Whatever the controversies of the past 24 hours, Australia's Prime Minister, Mr. Malcolm Fraser, is obviously determined to keep the conference's attention focused on what he considers the most important issue: how rich countries can help the less well-off. There's been some embarrassment here over what appeared to be a major disagreement between Mr. Fraser and Mrs. Thatcher over the quickest way to persuade South Africa to grant independence to the disputed territory of Namibia.
She told a radio interviewer that she wanted nothing to impede the efforts of five western nations to influence South Africa. Her remarks were interpreted as suggesting that the Commonwealth conference shouldn't touch the issue. Not the case, say her advisers. She expects the matter to be discussed, and there's no major rift with Mr. Fraser.