§ Mr. Harold Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, as Co-Chairman of the Geneva Conference, he will make a statement on the situation in South Viet-Nam; and what consultations there have been with other Governments with a view to implementing the terms of the 1954 Geneva Treaty in regard to the unity of Viet-Nam.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerThere was acoup d'état in Saigon on 1st November, and the Provisional Government subsequently set up was recognised by Her Majesty's Government on 8th November. The new Government has declared that it will uphold the Treaties and Agreements signed by Viet-Nam. In this connection, it must be remembered that the previous Viet-Namese Government considered itself bound to honour the Geneva Agreements (although it was not a signatory) to the extent of refraining from the use of force to alter the cease-fire arrangements. The insurgent threat organised from North Viet-Nam does not appear to have substantially diminished since the Special Report of the International Control Commission of June, 1962. At this stage it would appear fruitless to consult other Governments, as suggested by the hon. Gentleman, in view of the lack of any constructive response from the Soviet Co-Chairman to the Notes addressed to him in June and July, 1962.