TRIBUTE ABDUL - Perdana Library

FRANK SULLIVAN
The British newspapers, however, amazed me with the amount
of inside information they published about this meeting, using such
terms as "Show-down". "Crisis", "Apartheid row" or "Flare
up". Amazed me because I know none of their information came
from the Malayan mission. The Conference lasted two hours and
was held in the Cabinet Room. "The Daily Telegraph" described
the meeting as the stormiest in the history of such Conferences.
Reading these reports the public learned that Mr. Diefenbaker
objected to Mr. Louw's remarks because his country's views on
apartheid were crystal clear. They were also informed that several
Prime Ministers objected to Mr. Louw's remark that some had
supported him. And that afternoon Ghana announced that it had
rescinded its invitation to Mr. Louw.
After this eventful day, the Conference resumed its normal
course, covering a wide variety of important subjects, including
Malaya's own proposal for technical aid, which was very well
received. But the Conference was still not finished with apartheid.
This key question came up again and again during what the Press, or
some sections of it, called "the Battle of the Communique".
Officials sat past mid-night drafting the communique. They were in
general agreement on most points, but disagreed on aspects relating
to South Africa, and these were referred to the Prime Ministers who
debated the final form in two sessions before reaching final
agreement. It is no secret now that at one point the Conference
adjourned to enable the unrepentant Mr. Louw to ring up his Prime
Minister. When he returned, there was agreement.
As might have been expected, the communique was a compromise,
but it still contained much solid food for thought for South
Africa. It reaffirmed the tradition of non-interference in domestic
matters, but it also stated that the racial situation of South Africa
was discussed. In addition, all the Prime Ministers and Mr. Louw
emphasised that the Commonwealth itself was a multi-racial
association and expressed the need to ensure good relations between
all member States and peoples of the Commonwealth. The Conference
welcomed Nigeria as a future member, and also welcomed
Ghana to remain a member after becoming a Republic, but there
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