§ 47. Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply has been received from the South Vietnam Government to the request of the co-chairmen appointed by the Geneva Conference of 1954 for the suggestion of a suitable date for inter-zonal talks with a view to arranging elections for uniting Vietnam.
§ Lord John HopeHer Majesty's Government and the Soviet Government have agreed that none of the replies to the co-chairmen's messages of 8th of May should be published before all have been received and circulated to the remaining members of the Geneva Conference and to the Supervisory Powers. I regret, therefore, that I am unable to say anything at present about the reply received from the Vietnamese Government.
§ Mr. BrockwayWill the noble Lord seek to expedite the reply? Is it not the case that the Geneva Conference brought a cease-fire in Indo-China on the basis of unifying elections, and is not this proposal being held up by the attitude of the South Vietnam Government supported by the American Government?
§ Lord John HopeI cannot comment on the suggestions of the hon. Gentleman until the rest of the replles for which we are waiting have come in. I am sorry.
§ Mr. YoungerCan the noble Lord tell us approximately how many replies are outstanding, and when we may expect that some fairly definite and clear statement will be made on this important matter? Further, is the Joint UnderSecretary of State aware that my hon. Friend is right in suggesting that, if this proposal for elections cannot take place for any reason, then the main basis of the Geneva Agreement will have gone?
§ Lord John HopeI am not sure that I can answer the first question of the right hon. Gentleman exactly, but I can tell him that we have had replies from the French and the Vietnam Governments and from the International Supervisory Commission for Vietnam. The Viet Minh have not yet replied. I cannot tell him about the others.