HC Deb 27 January 1964 vol 688 cc32-3
42. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further reply has been given to the request of the Government of Cambodia for the summoning of a conference representing the interested Governments to guarantee its neutral status.

Mr. R. A. Butler

After further consultations I have, as Co-Chairman, prepared drafts of documents on Cambodian neutrality such as a conference might agree to. I have put these to the Soviet Co-Chairman and to the Cambodian Government, and have invited comments from other Governments concerned. Prince Sihanouk has welcomed the drafts. The Soviet Government have meanwhile published their proposal that the Co-Chairmen should issue invitations for a Conference to meet at Geneva in April. We are considering our reply in the light of our attempts, through normal diplomatic channels, to prepare a generally acceptable basis for such a conference.

Mr. Brockway

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that all of us will welcome that statement? Will he continue to do everything in the power of the Government to maintain the neutrality of Cambodia, which is so important for peace in South-East Asia?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir. The aim of Her Majesty's Government is to do our utmost, and, as Co-Chairman of the Conference with the Soviet representative, I will do my best to maintain Cambodian neutrality.