[rightbyte]

    A similar debate concerned the shape of the table to be used at the conference. The North favored a circular table, in which all parties, including NLF representatives, would appear to be "equal"' in importance. The South Vietnamese argued that only a rectangular table was acceptable, for only a rectangle could show two distinct sides to the conflict. Eventually a compromise was reached, in which representatives of the northern and southern governments would sit at a circular table, with members representing all other parties sitting at individual square tables around them.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris_Peace_Accords

Edit: Also note what Kissinger did behind the back of Thiệu.

[beretguy]

Kindergarten level arguing.

[rightbyte]

I am trying to allude to historical events in which a super power talked both behind the back of a losing allied government and then forced them into a losing proposition.

It is not like stuff like this is unexpected. I find the general "acted surprisedness" somewhat annoying.