Vietnam

Oral Answers to Questions — Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 27 November 1974.

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Photo of Mr Arthur Newens Mr Arthur Newens , Harlow

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will recognise the Provisional Revolutionary Government in Vietnam.

Photo of Mr Teddy Taylor Mr Teddy Taylor , Glasgow Cathcart

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards recognition of the so-called Provisional Revolutionary Government of South Vietnam; and if he will make a statement.

Photo of Mr David Ennals Mr David Ennals , Norwich North

No. The PRG do not meet our long-standing criteria for recognition.

Photo of Mr Bob Cryer Mr Bob Cryer , Keighley

In view of that answer, will the Minister convey to his right hon. Friend the possibility of reviewing the situation, since the PRG signed four out of the eight sections of the Paris Peace Agreement—an agreement that has been supported by successive British Governments? Will he also take into account the possibility that recognition may bring peace and, further, the means of peace in South Vietnam, which is a particularly unhappy country? Will he seek every possible means of achieving peace there?

Photo of Mr David Ennals Mr David Ennals , Norwich North

I assure my hon. Friend that I share his concern that there should be peace in both North and South Vietnam. This can best be achieved by fully carrying out the Paris Agreement. I cannot for a moment accept that peace could be brought about by recognising two Governments in the south. There are already two Governments in Vietnam, and three, I think, would not add anything to it.

Photo of Mr Teddy Taylor Mr Teddy Taylor , Glasgow Cathcart

Following the normal criteria of recognition, does the Minister accept that the so-called Provisional Government of South Vietnam have broken every single peace agreement with which they have been associated?

Photo of Mr David Ennals Mr David Ennals , Norwich North

I am not going to make any comment on that question, any more than I would comment on some of the other signatories to the agreement, who also, I believe, have not fulfilled their obligations.