Commonwealth Conference May Decide Political Relations For Millions Of People

Wanganui Chronicle, 19 April 1949, Page 5

Commonwealth Conference May Decide Political Relations For Millions Of People

LONDON, April 18 (Rec. 7 45 pm).—The outcome of the Commonwealth Conference may decide the future political relationships of hundreds of millions of people, says the Labour Party’s newspaper, the “Daily Herald.”

“It is indeed fortunate that at this time of change and experiment within the Commonwealth, a Labour Government holds power in London. A Labour’ Government can be trusted to wield t'ne Mother Country’s influence in a fully enlightened spirit, untainted by the old Tory notions of imperialism.” Public opinion on the eve of Mr. Nehru’s departure to attend the Commonwealth Prime Ministers’ Conference is much exercised about the outcome of the conference, but, apart from a unanimous determination that India must become a sovereign inde-

' | pendent republic as soon as possible, ' ■ there is no general consensus on what » ' attitude India should adopt at the coni lerence, says “The Times” New Delhi correspondent. It would seem that a [ desire to sever all links with the Com- | monwealth is strongest at the exL | treme left of national sentiment, and ' becomes progressively weaker as re- ;' sponsible Nationalists realise the full implications of cutting the painter. Pakistan is particularly anxious to preserve existing ties, which she regards as guarantees of her nationhood against aggression. She probably would not dislike a state of affairs in which she remained a full-flledged member of the Commonwealth, while ■ India was forced to fend for herself.