Overseas Force ‘Only At U.N. Request9

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30477, 26 June 1964, Page 3

Overseas Force ‘Only At U.N. Request 9

(From Our Parliamentary Reporter)

WELLINGTON, June 25.

Strong objections to the sending of any military force overseas except at the express request of the United Nations were made by Opposition members in Parliament this afternoon. They were discussing a motion by Sir Leslie Munro (Govt., Waipa) “that this House notes with approval steps taken by the Government towards protecting international peace and security.”

The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Nordmeyer) said the dispatch of an engineering detachment to South Vietnam had been at the request, not of the United Nations, but of the United States. He also questioned that an engineering detachment could be considered a non-military one.

Sir Leslie Munro said that unanimity between Government and Opposition on the question was needed, as “we are facing the possibility that we may have grave and growing responsibilities.” In Cyprus, New Zealand was endeavouring to lighten the burden borne by the United Kingdom in other parts of the world and avoid a conflict between two races whose mother countries were members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. In South-east Asia, where New Zealand was exercising the principles of collective security, the sum of £15,000 contributed was not great, but it was considerable when New Zealand’s resources were borne in mind and when it was realised other countries were avoiding their obligations to contribute their share. Threat in Thailand In northern Thailand, an area close to Laos and similar in ethnic characteristics, there was a possibility of Communist aggression and certainly a risk of Communist subversion.

The possibility of Communist infiltration from Laos was always there, Sir Leslie Munro said. The- United States had a right to call in her allies for help in this area, Sir Leslie Munro said. There might be some ques-

tion of the volume of New Zealand’s aid.

The Viet Cong was built up locally to some degree, but the evidence was irrefutable that aid had come from North Vietnam. “Horrible” War

“This civil war is conducted horribly. It is. a breach of the Geneva convention, and there is no question that South Vietnam is justified in defending herself, and also justified in asking for help from us.” South Vietnam had asked the United States for . aid, and the United States had responded with massive economic and military aid. The sending of even a small force to South Vietnam showed New Zealand was ready to discharge her responsibilities here and in other parts of the world where this country had much greater commitments.

Amendment Moved

Mr Nordmeyer moved an amendment deleting the words “with approval” from the motion, and adding “and reaffirms that any. overseas aid of a military nature be in conformity with the requirements of the United Nations and the British Commonwealth of Nations.” The amendment also supported the establishment of a United Nations force for the keeping of international peace. Mr Nordmeyer said it was right and proper that the Government should send a peace-keeping force to Cyprus as requested by the United Nations.

“If we have any criticism, it is not that the force was sent, but that at first it was decided that a force would not be sent,” Mr Nordmeyer said. “It was after further requests, and the suggestion that New Zealand was not complying with the United Nations, that the force was sent.” Unknown Terms Referring to' Malaysia, he said that although it had been said New Zealand was bound by treaty to Malaysia, the tbrms of that treaty had never been made known. Mr Nordmeyer said the aid given by New Zealand in South Vietnam should be confined to aid of a non-military nature requested by the United Nations or by 5.E.A.T.0., to which the question might be referred by South Vietnam itself. “We strongly recommend that all economic assistance possible should be given to this country, in order to help the raising of its standards,” Mr Nordmeyer said. “It cannot be sustained that an engineer unit is non-combat-ant.

“This request was made by one country alone,” Mr Nordmeyer said. “I would like to ask if the British Government has been approached to send a force. If so, what was the reply?”

It seemed clear enough that warfare did not contain communism, but extended it. This was why it was important for New Zealand to send non-combatant and civilian forces to overseas countries in the struggle against communism. First Priority New Zealand’s first priority for overseas military aid was Malaysia, Mr Holyoake said. Making a strong attack on Communist aggression in South-east Asia, Mr Holyoake said he had told the South Vietnam Premier, General Khahn, New Zealand would face up to its obligations under the S.E.AT.O. Treaty, but because' of Commonwealth commitments its first priority was Malaysia.

Mr Holyoake bad been asked by General Khahn whether New Zealand would give military assistance to South Vietnam if asked for under the treaty. . He told the House the people of South Vietnam, wanted to be left in peace to develop a higher standard of living. “But they are not being left in peace because the Communists are making attacks and infiltrating in direct contravention of the Geneva Agreement,” he said. “The people of South Vietnam want some assistance—are we going to deny it to them?” Bridges and Roads

Mr Holyoake said that besides asking him about New Zealand aid under ' the S.E.A.T.O. Treaty, General Khahn had also asked if aid could be given to help bridge and road construction. This request had led to the decision to send the army engineering unit of 25 men. Mr H. L. J. May (Opp., Porirua) said it was New Zealand’s duty to lead the backward countries to a better way of life. “You can’t get people to think of democracy if they are hungry,” he said “You can’t teach hungry children.”

The Speaker (Sir Ronald Algie) said the time allotted for the debate had expired. The debate was adjourned, which means the notice of motion and amendment will join Mr Nordmeyer’s notice on the length of Parliamentary sessions at the bottom of the order paper.