NZ's Response to the Escalation of the Vietnam War

Part of the Way? - NZ's Response to the Escalation of the Vietnam War

New Zealand's response to the large scale American and Australian escalation of their military effort in Vietnam in the mid-60s will be examined by Otago University historian, Dr Roberto Rabel, at next Tuesday's (September 7) Department of Internal Affairs Historical Branch seminar.

The public seminar will be held in Rm113, level 1, State Insurance Building, Waring Taylor Street, Wellington at 12.15pm.

In May 1965 the New Zealand Government sent a small artillery unit to the Vietnam War. Despite requests by Lyndon Johnson's American administration for New Zealand to increase its combat contribution over the following 18 months, its size remained virtually unaltered.

Using a spin on one of the catchphrases of the period, Dr Rabel examines why New Zealand would only go 'part of the way with LBJ' and how the New Zealand Government retained local support for its combat role.

Dr Rabel is currently working with the Department of Internal Affairs Historical Branch on an official history of New Zealand in the Vietnam War.

For further information contact Pamela Fleming , media adviser, Dept. Internal Affairs email: pamela.fleming@dia.govt.nz , Website www.dia.govt.nz

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