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<!doctype html> <html lang="en-GB"> <head> <base href="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit"> <meta charset="utf-8"> <title>PRESIDENT JOHNSON (PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT) (Hansard, 2 August 1966)</title> <meta author="UK Parliament"> <meta content="51ff727eff55314a" name="y_key"> <link href="https://www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/" rel="copyright"> <meta content="Hansard, House of Commons, House of Lords, Parliament, UK, House of Commons sitting" name="keywords"> <meta content="PRESIDENT JOHNSON (PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT) (Hansard, 2 August 1966)" name="description"> <link href="../../../../stylesheets/screen.css" media="screen" rel="stylesheet" title="Default" type="text/css"> <link href="../../../../stylesheets/print.css" media="print" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"> <script type="text/javascript"> var appInsights=window.appInsights||function(a){ function b(a){c[a]=function(){var 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data-client="tr"></script> <div id="header"> <div class="search-help"> <a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/search?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB">Search Help</a> </div> <form action="../../../../search" id="search" method="get" rel="search"><input size="24" title="Access key: S" accesskey="s" name="query" id="search-query" type="search" placeholder="Search Hansard" autosave="hansard.millbanksystems.com" results="10" value=""> <input type="submit" value="Search"> </form> <div id="nav"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/index.html?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" id="home" rel="home">HANSARD 1803–2005</a> → <a class="sitting-decade" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/sittings/1960s?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB"> 1960s </a> → <a class="sitting-year" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/sittings/1966/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB"> 1966 </a> → <a class="sitting-month" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/sittings/1966/aug/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB"> August 1966 </a> → <a class="sitting-day" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/sittings/1966/aug/02?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB"> 2 August 1966 </a> → <a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/sittings/1966/aug/02?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#commons" rel="directory up"> Commons Sitting </a> → <a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/oral-answers-to-questions?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB">ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS</a> </div> <h1 class="title">PRESIDENT JOHNSON (PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT)</h1> </div> <div class="house-of-commons-sitting" id="content"><cite class="section">HC Deb 02 August 1966 vol 733 cc249-55</cite> <a class="permalink column-permalink" id="column_249" title="Col. 249 — HC Deb 02 August 1966 vol 733 c249" name="column_249" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#column_249" rel="bookmark">249</a> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01115"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_215"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-frank-allaun" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_215" title="Link to this speech by Mr Frank Allaun" rel="bookmark">§</a> <span class="question_no">Q5.</span> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-frank-allaun?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Frank Allaun">Mr. Frank Allaun</a></cite> <p class="first-para">asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his visit to President Johnson.</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01116"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_216"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-gordon-campbell" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_216" title="Link to this speech by Mr Gordon Campbell" rel="bookmark">§</a> <span class="question_no">Q7.</span> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-gordon-campbell?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Gordon Campbell">Mr. G. Campbell</a></cite> <p class="first-para">asked the Prime Minister if he will now make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy <a class="permalink column-permalink" id="column_250" title="Col. 250 — HC Deb 02 August 1966 vol 733 c250" name="column_250" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#column_250" rel="bookmark">250</a> towards the conflict in Vietnam as a result of his visit to Washington.</p> </blockquote> </div><a class="permalink column-permalink" id="column_250" title="Col. 250 — HC Deb 02 August 1966 vol 733 c250" name="column_250" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#column_250" rel="bookmark">250</a> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01117"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_217"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-neil-marten" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_217" title="Link to this speech by Mr Neil Marten" rel="bookmark">§</a> <span class="question_no">Q8.</span> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-neil-marten?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Neil Marten">Mr. Marten</a></cite> <p class="first-para">asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his visit to President Johnson.</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01118"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_218"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-patrick-wall" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_218" title="Link to this speech by Mr Patrick Wall" rel="bookmark">§</a> <span class="question_no">Q9.</span> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-patrick-wall?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Patrick Wall">Mr. Wall</a></cite> <p class="first-para">asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his visit to Washington.</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01119"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_219"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-norman-st-john-stevas" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_219" title="Link to this speech by Mr Norman St John-Stevas" rel="bookmark">§</a> <span class="question_no">Q13.</span> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-norman-st-john-stevas?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Norman St John-Stevas">Mr. St. John-Stevas</a></cite> <p class="first-para">asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on his recent talks with the United States Government in Washington.