Change To Civilian Government

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31276, 24 January 1967, Page 1

Change To Civilian Government

Repeated assertions that his military regime would make way for a democratically-elected government once the constitution allowing free elections had been laid down were made by Air Vice-Marshal Ky yesterday afternoon.

Faced by about 40 journalists and a battery of cameras, Air Vice-Marshal Ky answered every question put to him at a press conference at Christchurch Airport, and the time set for the conference was well exceeded.

Air Vice-Marshal Ky gave a prepared statement explaining his visit to New Zealand; said he would not be asking for more military aid, but admitted that personally he would like to see it; and said he had been happy with the reception in Australia—“even to see some demonstrators, because if demonstrator; are a sign of democracy Vietnam is the most democratic country in the world.”

If he had to ask for more aid from New Zealand, then it would be for civil aid, not military, Air Vice-Marshal Ky said to a questioner. “Would you like to see New Zealand increase its military aid?” he was askea. “Oh, yes,” he replied. “I and our people would be very happy to see all free countries increasing their assistance to us in every field—military, economic, education, housing, agriculture—but it depends on your Government.” New Zealand had a small armed force, so he thought it could surely extend more medical and agricultural aid, he added. Many of the questions to

Air Vice-Marshal Ky were on the possibility of democratic elections being held.

Asked to comment on a report that his Government would remain in office for at least one year, and whether events he had described would affect the forecast, Air ViceMarshal Ky replied: “I think I never said my Government

would remain in office for one more year. But now, how long? Well, it depends mostly on these gentlemen,” he said pointing to the three members of the Constituent Assembly accompanying him, “and how long it takes them to draft a new constitution.” Three or four months after they had finished the constitution he thought his Government would proceed with the next step—organise a new election for president, the legislative assembly, and the senate. What if the free elections promised resulted in a return of a Communist government? he was asked.

“We will have a free, elected government,” he replied. “This I can assure you. Now if there is any possibility of it being Communist I can assure you that is something that will not happen in South Vietnam—impossible.”

Given a chance to go to the vote freely, then the people of South Vietnam would not vote Communist. “Such possibilities we never had in mind.”

On military matters, Air Vice-Marshal Ky was asked to what extent the United States forces consulted his Govern-

ment. Who was the over-all commander, and could he or any other Vietnamese officer overrule General W. C. Westmoreland, the American commander?

“Yes,” Air Vice-Marshal Ky said. “We Vietnamese are in charge over all military operations south of the 17th parallel."

He could not see any possibility of the ground war being extended into North Vietnam, he said. There were no plans to send South Vietnamese guerrillas into the north. If they were sent he was sure that as fighters for freedom they would receive support