Relationship between Canada and the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam)


Because of its membership on the ICCS, Canada did not establish official diplomatic relations with South Vietnam in order to guarantee its neutral position in the execution of its responsibilities within the ICCS. From its side, the Government of the Republic of Vietnam, in its statements issued on July 16, 1955 and April 6, 1956, repeated its non-acceptance of the Geneva Agreement. And, based on this policy of non-acceptance, "South Vietnam one-sidedly notified the ISCC that it would no longer reply to inquiries concerning Article 14 (c) [Personal Liberties], which gave the northern regime a marvelous propaganda platform on the theme of "suppression of democratic liberties" in South Vietnam and gave the Southern administration another black mark in subsequent ISCC report."38

However, recognizing that the ICCS was an international body working for world peace, the Government of South Vietnam agreed to collaborate with the ICCS, and pledged to work for the security of the ICCS personnel and to provide all means necessary for the ICCS to carry out its responsibilities. "Presidential Decree of July 30, 1956, was issued, creating a South Vietnamese Liaison Mission."39 Vis-a-vis the Canadian Delegation, the Government of South Vietnam established and maintained good and friendly relations. It always praised the Canadian Delegation's highly responsible attitude in their work within the ICCS.

In its letters of protest or its petitions sent to the ICCS, it denounced the partiality of the Indian and Polish Delegations, never the Canadian Delegation. The Canadian Delegation, in return, understood the position of the Government of South Vietnam regarding the Geneva Agreement, and welcomed the cooperation as well as the assistance provided by the Government of South Vietnam to the activities of the ICCS.

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