Labour Policy On Vietnam Attacked

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31060, 16 May 1966, Page 12

Labour Policy On Vietnam Attacked

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 15. The Air Force Association “unhesitatingly aligns” itself with the policy of the Government on maintaining a combat force in South Vietnam.

“We agree that no opportunity should be missed in endeavouring to bring about a negotiated settlement, but cannot see how this can be accomplished with only one side willing to negotiate,” said the president (Mr A. H.McGrath). “The loss of South Vietnam would bring dangerous pressure on the whole of

South-east Asia, and bring us one step nearer to the danger of aggression by Communist powers.

“We deplore the statement by the leaders of the Labour movement that they would withdraw our military force from Vietnam if returned to power at the next election. ‘This, to our mind, is not only a stab in the back of our fighting forces, but an indication that the Labour movement does not appreciate the dangers referred to. “Their condemnation of China in exploding a further thermo-nuclear device following the Labour Party statement of withdrawal from Vietnam is inconsistent in the extreme, and cannot be accepted as other than hopeful political expediency.”

Mr McGrath said the association had no political affiliation and was concerned at all times that there should be' no question of supporting any political party.