EMPIRE LEADERS ARRIVE

Chronicle (Levin), 21 April 1949, Page 5

EMPIRE LEADERS ARRIVE

(N&P.A,

—Reuter,

lVlood Oi Uptimism for Coming Momentoas Talks

Copyright)

Received Thursday, 10 a.m. LONDON, April 2.0, Airliners from the earth's four corners today br.ought the Commonwealth leaders to a welcoming London for mo. mentous talks on co-operation with the future Republican India. The statesmen were assembling in a mood of optimism, though it was recognised that the solution of the constitutional probiem before them may involve major revisions in the present concept of Commonwealth relatiori The Prirne Ministtvs of New Zealand, Australia and Pakistan landed at London Airport this afternoon. They were met by_the Secretary for Commonwealth Relations, Mr. P. J. Noel-Baker, and the High Commissioners. "The key figure, Pandit Nehru, Prime Minister of India, is still awaited. He is due to arrive by air about midnight tonight. Upon arrival, Mr. Fraser said that great and very large issues depended upon the Commonwealth talks. "We believe that with understanding between members of the British Commonwealth, and with readiness to agree upon common loyalty and acbept comrhon responsibilities, our difficulties will;- dissolve to the advantage o'^ the people of all countries, and for the benefit of democracy and democratic freedom Throughout * the world." ^ Pandit Nehru is not committed to any future plan. Recently he denied reports that "something .had already been arranged" between Britain and India for India to remain a part of th'e Commonwealth.