Vietnam Peace INTERNATIONAL TALKS FORESEEN

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31989, 16 May 1969, Page 1

Vietnam Peace INTERNATIONAL TALKS FORESEEN

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, May 15.

An international conference would be held “at some stage” to work out arrangements for ensuring peace in Vietnam, the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) says in the annual report of the External Affairs Department.

Mr Holyoake, who holds the External Affairs portfolio, tabled the report in Parliament today.

The New Zealand Government favoured arrangements for withdrawals and a cease-fire

in South Vietnam, with undertakings on such political questions as local administration.

organisation of poetical life, the timing and organisation of elections and practical forms of co - operation between North and South.

But an ultimate settlement could have its greatest weight only if it had a wide measure of international approval, and if practical arrangements were made to oversee the implementation and continuance of a settlement.

“I should expect, therefore, that at some stage an international conference wouldbe

held to work out such arrangements,” and that New Zealand would be a part of such a conference-, Mr Holyoake says. He also sees the possibility of some withdrawals by allied troops. Some Withdrawals “I do not discount the possibility of some withdrawals of allied troops, because the military accomplishments of the South Vietnamese forces, the growing confidence of the Government of South Vietnam and its successful efforts to broaden its popular appeal all create a situation in which dependence on allied support is diminishing.” Looking at world affairs of 1968, Mr Holyoake says: “There is no lack of war, nor of opportunity for war. The last year has been both difficult and dangerous, and the prospects for early improvement are hardly promising.” UN. Role On the United Nations, the Prime Minister says: “Disenchantment has been aroused by the piling up of denunciatory resolutions, the rejection of common sense in favour of precept and theory, and the failure to match oratory with obligation.

“But the powerful appeal the United Nations makes to idealism and internationalism means that if it were to cease today, it would have to be resurrected tomorrow in some other form." The Commonwealth Prime Ministers’ conference still remained important to its members, and last January showed a revival of a sense of understanding. It would yet move On to a special and creative international role. Commenting on his Euro-

pean and American visits earlier this year, Mr Holyoake says:

“It is in Europe that developments capable of determining the economic fortunes of New Zealand are taking place.”