Advocates Withdrawal From Vietnam

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30919, 27 November 1965, Page 3

Advocates Withdrawal From Vietnam

(N.Z. Press Association) PALMERSTON NORTH, Nov, 26. Dr. A. M. Finlay, M.P. for Waitakere, said in Palmerston North today that he was beginning to believe New Zealand should withdraw its troops from Vietnam and end its involvement in hostilities there. Speaking to a sixth-form seminar, Dr. Finlay said the

dispatch of New Zealand soldiers to Vietnam was “the most unjustified expression of our foreign policy” that he had seen. “One of our objectives of foreign policy should be to promote peace.” Dr. Finlay said that once the troops had been sent, he had hoped “we could have had some moderating influence on the conflict” and that “we might have been able to do something to halt the worst of the excesses.” Subsequent events had not shown this to be the case, however, and Dr. Finlay said he was rapidly coming to the conclusion that “our proper course at the present time is to retreat from our participation in Vietnam.” He said there was no threat to New Zealand from Vietnam and that “we would not have harmed the West’s interests had we not participated at the outset.” But he admitted it would have been difficult for New Zealand to remain uncommitted when the fighting happens, we are still aligned with the West.” One of the most disturbing features about the Vietnam conflict, Dr. Finlay said, was the “flat refusal” by America of the three or four peace overtures from North Vietnam. He attacked the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) for claiming that all of the peace overtures were turned down because they had to be accepted on Communist terms. If New Zealand withdraws

its troops from Vietnam, the United States may not like it, he said. But the Americans would still give protection to New Zealand in case of an attack “if it is in the interest of America to do so. Self-interest is the big facor in international relations.”