SECRET
4. Reliable Vientianne sources reporting in Bangkok state that it is unlikely that a Pathet Lao will replace General Kham Hou Boussarath as the latter's office has been abolished but it is believed that a Pathet Lao may ultimately be appointed in a supervisory co-ordinating capacity over the various independent departments. These sources also report that should Laos be invited to attend the 1975 conference in Hong Kong, as of course it should be, Hong Kong's own political considerations notwith- standing, it is a distinct possibility that a Laotian representative if under Pathet Lao influence, would decline the invitation rather in the same manner as Burma's reaction to similar invitations.
5.
Although not appearing on the list of addressees in the letter under reference, it is presumed that Mr Peter Lee, the new Commissioner for Narcotics in Hong Kong has been made aware of this correspondence as it is of course his office which would be mainly concerned with the organisation of the 1975 conference, should it take place in Hong Kong
Yours
J P Law
Counsellor for Hong Kong Affairs
Copied to:
DK Timms Esq H K & IO Dept FCO
C J Train Esq Head of the Drugs
Branch Home Office London SW1
D M March Esq
FED
FCO
M F H Scrase-Dickins Esq British Embassy
VIENTIANNE
SECRET