§ 39. Mr. Fenner Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what decision has been reached on the British proposal that the two co-chairmen of the Geneva Agreement on Indo-China should meet to discuss the situation in that territory.
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Selwyn Lloyd)The Soviet Government informed Her Majesty's Government on 1st April that they had authorised Mr. Gromyko to take part in the meetings on behalf of Mr. Molotov in his capacity as one of the two co-chairmen of the Geneva Conference. I accordingly appointed my right hon. and noble Friend Lord Reading to represent me in my capacity as the other co-chairman. Three meetings have taken place so far and the discussions are continuing.
§ Mr. BrockwayI welcome that announcement, but may I ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman whether, in view of the withdrawal of the French forces from South Viet Nam, he will press for recognition of the International Supervisory Commission by the South Vietnamese Government in order to maintain a cease-fire and, even if elections are not possible in July next, will continue to press for elections to be held over the two areas of Indo-China?
§ Mr. LloydI think that it would be a mistake for me to be drawn into what is the subject matter of the discussions between my right hon. Friend and Mr. Gromyko. Nevertheless, it is the purpose of Her Majesty's Government to procure conditions under which the Geneva Agreement can continue to operate. We certainly have in mind the ultimate unification of Viet Nam and Viet Minh by means of free elections.