Althoug no longer to the fore, the question of the U.S. attack on North Vietnam has not been neglected by the British -.labour movement. We are still receiving reports of actions taken (sometimes owing to holidays, etc., well after the event).
Bristol was the centre of activity on the question. Much of this — activity was organised by supporters of the Bristol Left Club. The club itself sent a telegram to Wilson asking him to repudiate American action, Bristol CND issued a statement condemning the provocation by the U.S. and threats of war by China over North Vietnam. "We also condemn the British Government's sheep-like support of Johnson's action. The continual presence of large military forces in and around Vietnam constitutes a real threat to the hopes of world peace." the statement concluded. 24 people, including 2 councillors and a professor from the University signed a letter to Wilson saying how greatly disturbed they were by the. situatiin and appealing to him to speak out and disassociate the British Labour movement from the U.S. action.
Colin Livett, vice chairman of NALSO, and Ian Taylor, editor of the NALSO journal: Labour Student, both sent individual telegrams to Wilson asking him to repudiate the U.S. action. &toke Newinton bracnh of the ABU, at its last meeting, called for an end to the U.S.-supported war in South Vietnam with an immediate ceasefire under the auspices of the International Control Commission. The Géneral Council Of the Scottish T.U.C. issued a statement on August 12th urging the British Government to take positive action to end the dangerous situation in the Far East. John Eber, secretary of the Movement for Colonial Freedom, stated on August 14th, that he was not convinced by the U.S. story of the Maddox incident, he saluted "the amazing courage with which the people of Vietnam have defended their homeland, we wholeheartedly support their just cause." Branches of the British China .Friendship Committee and local Friends of Chins sroups have organised meetings and other activities, on the affair, in various parts of the country including London, Manchester, Liverpool and Manchester,