HC Deb 27 June 1962 vol 661 c148W
55. Mr. Brockway

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the situation in Laos and the intentions of Her Majesty's Government regarding the retention of a token military force in Thailand

Mr. Godber

A Government of National Union has now taken office and the cessation of hostilities throughout the Kingdom has been proclaimed. My noble Friend and Mr. Gromyko, as Co-Chairmen of the Geneva Conference on Laos, have now invited all the Governments represented at that Conference to resume discussions in Geneva on 2nd July for the completion of an international agreement.

Our token force was sent into Thailand at the invitation of the Government of that country because Thailand considered itself menaced by events on its border. Although I am happy to report such good progress in Laos, we have not yet reached the point where Thai fears have been fully dissipated.