S. Rhodesia One Of Many Topics

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30487, 8 July 1964, Page 17

S. Rhodesia One Of Many Topics

(Special Correspondent N 2 P A *

LONDON, July 7.

Rarely has there been such a mixture of views and opinions expressed about the outcome of a Commonwealth Prime Ministers’ conference as there is about the thirteenth, which begins at Marlborough House tomorrow.

They range from doubts as to whether there can be a future for a “modern,” multiracial Commonwealth and whether it may split wide open on the future of Southern Rhodesia, to the hope that the 181 countries, with different religious, racial and economic backgrounds can coalesce for their mutual

aid and development. Despite the gloss that is, as usual being applied by Whitehall in advance—that the conference is not a conference but rather a cabinet meeting: private, informal, with no strict agenda, with no voting, with every country free to raise any subject, and with helpful exchanges of views outside the “meeting"—it is appreciated by the British Government, and not least by Sir Alec DouglasHome, that this will be a vital gathering, and could be difficult.. Side Issues The British do not want it to be side-tracked from the start into differences over Southern Rhodesia which, however important, is only one of many subjects to be discussed.

Nor do they want it to founder over South Africa and apartheid and Britain’s understanding with South Africa over the Simonstown base.

They do not seek to avoid these subjects but to have them aired, like others, in perspective and with a main object being kept in mind of the place of the Commonwealth in what may be called the post-Cuba world of which a main feature is the split between Russia and China.

One of the chief outcomes, the British hope, will be the

formation of some kind of Commonwealth foundation to which all countries will subscribe financially—up to a maximum perhaps of £lO million a year each for five years—and which will aim at the development of the Commonwealth in the fields of economics, technology, education and medicine. A plan on these lines has already been circulated to all prime ministers.

The success of the conference may depend on the

chairmanship of Sir Alec Douglas-Home. While more Commonwealth countries will be represented at Marlborough House he will, in fad, preside over fewer people. In the past, each country has had two seats at the conference table, with their officials ranged behind. This time, the prime ministers only will be seated at the table. Their supporting officials, restrided to three, will sit behind.