HC Deb 23 March 1965 vol 709 cc73-4W
Q13. Mr. Heffer

asked the Prime Minister whether he will now make a further statement about the situation in Vietnam; and what success the British initiative has had.

Q14. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a state- ment on the outcome of his efforts to stop the war and bombing in Vietnam and to bring about a peaceful settlement of the matters in dispute between North and South Vietnam.

The Prime Minister

As the House will be aware, the Soviet Government's reply of 15th March to our approach of 20th February was unhelpful. In our discussions last week, Mr. Gromyko made it clear that he was not at present ready to co- operate in a constructive initiative by the Co-Chairmen in the interests of peace. Nevertheless, we intend to maintain our own efforts and, as soon as any of the ideas we are now considering reach the stage at which disclosure would be helpful I will inform the House. Meanwhile, the texts of the messages which we and the Soviet Government proposed should be sent by the Co-Chairmen have been placed in the Library of the House.