§ 23. Mr. Zilliacusasked the Lord Privy Seal what reply was given by the South-East Asia Treaty Organisation to the invitation to send agents to investigate the charges of alleged intervention and aid from North Vietnam made by the present rulers of Laos; and what was the policy of the United Kingdom representative in the South-East Asia Treaty Organisation on that occasion.
§ Mr. HeathA reply, which has not been published, was sent to the Laotian Government on 16th February by the Secretary-General of the South-East Asia Treaty Organisation, on behalf of the Council Representatives. It is now under consideration by the Laotian Government.
§ Mr. ZilliacusIs it not a fact that the Minister of Education of the Laotian Government has said that the allegations of North Vietnam intervention were mere propaganda to secure foreign assistance? Is it not further a fact that S.E.A.T.O. is a totally one-sided organisation? Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that matters of this sort will be dealt with through the United Nations and not through S.E.A.T.O.?
§ Mr. HeathS.E.A.T.O. is a regional organisation which is permissible under the United Nations Organisation. Apparently, the views of the Minister of Education at the Press conference, like a good many other Press conferences, are in dispute. The Government make their own assessment of the degree of intervention in Laos.
§ Mr. RidsdaleCan my right hon. Friend confirm or deny that there has been increasing Communist guerrilla activity in Vietnam, greater than in Inns itself?