Vietnam War Discussion

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31501, 16 October 1967, Page 1

Vietnam War Discussion

The Vietnam war will be among subjects to be discussed by the Japanese Prime Minister (Mr Eisaku Sato) with the Prime Minister of New Zealand (Mr Holyoake) when they hold official talks in Wellington today.

Japanese officials accompanying Mr Sato on his visit to New Zealand made it clear at The Hermitage yesterday that the war would certainly be discussed as it was of considerable concern to both countries.

They did not go as far as to say that Japan supports the allied effort, but they said that although Japan sympathises with the effort, a settlement of the conflict at the earliest possible opportunity is desired.

The official spokesman for the party (Mr Genchi Akatani) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Public Information Bureau, said Japan could not be involved militarily in V'ietnam, but “is in sympathy with the United States in the position in which it finds itself.”

Japan desired settlement of the conflict at the earliest opportunity and hoped that the parties concerned would make every effort towards discussions aimed at this.

Asked about the possibility of Japan in a mediating role. Mr Akatani said Japan was not particularly suited to this. But if the time came to play such a role, then it would be glad to do so. At present

there was no contact with the north.

Questioned on Mr Sato’s forthcoming visit to Saigon, the spokesman said the Japanese Prime Minister hoped, through meeting members of the newly elected Government in Vietnam to see the situation for himself and the prospects for development and resolution of problems. Mr Sato was making a tour of South-East Asian countries and it seemed only fitting that he should include a visit Ito Vietnam. | Asked about the attitude of !the Japanese people towards the war, Mr Akatani said j there were people opposed to lit just as there were in the United States, Australia and I New Zealand.

; But he could only speak of I the Government’s attitude, and not of the attitude of the people of Japan. Details of future trade between Japan and New Zealand are unlikely to be the subject of talks between the two leaders, officials say. But aid for under-developed Asian countries is likely to be on the agenda. One of the main aims of his present tour is a desire by ■Mr Sato to meet leaders of I countries personally, as well las to discuss international problems and questions ot bilateral concern to the individual countries.

The Japanese Prime Minister was quoted in Tokyo recently as saying that Japan “looked with respect” on New Zealand's military contribution to the Western bloc—- ■ both in the Korean and Vietnam wars.

He said in an interview that Japan, because of its constitution, was unable to make a military contribution anywhere.

Officials seem pleased with .the results of Mr Sato’s tour iso far. One correspondent with experience of tours by other leaders said yesterday that the Japanese Prime Minister’s visits were “low key” and not characterised by vigorous speeches, back-slapping lor barnstorming.