 To counter the American bombing, the entire population of North Vietnam was mobilized for the war effort with vast teams of women being used to repair the damage done by the bombers, often at a speed that astonished the Americans.The bombing of North Vietnam proved to be the principle obstacle to opening peace talks as Ho repeatedly stated that no peace talks would be possible unless the United States unconditionally cease bombing North Vietnam.Like many of the other leaders of the newly independent states of Asia and Africa, Ho was extremely sensitive about threats, whatever perceived or real, to his nation's independence and sovereignty.