HC Deb 04 November 1965 vol 718 cc1226-7
Q1. Mr. Heffer

asked the Prime Minister what progress has been made by Her Majesty's Government towards a peaceful solution of the Vietnam conflict.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)

I have nothing to add to the Answers I gave to similar Questions on 2nd November.

Mr. Heffer

In view of the reply which was given by my right hon. Friend on 2nd November, would the Prime Minister indicate whether a fresh approach has been made on the basis of the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' communiqué, in particular to the United States, in relation to the continued bombing which still takes place?

The Prime Minister

I dealt with this point on Tuesday, and I have nothing to add today. As soon as there is any sign of willingness to receive the Commonwealth Peace Mission, we can, of course, activate it.

Mr. Heath

On Tuesday the Prime Minister mentioned the approaches which were being made to the Soviet Government. Could he give the House details of those and what the reactions were? Could he give the House the Government's present assessment of the military situation in South Vietnam?

The Prime Minister

We are in constant touch with the Soviet Government about this and I have been engaged in a written exchange with Mr. Kosygin about it over a period of time. I cannot say, however, that there is any sign yet that the Soviet Union can tell us of any willingness on the part of Hanoi. The right hon. Gentleman asked about the military situation in Vietnam. I think that it is generally felt, as all of us on both sides of the House forecast earlier in the year, that with the end of the monsoon season it is now clear that those who thought that they were going to have an easy victory have been deluding themselves.

Mr. Shinwell

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the United Nations have suspended or abandoned their efforts to try to promote a peaceful settlement?

The Prime Minister

I do not think that there has been very much hope for some time of a United Nations initiative. That is why we took the Commonwealth initiative. I think that my hon. Friend is aware of the difficulties of the United Nations in this position until at any rate there is some sign of Hanoi, which is not represented there, receiving a delegation.