Dangers Seen In Talks

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30953, 8 January 1966, Page 13

Dangers Seen In Talks

(N.Z. Press Association —Copyright) LONDON, January 7. The forthcoming Commonwealth Prime Ministers’ conference in Lagos could make little practical contribution to the overthrow of Mr Smith’s regime in Rhodesia, “The Times” said in an editorial.

“It may generate more recrimination than constructive thinking for the future,” the newspaper said. “Any idea that Britain should be put in the dock is wholly inimical to the spirit of the Commonwealth. “The Australian Government's objections on this score have led to its abstention, and Ghana’s and Tanzania’s absences are partly explained by their realisation that Britain cannot be coerced. “Nevertheless, Britain has nothing to hide and something to report. In spite of the incompleteness of the meeting, Mr Wilson is wise to make what he can out of it.” It would be too much to hope that the Lagos meeting would show the Commonwealth’s usefulness in spreading understanding, solving disputes, or improving race

relations. “The Times” editorial said. No matter what success Mr Wilson might have the signs were that the Rhodesian issue would remain a danger to the Commonwealth for some time.