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The Declaration had a good press in both the English and vernacular papers, and satisfaction was expressed that a solution to the problem had been amicably and unanimously reached. The general reaction was one of quiet acceptance of the new Commonwealth decision and satisfaction that the family circle remained unbroken. Editorial comment contained praise for the adaptability of the Commonwealth to changing circumstances, and the suggestion that by the Declara- tion the Commonwealth had added to its stature. There was no indication that Ceylon is other than happy to continue without reservation her membership of the Commonwealth. Mr. Senanayake, on his return to Colombo, said that while he personally regretted that India had found it desirable to modify its Common- wealth relationship, he fully recognised her right to decide her own form of Constitution. He said that while he had stated in London Ceylon's independence and right to secede from the Commonwealth, he thought that the consensus of opinion in Ceylon was content with her present position and relationship to other Commonwealth countries.

8. UNITED KINGDOM

W

Almost without exception the press was warmly in favour of the Declaration, and tribute was paid in many quarters to the Prime Minister's skilful and statesmanlike contribution to it. Some doubts as to the true meaning of the Declaration were expressed by a few papers. After the text of the Declaration had been read in the House of Commons on the day of its publication, Mr. Churchill voiced the general feeling of the House, that the undoubted answer to the question: "Do we wish India to remain of her own free will and desire within the Commonwealth or not?" was Aye." He went on to say that he was unfeignedly glad that an impassable gulf had not opened between the new India and the Commonwealth, and thought the step would be a help to all in future. He did not feel that the majesty of the Crown or the personal dignity of The King had been impaired by the condition under which India was continuing membership of the Commonwealth. The Liberals expressed satisfac- tion at the Declaration. Mr. Morrison, speaking for the Government, welcomed the general support given to the Declaration, and said that the more all parts of the House could march together on Commonwealth matters, the better it was for everybody.

Information Department, Commonwealth Relations Office,

Downing Street, S.W. 1. 11th May, 1949.

APPENDIX II

SUMMARY OF COMMONWEALTH PRESS AND PUBLIC REACTIONS TO THE COMMONWEALTH DECLARATION AS RECEIVED IN LONDON AT 31ST MAY, 1949

1. CANADA

The press in Newfoundland, the Maritimes, and the Western Provinces took the same general line as the Ottawa and Toronto press (reported in the earlier summary). Some Conservative papers expressed misgivings about the weakening of monarchical ties, and doubts were expressed in some quarters about the con- stitutional meaning of the phrase "Head of the Commonwealth."

There was

also a tendency in some press comment to regard the Declaration as having reduced the Crown link to the status of a vague symbol and the family of nations to a mere collection of independent States. The predominant note, however, was one of satisfaction that India is to continue within the Commonwealthf which stands to gain strength by her membership.

A

158.

6

2. AUTRAL74 of 366