§ Mr. Staintonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the United Kingdom's recognition of the Provisional Revolutionary Government in South Vietnam has been undertaken on a de facto or a de jure basis; why such a decision has been made at this time; and how this corresponds with the terms of recognition by other countries.
§ Mr. EnnalsHer Majesty's Government have recognisedde jure the Provisional Revolutionary Government as the Government of the Republic of South Vietnam. The decision was in accordance with consistent British practice, which is to regard a Government as entitled to recognition when they satisfy our legal criteria. Many Commonwealth European and other Governments have expressly recognised the new Government or announced their intention of entering into diplomatic relations with them. I am not aware that any Government have accorded only de facto recognition.