Exchange Of Letters

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

Exchange Of Letters

(N.Z. Press Association)

WELLINGTON, May 28

Correspondence between the Prime Minister of the Republic of Vietnam, Dr. Phan Huy Quat, and the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) on the offer of New Zealand troops for service in Vietnam was published today.

In the first of the three letters, dated May 5, the Vietnamese leader comments that “we in Vietnam are all aware that New Zealand has not hesitated to be among the first countries to send us, in addition to substantial material assistance, technical personnel of great value.”

This letter was sent, as it explains, “with a view to obtaining the dispatch to Vietnam of combatant troops whose encouraging presence, as well as effectiveness, can be considered one of the decisive factors of our resistance to Communist subversion.”

Dr. Quat expressed the hope the New Zealand Government “will further signify its interest in our just cause by sending us combatant troops.” In his reply, dated May 14. Mr Holyoake reviewed New Zealand’s contributions to date and added that “your request for further aid of a military nature will be considered in the light of the recent decision of the S.E.A.T.O. Council that member governments should continue and, consistent with their commitments elsewhere, increase, their assistance to South Vietnam.

“Although I canont, at the present time, convey to you my Government’s decision, 1 shall do so in due course.” In the third letter pub-

lished, dated May 25, Mr Holyoake told Dr. Quat. “I am now in a position to inform ycu that the New Zealand Government has decided to offer a battery of artillery for service within the territory of the Republic of Vietnam.” He said the Government believed the unit could “most appropriately and„ effectively be used in association with the battalion of infantry offered by the Asutralian Government.”

Mr Holyoake said: “The Government and people of New Zealand have always held the belief that small nations throughout the world have the right to choose their own way of life, to preserve their freedom and integrity undeterred by outside interference and intimidation. “My Government’s decision to send New Zealand combatant troops to assist the Republic of Vietnam in its struggle against aggression is a practical demonstration of our willingness to translate this belief into concrete action.”