§ 7. Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reports he has received from the International Control Commission on the extent to which the United States of America is involved in South Vietnam.
§ Mr. M. StewartI have received a report dated 13th February from the International Control Commission about recent events in Vietnam. It consists of a majority report from the Indian and Polish Commissioners, a minority statement from the Canadian Commissioner and a number of appendices. In accordance with precedent, I have proposed to the Soviet Government that the Co-Chairmen should circulate the documents to all members of the 1954 Geneva Conference and should publish them as soon as possible thereafter.
§ Mr. JenkinsWill my right hon. Friend note that that reply will be received with considerable relief in the country and that a growing number of people in the 909 country, including hon. Members on both sides of the House, have a feeling that the best way in which Her Majesty's Government could contribute to a bringing to an end of the war in Vietnam would be to express publicly an independent opinion on the subject?
§ Mr. StewartIt is true that people will feel that we are taking the right course in getting in touch with my Co-Chairman for the publication of this Report. There are later Questions dealing with the other aspects of my hon. Friend's Question.
§ Mr. MaudlingIn view of the serious nature of the situation in that part of the world, can the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that the Government will work throughout in the closest consultation with the United States?
§ Mr. StewartI think that I have made that clear to the House on an earlier occasion.
§ Mr. Philip Noel-BakerIn view of the great importance of the matter, will my right hon. Friend let us have the Report in a White Paper?
§ Mr. StewartThe first step, of course, is to arrange with my Co-Chairman for its circulation. After its circulation no doubt it will be published.