. Washington College represents the United States. The Catholic University of America represents North Vietnam. Howard University will take the role of South Vietnam. The University of Baltimore will represent the USSR. Jeff Helsing, of the USIP will moderate. Faculty members from West Point will attend as observers.