Value Of Lagos Talks In Doubt

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30955, 11 January 1966, Page 11

Value Of Lagos Talks In Doubt

(Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.) LAGOS, January 10. If ever a question-mark loomed over a conference, it looms over this Lagos meeting bravely called a Commonwealth Prime Ministers' conference, but which in fact is not likely to be attended by more than half the Heads of State.

Already, a day before formal discussions begin, it is being called the “halfPrime Ministers’ ” conference. Ghana and Tanzania, Britain’s most fiery critics on Rhodesia, are not attending at all, and Australia is sending an observer only, which has not gone unnoticed by African States.

The meeting is a conference which, on the surface, could be written off as unimportant. But this would be burying one’s head in the sand. It is important, perhaps vitally important, if a multi-racial Commonwealth is to have any meaning at all.

The meeting has been called by the Nigerian Prime Minister, Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafewa Balewa, who has ex-

plained that he wants t > give the opportunity of discussing ways of helping Britain to bring down Mr Smith’s Rhodesian Government. Some members at the < rference are expected to condemn the British Prime Minister, Mr Wilson, for not using force in Rhodesia. But it now appears doubtful if there will be a full-scale condemnation of British actions so far. If there were such a likelihood it is hard to believe ■ that Mr Wilson would have ’ decided to come. At this time it is also ex- ■ pected Mr Wilson will resist ’ the setting of a time limit to bring down the Smith Government, although he may well outline more fully British plans on how Rhodesia should be governed if Mr Smith is ousted.

Britain may also have further plans for economic sanctions, but the optimum on these must almost have been reached. There is also talk of a Nigerian initiative, but what it is is certainly not being disclosed in the conference lobbies. One fact, at least, is certain, however. Mr Wilson will make an impressive entrance into Lagos tomorrow. He will arrive by special R.A.F. Comet from London, accompanied by his Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations, Mr Bottomley.