§ 20. Mr. Warbeyasked the Lord Privy Seal if, in view of the increase in American military activity in South Vietnam, including the use of toxic chemicals for the destruction of vegetation and food crops, he will now propose to the Russian co-Chairman the re-summoning of the 1954 Geneva Conference on Indo-China.
§ Mr. WarbeyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are now 17,000 American combat troops involved in South Vietnam, that the use of toxic chemical sprays for destroying food crops has been admitted by American military leaders, and that the Americans realise that they have got into a mess in South Vietnam from which they can either withdraw or intensify their intervention and, thereby, provoke possibly the Chinese into intervening on their side? Would the right hon. Gentleman like to help the Americans out of their mess by attempting to get the whole problem of Vietnam approached in the same way as the problem of Laos was approached?
§ Mr. HeathOnce again, I cannot accept the hon. Member's speculations in this respect. In any case, these matters have been referred to the International Control Commission, which is now considering whether or not they are in its competence.
§ 39. Mr. Croninasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the situation in South Vietnam.
§ 11. Mr. P. Noel-Bakerasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement concerning the situation in South Vietnam; and what functions are now being performed by the International Commission appointed by the Geneva Conference in 1954.
§ Mr. HeathThe Vietnamese Government are still fighting insurgency, which is being encouraged and aided by the Communist régime of North Vietnam. The "Strategic Hamlet" programme is giving improved security to villagers and a chance to build up again the traditional system of Vietnamese village councils and communal activity. We hope this improvement can be maintained. The functions performed by the international Control Commission remain as originally defined in the Geneva Agreement of 1954 [Cmd. 9239].
§ Mr. CroninWill the right hon. Gentleman indicate what progress is being made in stopping the steady flow of supplies from North Vietnam by craft along the coast of South Vietnam and also overland through Laos?
§ Mr. HeathI believe that some progress is being made in the matter. Her Majesty's Government have done their utmost with those with influence over North Vietnam to obtain her withdrawal from this area.
§ Mr. BrockwayWould not the right hon. Gentleman be a little fairer in his description of what is happening in South Vietnam if he, in addition to deploring North Vietnam's assistance there—which we all deplore—deplored also the very strong American assistance on the other side?
§ Mr. HeathThese matters, as the hon. Gentleman will recall, are governed by the original Geneva Convention.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerIs the International Commission doing anything at all? Is not 703 this situation becoming most dangerous for the whole of Asia, where we have great responsibilities and great interests, and is it not time some international action was taken to bring the war to an end?
§ Mr. HeathI said in my original Answer that I think there is an improved situation in South Vietnam, and the organisation which is being followed there is making progress.