N.Z’s ‘Full Role’ In Any Peace Talks

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31114, 18 July 1966, Page 1

N.Z’s ‘Full Role’ In Any Peace Talks

(New Zealand Preet Association) WELLINGTON, July 17. New Zealand would be a full partner with the United States if North Vietnam and the Viet Cong were brought to the conference table for peace talks, the Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Marshall) said yesterday.

New Zealand would play a senior role for the first tune in its war history. It would not be a back-seat junior partner, in any negotiations'to end the war.

Mr Manhall said President Johnson was convinced that North Vietnam and the Viet Cong could be brought to the conference table. “I had discussions with President Johnson for an hour on my way to Common Market talks with European ministers last month,” he said. “The President said he was most appreciative of New Zealand’s stand alongside the United States in Vietnam. He said he was determined to see the Vietnam campaign through to the end no matter how long it took. “And he said be hoped that the present increased bombing offensive by American planes would convince North Vietnam and the Viet Cong that they would not win. “Once North Vietnam and the Viet Cong were convinced of this they would be willing to talk. President Johnson said, and the United States New Zealand and Australia could bring them to the conference table.”