HC Deb 22 March 1955 vol 538 cc174-5W
95. Mr. Warbey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the status of the official relationship between Her Majesty's Government and the representative authorities of the northern and southern zones of Viet-Nam, respectively.

Mr. Turton

Her Majesty's Government recognise the Viet-Namese Government established at Saigon as the lawful Government of the State of Viet-Nam. As a result of the Cease Fire Agreements reached at Geneva, the State of Viet-Nam will be under two separate administrations during the period up to the elections which are to be held throughout the country in July, 1956. The attitude of Her Majesty's Government towards the Viet-Minh authorities during this transitional period is accordingly based on their position as the competent local authorities in that part of Viet-Nam under their control.