N.Z. POLICY ON INDO-CHINA

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27410, 24 July 1954, Page 7

N.Z. POLICY ON INDO-CHINA

TRUCE WELCOMED (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, July 23. The New Zealand Government would regard a violation of the IndoChina settlement as a threat to the security of the South-east Asian area, the Prime Minister (Mr Holland) said this afternoon. A peaceful solution of the conflict there and the maintenance of the territorial and political integrity of the Associated States were obviously essential for the consolidation of peace in South-east Asia, he said. The Government considered that the future of Indo-China should be determined in the light of the principles and purposes of the United Nations. The Government had considered the terms of the various agreements concluded on Indo-China, said Mr Holland. Though not directly participating in discussions, New Zealand had followed the progress of the negotiations with close attention. “We welcome the provisions of the agreements providing for an early cessation of hostilities in the three Associated States, and trust that the settlement as a whole may provide a basis for a genuine and lasting peace in Indo-China,” he said. As a result of recent developments in South-east Asia, the Government had been increasingly concerned about the stability and security of the area, said Mr Holland. The Government welcomed the assurances given by all countries concerned to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of the Associated States, in accordance with Article 2 (4) in the United Nations Charter.