HL Deb 06 December 1965 vol 271 cc3-4

2.39 p.m.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether representations have been made by members of the Commonwealth Peace Mission to the Governments of the United States of America and North Vietnam regarding intensification of the war in Vietnam and the immediate need to initiate a cease-fire, and negotiations for a settlement on the basis of the Geneva Agreement.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (LORD WALSTON)

My Lords, the United States Government have repeatedly reaffirmed their readiness for negotiations, but these have been rejected by North Vietnam. Nevertheless, Her Majesty's Government will continue, through every channel open to them, to urge on all concerned the imperative need for negotiations to end this intensifying war.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that Answer, may I ask him whether it is not the case that, while the United States has said that she would be prepared for unconditional negotiations, she has added conditions regarding the maintenance of a separate South Vietnamese State? Also, is the noble Lord aware that, as I shall endeavour to urge in a later debate, my own talks both with North Vietnam and with the National Liberation Front indicate that if the four points of the Geneva Agreement were accepted, negotiations could begin for a cease-fire and for a peace settlement?

LORD WALSTON

My Lords, I cannot say that I am aware of the facts as my noble friend has stated them. The facts of which I am aware are that the United States has on many occasions in the last six months stated publicly and explicitly that she is prepared for talks without any conditions whatsoever. However, the North Vietnamese Government has refused to enter into any talks and has demanded acceptance of its four preconditions, which mean, in effect, the cessation of South Vietnamese assistance by the United States Government. Also, on more than one occasion, the Government of China has further said that talks or negotiations are out of the question.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, I defer comment until the debate.