Front-Page News In Saigon

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30763, 29 May 1965, Page 16

Front-Page News In Saigon

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) SAIGON, May 28. New Zealand’s decision to send an artillery battery to South Vietnam was front-page news in Saigon newspapers today.

The New Zealanders will possibly be stationed in the area of Bien Hoa air base, about 12 miles north-east of Saigon, where the Australian infantrymen will be assigned positions. The New China News Agency charged that New Zealand and Australia “have been following over a long period the aggressive policy of Anglo-American imperialism” in the Asian region. Both sent troops to take [part in the Korean war and [now were sending troops to [serve as “cannon fodder” for the United States, said the agency.

The New Zealand Government’s decision, like that of the Australian Government, was made to comply with Washington’s dictates, it said.

In Moscow, “Izvestia” also accused New Zealand of deciding to send troops to South Vietnam under pressure from Washington. Instead of taking an independent line in foreign policy New Zealand was “trailing along in the wake of the policy of London and Wash-

ington and allowing itself to become involved in ‘United States adventurist actions’,” said the paper.

New Zealand’s commitment dominated the front pages of Australian newspapers today. The Prime Minister (Sir Robert Menzies) said he was delighted to hear of the announcement.

Britain fully understood the reasons for the New Zealand decision said the Commonwealth Relations Office. “There is no difference of view between us and New Zealand and the two governments are in close touch and accord on South-east Asian affairs,” said a statement from the office.

The statement was similar to British reaction to Australia’s decision last month to commit a battalion of troops.