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SECRET
consideration to most of the 'Functional Cooperation' items, I hope you will agree that the Agenda offers a reasonable basis for constructive dialogue across a broad spectrum of issues of interest and concern to Commonwealth leaders.
I know that Heads of Government value their meetings as opportunities both for enlarging consensus on specific issues and having a truly reflective discussion aimed at broadening understanding of each others point of view. To this end, as the guidelines on Style and Format suggest, effective use might be made at New Delhi of 'Restricted Sessions'; and there remains, of course, the whole range of informal contacts between leaders from which Commonwealth relations are so greatly strengthened.
At a time of great strain in international relations and of much danger for the world's people, the draft Agenda for New Delhi aims to afford Commonwealth leaders a chance of applying that "healing touch" which Jawaharlal Nehru attributed to the Commonwealth some 35 years ago!
With deep respect,
Shridath S Ramphal
8 SECRET