UNIFICATION OF VIETNAM

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27634, 15 April 1955, Page 13

UNIFICATION OF VIETNAM

Diem’s Review Of Prospects (Rec. 8.30 p.m.) SAIGON, April 13. The Prime Minister of South Vietnam (Mr Ngo Dinh Diem) said today that the surest guarantee of peace in South-east Asia was for the free world to discourage armed and unarmed aggression’against his country. In an interview with a United Press correspondent, Mr Diem rejected the “five principles of coexistence” approved by the Indian Prime Minister (Mr Nehru) and the North Vietnam Foreign Minister (Mr Pham Van Dong) recently in New Delhi. “The best guarantee for peace in South-east Asia is the clear attitude of the free world in discouraging all attempts at aggression, armed or un-

armed, against South Vietnam and other states of Indo-Chjna,” he said. The Prime Minister answered the questions as Saigon seethed with crisis. Government troops in Saigon were facing the army of the rebellious Binh Xuyen political-religious sect in the suburb of Cholon.

The threat of civil war remained strong in spite of two weeks of truce. Mr Diem affirmed his belief, however, that Vietnam could be reunited without war.

“I am convinced that a United Vietnam cant berealised by pacific means,” s, a i d - “Given the country’s geopolitical position, any attempt to force unification would run the risk of unleashing a general conflict.” Asked what South Vietnam’s position would be at the forthcoming African-Asian conference at Bandung, Mr Diem replied: “Vietnam’s position will be that of an independent, peaceful, progressive and non-Communist Asiatic state.”

The “United Front” of private armies challenging the South Vietnam Government today demanded the immediate resignation of Mr Diem, the French news agency reported from Saigoh.