Holding conference with prisoner — and wife also due (9)

I believe the answer is:

powwowing

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'holding conference' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are present participle verbs, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'prisoner and wife also due' is the wordplay.
'prisoner' becomes 'pow' (prisoner of war).
'and' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'wife' becomes 'w' (abbreviation).
'also' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'due' becomes 'owing' (similar in meaning).
'pow'+'w'+'owing'='POWWOWING'

'with' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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