HC Deb 07 May 1953 vol 515 cc565-6
45. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the concern expressed by the North Atlantic Council in their recent communique over the increased burden of France in the struggle against aggression, following the extension of hostilities in Laos, he will make a statement on this new crisis.

The Prime Minister (Sir Winston Churchill)

I will try to deal with some aspects of this question when I open the debate on foreign affairs next week.

Mr. Henderson

In view of the fact that two weeks ago the 14 member States of the United Nations meeting in Paris at the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Council expressed grave concern at the development of the situation in Laos, does not the Prime Minister consider that this matter should be brought before the Assembly of the United Nations under Article 11? May I ask him in the second place whether, in view of the confusion as to the constitutional and other aspects of this international crisis in Indo-China, he would consider publishing a White Paper giving all the available information?

The Prime Minister:

I shall take all that into consideration.