Commonwealth of Nations Quotes

You see, before I became prime minister, the Australian prime minister only attended ever two meetings in the world: the British Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and the South Pacific Forum.

The British are very stubborn. The Queen, the Commonwealth, and the special relationship with the U.S. is much more important than Europe.

… and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas

The British Empire has advanced to a new conception of autonomyand freedom, to the idea of a system of British nations, each freely ordering its own individual life, but bound together in unity byallegiance to one Crown, and co-operating in all that concerns the common weal.

There is a reciprocal respect for [ Elizabeth II], for her interest in the Commonwealth. The members of the Commonwealth recognise that here is a genuine interest from the top. So, that's one reason. I'm not putting it necessarily in order of importance.

I'm not from around these parts. I'm from a little place called England: we used to run the world before you.

The time seems right for a new conception of association within the Commonwealth, not necessarily owing allegiance to the Crown, especially for those countries which have no ties of blood, culture, or religion

We have loosened the formal bonds of unity with the great dominions. The destinies of their peoples are guided by their own governments. No rigid framework cramps our conversations with one another or with the world outside the family circle. When we meet together in equal freedom we are united by common allegiance to the Crown. In that model unity lies our strength.

I can't speak with authority about Emeka Anyaoku. I just didn't know him that well.

Australia has the British way of life - and great weather. I could live there.

My first inkling of what the Commonwealth might really mean came only when I escaped the oddly British-tinged Asia I had known and went to live in the Philippines.

I knew a bit but we don't study a lot of British history at school in Australia. We have our own 50-year period to concentrate on.