As is well known, Mr. Wilson's "initiative" in announcing the Commonwealth peace mission has ot the rasyerry from both Peking and Hanoi. Needless to say the British press has not given a clear picture of the Chinese reasons for turning it down. Instead the extravagant phrases have been seized upon and the whole onus placed upon the Chinese for the failure of the mission before it even started. We cannot go all the way with Uncle Mao, (the Chinese do not seem to see Mr. Wilson as anything but an American cat's-paw; they ignore completely the Government's need to take into account the growing opposition both in the Labour Party and outside) but the questions raised by them have to be faced squarely. The following is a summary of the People's Daily editorial of June 21.
The article gives as Mr. Wilson's motives in annowmcing the move firstly his desire to come to the aid of the Americans who are "at the end of their tether" in Vietnam. It sees the mission as an attempt to revive the idea of a ceasefire in Vietnam to give the Americans a breathing space. Secondly, the timing of the announcement was designed to prevent the U.S. being condemned at the Algiers conference of Afro-Asian nations. For this purpose it was necess~ ary to announce the participation of Afro-Asian delegates in the mission.
The People's Daily goes on to argue that the move was clearly inspired by the Johnson administration and quotes both hints before the armouncement and the pleasure with which the U.S. responded as evidence. The paper poo-poos the idea that it is necessary to find out where the Vietnamrse or the Chinese stand and quotes statements which give these Governments! positions. It says the same goes for the U.5.; everyone knows that they have stated repeatedly that they intend to hang on in S. Vietnam. "What need is there to ascertain in the matter of Vietnam that U.S. imperialism is the aggressor? Can there be any doubt that the only solution to this question lies in the withdrawal of U.S. ferce?”
The editorial says that the British Government's position is unacceptable because it involves recognising S. Vietnam as a separate country ~- a move en tirely in keeping with U.S. policy. Furthermore, "On Vietnum, every aggressive step taken by the U.S. in widening the war has been acclaimed by Britain; every U.S. political intrigue to launch its peace talks swindle has found an echo in Britain. Of all the allies of the U.S., Britain can be termed its most faithful servant.
"Tt is common knowledge, however, that each of the 21 members of the British Commonwealth finds itself in different circumstances, taking very different positions. After Wilson declared the formation of the 'mission', Tanzania opposed it, saying it could not 'represent a common viewpoint!. Ghana laid down preconditions. Kenya objected to Wilson's leading the mission himself. Both fustralia and New Zealand are providing cannon fodder for the U.S. aggression. Therefore, like Britain, they are simply not qualified to discuss the question of peace in Vietnam at all.
Wilson seems to think that the British Commonwealth label will make his formula 'difficult' 'to refuse'. China has lready banged the door in Gordon- Walker's face. Our door is always wide open to friends of all countries who oppose U.S. imperialism” support the Vietnamese people's struggle. As for the political touts who are peddling the U.5. peace talks swindle, it is right for us to refuse them and it is not difficult for us to refuse them."
The lesson is clear: if we are to have any success in helping to end the war in Vietnan, we must first get the Government to condemn U.S. bombing, recognise the Vietcong and call for the withdrawal of U.S. troops.
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