HC Deb 28 July 1966 vol 732 cc1894-5

Q7. Mr. Winnick asked the Prime Minister if he will give details of the exchanges which have recently taken place with the United States of America over extending United State's air attacks in North Vietnam.

The Prime Minister

I have nothing to add to the speech I made in the debate on 7th July or to my statement of 29th June.

Mr. Winnick

Will the President of the United States be told that the continued bombing of North Vietnam will not lead to a settlement and to an American victory? Could the President also be told that those of us who are very critical of his policy want the Communists to negotiate, but question whether President Johnson really requires or wants a negotiated settlement in Vietnam?

The Prime Minister

The President of the United States is fully aware of the position of Her Majesty's Government. This was explained to him last December and further exchanges and public statements have confirmed our position. I will certainly consider whether I should tell the President of my hon. Friend's views, but I think it right to say that my view is that I am absolutely satisfied of the sincerity of the President and the American Government in wanting unconditional negotiations; and, if I were to have a chance, I would convey to Hanoi my hon. Friend's views that Hanoi should be similarly willing to enter into negotiations.

Mr. Mendelson

Has the attention of my right hon. Friend been drawn to the two statements made by Marshal Ky in the last four days, in which he called on his allies to support the invasion of North Vietnam and the destruction of the North Vietnamese Government and tried deliberately to embroil the United States in war against China? Will my right hon. Friend make it quite clear that there is now urgent need for a change of Government and attitude in Saigon if real negotiations are to start?

The Prime Minister

I am aware of these statements. As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has made clear, we hold no brief for statements made by the Government in Saigon—and as to those particular statements, if correctly reported, I totally disagree with them.