Commonwealth heads of government from 44 countries (CHOGM) met in New Delhi from 23 to 29 November, 1983. The CHOGM members, who between them control the destinies of one fourth of the world’s population, addressed an appeal to the two superpowers to resume a genuine political dialogue, a commentator, referring to the long communiqué issued at the conclusion of the meeting, observes:

“It would be quoted off and on in the international community whenever there are moves for peace, disarmament and reduction of tension.”

This communiqué cost 50 crore rupees (5 billion) to prepare; but it will surely remain ineffective like so many of its predecessors. The reason is very simple. It makes an appeal to other governments to practice something which its progenitors preach but do not themselves practice. Nowadays it all too often happens that countries who protest against injustice in other countries are themselves guilty of injustice in their own spheres of influence. Advice given by such countries does not ring true, and does little good either to the preachers or those for whom these homilies are meant.