The Grey River Argus TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1948. ROUND THE TABLE

Grey River Argus, 12 October 1948, Page 4

The Grey River Argus TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1948. ROUND THE TABLE

BECAUSE world problems have preoccupied the minds of members of the Commonwealth Governments, the talks which open in London to-day will enable the nations of the British family to get together in informal fashion, present varying viewpoints in an endeavour to find common ground for future associations. That the London Prime Ministers’ talks are to be free and unfettered, with no formal agreements required, makes them all the more important to the free-dom-loving peoples of the British Commonwealth. In the past, there have been efforts made at what used to be called Imperial Conferences, to bind the countries of the old British Empire both on national and on international questions. In this occasion, bow - ever, the London talks are stated to be an exchange of views designed only to strengthen the common ties which have kept the partners in the world’s most unique combination of nations together. At Home:

- Overshadowing the whole talks must be the economic position of the United Kingdom itself. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Stafford Cripps, is to outline the position of the United Kingdom, particularly in its relationship to lhe dollar area and the Marshall Plan, and the Prime. Ministers will, no doubt, be fully informed of the position which may be likely to arise when Aid ends.

Apart from the splendid production achievement of the United Kingdom in its current drive to extend and expand exports, the larger problem of ample food for the people is one in which the Commonwealth countries are most deeply interested. All realise that the provision of adequate food for the people of the British Isles is more than ever necessary to sustain the production drive. All should be able to offer a continuance of their own efforts towards this end. The East:

New significance is given the talks by the presence of the representatives of the three new Dominions of the East, India, Pakistan and Ceylon. No pressure will be put upon any of them to endeavour to keep them under the British Crown, and reports that Pakistan, in particular, wishes to become an independent republic can be fully considered. The wisdom of British statesmen, both at home and abroad, should give assistance to these new Dominions, and it is a foregone conclusion that the whole effort will be to present to them logical reasons why membership of the Commonwealth is to their advantage. The Eastern Dominions can continue to play an important part as full members of the Commonwealth. Their defection, if such should be considered, would not increase their stability, for there are too many signs already in the -East that small, independent nations, are soon the centre of strife if they endeavour to act alone. Burma, is perhaps a country which could be pointed out to the Indian and Pakistan delegations as an example of what might be expected if either of them .seek to become independent republics. The West:

The question of the Western Union, and what part the Commonwealth countries can play, is one which is expected to occupy some time during the talks. The United Kingdom, with Australia, and New Zealand, has stood for the development of regional areas within the United Nations, so that there can be closer understanding between neighbours. Australia’s 'dose tics with New Zealand have been enhanced by the adoption in these southern Dominions of common policies in foreign affairs, and particularly in Pacific matters, which arc our prime concern.. /

In. dealing with Western Union, therefore, it seems that the United Kingdom will seek more to bring Canada into the full scope of Western Union, leaving New Zealand and Australia, with the

possible inclusion of the Eastern Dominions to work on a regional basis south of the Equator. No Blocs:

Although advance news of the talks has come mainly from the opinions of newspapers in Britain notoriously hostile to the Government, there is good reason to expect that no effort will be made to form anything approaching a Commonwealth bloc, presumably to use its influence at the United Nations. The differences between India and Pakistan. on the one hand, and South Africa, on the other, over the colour bar, would be sufficient to show that such a bloc would. become unworkable. Those differences, increased as they are by the racial policy of the" Alalan Government in South Africa, have already become apparent at United Nations’ meetings, and they would most certainly create new dissensions when matters of human rights arc being dealt with. If the Commonwealth Prime Ministers in London can secure some more amicable arrangement between South Africa and the new Dominions on racial questions, they will, have made a notable step forward.

However, the talks serve to emphasise that the family ties of the British race, in the English-speak-ing Dominions particularly, are still strong and binding. There are many newcomers to the talks, three noted Commonwealth Prime Ministers, who attended the last conference, Air Churchill, General Smuts and Air Alackenzie King all being absent on this occasion. Air Eraser, New Zealand’s representative, and possibly Sir G. Higgins, of Southern Khodesia, arc the only holders of their present office who attended the last similar confercnce.

There is a welcome place in this family for Hie Eastern Dominions, and the peoples of the Commonwealth, will be united in hoping that, the London discussions bring together men with a common purpose, all aiming at the peaceful restoration of the world, and all concerned that the pursuit of human happiness will be the common aim of each Dominion, individually and collectively.