HC Deb 08 June 1959 vol 606 cc69-70W

"The British Embassy, etc. refer to the Soviet Government's Note No. 22/2E of February 26, and their Note No. 36/2E of March 21, regarding the International Commission for Supervision and Control in Laos. Her Majesty's Government have studied the Soviet Government's suggestion that the Co Chairmen should pronounce in favour of a rapid renewal of the practical work of the International Commission for Laos and have also noted the communications dated February 4 and March 4 from Pham Van Dong. he following are their views.

2. As the Soviet Government is aware from the talks between representatives of the Co-Chairmen at which the Co-Chairmen's messages to the Chairman of the International Commission and to the Indian Government of January 31 were agreed, the United Kingdom Government consider that, with the achievement in May, 1958, of the political settlement envisaged in Article 14 of the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities in Laos, the International Commission for Laos has completed the task laid upon it at Geneva. Moreover the Royal Laotian Government has expressed its opposition to the return of the International Commission. In these circumstances, an attempt to re-establish the Commission in Laos, without the concurrence of the Royal Laotian Government, would in the view of Her Majesty's Government he inconsistent with the Geneva Settlement—in particular, paragraph 12 of the Final Declaration.

3. No arguments have been brought to the attention of the United Kingdom Government which in their opinion would warrant the reconvening of the International Commission at this time. The United Kingdom Government are, therefore, unable to agree with the suggestion made by the Soviet Government.

4. Her Majesty's Government have also studied the letter of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Chinese People's Republic, dated the 19th of February, concerning this question. This letter contained statements which appeared to be inaccurate regarding the position of the Royal Laotian Government and of the United States Government of whom Her Majesty's Government therefore made inquiries. Her Majesty's Government wish now to propose that the attached draft communication to the Chinese Government which contains clarification of the position of the two Governments should now be dispatched by the Co-Chairmen. They hope that this draft reply will be acceptable to the Soviet Government."