Europeans Not Wanting Part

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30943, 27 December 1965, Page 9

Europeans Not Wanting Part

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

LONDON, Dec. 26.

As far as most Europeans are concerned, Americans are largely on their own in Vietnam, the Associated Press reports.

A survey by Associated Press correspondents in West European capitals makes clear that the most the United States effort can expect is some medical and technical aid, official moral support—and advice.

American G.I. s who fight and die in Vietnam have roused sympathy among Europeans. But nearly everyone, from Government leaders down, seems convinced the end of the conflict can come only at the conference table and not on the battlefield. President Johnson’s repeated offers to enter into unconditional discussions with the Communists strike a note in tune with European thinking. The bombing of North Vietnam brings doubts of United States policy and some bitter criticism.

Washington’s warning of a China threat to South-east Asia and world peace have not stirred noticeable apprehension among Europeans. Constant Patijn chairman of the Dutch Socialist Labour Party—second largest in the Netherlands—takes a view that is heard more often privately than publicly: “When America gets into a war, sentiments are going to play a role and the Americans are apt to see everything in black and white between Com-,

munists and anti-Communists. It becomes kind of a blind crusade.

“It is unrealistic to try to make South Vietnam into an anti-Communist bastion.” The British Government is an outspoken champion of United States policy in Vietnam among members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Other N.A.T.O. allies tend to go along—except for France—but in a more tacit manner.

West Germany is behind the United States in Vietnam and is giving both medical and economic aid to the Saigon regime. Norway, which is sending medical supplies to South Vietnam through the Red Cross, and Denmark, which has sent no aid, officially take a stand that reflects a widespread attitude in Europe.

Leaders in both countries appeal for ending the war through negotiations, but warn against American troops pulling out under present circumstances. One Danish official said South Vietnam would be under Communist control “in as little as six months” if the Americans withdrew. The Dutch Government favours a temporary halt in the bombings of North Vietnam in hope this would improve prospects of negotiations.