§ 26. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement as to the present policy of Her Majesty's Government on the supply of arms to the United States of America for use in Vietnam.
§ Mr. M. StewartThere has been no change in our policy since the reply my right hon. Friend the then Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs gave to the right hon. Gentleman on 22nd January. Although we do not place any restrictions or conditions on arms sold to the United States, our policy is not to sell arms specifically for use in Vietnam.—[Vol. 757, Col. 10.]
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterWill the Foreign Secretary say precisely what that means? If the United States asks for a consignment of arms plainly for use in Vietnam, will Her Majesty's Government supply them?
§ Mr. StewartNo, Sir. It has not been our policy to do so, as was clear in my Answer. This policy has been operated for some time and has caused no difficulty between us and the United States.
§ Mr. Raphael TuckIs it not about time that restrictions or qualifications were put on the sale of arms by us to the United States?
§ Mr. StewartI am sure that it would not be right to make an alteration in the policy, particularly at the present stage of negotiations on Vietnam.