HC Deb 02 June 1964 vol 695 cc150-1W
51. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what proposals he has received from the Soviet Government for a meeting of the nations which are guarantors of the neutrality of Laos; and what reply he has returned thereto.

53. Mr. Mendelson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what note Her Majesty's Government have received from the Soviet Government suggesting the recall of the 14 Power Geneva Conference on Laos; and what reply he has sent.

Mr. R. A. Butler

On 21st May Her Majesty's Government received an oral communication from the Government of the Soviet Union proposing the reconvening of the International Conference on the Settlement of the Laotian Question. In addition, Her Majesty's Government have received a number of proposals from other Governments concerning consultations on Laos, notably from the Governments of Cambodia, China, France and Poland. I have also had a telegram from Mr. Xuan Thuy in Hanoi proposing a conference.

Diplomatic exchanges on this question are still in progress, but, as an interim reply, I have informed the Governments concerned that Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Vientiane has invited diplomatic representatives in that capital of the Geneva Powers to consultations on measures required to restore the situation in Laos. These consultations started this morning. I have also told those Governments that Her Majesty's Government hope to be able to give a further reply when progress has been made with these consultations and in the light of developments meanwhile.

52. Mr. Mendelson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what request Her Majesty's Government have received from the United States Government to participate in military measures in Laos or Thailand; what reply he has sent; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I have received no such request from the United States Government, though I am in active consultation with that Government and other members of the Geneva Conference.