CONFERENCE PLANS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26771, 14 May 1948, Page 5

CONFERENCE PLANS

PRIME MINISTERS EXPECTED TO MEET GATHERING IN LONDON From A. VV. Mitchell. N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent Rec. 9 p.m. LONDON, May 13. Although no invitations have so far been sent to the Commonwealth Prime Ministers to attend a conference in London and no suggested agenda has yet been drawn up, wellinformed circles in London state that it is earnestly hoped that the Dominion's leading statesmen can attend a meeting here as soon as conveniently possible. It is emphasised that the British Government does not consider that such a gathering should be called urgently, but it is stated that the possibility has not been ruled out that it might be arranged before the end of this year. The British Government’s plans are still obviously fluid, for no definite information can be secured as to whether such a meeting would be a formal Imperial conference or a series of informal talks such as those held in 1946. Neither is it known what the procedure will be, although it is anticipated that the British Government will circulate a tentative agenda and invite the Commonwealth Prime Ministers to make additions.

It is suggested that the Brussels Treaty, the new economic organisation and permanent military organisation would almost certainly be reviewed and discussed.

The difficulties of finding a time for such a conference to suit the convenience of all the Commonwealth Prime Ministers is fully appreciated by the British Government. Complicating factors, for' instance, are the South African general election, the expected retirement in August of the Prime Minister of Canada, Mr Mackenie King, the new sessions of the Australian and New Zealand Parliaments, and the present tfomplex situations in India and Pakistan.

It is emphasised, however, that Mr Attlee’s recent expressed wish for a conference was no idle or loosely expressed thought and it is expected that invitations to the various Prime Ministers will go out from London very shortly.