Laos Princes Meet In Paris

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30528, 25 August 1964, Page 15

Laos Princes Meet In Paris

' (N.Z P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) ■ PARIS, August 24. Princely leaders of the Left, Right and Neutralist factions in Laos are assembling in Paris for meetings this week which it is hoped will be a big step towards restoring peace.

Prince Souphanouvong, head of the Communist Pathet Lao, arrived in Peking yesterday and was expected to spend today discussing tactics with the Chinese leaders, leaving early tomorrow for Paris. Prince Souvanna Phouma, the Neutralist Prime Minister, arrived in Paris yesterday and told reporters: “If we reach agreement among Laotians on a 14-nation Geneva conference, there-will be great chances that Britain and the United States will accept a convening of the conference this year.” The first task of the princes is to agree on the composition of a delegation to represent Laos at such a conference. Prince Boun Oum will head the Right-wing delegation at the opening of the talks in Paris. Then he will delegate his authority to two members of his delegation, Mr Ngo Sananikone and. Mr Ou Voravong, while he goes for medical treatment. The talks had been expected to begin tomorrow but Prince Souvanna Phouma said the opening date would be fixed when all three had ar-

rived. How long they would continue would depend on the “state of. mind” of the others, he said. The Communist • Powers want a quick reconvening of the 1962 Geneva conference which agreed to make Laps neutral. But Prince Souvanna Phouma, supported by Britain and the United States, has laid down several conditions for attending such a conference.