HC Deb 01 May 1974 vol 872 cc1134-5
16. Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his policy towards Vietnam in view of the continuing state of hostilities.

Mr. Ennals

Our policy is to support the Paris agreement as a framework within which the Vietnamese parties can work out a lasting settlement in Vietnam. We greatly regret the continuation of hostilities in certain areas of Vietnam.

Mr. Newens

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the continuing supply by the United States of America of the most sophisticated military weaponry, including tanks and military aircraft, to the Thieu ré, and will he make clear that we do not approve of this as a means of helping to bring peace? Will he also undertake to give further consideration to the possibility of the recognition of the Provisional Revolutionary Government as peace cannot be achieved there without bringing all the parties into the final peace agreement?

Mr. Ennals

In a sense, both points have been dealt with by my right hon. Friend. We are absolutely committed to the Paris agreement, and any breaches of that agreement or any acts damaging to it—and casualties and warfare are damaging—are deeply regrettable. In answer to the question about recognition, my right hon. Friend has made perfectly clear that we recognise one Government in South Vietnam.

Mr. Tebbit

Would the hon. Gentleman like to say that what his right hon. Friend said goes without saying? It would be helpful to have it on the record that elections are needed not only in the South but in the North, and that they should be free elections in both places.

Mr. Ennals

I repeat that not only are we in favour of peace throughout Vietnam, North and South, but we believe that there should be elections in the North and South and that there should be fulfilment of every part of the Paris agreement.