§ 10. Mr. Mayhewasked the Lord Privy Seal what progress has now been made towards a settlement in Laos.
§ Mr. HeathThere have been no significant developments since my hon. Friend's reply to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Derby, South (Mr P. Noel-Baker) on 26th March.
§ Mr. MayhewIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, meantime, the chances of a successful coalition Government have become less? Is it not time to put plainly to General Phoumi that, although there are dangers in forming this coalition Government, this alternative policy is a suicidal one Which will not get any support from the Western countries?
§ Mr. HeathThe position is that the conference at Geneva about Laos has got as far as it can until there is a unified Loatian delegation present to confirm the arrangements being made there. We have done our utmost to impress on the three princes the need to form this Government of national union, and have made it quite plain to General Phoumi, in addition to Prince Boun Oum and Prince Souvanna Phouma. I would not accept the hon. Gentleman's suggestion that the chances of getting agreement are receding. I am hopeful that there are now signs that agreement may be possible.
Mr. H. WilsonWill the Lord Privy Seal say whether Prince Boun Oum and General Phoumi have carried out the undertaking they gave at the end of the Geneva conference about the constitution of the Government?
§ Mr. HeathI think that what one can say is quite plain. The three princes 1003 have not yet succeeded in forming a Government together, but I should not like to apportion blame between the individuals concerned.