Commonwealth Talks To Begin Today

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31880, 7 January 1969, Page 12

Commonwealth Talks To Begin Today

' i "• • 'r . (N.Z. Press right > LONDON, January 6. The seventeenth meeting of Commonwealth Prime Ministers in a series which started in 1944 will begin in London tomorrow. '

Twenty-four Presidents and Prime Ministers have gathered for the meeting, which will open at Marlborough House with a speech of welcome by the British Prime Minister (Mr Wilson).

This week’s gathering will be the largest of its kind and will emphasise the growth of the Commonwealth since India and Pakistan became independent in 1948, and took the far-reaching decision to remain in the association. Since the last conference in September, 1966, five countries Barbados, Lesotho,

Mauritius and Swaziland—have ‘ become independent members of the Commonwealth, and’’their heads of government are attending this week’s conference. Because of home commit, ments, the heads of Government of Nigeria, Ghana, Pakistan and Kenya are unable to be present at the conference. They will be represented by senior Ministers.

After the . formal opening session the delegates will get down to their first full working session on Tuesday afternoon.. Tomorrow night the Queen and Prince Philip will entertain their Commonwealth visitors at a Buckingham Palace dinner party. The Queen is interrupting her an-

nual holiday at Sandringham for the conference. ' -For the first time the Prince of Wales and Princess Anne will be with their parents for the dinner and reception. On Wednesday the Queen will give a cocktail party for the staffs of the visiting Commonwealth leaders.