§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what action is being taken to encourage talks between North Vietnam, the N.L.F., and the U.S.A. to bring about a cease-fire in Vietnam.]
§ LORD CHALFONTMy Lords, noble Lords will be aware that the United States and North Vietnam are engaged in arranging direct contacts between themselves. It is our hope that these will lead to a complete cessation of hostilities and a negotiated settlement of the conflict. Her Majesty's Government have welcomed the moves by both sides and have reaffirmed their readiness to co-operate in any measures which would advance the prospect of a settlement.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, while thanking the noble Lord very deeply for that Answer, may I ask him whether the present negotiations might not be helped if, accompanying any decision by America to stop bombing the North unconditionally, there were a cease-fire which would have the effect of no more infiltration from the North; whether, following this, there might not be suggestions of a settlement on the basis of the Geneva Agreement which would give self-determination; and, further, whether Her Majesty's Government will act in these interests with the Russians for a solution upon these lines?
§ LORD CHALFONTMy Lords, I do not want to prejudge in any way the form or content of any negotiations that might take place. It is our hope that the first contacts between the United States and the North Vietnamese will lead to negotiations in which the legitimate aspirations of all the people in Vietnam will be realised. I would say to my noble friend that we stand ready to help in any way that seems practical, whether through the Geneva co-chairmanship or through the United Nations, or by any other means.