“BRITISH” MAY BE DROPPED

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 October 1948, Page 7

“BRITISH” MAY BE DROPPED

According to a London message, although the Commonwealth Conference concentrated today upon economic problems, various delegates have also been exchanging views upon the difficult question of the future relationship of the Crown to Commonwealth, with particular reference to the new Dominions of India and Pakistan. Pandit Nehru had breakfast today with the chief Australian delegate, Dr Evatt, and later had lunch in his bedroom with the Canadian Premier, Mr Mackenzie King, who, although still confined to bed, is keeping closely in touch with developments. One suggestion now being discussed, it is understood, is that the word “British” should be dropped from the title of the Commonwealth and that the title of Governor-Gener-al should be changed to something which does not imply any suggestion of Government by an outside country.

Hard Currency Needs During the course of today’s economic discussions, the conference was informed, it is understood, that

arrangements have now been made betweefi the United Kingdom and the United States which will ensure that the hard currency requirements of the Dominions will be financed by the United States until the middle of next year. This does not imply that there will be any improvement in the present availability of hard currency but does imply that demands on approximately the present level will be met.

Today’s discussions showed conclusively that the general principles of Western Union are approved by the Dominions. The only reservation was made by India, Pakistan and Ceylon, who emphasised the point that Britain should not concentrate exclusively* upon Europe but should bear in mind the important contribution to general world recovery which must be made by under-developed Asiatic areas. India and Pakistan both showed the keenest interest in the details of Sir Stafford Cripps’s four-year recovery programme and indicated that the Socialist aspects of this plan were much in accordance with their , own ideas.

Dinner Party at Palace Their Majesties gave an “All Empire” dinner party at Buckingham Palace tonight, which was attended by the Dominions’ Premiers who areattending the Commonwealth Conference. The guests included Queen Mary, Princess Margaret, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Earl and Countress of Athlone, Earl and Countess Mountbatten, Mr anti Mrs Attlee and Mr and Mrs Churchill. ■