§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what were the considerations that prompted him to close Her Majesty's embassy in Saigon when the recognised Government of the Republic of South Vietnam was functioning; how many British subjects remained in the country: what advice was given to them; how many Vietnamese employees of the embassy who desired evacuation were left behind; and what is the estimated cost to public funds of closing and later reopening a British mission in Saigon.
§ Mr. EnnalsThe embassy in Saigon was closed temporarily on 24th April because of the uncertain security situation. It will be reopened as soon as circumstances permit. The Ambassador repeatedly urged all members of the British community to leave Saigon and special flights were arranged on 7th April and 24th April. 36 British journalists and 18 registered members of the British community chose to remain in Saigon. Two have since left. Six Vietnamese employees of our embassy left Saigon on the RAF flight on 24th April with dependants. 30 employees remained behind. Two of these had expressed a wish to leave, but were not in possession of the necessary documentation, and would, therefore, not have been permitted by their authorities to leave.
It is impossible at this stage to work out an accurate total of the expenses of closing and reopening the mission, which would partly depend on the circumstances of reopening. The total cost of the aircraft involved in the closure was £8,507.
I hope to let the hon. Member have further information later.