§ Q7. Mr. Winnickasked the Prime Minister if he will make representations to the United States Government with a view to a cease-fire in Vietnam over the Christmas period.
§ Q11. Mr. Robert Daviesasked the Prime Minister if he will make representations to President Johnson to seek to initiate a Christmas truce in Vietnam and thereafter not to be the first to resume hostilities.
§ The Prime MinisterThere is no need to make any such representations since the South Vietnamese Government have already announced that they and their 1570 Allies will observe a truce at Christmas, New Year and the Vietnamese New Year.
§ Mr. WinnickIs the Prime Minister aware that millions of people throughout the world are hoping and praying that the cease-fire at Christmas will lead to a permanent cease-fire in Vietnam? Would he agree that during the last few months the war in Vietnam has been escalating and has become more brutal and horrifying?
§ The Prime MinisterI agree with what my hon. Friend says about the undoubted wishes of millions of people all over the world, whatever view they may take about the responsibility for this fighting. As the House knows—although I could not say so at the time—last year we pressed the American Government to agree that the truce should not be broken by them, even when the time of expiry had been reached. In fact, it was the North Vietnamese who started the fighting. We also pressed, as did others—and as was decided—to extend the bombing truce for very many weeks. I only regret that no response came from the other side.
§ Mr. DaviesIs it not the case that what is now envisaged is only a temporary and rather cynical intermission in hostilities, after which they will be resumed? Is it not evident that the United States Government are more concerned about achieving victory than a peaceful solution? Will the Prime Minister therefore press the United States Government not to resume hostilities but to take this opportunity to try to reach a peaceful solution?
§ The Prime MinisterI am not sure where my hon. Friend is looking for the cynicism he described, although from the latter part of his supplementary question I could make a fair guess. If it is not unduly cynical to point this out, last year everything he asks for was done by South Vietnam and the United States, very much with our involvement and co-operation. In fact, it was through no fault of ours or theirs that, despite the most urgent probings and soundings, there was no response by North Vietnam. The fighting continued for several weeks after the United States had stopped bombing.