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Friday, June 2, 1972
"We find that there are nearly 70 separate territories, of which over
thirty are independent countries, spread over every continent and ocean. It
may come as a surprise to some that their people add up to nearly a quarter
of the population of the world.
"It is important too, to think what it is that people find in the
Commonwealth which makes them choose to belong to it. There are many historical
reasons, but I believe they are held together chiefly by a sense of community
and the opportunity given for service within it.
"During my recent visit to South East Asia, I was deeply impressed to
meet so many people from other parts of the Commonwealth contributing their own
special skills and experience to the impressive development which is taking
place there. And the same thing is happening in every part of our community.
"This is its special quality. There is no aspect of our lives which is
not touched and helped by its varied network of day to day exchanges. Every
one of our peoples has something to give and something to receive.
"It is my hope that everybody to whom this message comes, young and
old, will stop and look at the Commonwealth in this way and realize what a
fortunate thing it is that we all belong together."
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