LONDON: Momentous decisions enabling the future Republican India to remain in the Commonwealth as an equal partner … were expected to be taken by the Dominion Prime Ministers in a secret session here late tonight [April 26]. The decisions would inaugurate a new era in Commonwealth relations. Following this morning’s two-hour meeting of the leaders, quarters close to … Commonwealth delegations said that there was rapid approach to agreement on a joint declaration proclaiming a free and equal association of all the member nations, including Republican India.

The leaders tonight sought to give final shape to a document which is expected to solve [a] unique constitutional problem… . … The declaration is believed to place on record India’s decision to become a sovereign Republic and her desire to continue her own membership of the Commonwealth on a basis of equality. It is suggested that India — which, as a Republic, cannot accept the suzerainty of the King — will regard the King as “the symbol of free association” in the Commonwealth. The declaration … may be modified in detail before it obtains final acceptance.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2024