One Step at a Time

GEORGE BUSH HAS DECIDED TO MOVE ONE SQUARE forward on the "road map" he uses to guide the improvement of U.S. ties to Vietnam. With Hanoi opening its archival records of missing G.I.s and returning their remains, he has permitted American firms to open offices and sign contracts for future business. Though a U.S. embargo still bars them from buying or selling goods and services, American companies are glad they can start to establish a presence in Vietnam. For its part, Hanoi wants Washington to stop blocking World Bank loans crucial to Vietnam's development. U.S. officials hope more trade will help open up the country. But POW activists adamantly oppose lifting the embargo outright -- a decision Bill Clinton will have to make.