The Commonwealth

For centuries Britain had a powerful empire with overseas dominions and colonial possessions. This was the largest empire ever known. The Union Jack flew over many lands. The British empire was its greatest in about the 20s, when it included approximately 25% of the of the world ‘s population and more than a quarter of the world’s land territory.

After World War I, the British Empire began to turn itself into the British Commonwealth – an association of independent states that still have political and other links with each other. Commonwealth members include some of the richest and poorest nations of the world community and also some of the largest and smallest. Their people are drawn from practically all the world’s main races, from all continents and from many faiths.

Britain participates fully in all Commonwealth activities and values it as a means of increasing international understanding, stability and peace, and contributing to more balanced global economic development.

The origin of the Commonwealth lies in the gradual granting of self-government to the older-established British colonies in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa (South Africa ceased to be a member of the Commonwealth in 1961), where European settlement had occurred on a large scale. Their fully independent status in relation to Britain was legally formulated in 1931. The modern Commonwealth became possible when it was agreed in 1949 that India, on becoming a republic, could continue to be a member. Since then, almost all of Britain’s former dependent territories have attained their independence and have voluntarily joined the Commonwealth.

Politically, the Commonwealth now means very little. However, some quite important links survive. There are frequent meetings of heads of Government, specialized conferences of other ministers and officials, expert groups, and discussions at international conferences. These meetings allow prime ministers and presidents to discuss international issues and decide on collective initiatives. Common views on matters of international concern are formulated.

Trade and cultural exhibitions and conferences of professional and unofficial medical, cultural, educational and economic organizations are other ways in which frequent contacts are made.

Some people believe that the Commonwealth has now served in purpose and should be disbanded. For the newly independent countries it helped ease the painful transition from Empire by promoting special arrangements for trade and aid. But this transition period is now over. The future of the Commonwealth rests its value as a unique association of people of all races and cultures where world affairs, local problems, and shared experiences can be discussed.