LONDON MEETING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27057, 16 April 1949, Page 8

LONDON MEETING

EMPIRE LEADERS VITAL QUESTIONS TO BE DISCUSSED MR FRASER BEGINS JOURNEY PA AUCKLAND, Apl. 14. Never in the history of Commonwealth relationships had so many matters of great moment to be. discussed in such a short period, said the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, before he left Auckland by air to-day on the first stage of his journey to London to attend the meeting of Commonwealth Prime Ministers. “The future of the British Commonwealth and the Empire will, in a measure, be determined during one momentous week." Mr Fraser said.

Among the questions of great importance to the British Commonwealth and its several democratic nations to be discussed was that of India and its new status, Mr Fraser added. Every effort would be made to retain the friendship and co-operation of India without any weakening of the ties which bound the Commonwealth nations to the United Kingdom and to each other.

“At this distance many problems seem paradoxical, but with goodwill, sincerity, and friendship in operation, even seemingly paradoxical problems can be solved. It is to be devoutly hoped that the solution will bind closer than ever all the nations of the Commonwealth, including India, which, I hope, can find it possible to remain with us.”

There had been a great deal of speculation throughout the world on the subject matter of the meeting, the Prime Minister said, but many topics suggested would not be on the agenda. “ The Atlantic Treaty, for instance, is not a matter calling for active participation by British Commonwealth Governments outside the Atlantic area,” Mr Fraser added, “ but as far as New Zealand is concerned I can only repeat what I said previously, that we fully support the United Kingdom Government in its adherence to the treaty.”

The results of the conference would be made known at the conclusion of the proceedings, Mr Fraser said. As had been the practice at all such meetings, an agreed statement would be issued.

Mr Fraser, who will travel from Sydney in the same plane as the Australian Prime Minister, Mr Chifley, is due in London next Tuesday. All the Commonwealth Prime Ministers will lunch with the King next Thursday, and the conference will probably begin that afternoon. It is not expected at present that the meetings will occupy more than a week.