§ Q5. Mr. Mayhewasked the Prime Minister what assurances he gave relating to Viet-Nam during his recent talks with President Johnson.
§ The Prime MinisterI reaffirmed my support for United States policy which, as stated by President Kennedy as long ago as December, 1961, is intended to help the Republic of Viet-Nam to protect its people and to preserve its independence.
§ Mr. MayhewWe can sympathise with the Americans over their difficulties in Viet-Nam, but did the Prime Minister explain to the President that Her Majesty's Government would oppose any plan to extend the war to the north?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, there was no such suggestion.
§ Mr. WarbeyIn giving full support to American policy in South Viet-Nam, did the Prime Minister receive any return assurances from President Johnson that the American Government intended to bring their war in Viet-Nam to an end and to seek a policy based on the Geneva Agreements of 1954?
§ The Prime MinisterThe whole purpose of this help to the South Viet-Nam Government is to bring these operations to an end, but there is a continuous infiltration of Communists from the north.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerIs it not plain that the only way to stop infiltration from the north is by having a conference? It is plainly impossible by military means to prevent infiltration in the Viet-Namese jungles.
§ The Prime MinisterThe situation is similar to that in Malaya, when we found ourselves involved in a very difficult operation. But it should not be impossible to protect a country which wishes to live in independence and peace.