</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01120"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_220"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-james-dickens" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_220" title="Link to this speech by Mr James Dickens" rel="bookmark">§</a> <span class="question_no">Q15.</span> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-james-dickens?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr James Dickens">Mr. Dickens</a></cite> <p class="first-para">asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his recent discussions with President Johnson.</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01121"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_221"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-peter-blaker" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_221" title="Link to this speech by Mr Peter Blaker" rel="bookmark">§</a> <span class="question_no">Q16.</span> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-peter-blaker?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Peter Blaker">Mr. Blaker</a></cite> <p class="first-para">asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his recent discussions with members of the United States Administration.</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01122"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_222"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-anthony-royle" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_222" title="Link to this speech by Mr Anthony Royle" rel="bookmark">§</a> <span class="question_no">Q22.</span> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-anthony-royle?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Anthony Royle">Mr. A. Royle</a></cite> <p class="first-para">asked the Prime Minister what results he achieved during his discussions with the President of the United States of America.</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01123"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_223"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-jon-rankin" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_223" title="Link to this speech by Mr Jon Rankin" rel="bookmark">§</a> <span class="question_no">Q23.</span> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-jon-rankin?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Jon Rankin">Mr. Rankin</a></cite> <p class="first-para">asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the outcome of his meeting with President Johnson.</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01124"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_224"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-emrys-hughes" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_224" title="Link to this speech by Mr Emrys Hughes" rel="bookmark">§</a> <span class="question_no">Q26.</span> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-emrys-hughes?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Emrys Hughes">Mr. Emrys Hughes</a></cite> <p class="first-para">asked the Prime Minister, if he will make a statement on his visit to President Johnson.</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01125"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_225"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_225" title="Link to this speech by Mr Harold Wilson" rel="bookmark">§</a> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Harold Wilson">The Prime Minister</a></cite> <p class="first-para">My talks with the President of the United States last Friday ranged widely and deeply over the entire field of international affairs, economic as well as political. We of course discussed every aspect of the Vietnam problem, and I took the opportunity to give the President a full account of my impressions of my recent conversations in Moscow with Premier Kosygin. The President assured me of the continuing desire of the United States Government for an unconditional negotiation. There was also a full discussion of the world economic situation, with particular reference to the problem of world liquidity, and of the economic problems that the United Kingdom is facing.</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01126"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_226"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-frank-allaun" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_226" title="Link to this speech by Mr Frank Allaun" rel="bookmark">§</a> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-frank-allaun?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Frank Allaun">Mr. Allaun</a></cite> <p class="first-para">Did the Prime Minister tell the President that our deficit was accounted for almost exactly by our military spending overseas, or does the fact that even now our £2,000 million a year <a class="permalink column-permalink" id="column_251" title="Col. 251 — HC Deb 02 August 1966 vol 733 c251" name="column_251" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#column_251" rel="bookmark">251</a> programme is not to be cut mean that he yielded to American insistence upon our retaining bases and troops in the Far East?</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01127"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_227"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_227" title="Link to this speech by Mr Harold Wilson" rel="bookmark">§</a> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Harold Wilson">The Prime Minister</a></cite> <p class="first-para">There was no American insistence. We take our own decisions on this having regard to our conception of what is the British interest and the Commonwealth interest and our obligations so far as world peace is concerned. The President of the United States is as well aware of the statistical position of our balance of payments as any hon. Member of this House.</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01128"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_228"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-gordon-campbell" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_228" title="Link to this speech by Mr Gordon Campbell" rel="bookmark">§</a> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-gordon-campbell?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Gordon Campbell">Mr. Campbell</a></cite> <p class="first-para">Did the Prime Minister congratulate the President upon the accuracy of American bombing of fuel installations in North Vietnam, which resulted in very few civilian casualties?</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01129"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_229"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_229" title="Link to this speech by Mr Harold Wilson" rel="bookmark">§</a> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Harold Wilson">The Prime Minister</a></cite> <p class="first-para">No, Sir. The discussions did not get to the point of congratulation on these questions. We discussed all aspects of the situation in Vietnam. I noted, although I was not surprised, that many of the warnings I had had from hon. and right hon. Gentlemen opposite about our dissociation from the operations in Hanoi and Haiphong turned out to be completely unfounded.