“Ghana Eager For Royal Tour”

Press, Volume C, Issue 29638, 7 October 1961, Page 11

“Ghana Eager For Royal Tour”

(N .Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) LONDON, October 6. The Secretary for Commonwealth Relations (Mr Sandys) arrived back by air in London this morning from his talks with the President of Ghana (Dr. Nkrumah) over recent misunderstandings between the two countries.

Mr Sandys came home bjt way of Nigeria, where he met the Prime Minister (Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa). Later, Mr Sandys told a press conference that Dr. Nkrumah and he had dis-

cussed the forthcoming visit to Ghana of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

“President Nkrumah told me how much Ghana is looking forward to welcoming Her Majesty,” he said. “I also saw many of the preparations being made to receive her. I have no doubt she is going to receive a very wonderful welcome."

On the talks generally, Mr Sandys said: “There was no doubt from the very start. President Nkrumah was just as keen as I was to improve the atmosphere between our two countries.”

“The communique issued after the talks represents a very substantial narrowing of the differences between us on the very delicate question of independence for the remaining British colonies.”

Referring to the arrest of opposition leaders in Ghana, Mr Sandys said: “This' is a domestic matter which, however, does not mean that people all round the world are not entitled to express their opinions ah'—t what has happened. “But I do not think that as a member of the British Government it would be very helpful to anyone concerned for me to express opinions on this question. I doubt whether it would be helpful to our relations or necessarily to the people concerned.”