“Representation” In South Vietnam

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29819, 11 May 1962, Page 15

“Representation” In South Vietnam

(Neic Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 10. The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) said tonight he wotrid discuss with the Government in what capacity New Zealand could be represented in South Vietnam.

He said there had been no suggestion of sending troops to South Vietnam.

However, during discussions at the A.N.Z.US. council meeting in Canberra this week at which the United States Secretary of State 'Mr Rusk) had summarised his country’s contribution in South Vietnam, it was clearly suggested that the presence of other countries in the country would be heartening to both the South Vietnam Government and people. Mr Holyoake said the suggested presence was in the nature of “flying the flag.”

The United States was not fighting in South Vietnam but? was instructing the South Vietnamese.

South Vietnam was a protocol state under SE.A.T.O. It could ask the SE.A.T.O. organisation for assistance and could ask any individual country, whether or not it was a member of 5.E.A.T.0., for assistance.

"New Zealand has given South Vietnam some technical assistance and has offered considerable assistance including capital assistance but the offers have not been taken up because they have not decided on projects or sites for projects.” Mr Holyoake said there was no sign of any diminution in American support for S.E.A.T.O. Nor was there any suggestion at the A.N.Z.US. discussions that A.N.Z.US. should carry out military exercises similar to those carried out by the S.EA.T.O. members.

There was no thought of any change in the role or status of troops in Malaya. He said integration of armed services was discussed but not in detail. The impetus of such a development was not likely to gain as a result of these discussions, he said.