SITUATION IN LAOS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29509, 10 May 1961, Page 21

SITUATION IN LAOS

Mr Holyoake Optimistic

(NJS. Press Association) WELLINGTON. May 9. Recent development! in Laos gave cause for satisfaction and some optimism, the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) said n a statiement "The International Supervisory Commission, which met in New Delhi on April 26. has completed Its report to the co-chairmen of the Geneva Conference (the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union) and has been authorised to proceed to Laos to verify the cease-fire which is reported to exist.” he said. “I have no doubt that the Commission can do much to assist representatives of the parties concerned in Laos to work out the details of a military truce throughout the kingdom. “The essential thing, however. is that the truce should last. In great degree this will depend on the outcome of the forthcoming conference at Geneva. But it will depend too, on the effectiveness of the supervision which the Commission Is able to provide. “It is to be hoped that the Commission will be able at once to settle such urgent administrative matters as the location and size of its staff, the number and composition of its inspection teams, their location, transport and communication facilities, and other related matters. “If these questions can be speedily determined there is every chance that the present hard-won tranquility in Laos can be preserved,” Mr Holyoake said.