investing companies are compatible with the national goals of host countries, on the possibility of promoting the exchange of information on this subject among Commonwealth countries, and on the desirability of drawing up a code of conduct for international corporations.

International Transport

20. Heads of Government exchanged views on a number of important aspects of international transport problems and their implications, including rising freight rates, dependence on foreign-owned shipping, and conflicts of interest created by differences in labour costs and trade union action among member countries.

Food Shortages

21. Heads of Government expressed their concern at the growing shortages and rising prices of food and their hope that these problems might be considered without undue delay in appropriate international forums such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

22. It was noted that the facilities of the Commonwealth Secretariat were available to examine a number of subjects mentioned in paragraphs 13 to 22. Such an examination might provide the basis for further action by Commonwealth countries.

Southern Africa

23. Heads of Government had a full and frank exchange of views on changes and developments in Southern Africa. The Meeting also gave special consideration to the problems faced by countries in Southern Africa which border on territories and countries still under minority rule. While recognising that there were complex and difficult problems involved, Heads of Government were agreed in their opposition to apartheid and minority rule in Southern Africa. They therefore recognised the legitimacy of the struggle to win full human rights and self-determination.

24. In discussing conditions in South Africa, Namibia and the Portuguese colonies, it was agreed that Commonwealth members in a position to do so should seek to use their influence to persuade Portugal to grant a negotiated independence to its African colonies. The advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice and Security Council Resolutions on Namibia were recalled and emphasis placed on international responsibility for that territory. There was discussion on how Commonwealth countries, especially those with economic interests in South Africa and Namibia, might best bring influence to bear to promote change. Heads of Government reviewed the efforts of the indigenous people of the territories in Southern Africa to achieve self-determination and independence and agreed on the need to give every humanitarian assistance to all those engaged in such efforts. The British Government reserved its position in relation to the last proposal in circumstances in which assistance might be converted into military purposes.

25. Heads of Government expressed their intense concern for the situation in Rhodesia and the damaging consequences of a continued absence of a settlement. They appreciated the efforts made by the British Government with whom the

responsibility lay and were united in their willingness to contribute towards a solution. All were agreed on seeking a peaceful settlement and that the objective was majority rule. They took note of the meeting between Ian Smith and Bishop Muzorewa and associated themselves with the British Government's wish for the discussions to be broadened and the necessary steps taken to remove restrictions so as to enable all groups representative of Rhodesian opinion to take part. The British Prime Minister welcomed the constructive suggestions made and undertook to take them into account as the situation developed.

26. Heads of Government considered the Report of the Commonwealth Sanctions Committee and authorised the Committee to continue its work. It was agreed that in the light of the recommendations contained in that Report further efforts should be made to render sanctions more effective pending an acceptable settlement. Heads of Government also took note of the development of the Special Commonwealth Programme for Assisting the Education of Rhodesian Africans and supported its continuation. The Zambian Foreign Minister expressed his Government's appreciation of Commonwealth assistance to Zambia.

27. Heads of Government welcomed the opportunity to exchange views on comparative techniques of government. They had a lively and useful discussion which included consideration of such subjects as: the determination of national priorities; the problem of ensuring effective implementation of government decisions; fostering communication between government and people; the redress of economic disparities; and the problem of correcting economic imbalances as between urban and rural areas. Heads of Government agreed that the question of comparative techniques of government should be the subject of further discussion at future Heads of Government Meetings and that, in the interim the Commonwealth Secretariat should undertake appropriate preliminary studies to facilitate such discussion.

Commonwealth Functional Co-operation

28. Heads of Government agreed that functional co-operation was an important and dynamic aspect of the Commonwealth. They expressed warm appreciation of the way in which the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation (CFTC) was developing in meeting the priority needs of member countries, and commented favourably on its flexibility and speedy response. They agreed that activities undertaken through the Fund should be intensified and commended for further study various proposals for their extension.

29. Heads of Government noted with appreciation the generous contributions being made by several governments, and especially by Canada, and hoped that further contributions on a voluntary basis would be provided by other participating countries.

30. Heads of Government noted the Secretary-General's proposal for a target of between one per cent and two per cent of total Commonwealth aid flows through Commonwealth multilateral channels. They agreed that further consideration should be given at the next Finance Ministers' Meeting to the means by which an increased flow could be brought about.

31. Heads of Government agreed to refer the proposal for the establishment of a Commonwealth Development Bank and a report on export credit financing in Commonwealth developing countries to Commonwealth Finance Ministers for consideration.

32. Heads of Government gave preliminary consideration to a proposal for a Commonwealth Centre for Applied Studies in Government and agreed that the detailed requirements for such a Centre should be studied and a report prepared for consideration, if possible, by senior Commonwealth officials in 1974.

Commonwealth Youth Programme

33. Heads of Government endorsed the Commonwealth Youth Programme which was approved by Ministers concerned with youth matters. They agreed that the scope of the programme should take into account the particular needs of individual countries and expressed warm appreciation of the pledges which had been made towards the agreed target of one million pounds over three years. Heads of Government instructed the Secretary-General to proceed with the immediate implementation of the agreed programme.

Commonwealth Foundation

34. Heads of Government agreed that the budget of the Commonwealth Foundation be increased to 450,000 pounds per annum for the period 1st July 1974 to 30th June 1976.

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association

35. Heads of Government noted with appreciation the contribution by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in promoting contacts between Members of Parliament of Commonwealth countries at annual conferences, and providing a forum for them to exchange views and discuss matters of common interest at regional and international levels thereby furthering Commonwealth ideals and interests.

Report of the Commonwealth Secretary-General

36. Heads of Government took note of the Fourth Report of the Commonwealth Secretary-General.

ANNEX: STATEMENT BY COMMONWEALTH HEADS OF GOVERNMENT ON THE OCCASION OF THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TREATY BANNING NUCLEAR WEAPON-TESTS IN THE ATMOSPHERE, IN OUTER SPACE AND UNDER WATER.

On this, the Tenth Anniversary* of the Signing of the Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapon Tests in the Atmosphere, in Outer Space and Under Water, Heads of Government of the Commonwealth, meeting in Ottawa, reaffirmed their unfailing support for the Treaty and their concern to ensure its universal observance.

*Sunday, 5th August 1973

Recalling the terms of the preamble to the Treaty;

Proclaiming as their principal aim the speediest possible achievement of an agreement on general and complete disarmament under strict international control in accordance with the objectives of the United Nations which would put an end to the armaments race and eliminate the incentive to the production and testing of all kinds of weapons, including nuclear weapons.

Seeking to achieve the discontinuance of all test explosions of nuclear weapons for all time, determined to continue negotiations to this end, and desiring to put an end to the contamination of man's environment by radioactive substances.

Commonwealth Heads of Government appealed to all powers, and in particular the nuclear powers, to take up as an urgent task the negotiation of a new agreement to bring about the total cessation of nuclear weapon tests in all environments.

Geneva

August

Ottawa

Nairobi

Pre-World Health Assembly Meeting of
Commonwealth Health Ministers and Officials

Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 3rd Commonwealth Magistrates' Conference September Commonwealth Finance Ministers' Meeting 19th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference

October

2nd Conference of Commonwealth Postal
Administrations

November Commonwealth Association of Architects

Conference

Dar es Salaam

London

Port of Spain

Ottawa

THE COMMONWEALTH SECRETARIAT

Marlborough House, Pall Mall, SW1Y 5HX (01-839 3411)

Commonwealth Secretary-General

Deputy Secretary-General

COMMONWEALTH FUND FOR TECHNICAL CO-OPERATION