Declassified F96-107#243
By SMF, NARA, Date 3/28/00
The White House
Washington
Dear Margaret:
Thank you for your letter on the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in New Delhi and its Communique.
Given the predominate [sic] “non-aligned” orientation of most Commonwealth member countries, I understand the difficulties you faced. This highlights the need to continue close consultations on Third World matters and to promote constructive dialogue with these developing nations on a bilateral and regional basis, as well as in international fora. In this regard, I agree that we must avoid an economic conference which could weaken international monetary institutions. I also have reservations with [sic] some of the specifics of Prime Minister Trudeau’s recent proposals.
While we are uncomfortable with several passages in the Communique, I personally appreciate your efforts to moderate and improve the language of the original drafts. Your remarks at the Conference and later in the House of Commons were also helpful and reassuring.
In particular, I was pleased to note the strong and effective response by OECS countries to the hostile challenges of their position on the Grenada matter. You rightly emphasized that we should focus our attention on Grenada’s future. Your [end p1] efforts in pointing the Communique towards an emphasis on “reconstruction”, as well as your government’s contributions towards economic assistance to Grenada and the rebuilding of the island’s police force, are most welcome.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me.
With best wishes.
Sincerely,
Ron