VIETNAMESE EMBASSY

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29917, 3 September 1962, Page 10

VIETNAMESE EMBASSY

Establishment In Wellington (N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) SAIGON, September 1 President Ngo Dinh Diem today signed a decree for the creaition of a Vietnamese Embassy in Wellington. Vietnam's Ambassador to Australia, Mr Tran van Lam, has been concurrently appointed Ambassador to New Zealand. Diplomatic sources In Saigon said New Zealand’s Ambassador to Thailand (General, Sir Stephen Weir) has been appointed concurrently Ambassador to South Vietnam. Diplomatic observers linked the appointment of ambassadors with New Zealand's increasing interest and commitment in South Vietnam, as exemplified by the decision to send a medical team. No N.Z. Mission However, some diplomats in Saigon have expressed surprise and disappointment that New Zealand is understood not to be setting up a diplomatic, mission of any kind. New Zealand’s affairs will presumably continue to be handled by the British Embassy, with Sir Stephen Weir visiting Saigon periodically.

Members of the British Embassy declined to discuss the matter, but diplomats of other close allies of New Zealand say privately that the sending of a medical team alone will create enough work to justify the establishment of a permanent diplomatic mission. Such a mission, according to these sources, might consist only of a first secretary responsible to the Ambassador in Bangkok.