HC Deb 05 May 1955 vol 540 cc1901-2
58. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, following the visit to Saigon of the High Commissioner for South-East Asia, he will make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government in relation to the situation in Vietnam, in the light of the Geneva Agreement.

Mr. H. Macmillan

Mr. MacDonald went to Saigon on a visit arranged some time ago. The policy of Her Majesty's Government towards the situation in Vietnam continues to be based on the Final Declaration of the Geneva Conference. They consider that the solution of the present difficulties is primarily a matter for the Vietnamese people themselves, and hope to see a restoration of conditions in which law and order can be maintained, effective government introduced and the Geneva Settlements upheld.

Mr. Henderson

In view of the possible reactions of the situation upon the implementation of the Geneva Agreement, and in view of the fact that the Prime Minister and Mr. Molotov were joint chairmen of the Conference, is the right hon. Gentleman keeping in touch with Mr. Molotov on these developments?

Mr. Macmillan

If it becomes apparent that there are problems within the scope of the joint chairmen, no doubt that will be done. But the problem at the present time seems to be an internal problem which we hope the people will be able to settle satisfactorily themselves.

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