DON’T BAG THE COMMONWEALTH

Contrary to Murray Eggers’ view ( Letters, May 12), the Commonwealth is the envy of many countries, including the US. It contains a sizable chunk of the world’s population and provides a friendly forum for ironing out disagreements between nations.

India and Pakistan, for example, do not have the best of relationships, but as Commonwealth members, they can discuss problems with others mediating to find commonsense solutions. English, members’ common language of government, means they can all talk to each other and avoid ambiguities. There is very little chance of a disagreement ever escalating to a war between member states.

In addition, trade deals tend to be favourable between members and the association means the inhabitants can travel and work in other member countries much more freely. World War III is most unlikely to start in the Commonwealth even though some of its members belong to the nuclear club.

Its members support each other at forums such as the United Nations and thus have a stronger presence and influence.

Veronica Fellows (Timaru)

The value of the

Commonwealth lies in its historical role, which has spawned social, professional, educational and regulatory commonalities and organisations.

From the Commonwealth Games to student exchanges and the development of professional standards, the fruits of the organisation add to the success and well-being of the participant nations.

The meetings of its heads of government may be talk-fests embellished by pomp and ceremony, but in addressing issues of the day, they set benchmarks for member action. And what’s so wrong with a bit of tradition and ceremony?

It is curmudgeonly to label this valuable organisation as irrelevant. John Sinclair (Remuera, Auckland)