§ "Your Excellency,
§ The Co-Chairmen of the Geneva Conference on Indo-China have carefully considered Your Excellency's letter of February 19 on the subject of the declaration, dated February 11, of the Royal Laotian Government and the related statement by the Press officer of the State Department of the United States on the question of the Geneva Agreements.
§ 2. With regard to the declaration by the Royal Laotian Government, it would seem that the Chinese Government have not taken account of the communiqué issued by the Prime Minister of the Royal Laotian Government on February 17, from which it is clear that the Royal Laotian Government have not repudiated the Geneva Agreements The Co-Chairmen understand that, on the contrary, the Laotian Government wished to make it clear that they have scrupulously observed the Geneva Agreements of which most of the provisions regarding Laos have been completely fulfilled and that they intend to continue to abide by the obligations. assumed by the Government of Laos under the Agreements.
§
3. With regard to the United States comment. the Co-Chairmen understand that the statement made by the Press officer of the State Department was in the following terms:
Obviously the Laos Government considers the provisions of the Geneva agreement applicable to Laos have been complied with.
We (United States Government) respect that determination. Further, we consider
71W
the Prime Minister's statement as a reaffirmation by the Laos Government of its ideal of peace and adherence to the principles of friendly relationships with its neighbours as expressed in the Charter of the United Nations.
Laos is a small nation that poses no threat to anyone and we hope it will be allowed to work out its own problems and develop its progress without outside interference.
§ 4. The Co-Chairmen are informed that the allegation that the United States Government has been introducing large numbers of military personnel and arms into Laos is inaccurate and unfounded.
§ 5. With regard to the position of the Co-Chairmen in the matter, it appears that the Chinese Government have slightly misread the texts of the communications from the Co-Chairmen dated January 31, 1959, to the Indian Government and to the Chairman of the International Commission for Supervision and Control in Laos. The Co-Chairmen were concerned in these communications with noting the Commission's decision of July 19, 1958, to adjourn sine die and with placing on record their understanding of it. The Co-Chairmen did not express the view that the International Commission should continue its activities, as is suggested in Your Excellency's letter of February 19.
§ 6. The Co-Chairmen agree with the view of the Chinese Government that there should be no unilateral repudiation of the Geneva Agreements, but are satisfied that no action of the kind is in question here
§ I avail etc."
§ 75. Mr. Warbeyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what communication he has received from the Indian Government regarding the reconvening of the International Commission for Supervision and Control in Laos.
§ Mr. ProfumoMy right hon. and learned Friend received a letter, dated 27th May, on this subject from Mr. Nehru, to which he has sent a confidential reply. I am not at liberty to disclose the contents of either letter.