Peter Marshall

The Balfour Formula and the Evolution of the Commonwealth

The 75th anniversary of the 1926 Imperial Conference in London—almost coinciding, as it does, with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Brisbane—is an appropriate moment to look again at the work of the Conference and to assess its significance for the subsequent evolution of the Commonwealth. This article surveys the context in which the Imperial Conference of 1926 met; describes the work of the Balfour Committee and the developments leading to the Statute of Westminster; analyses the outcome; and finally offers some reflections from the standpoint of the 21st century.

Smuts And The Preamble To The UN Charter

The Charter of the United Nations, adopted in San Francisco in 1945, marked a new approach to international relations - a break with the concept of balance of power and the beginning of a new era of global interdependence. Despite the tensions of the Cold War, the UN Charter has retained its authority among the founder nations and the 100 plus countries that have joined. Its essence is embodied in the 200 words of the Preamble, which was incorporated largely due to the efforts of Jan Smuts, a former Prime Minister of South Africa and a pioneer of the concept of Commonwealth.

The British Commonwealth air training plan

The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, which this year celebrates its 60th anniversary, has been described as one of the most significant contributions to the Allied victory in World War II. Anticipated demand for 20 000 pilots and 30 000 aircrew a year was far in excess of training capacity in the United Kingdom alone and the Royal Air Force recognized that large-scale Commonwealth assistance would be needed. The scheme principally involved Canada, Australia and New Zealand, with Southern Rhodesia, South Africa, and—even before Pearl Harbor—the United States of America, playing a supporting role. The needs were far greater than the 1939 plans envisaged.

The Commonwealth at 60

Abstract The London Declaration of 26 April 1949, made by Commonwealth Prime Ministers, was an act of statesmanship of rare insight and imagination, as was its approval by King George VI. It paved the way for the emergence of a voluntary forward- and outward-looking association of sovereign, independent governments and peoples, alive to their common values and traditions, and conscious of the contribution they can together bring to making the world a better place. The Commonwealth is an international asset as well as a boon to its members.

21st century Britain and the Commonwealth

Just as the British Empire has transformed into the modern, forward‐looking and multiracial Commonwealth, so Britain has emerged in recent years as a confident, cohesive and dynamic society, characterised by economic resurgence, social, cultural and creative vitality, and a realistic approach to Britains place in the world. The Commonwealth remains important to Britain for many reasons. Indeed, in the new international climate of the early 21st century, Britain can only gain from its Commonwealth connections, just as the Commonwealth can only gain from having a resurgent Britain as a key member.

The united kingdom, the commonwealth and the European Union

The Edinburgh Declaration, which closed the 1997 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, emphasized the need to identify and make use of trade and investment opportunities in an increasingly globalized world. Britain, at the centre of the development of the European Union despite its hesitancy over Economic and Monetary Union, also has a role as a foothold for overseas investment in Europe. The Commonwealth is part of Britains overseas involvement for strong economic and political reasons.

Remembering A Year of Anniversaries, 2015

Abstract 2015 was a year of significant anniversaries and commemorations related to the Commonwealth, Magna Carta, World War II and the United Nations. In this article the author reflects on these events, on his personal participation and on the media coverage of the events.

Brexit in its Worldwide Aspect: An Opportunity to be Grasped

Abstract The article looks at the implications of Brexit for Britain and its place in the world. It considers how effective Britain can be in utilising its diplomacy, its trade links, and the application of soft power to secure its interests post-Brexit. The article concludes with an assessment of the possible role of the Commonwealth in assisting Britain going forward. However, in order for positive outcomes to be achieved both in regard to the Commonwealth and Brexit more generally, Britain must persuade its international partners of the merits of the new forms of cooperation being suggested, but also for the people of Britain to shape proactively the future direction of the country.

The UK and Reform of the EU: Need for Eternal Vigilance

Abstract As the government of the United Kingdom prepares itself for negotiations with the European Union for a significant rebalancing of the relationship between the EU and its member states, the letter addressed by the prime minister of the UK to the president of the European Council has been seen as a document of some importance. The author argues that this letter, and a speech from the prime minister which followed it, deserve close study given their far-reaching implications for the future of UK–EU ties. The article also underlines the importance of eternal vigilance on the part everyone involved in the negotiating process.

Britain’s Place in the Contemporary World

Abstract This article offers a personal view of Britain’s place in the contemporary world, analysed in terms of five interlocking rings: the traditional three, i.e. relations with the United States, with Europe and the Commonwealth, to which are added the concepts of process and soft power.