HC Deb 24 October 1966 vol 734 cc103-4W
64. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he has taken during the last two months to invite consultations directed towards ending the war in Vietnam; with which Foreign Ministers; and if he will state the result of those consultations.

Mr. George Brown

During my recent visit to the United States and Canada I discussed the Vietnam situation with a number of world statesmen, including President Johnson, Mr. Dean Rusk, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Canada, the Indian Foreign Minister and Mr. Gromyko. My own proposals were of course at the heart of my thinking and I am confident that they were widely accepted as being just and reasonable. Mr. Gromyko does not agree with all that I proposed, but we have a good understanding of each other's position.

72. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what official response he has had from the North Vietnam Government to his peace proposals; and what further initiatives he plans in this field.

Mr. George Brown

There has been no official response from the Government of North Vietnam and I hope that in studying my plan they will recognise that it offers an effective way to peace. My task in the immediate future will be to convince those who do not yet recognise the urgency that negotiations for a settlement must start at once.

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