</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01130"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_230"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-neil-marten" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_230" title="Link to this speech by Mr Neil Marten" rel="bookmark">§</a> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-neil-marten?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Neil Marten">Mr. Marten</a></cite> <p class="first-para">Can the Prime Minister say whether he got the impression that the Americans regard sterling as a first line of defence for the dollar, and secondly, could he confirm or deny a report in <span class="italic">The Times</span> that there was talk about linking sterling to the dollar?</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01131"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_231"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_231" title="Link to this speech by Mr Harold Wilson" rel="bookmark">§</a> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Harold Wilson">The Prime Minister</a></cite> <p class="first-para">I am never responsible for any Press reports, least of all those from <span class="italic">The Times</span> Washington correspondent. I thought that normally in Question Time one was not asked or required to answer for particular Press reports. There is a fairly deep understanding in the United States that the fate of the two reserve currencies is to some extent linked and that there have been recent attacks—some would say for financial reasons; others for political reasons—on both reserve currencies. To some extent, we have been in the front line so far as any attack on the dollar was concerned. There is a widespread feeling in the Administration, from the President downwards, that our interests and those of the United States, so far as reserve currencies are concerned, are closely linked.</p> </blockquote> </div><a class="permalink column-permalink" id="column_252" title="Col. 252 — HC Deb 02 August 1966 vol 733 c252" name="column_252" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#column_252" rel="bookmark">252</a> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01132"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_232"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-patrick-wall" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_232" title="Link to this speech by Mr Patrick Wall" rel="bookmark">§</a> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-patrick-wall?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Patrick Wall">Mr. Wall</a></cite> <p class="first-para">Did the Prime Minister assure the President that Britain would maintain her responsibility in the Indian Ocean area?</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01133"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_233"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_233" title="Link to this speech by Mr Harold Wilson" rel="bookmark">§</a> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Harold Wilson">The Prime Minister</a></cite> <p class="first-para">We informed the President again, not that he was not fully aware of it, that the policy of Her Majesty's Government, as set out in the Defence Review, and approved by this House—I think that the hon. Gentleman voted against it—still holds.</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01134"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_234"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-james-dickens" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_234" title="Link to this speech by Mr James Dickens" rel="bookmark">§</a> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-james-dickens?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr James Dickens">Mr. Dickens</a></cite> <p class="first-para">Did the Prime Minister make it clear that many of us on this side of the Chamber and millions of people in the country are gravely concerned about the increasing and detrimental influence which Mr. W. W. Rostow is having on American policy in Vietnam? Did he also make it clear that dissociating Her Majesty's Government from the American bombing of Hanoi and Haiphong was but the start of a new British independence in Asia?</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01135"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_235"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_235" title="Link to this speech by Mr Harold Wilson" rel="bookmark">§</a> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Harold Wilson">The Prime Minister</a></cite> <p class="first-para">I have always maintained that British officials ought not to be attacked by any Member in this House when they are unable to defend themselves. I am glad to see that the right hon. Gentlemen opposite are nodding agreement with this now—[<span class="italic">Interruption</span>.]—remembering their attack on Professor Zuckerman some fifteen months ago. If we take this view about British officials, I would take it even more strenuously with regard to overseas officials.</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01136"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_236"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-norman-st-john-stevas" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_236" title="Link to this speech by Mr Norman St John-Stevas" rel="bookmark">§</a> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-norman-st-john-stevas?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Norman St John-Stevas">Mr. St. John-Stevas</a></cite> <p class="first-para">Hardy Spicer.</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01137"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_237"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_237" title="Link to this speech by Mr Harold Wilson" rel="bookmark">§</a> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Harold Wilson">The Prime Minister</a></cite> <p class="first-para">I am glad to say that Mr. Hardy Spicer, if there is such an individual, is not a British or American official.</p> <p>On the second part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, I explained our position on Hanoi and Haiphong on 29th June, and in subsequent debate the position of Her Majesty's Government on Vietnam. Certainly we are prepared to go on taking initiatives, with the good will of the United States, to get unconditional negotiations.</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01138"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_238"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-norman-st-john-stevas" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_238" title="Link to this speech by Mr Norman St John-Stevas" rel="bookmark">§</a> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-norman-st-john-stevas?