HC Deb 08 March 1965 vol 708 cc18-9W
Mr. Warbey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government of the United States consulted Her Majesty's Government before deciding to invoke Article IV and the Protocol of the South-East Asia Collective Defence Treaty in relation to the situation in Vietnam; and what representations he has made to the United States Government about the military actions they have taken under the Treaty since August, 1964.

Mr. George Thomson

Neither the United States Government nor any other Government have called for action in Vietnam by the South-East Asia Treaty Organisation, although the United States Government have naturally kept the members of that Organisation informed of the measures they have taken under bilateral arrangements with the Republic of Vietnam.

Mr. Warbey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the invocation by the United States Government of the Manila Treaty in relation to the situation in Vietnam, he will formally protest to the United States Government at their action in introducing into South Vietnam armed units from States which are not members of the South-East Asia Treaty Organisation.

Mr. George Thomson

The South-East Asia Treaty Organisation has not taken or been asked to take any decision to act in Vietnam. Any military assistance which is being given to South Vietnam is at they request of the Government of the Republic of Vietnam and is not under the aegis of the South-East Asia Treaty Organisation.