HC Deb 05 July 1966 vol 731 cc48-9W
Q10. Mr. Blaker

asked the Prime Minister what consultations are taking place between members of the Commonwealth Peace Mission with a view to seeking a peaceful solution to the war in Vietnam.

The Prime Minister

Commonwealth Governments are in frequent touch with each other on all matters of common concern.

Q14. Mr. Park

asked the Prime Minister what representations he has made to President Johnson about the terms of a settlement to the conflict in Vietnam.

The Prime Minister

I am in frequent contact with President Johnson about Vietnam, but the terms of a settlement would be a matter for negotiation between the parties concerned.

Mr. Blaker

asked the Prime Minister what is the estimated population living within a radius of half a mile from the targets in the Hanoi and Haiphong areas which were the subject of United States bombing on 29th June.

The Prime Minister

I regret that this information is not available.

Mr. Blaker

asked the Prime Minister if he will give the precise map references of the targets in the Hanoi and Haiphong area which were the subject of United States bombing on 29th June.

The Prime Minister

I understand the co-ordinates for the Hanoi oil storage facilities are:

  • 21° 03' 41" N.
  • 105° 53' 48" E.
and for the Haiphong facilities:
  • 20° 52' 18" N.
  • 106° 39' 30" E.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Prime Minister (1) if he will state the actual date, some three weeks ago, when he was informed by Mr. Dean Rusk of the intention of the United States Government to bomb in the vicinity of Hanoi and Haiphong;

(2) on what date he was first informed by President Johnson of the United States Government's intention to initiate large-scale bombing in the vicinity of Hanoi and Haiphong.

The Prime Minister

As I have frequently explained, I cannot divulge the details of confidential exchanges between President Johnson and myself, or between Mr. Dean Rusk and myself. But I can say that the notice I received was in good time for me to inform President Johnson of our intention to make a statement on the lines of that reported to the House on 29th June.

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