U.S. Aggression Denied

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31042, 23 April 1966, Page 1

U.S. Aggression Denied

(N Z. Press Association)

WELLINGTON,

April 22.

“Make no mistake—we are winning the military war in Vietnam.” the United States Ambassador (Mr H. B. Powell) said tonight.

“Our resources are unlimited. We will win. It will not be quick and easy, but we will win." Mr Powell, addressing a district Lions’ convention, said that' the United States objectives in Vietnam .ere limited. "We have no business investment to protect. We are

not in this war to make money. Quite the contrary. Every man, woman and child in the allied countries is paying taxes to support our effort.

“We want no military bases. We want no empire. We do not want to dominate any people or country. Our objective is to prevent the forceful conquest of South Vietnam.

“Our objective is to allow the people of Vietnam to choose their own way of life and Government in the future. It will not be dictated from Peking or Hanoi, nor from Washington or Wellington,” said Mr Powell.

Mr Powell complained that he had heard “blatant nonsense" that the United States

was the aggressor In Vietnam and that the Americans had been compared to the Nazis. “I say to you that the United States, New Zealand, Australia and our allies are in South Vietnam under a legal obligation and at the request of the Government of that country. “And what is more, nearly 40 countries are assisting in economic and social aid, besides those of us who are engaged in the military effort as well as other aid. “We have a clear and direct commitment to the security of South Vietnam. But the larger and more vital question is whether aggression across a country’s borders is to be permitted to succeed,” said Mr Powell.