§ 3. Dr. Glynasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government intend to recognise the new régime in Laos following the arrest and detention of the King and his immediate family.
§ Mr. LuardThe Government recognised the Lao People's Democratic Republic on 5th December, 1975. The reported arrest of the former King of 388 Laos, who abdicated in November 1975, does not alter the legal position.
We have heard with regret and disquiet the reports of the ex-King's arrest, although no official announcement has been made.
§ Dr. GlynI am grateful for that reply and for the fact that the Minister regrets that His Majesty has been a prisoner of the Communists. Is the Minister aware that His Majesty was a constitutional monarch who took no active part in politics within his country? In those circumstances, could the Minister use his influence with the provisional Government to secure the King's release and the release of his family, who are known to me personally?
§ Mr. LuardUnfortunately, the position at present is very obscure. We know little more than what we have learned from the reports that the hon. Gentleman seems to have read. We shall certainly see whether we can make inquiries and we shall express our concern about the ex-King's fate.