§ 59. Mr. Blakerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the necessary visas have yet been issued by the authorities of North Vietnam to enable the staff of the British Consul General in Hanoi to be brought up to strength.
§ Mr. William RodgersNo.
§ 81. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the stepping up by the United States of America of the all-in bombing of civilians in Hanoi, Haiphong and other 7W places he will renew his efforts to end the war in Vietnam.
§ Mr. George BrownI do not accept the implication of this question, nor do I think that my efforts to end the war in Vietnam need renewal. They have not stopped.
§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in order to avoid danger to British ships and the escalation of the war in Vietnam, he will seek an assurance from the United States Government that it will not mine the approaches to, or the harbour of, Haiphong.
§ Mr. George BrownWe have repeatedly made clear in Washington and elsewhere the dangers that we see in further escalation of the war. I am confident that our views are well understood by the combatants and that action to deal with a hypothetical situation on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend is not necessary.