§ 45. Mr. Healeyasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the latest situation concerning the negotiations for a settlement in Laos.
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Edward Heath)In their reply of 1st April to the United Kingdom Note of 23rd March, the Soviet Government expressed general agreement with our view that the Co-Chairmen of the Geneva Conference should call for a cease-fire, instruct the International Commission for Supervision and Control in Laos to verify its effectiveness and issue invitations for a 14-Power Conference.
Her Majesty's Government have now made firm proposals to the Soviet Government as to the next steps, suggesting dates for each of the various stages, but making it clear that an effective cease-fire must precede the opening of the Conference. I hope that it will be possible for the Co-Chairmen to make the necessary announcements and to issue invitations in the near future.
§ Mr. HealeyWhile welcoming very much the progress which has been made towards a peaceful settlement of this problem during the last few weeks and in particular the growing recognition, as I think, in all the countries concerned that Prince Souvanna Phouma is likely to be the most hopeful focus for a new Government in Laos, may I ask what precisely are the subjects still at issue between us and the Soviet Government? In particular, is it not the case that at the present time the initiative in the fighting is being taken by the Royal Government forces?
§ Mr. HeathThe answer to the last part of the supplementary question is that I understand that that is not the case. In answer to the first part of the supplementary question, we are now awaiting a reply from the Soviet Co-Chairman as to whether there are any further points of difference between us. We have now made firm proposals about the next steps. We have pointed out to the Soviet Co-Chairman that it would be possible for the appeal for the ceasefire, the reconstruction of the Control Commission and the invitations for the Conference all to be sent out at the same time, with specific dates for each, and indeed for the appeal for the cease-fire and the reconstruction of the Commission to take place at the same time. The only point we have also made is that which I mentioned in my substantive Answer, namely, that before the Conference can actually convene the ceasefire should have been verified by the Commission. We have given forms of wording which we think will be suitable for all these, and we now await the reply of the Soviet Co-Chairman.