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Norman St John-Stevas">Mr. St. John-Stevas</a></cite> <p class="first-para">Would not the Prime Minister agree that these agitated scurryings across the globe serve no useful national purpose? Would not he be much better advised to conserve his <a class="permalink column-permalink" id="column_253" title="Col. 253 — HC Deb 02 August 1966 vol 733 c253" name="column_253" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#column_253" rel="bookmark">253</a> health and to stay at home and mind the store?</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01139"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_239"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_239" title="Link to this speech by Mr Harold Wilson" rel="bookmark">§</a> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Harold Wilson">The Prime Minister</a></cite> <p class="first-para">I should have thought that when one was dealing with the United States Government—it is a presidential system of Government where decisions are taken at the top—it is very important to get into conversations with the President of the United States. I think that that is equally true about talks with the Head of the Soviet Government. One cannot do this job by the old-fashioned method of using diplomatic channels.</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01140"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_240"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-peter-blaker" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_240" title="Link to this speech by Mr Peter Blaker" rel="bookmark">§</a> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-peter-blaker?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Peter Blaker">Mr. Blaker</a></cite> <p class="first-para">The Prime Minister will be aware of reports that President Johnson discussed with him the projected purchase by the United States of British engines for installation in the American Corsair military aircraft. Will he confirm that the Government will not object to such a sale even though the aircraft are very suitable for use in Vietnam?</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01141"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_241"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_241" title="Link to this speech by Mr Harold Wilson" rel="bookmark">§</a> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Harold Wilson">The Prime Minister</a></cite> <p class="first-para">I have explained the position with regard to the conditions of sale in a number of statements in the House. If it seemed to leave some confusion n the minds of hon. Members opposite, it left no confusion in the mind of the American Government. I am happy to inform the hon. Gentleman that the issue which hon. Members have pressed so hard in recent weeks was not even mentioned by President Johnson. He at least understands the position, although I can well understand why right hon. Members opposite have pulled out their Motion for tomorrow in the light of the fact that there is no difficulty between our two countries on this matter—[<span class="italic">Interruption</span>.]—despite their best efforts there are no difficulties between our two countries on this matter. Secondly, despite their gloomy forecasts, we have this very substantial order coming for the Spey engines.</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01142"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_242"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-emrys-hughes" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_242" title="Link to this speech by Mr Emrys Hughes" rel="bookmark">§</a> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-emrys-hughes?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Emrys Hughes">Mr. Hughes</a></cite> <p class="first-para">Did the Prime Minister discuss with the President the possibility of the war in Vietnam extending to China? Would he assure us that he told the President that this country would not be drawn in?</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01143"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_243"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_243" title="Link to this speech by Mr Harold Wilson" rel="bookmark">§</a> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Harold Wilson">The Prime Minister</a></cite> <p class="first-para">One of the main purposes of my recent visits to Moscow and Washington has been—[<span class="italic">Interruption</span>.] This is a serious matter which even <a class="permalink column-permalink" id="column_254" title="Col. 254 — HC Deb 02 August 1966 vol 733 c254" name="column_254" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#column_254" rel="bookmark">254</a> hon. Members opposite might understand—to take every possible measure against further escalation in Vietnam leading to the dangers which hon. Members on both sides of the House realise to be a very real possibility. So far as the danger of escalation is concerned, I had the fullest support from President Johnson and, I am glad to say, from Premier Kosygin</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01144"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_244"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-anthony-royle" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_244" title="Link to this speech by Mr Anthony Royle" rel="bookmark">§</a> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-anthony-royle?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Anthony Royle">Mr. Royle</a></cite> <p class="first-para">Did the Prime Minister give an assurance to the President that he would continue to provide arms to the United States for use in South Vietnam?</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01145"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_245"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_245" title="Link to this speech by Mr Harold Wilson" rel="bookmark">§</a> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Harold Wilson">The Prime Minister</a></cite> <p class="first-para">As I have told the House, this matter was explained several weeks ago—[HON. MEMBERS: "It was not."] It may not have been understood by hon. Members who did not want to understand it. It just happens that the President of the United States and the American Administration do understand it and are not playing the game of hon Members opposite.</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01146"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_246"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-michael-foot" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_246" title="Link to this speech by Mr Michael Foot" rel="bookmark">§</a> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-michael-foot?