“Unaware Of Unrest”

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31277, 25 January 1967, Page 1

“Unaware Of Unrest”

(N.Z. Press Association)

WELLINGTON, January 24.

Air Vice-Marshal Ky was asked today how he was being kept informed of the position in Vietnam during his tour of Australia and New Zealand. “Frankly, I am informed by press reports,” he answered.

Marshal Ky told a press conference in- Wellington, attended by 60 reporters and photographers, that he had no knowledge of an impending reshuffle in his Government.

"I am Prime Minister,” he said. “I am the one who does the reshuffling.” • He did not know, he added, what the “story” was concerning Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Huu Co. He was questioned intensively on a report from Saigon that he had forbidden the Deputy Prime Minister from returning to South Vietnam from Formosa in what may be the first move in a longrumoured Cabinet shake-up. “I don’t know what the story is,” he replied. “I will find out.”

His deputy had left Vietnam before he did, he said, his mission being to visit Formosa and Korea. He denied that he had changed his homeward journey plans because of political unrest in Saigon. RETURN JOURNEY

His rearranged return to Vietnam had been brought about by the failure of an engine of his personal aircraft, he said. “As you know, the number one engine on my DC6 failed and we had to change it in Australia, but now we will use a civilian jet,” be said. Asked whether he believed the situation in China was likely to help him. Marshal Ky indicated that what has happened would have “a big effect” on North Vietnam. He confirmed that he had

not asked New Zealand for nam against aggression, his more military aid for South country would contribute Vietnam. a small part to the preHe told reporters that he servation of freedom and informed the Prime Minister liberty for other countries in (Mr Holyoake) and the this part of the world. Cabinet of the situation in “No pressure from anyone, Vietnam today. from any countries, can Later Marshal Ky was change my mind or my way, asked what he would like, he said. should the occasion arise in No influence can really the future for more military pressure me to change what aid I believe the right thing to “I frankly don’t know,” he do.” said. “New Zealand has Later he predicted that the limited military forces. If I war would turn against the asked in the future it will de- Communists. pend on your Government to “On our side more areas decide.” will be secure and more Marshal Ky voiced the hope people will live under our that in defending South Viet- protection.”