§ 1. Mr. Ormeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations he has made to the United States Government regarding the escalation of the war involved in their proposal to increase the numbers of troops in Vietnam.
§ 46. Mr. Dickensasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations he has made to the United States of America about the proposed increase in their armed forces serving in Vietnam, in view of the danger of further escalation of the war.
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. George Brown)I have nothing to add to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave to a Supplementary Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Lewisham, West (Mr. Dickens) on 6th June.—[Vol. 747, c. 803.]
§ Mr. OrmeIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is a growing concern in this country about the threats of escalation of the war? Could he say what positive steps Her Majesty's Government are taking to try to bring about negotiations and the end of this terrible war?
§ Mr. BrownI have said that many times in this House, and we are doing our utmost to do it. However, it means approaching more than one party to the war. It means trying to get in touch with those who entered the demilitarised zone in flagrant breach of the Geneva Convention, as well as those who responded. I am doing my best.
§ Mr. DickensMay I press my right hon. Friend a little further? Will he state what is the present attitude of Her Majesty's Government to the further escalation of the war in Vietnam by the Americans and, in particular, will he deal with the potential threat of an American land invasion of North Vietnam?
§ Mr. BrownI have no reason to suspect the latter. I am against the escalation of the war, and would very much welcome the support of my hon. Friend to oppose those who, from North Vietnam, from China and elsewhere, are in fact encouraging the escalation.
§ Mr. RankinCan my right hon. Friend say if forces from any other source or nation are entering the theatre of war in Vietnam?
§ Mr. BrownLike the South Vietnamese, the North Vietnamese have allies and friends. There is no reason to think that either is failing to use them.