§ Q2. Mr. Whiteheadasked the Prime Minister what communications he has had with President Nixon since 9th May. 1972.
§ The Prime MinisterMy communications with President Nixon, as with other Heads of Government, are confidential.
§ Mr. WhiteheadAs President Nixon is currently running as hard in Moscow for re-election as the Prime Minister is in Bexley Heath, and there may not be very much time for him, is it not time that we communicated to the American Government a view about the total illegality in international law of the mining of the ports in the Gulf of Tonkin; or does he share the disgraceful sycophantic view of the Foreign Secretary that these actions are, in some way, justifiable?
§ The Prime MinisterIf the hon. Gentleman wants to treat this as a serious question, he might have worded his supplementary question more seriously. I do 1219 not accept his allegations about mining in international waters.
§ Mr. AdleyDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that it is entirely legitimate for the United States to have a treaty with South Vietnam against external aggression? Does he not further agree that the British Government are entitled to support those of their allies who honour their treaties?
§ The Prime MinisterPresident Nixon has a right to settle his policy in the light of the attack by North Vietnam on South Vietnam, and that is what he has done.