Vietnam Policy Upheld

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30856, 15 September 1965, Page 3

Vietnam Policy Upheld

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, September 14.

The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) told Parliament today the Government’s policy on Vietnam supported by the majority of New Zealanders, was altogether different from that advocated by the Communist Party and the Committee on Vietnam “which it now appears are working as far as possible with the Labour Party.”

Mr Holyoake had been asked by Mr A. McCready (Govt., Otaki) if he had seen a comment suggesting that the Committee on Vietnam wanted to work closely with the Labour Party. If so did the course suggest conflict with the outlook and policy of the Government in relation to South Vietnam?

Mr Holyoake said he had seen the comment, by Mr Barry Mitcalfe, described as a leading light in the Committee on Vietnam, saying “We are trying to work as far as possible with the Labour Party.” Mr W. A. Fox (Opp., Miramar) asked what evidence the Prime Minister had to prove the Government’s policy was supported by the majority of New Zealanders.

Mr Holyoake: I do happen to know that is the case. 1 have evidence. . . Mr Fox: From the newspapers. Mr Holyoake: Yes. From

public opinion polls published in the newspapers 70 per cent of the people support the Government. Or rather 41 per cent support the Government while 29 per cent say we should go even further.