ABSTRACT
The African countries were a major pillar of support for the Integrated Programme for Commodities and their firm commitment to the Common Fund was a political necessity of the highest importance. One of the most interesting features of Gamani Corea’s report was his frequent reference to the strong support from the African group for the Fund and for its progress throughout the negotiations. The African countries which had been British colonies were particularly anxious to hold on to their traditional European markets and were prepared in exchange to concede entry to their own markets for European goods and capital, together with the sweetener of a promise of economic aid. If African countries are to make common cause to defend their resources, it can only be done on the basis of the fullest possible mobilization of all the skills and opinions of the men and women in rural Africa.
