HC Deb 23 October 1961 vol 646 cc558-9
35. Mr. Wall

asked the Lord Privy Seal what protests he has received from the Government of South Vietnam about violations of the Geneva Agreement by the Communist authorities of North Vietnam; and what proposals he is making.

Mr. Heath

My noble Friend, as Co-Chairman of the Geneva Conference 1954, has received a Note dated 17th August from the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Vietnam, drawing attention to the innumerable violations of the Geneva Agreement by the Communist authorities of North Vietnam and the threat to peace arising from the policy of subversion and aggression directed by those authorities against South Vietnam. Copies of this document are being placed in the Library of the House. My noble Friend sent a copy to the Soviet Government, and he is about to draw the attention of the Soviet Co-Chairman to this serious situation and to the views of the South Vietnamese Government.

Mr. Wall

Can my right hon. Friend confirm that since the cease-fire in 1954 the North Vietnamese Army has increased from seven to twenty divisions and, not only has there been very large subversion in South Vietnam but they have violated the frontier on more than one occasion? Will he recommend his noble Friend to bring to the attention of the International Supervisory Control Commission these violations of the ceasefire agreement?

Mr. Heath

There has been a very large increase in the numbers of the forces, as my hon. Friend has mentioned, and a very large number of violations, which have been specified in this Note. I shall certainly consider the point he has raised.

Mr. Brockway

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to see that on both sides the Geneva Agreement is kept? Is it not a fact that the International Commission has also brought a series of charges against American intervention, and recently did not the Americans indicate that they intend to give considerable additional military support to South Vietnam?

Mr. Heath

We are anxious that the Geneva Agreements should be kept by both sides, but I cannot accept the latter part of the hon. Member's question.