Briefing Paper

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit Melbourne, Australia, September 30 – October 7, 1981

“The 30-year old Commonwealth of Nations recently held their biennial Heads of Government Summit in Melbourne. The Commonwealth is a free association of 45 states and, with a total population of 900-million, makes up roughly a quarter of the world total. This year two new states
were represented at the gathering: Zimbabwe (in which the Commonwealth played”a decisive role in bringing it to Independence) and Belize.
This Report will discuss three aspects of the Melbourne meeting:
i. Issues of Southern Africa;
ii. Other Issues; and
iii. Assessment of the meeting and prospects.”