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Se Ee 96 APPENDIXES viction that the execution of the provisions set out in the present declaration and in the agreement on the cessation of hostilities creates the necessary basis for the achievement in the near future of a po- litical settlement in Vietnam. 7. The Conference declares that, so far as Vietnam is concerned. the settlement of political problems, effected on the basis of respect for the principles of independence, unity, aod territorial integrity, shall permit the Vietnamese people to enjoy the fundamental free- doms, guaranteed by democratic institutions established as a result of free general elections by secret ballot. In order to ensure that sufficient progress in the restoration of peace has been made, and that ali the necessary conditions obtain for free expression of the national will, general elections shall be held in July, 1956, under the supervision of an international commission composed of representa- tives of the Member States of the International Supervisory Commi sion, referred to in the agreement on the cessation of hostilitics. Con- sultations will be held on this subject between the competent repre- sentative authorities of the two zones from July 20, 1955, onward. 8. The provisions of the agreements on the cessation of hostilities intended to ensure the protection of individuais and of property must be most strictly applicd and must, in pariicular, allow everyone in Vietnam to decide freely in which zone he wishes to live. 9. The competent representative authorities of the North and South zones of Vietnam, as well as the authorities of Laos and Cambodia, must not permit any individual or collective reprisals against persors who have collaborated in any way with one of the parties during the war, or against members of such persons’ famiti 10. The Conference takes note of the declaration of the Govern- ment of the French Republic to the effect that it is ready to withdraw its troops from the territory of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, at the request of the Governments concerned and within periods which shall be fixed by agreement between the parties except in the cases where, by agreement between the two parties, a certain number of French troops shall remain at specified points and for a specified time. it. The Conference takes note of the declaration of the French Government to the effect that for the settlement of all the problems connected with the re-establishment and consolidation of peace in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, the French Government will proceed from the principte of respect for the independence and sovercignty, unity and territorial integrity of Cambodia, Laos. and Vietnam.