PRIME MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27041, 28 March 1949, Page 5

PRIME MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE

New Structure for Commonwealth May Emerge from Talks

New Zealand Press Association—Copyright Rec. 9 p.m. LONDON, Mar. 26. The conference of Commonwealth Prime Ministers, which will be held in London immediately after Easter, is officially regarded as one of the most important ever called, says the Sunday Express. The conference will have two major points for discussion: First, the future constitution of the Commonwealth, with particular reference to countries which may declare themselves independent republics, and secondly, defence problems, including joint, action against the Communist menace in Europe and Asia. Many subjects for discussion are so secret that the Prime Ministers have not communicated them yet to their own Cabinets. The constitutional issue results from the declared intention of Eire, India, and Pakistan to become independent republics. The question to be decided is whether independent republics can be accepted as members of the Commonwealth, and if so, on what terms.

It is believed that all three countries would like to remain closely associated with the Commonwealth but are unwilling to declare allegiance to the Crown. Proposals will be put forward to keep them in the Commonwealth while granting the right to refuse allegiance. Some Commonwealth Governments object to any country unwilling to accept the Crown while enjoying the privileges of membership. A compromise plan may be accepted by which there will be full and associate members of the Commonwealth, with the latter enjoying a modified form of tariff preferences and trade relations. The British United Press says reports are circulating in London that two plans will be studied at the talks. First, a scheme reported to have been drawn uo by Sir Stafford Cripps, which * would make the Commonwealth a three-tier structure, the first tier to be the United Kingdom with his Majesty as head, the second to be the dominions, also swearing allegiance to his Majesty, and the third consisting of the outer circle of members who would not recognise his Majesty as titular head but who would otherwise admit their position as members of the Commonwealth. Secondly, a plan for a United Kingdom with his Majesty at its head, then the dominions recognising the King, and last would come the “republican units” not recognising his Majesty but who would gain partnership in the Commonwealth by virtue of regional pacts with Commonwealth members, for example, India having declared itself a republic may associate itself with Australia in South-east Asia, thereby retaining direct association with the Commonwealth. A message from Canberra says it is learned authoritatively that a fomula for an entirely new concept of British Commonwealth relationships will be discussed at the conference. This formula, in the devising of which the Australian Minister of External Affairs, Dr H. V. Evatt. is understood to have had a leading part, is for keeping India. Pakistan and Eire on an equal footing with the other British Commonwealth countries. As republics, India and Eire are in a difficult position in relation to the Crown. To enable them to keep their British connection as republics without acknowledgment of the King as a symbol of unity has been a problem. It is suggested in Canberra that trade and tariff preferences and concessions will be involved in the formula. The conference will also discuss the danger to British interests of the rapid spread of Communism in Asia and the South-east Asian countries. It is regarded as practically Certain that the Prime Minister, Mr Chifley, will represent Australia. It is also learned authoritatively that Australia will be asked to step up its rice production because of the threats that the Communists may cut of! supplies from Burma, China, Siam and other countries, thus precipitating starvation, rioting and looting. Australia will probably be asked to expand its rice-growing area from 32 000 to 40.000 acres, which would increase annual production by nearly 15,000 tons. In London, the Sunday Observer says the Prime Ministers are expected to reach England by about April 19, and that the conference will open an April 20 or 21.