SITUATION IN LAOS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29402, 3 January 1961, Page 11

SITUATION IN LAOS

Mr Holyoake’s Views i

(New Zealand Pres* Association) WELLINGTON, January 2. The world and its leaders were confronted with problems which would test their resolution .their tenacity and their wisdom and nowhere was this more apparent than in relation to disarmament, said the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) in a New Year review of international affairs. “In world affairs 1960 has been a year of momentous change and frequent anxiety,* he said. “It has seen the collapse of .the summit conference, the breakdown of disarmament negotiations, the development of menacing situations in the Congo and Laos, a regrettable asperity and hostility in Great Power relations, and a state of near frustration on major issues in the United Nations.

“In Africa, the emergence of rigny new nations has dramatic-ally-enlarged the area of internatic"®! concern.” said Mr Holyoak* Th® collapse of authority ,in the Copgo at the time of its independence led not only to chaotic conditions in that county, but also caused foreign Powers to meddle in its internal affairs. Much of -that was countered by the intervention of the United Nations, which sent considerable military and civilian forces to the country, but the United Nations then found itself

in the crossfire of rival international forces, and the efforts of its officials in the Congo and the direction of the Congo ’ operations by the Secretary-General aroused strong criticism, specially by the Communist countries. In Asia, perhaps the most immediate danger surrounded Laos which had been disturbed by civil war and where bitter internal differences still remained.

Laos was a small, backward country which in recent years had teen attempting to restore its national unity, and to achieve economic and political stability. Its racial diversity and its geographical position had, however, exposed it to pressures from neighbouring Communist countries.

“The situation in Laos is of special concern to New Zealand. As a member of the United Nations, New Zealand is pledged to uphold the territorial integrity and independence of all member States, and as a member of 5.E.A.T.0., we have responsibilities toward Laos under the protocol of the Manila treaty. "I hope the present crisis can be resolved by peaceful negotiation, and that the Laotian people may be permitted to enjoy the conditions of tranquility they have always sought Clearly, however, the dangers confronting Laos could present New Zealand with important and difficult decisions.”