A glimpse into the historical background of the Commonwealth

by Rupa Banduwardena

The world war of 1939 – 1945 ruined the structure of civilised society to such an extent that most of the nations of Central and Western Europe and of the Far East were devastated as if during the dark ages. The search for a system to guarantee economic justice and security was so urgent that some of the nations who had to undergo moral, physical and economic frustration due to war were trying their best to seek a solution.

Emerging from the ordeal in their efforts to achieve recovery, they were aiming at peace. In this regard the emergence, the experience and the influence of the British Commonwealth was of immense value.

Clearly, it cannot make such a contribution unless its members understand how it grew, how it works and what it stands for, both beyond and within its borders. The Commonwealth, to start with was engaged in experiments in the field of mutual relationships of vital importance for the future mankind.

Worthy principle

With regard to the independent Dominions of the Commonwealth, the effective cooperation in time of peace within a group of multi-racial free nations was a worthy principle to be upheld.

Today there is a single Commonwealth comprising partnership of equal nations which make a valuable contribution in the field of international cooperation.

This involves the task of raising the economic and cultural standards of backward nations. However, a beginning has been made. The British Colonial Empire consisted of 67 million people inhabiting over 50 different territories all of which were situated in tropical areas. It was a collection of communities including societies of Europeans, cultured Asians and ancient primitive tribes.

From the Colonial Empire established earlier, member countries such as America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South African colonies graduated to nationhood.

Small colonies could not readily be nations in their infancy. Limited in numbers, resources and therefore in cultural opportunities, they were dependent on Great Britain, controlled by the Secretary of State for the Colonies who was responsible to the Parliament in Westminster.

The old empire also included territories sponsored during European invasions such as during Cromwell and Napoleon – Jamaica in 1655, Trinidad in 1797, Gibraltar in 1704 and Malta in 1798. Sugar from West Indies and the spices from Ceylon were always at the back of their minds. But their consideration in all cases was purely strategic – the defence of the ocean routes upon which the British industry and overseas commerce depended.

During the 19th century when British sea power was supreme in every ocean, it enabled the British to accumulate wealth and keep the sea routes safe and secure. Thus trade and the maintenance of sea power were the main motives that led to the territorial expansion in the Far East and the Pacific.

By means of mounting revenue derived from capital investment in the colonies, there dawned a new era of cultural and material progress with a highly developed system of social services. It is little more than half a century since British rule was established in the Empire.

The impact of Western civilisation and the consequent problems to start with were new to British imperial experience. Yet those living under the British flag changed from a life of terror and savagery into a life of peace and security with a steady cultural and economic progress.

A series of conferences were held to discuss such common problems such as malnutrition, diseases, medical and veterinary matters and soil erosion.

Britain was setting about the task successfully to achieve their targets. Efforts were being made to grow more food for local consumption, to introduce manufacturing industries with the assistance of the British government.

The Royal Commission of 1939 made the position clear which led to the setting up of the Colonial Development and Welfare Organisation as a part of Colonial Policy in Action.

The name, Sir Frank Stockdale is remembered for his service in this regard. His work signifies the opening of a new chapter in colonial, economic and social history.

A meeting of Commonwealth Prime Ministers was held in London in April 1949. The Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Pakistan and Ceylon and the Canadian Secretary of State for External Affairs met in London to exchange views on important constitutional issues and maintain the constitutional relations among its members.

Goodwill

This was conducted in an atmosphere of goodwill and mutual understanding to strengthen its unity of purpose while adapting changing circumstances.

All the members had the desire to continue full membership of the Commonwealth of Nations and their acceptance of the King as the symbol of the free association of its independent member nations and as such the head of the Commonwealth.

The members declared that they remain united as free and equal members of the Commonwealth, freely cooperating in the pursuit of peace, liberty and progress.

The constitutional questions have been the sole subject of discussion at the meeting of Prime Ministers.

This year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) will be held in Colombo from November 15 to 17.