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Michael Foot">Mr. Michael Foot</a></cite> <p class="first-para">On the question of Vietnam, would the Prime Minister tell us whether he discussed with the President U Thant's proposals for an approach towards a settlement of the Vietnam problem and what views he expressed on behalf of the British Government on U Thant's proposals about a cessation of the bombing of North Vietnam by the Americans as a partial contribution to the settlement?</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01147"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_247"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_247" title="Link to this speech by Mr Harold Wilson" rel="bookmark">§</a> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Harold Wilson">The Prime Minister</a></cite> <p class="first-para">I think that I may say that I discussed everything which could be discussed about Vietnam during those four hours, and I had further discussions with Mr. Dean Rusk on these questions. U Thant's initiative—which, of course, we always welcome—fell on stony ground when he went to Moscow; and I had had the same experience so far as this kind of proposal is concerned. But it is the position of Her Majesty's Government, and has been ever since the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference last year, that we are prepared to join in any initiative, or take any initiative, on the basis of stopping the bombing by America in return for or associated with a stopping of infiltration along the Ho ChiMinh trail. This is our position, and I have no reason to think that it would not get enthusiastic support from the United States. After all, they proceeded on that basis for nearly 40 days last January.</p> </blockquote> </div><a class="permalink column-permalink" id="column_255" title="Col. 255 — HC Deb 02 August 1966 vol 733 c255" name="column_255" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#column_255" rel="bookmark">255</a> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01148"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_248"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/sir-henry-legge-bourke" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_248" title="Link to this speech by Sir Henry Legge-Bourke" rel="bookmark">§</a> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/sir-henry-legge-bourke?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Sir Henry Legge-Bourke">Sir H. Legge-Bourke</a></cite> <p class="first-para">Did the Prime Minister discuss with the President the possibility of seeking to amend the rules of the I.M.F. regarding the bracket in which fluctuations of exchange rates might take place?</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01149"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_249"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_249" title="Link to this speech by Mr Harold Wilson" rel="bookmark">§</a> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Harold Wilson">The Prime Minister</a></cite> <p class="first-para">No, there was no talk about fluctuations in exchange rates because the President is as fully realistic about our position as we are. On the I.M.F., the hon. Member will be aware that last week at The Hague there was a meeting of the Group of Ten in which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the American Secretary of the Treasury played a leading part. We go forward to the I.M.F. conference this year in the hope that we shall get a multilateral solution of the very serious problem—it is a problem not only for Britain or America but for the world—of world liquidity. The views of the United States and British Governments are very close indeed.</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01150"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_250"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-raphael-tuck" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_250" title="Link to this speech by Mr Raphael Tuck" rel="bookmark">§</a> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-raphael-tuck?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Raphael Tuck">Mr. Raphael Tuck</a></cite> <p class="first-para">When the President referred to "unconditional" peace, was it my right hon. Friend's impression that he really meant unconditional, or did he perhaps mean conditional upon partition in Vietnam?</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="hentry member_contribution" id="S5CV0733P0-01151"><a name="S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_251"> </a> <blockquote cite="https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson" class="contribution_text entry-content"><a class="speech-permalink permalink" href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/president-johnson-prime-ministers-visit?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB#S5CV0733P0_19660802_HOC_251" title="Link to this speech by Mr Harold Wilson" rel="bookmark">§</a> <cite class="member author entry-title"><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/people/mr-harold-wilson?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" title="Mr Harold Wilson">The Prime Minister</a></cite> <p class="first-para">No; he meant unconditional. The phrase was used, and it has been used very many times by him, by us and by others, in terms of unconditional negotiations. What comes out of the negotiations must be a matter for the negotiators. But the President has once again reiterated, as he has many times before, his willingness to enter into unconditional negotiations to secure an honourable peace in Vietnam. There has been no attempt to lay down conditions as to what the ultimate form of those negotiations should be.</p> </blockquote> </div> <ol class="xoxo"> </ol> <div id="section-navigation"> <div id="previous-section"> Back to <a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/middle-east-minister-resident?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" rel="prev"> MIDDLE EAST (MINISTER RESIDENT) </a> </div> <div id="next-section"> Forward to <a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/commons/1966/aug/02/pleasure-boat-darlwin?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" rel="next"> PLEASURE BOAT "DARLWIN" </a> </div> </div> </div> <div id="footer"> <p><a href="https://api-parliament-uk.translate.goog/historic-hansard/typos?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB">Noticed a typo?</a> | <a href="mailto:data@parliament.uk?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-GB" target="_BLANK" title="Opens a new page">Report other issues</a> | <a href="https://translate.google.com/website?sl=auto&tl=en&hl=en-GB&u=https://www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/" rel="copyright" id="copyright">© UK Parliament</a></p> <script type="text/javascript"> var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? 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