OPTIMISTIC BUT CAUTIOUS

Chronicle (Levin), 26 April 1949, Page 5

OPTIMISTIC BUT CAUTIOUS

(N.Z.P.A.-

Reuter ,

Prime fflinisters Prepars For Second Session

Covyright)

Received Tuesday, 10.10 a.m. i LONDON, April 25. The Dprpiniop. Prinjie hlinisters ; feasse'mbjejd - in' London today for ' xie ;§econd pi'enafy session oi the jommonweaivh c'onference, which i is being held to find a formula that will enable Ipdia to remain a member ,of ,the British '.Co'nimbnweaith. The Australian Associated Press 1 pays that they are still bpfcimistic of ffie outcome of the meetings, but' /ery cautious about the form the' jcormula would take.* It is evident that the primary isue to be decided is the place of ihe Crown. Australia and New Zeaand hold firm views on this issue and they are supported by Pakistan . and Ceylon. it is understood that India is preaared to concede the place of the Drown in a more limited degree ! than is acceptable to Australia and . jw Zealand at this stage. Reuter's political correspondent says that the session studied definite proposals to keep both rebiics and kingdoms within thf Commonwealth. It is believed that ,he search for a plan allowinc the ration to remain in the Commonwealth without owing allegiance to ffie Crown was narrowed. Some Dominions considered the Crown ink be' an indisPensable basis of Commonwealth association. The correspondent adds that the meeting was seeking to recognise a "mnbol of association embracing all Dominions which wish to be linked ?Y the Crown, and Republican India. as well. Many auarters believe •that this may possibly be achieved V India's recognition of the special status of the King in the wider ense of Commonwealth relations only.