Prime Ministers To Be Invited To London

Chronicle (Levin), 14 May 1948, Page 5

Prime Ministers To Be Invited To London

i Received Thursdav, 8.50 p.m. ! LONDON, May 13. Though no invitations so far have been sent to the Commonwealth Prirne Ministers to attend a conference in hondon and no suggested agenda has yet been drawn up, well-informed cireles in London state tliat- it is earnestly hoped that the Dbminions' leading statesmen can attend a meeting here as soon as conveniently possible. It is emphasised that the British Government does not consider that such a gathering sliouid be called urgently, but it is stated that it is not ruled out and that it might be arranged before the end of this year. The British Government's plans are still obviously fluid, for no definite information can be secured as to whether such a meeting would be a formal Imperial conference or a series of infornial talks such as those held in 1946. Neither is it known what the procedure will be, though it is antieipated that the British Governnieut will circulate a iientative agenda and invite the Gommonwealth Prime. IMinisters to make additions. It is suggested that the Brussels Treatv, the new economic organisation and permanent military organisation would alniost certainly be reviewed and discussed. The difficulties of finding a time for such a conference to suit the :-onvenience of all the Commonwealth Prinie Ministers is fully appreeiated oy the British Government. Complicating factors, for instance, are the South African general election, the expected retirement in August of Mr. Mackenzie J King (Canada), tlie new sessions of the ■ Australian a'ncl New Zealand Parliaments, and tlie preseht complex situations in India and Pakistan. It is emphasised, however, that Mr. Attlee 's recently expressed wish for a conference was no idle or looselv expressed thought, and it is expected that invitations to the various Prime Ministers will go out from London very shortly.