P.M. HECKLED ON VIETNAM

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30724, 13 April 1965, Page 17

P.M. HECKLED ON VIETNAM

(N.Z.P.A.- Reuter —Copyright) READING (Southern England), April 12.

Scuffles broke out and Mr Wilson became involved in shouted arguments with hecklers at Reading today as he defended American policy in Vietnam.

Mr Wilson intervened when stewards at a Labour Party political meeting tried to eject a man who shouted “Atrocities.”

“Leave him be. Put him down,” the Prime Minister shouted to party workers. When the Prime Minister said he welcomed President Johnson’s statement on United States policy in Vietnam, a man shouted: “He bombed North Vietnam the next day.” Viet Cong?

Ignoring this, the Prime Minister went on: “I hope everyone welcomes the willingness of the United States to attend a conference of all concerned, and this must include North and South Vietnam, China and France, the Soviet Union and the United States and ourselves.” A man shouted: “What about the Viet Cong?” Mr Wilson said the whole of the effort by his Government would be towards the type of conference proposed by President Johnson. Mr Wilson was interrupted several times during his speech. Towards the end of

the meeting stewards escorted one heckler out of the hall. Washington Visit

Afterwards, a Labour Party spokesman said there was no doubt the Prime Minister was now well enough after his influenza attack to leave this week for talks in Washington with President Johnson. Mr Wilson’s visit to Washington was taking on increased importance in the context of the efforts to find peace in Vietnam, according to diplomats.

Although the basic purpose of Mr Wilson’s trip is to make it clear that Britain is going to put her economic house in order, his talks with President Johnson will focus also on the critical Vietnam and European problems.