HC Deb 27 March 1961 vol 637 cc89-90W
Mr. Harold Davies

asked the Lord Privy Seal what further proposals, and counter-proposals, have now been made concerning the crisis in Laos; and whether he will now publish a White Paper containing all the documents and material relevant to the situation in Laos.

Mr. Heath

Her Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow transmitted new proposals to the Soviet Government on 23rd March. We are now waiting for the official Soviet reply.

I do not think that the time has yet come to publish a White Paper on Laos, although I shall bear this suggestion in mind.

Mr. Harold Davies

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will publish as a White Paper the Foreign Secretary's talks with Mr. Nehru on the Laotian crisis.

Mr. Heath

No. The hon. Gentleman will be aware that it is the custom for the talks which take place with Commonwealth Prime Ministers at their annual Conference to remain confidential.

Mr. Harold Davies

asked the Lord Privy Seal on what date the Government of Laos informed Her Majesty's Government that they would not agree to the return of the International Control Commission to Laos.

Mr. Heath

The present Laotian Government have not so informed Her Majesty's Government. In 1958 the Laotian Government of that time expressed the view that since the terms of the Cease-Fire Agreement for Laos had been fulfilled the work of the Commission had been completed and that it should be wound up.

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