Destiny of Dominions

Northern Advocate, 16 July 1938, Page 11

Destiny of Dominions

tßeceived 3 p.m.) LONDON, July 15. The Colonial Secretary. Mr Malcolm MacDonald, addressing the Chamber of Commerce, envisaged the British Commonwealth of Nations ns comprising six first-class Powers instead of one, and exercising a still greater influence for peace and freedom. Mr MacDonald added that Canada. Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Eire composed, with Great Britain, an Empire of six sovereign nations, which exerted a great influence in world affairs, but this group had not anything like achieved its full maturity, on account of which British world influence was still comparatively limited. If one looks a century ahead, when the Dominions would become firstclass Powers associated in the British Commonwealth of Nations, the British people would have a decisive influence on the history of mankind. "Our policy should be to encourage the development of the Dominions, - ’ he said, "until each has attained firstclass status, which involves supporting many more millions than today. Population is the basis of power."

The Dominions would never become great simply by pastoral and agricultural expansion- They must develop secondary industries, which the British chambers of commerce must welcome.