§ 51. Mr. Leadbitterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will dissociate the United Kingdom from any escalation of the war in Vietnam, or any future change in the nature of the war calculated to intensify the bombing in Vietnam.
§ Mr. George BrownOur concern is to end the war and all our actions and declarations are directed to that overriding objective.
§ 53 and 55. Sir F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) to what extent Her Majesty's Government's position as co-chairman of the Geneva Agreement has caused Her Majesty's Government to decline to support the defence of South Vietnam against aggression from the North;
(2) to what extent the availability of British military forces in South-East Asia affects Her Majesty's Government's refusal to support the defence of South Vietnam against aggression from the North.
§ Mr. George BrownWe are not involved in military operations in Vietnam because we believe that in this way we can best help towards a negotiated settlement. My position as Co-Chairman of the Geneva Conference is clearly a factor in this policy; the availability of troops equally clearly is not.
§ 84. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what has been the total expenditure on the Advisory Police Mission in Saigon up to the end of October; how long it has been there; and for what purpose it is still needed in Saigon.
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§ Mr. George BrownThe British Advisory Mission in Vietnam was first established in October, 1961. The total since then and up to 31st October this year has been £305,877. It is engaged in advising and training South Vietnamese civilian police, and is helping a field which is vital if civilian order and safety are to be maintained in South Vietnam.