HC Deb 09 May 1973 vol 856 cc473-4
7. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps have been taken by Her Majesty's Government to re-establish the International Control Commission in the Khmer Republic.

Mr. Anthony Royle

The political conditions do not yet exist in which the commission could function. Despite the provisions of the Paris Agreement for the withdrawal of foreign forces from Laos and Cambodia (Article 20) the North Vietnamese and their allies continue to promote hostilities.

Mr. Godman Irvine

Will my hon. Friend at least take the opportunity of making certain that the members of the Khmer Government are aware that many people in this House are sympathetic to and greatly appreciative of the work which the Khmer Government are doing in resisting aggression from North Vietnam?

Mr. Royle

I am sure that the Khmer Government would welcome the remarks of my hon. Friend.

Mr. Dalyell

Has the Under-Secretary reflected on the question that I put to him on Question No. 2?

Mr. Royle

The hon. Member asked whether or not the Government had any views on the American bombing in Cambodia. There is, as I have indicated, no agreement on a cease-fire in the Khmer Republic, although the Republic has offered one. The United States bombing is at the request of the Khmer Government and is a reaction to an upsurge of military activity by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces in direct contravention of Article 20 of the Paris Agreement. They have endeavoured to block supply routes to Phnom Penh.

Mr. Dalyell

Are we supporting the Americans?