NO VISIT TO INDOCHINA

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33774, 21 February 1975, Page 13

NO VISIT TO INDOCHINA

(New Zealand Press Association—Copyright)

SAIGON, February 20.

A visit to Indo-China by 20 United States senators and Congressmen has been postponed indefinitely because of pressing legislative business in the United States, diplomatic sources said today, United Press International reported.

Cancellation of the visit by Congressmen and senators took the United States Embassy and South Vietnamese Government by surprise.

American and Government officials were in the midst of making final preparation for the visit.

The legislators were scheduled to arrive next Sunday for a two-week fact-finding mission.

United States officials, including President Ford, had hoped the Congressional visit would result in favourable vote on a Ford request for SNZ39I.Sm in supplementary aid to South Vietnam and Cambodia between now and June 30.

The Senate passed a bill on Wednesday suspending Mr Ford’s right to impose a tax on oil imports. Mr Ford said that he would veto it. It will be resubmitted to Congress in an effort to override the veto. Both opponents and proponents of the bill want to be on hand when the votes are counted.

The situation on Capitol Hill is causing some concern at the State Department, where efforts are being made to co-ordinate the flight to Indo-China.