LONDON TALKS SECRET

Chronicle (Levin), 30 March 1949, Page 5

LONDON TALKS SECRET

(N.Z.P.A.—

-Reuter,

Mr. Attlee Reticent About Topics For Biscussioa

Copyright)

Received Wednesday, 10 a.m. LONDON, March 29. The British Prime Minister, Mr. Attlee, announced today that the Commonwealth Prime Ministers would meet in London on April 21. The Prime Ministers of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Pakistan and Ceylon would be able to attend. The Prime Minister of Canada was doubtful whether he would be able to come himself, but if not Mr. Lester Pearson, Secretary _ of State for External Affairs, would represent Canada. Mr. Attlee added: "Matters not fully discussed at the October meeting of the Prime Ministers, involving certain constitutional questions, will be considered at a short series of private meetings which are expected to last a week." Mr. Attlee would not amplify his statement when asked whether the conference would discuss the growth of Communism in Asia and the general deterioration of affairs in certain parts of Asia. Mr. Oliver Stanley, for the Opnosition, said the House was glad to hear that so many Prime Ministers wwe able to come. "I know the House

will wish for a successtul outcome to the conference. We trust that at the end of the proceedings a full statement will be made to the House, and that if any major decisions are taken there will be full opportunity to debate them." Mr. Atilee promised to keep | the House informed. Reuter says that the conference will be held under even greater conditions of secrecy than the October conference. The question of India's views on Commonwealth co-opera-tion after she becomes a Republic will rank high on the list of subjects.