The End of Imperial Diplomatic Unity, 1919-1928: Anglo-Canadian Relations from the British ...

379 Pages·2014·11.24 MB·English

The End of Imperial Diplomatic Unity, 1919-1928:
Anglo-Canadian Relations from the British Perspective
thesis submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy
at the University of London
by
Mary Kathleen McManus
March 1992
UMI Number: U062B95
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ABSTRACT
During the first decade after the Great War, the
relationship between Great Britain and Canada underwent
profound changes: these years were significant in the
transition of the British Empire to Commonwealth. One of
these changes included Canada's severance from formal imperial
diplomatic unity. From 1919 to 1928, Canada established the
same complete control over its external affairs which it
already enjoyed in its domestic affairs. Canada's break from
imperial foreign policy was a major factor in Canada's
evolution from subordinate status with respect to Britain to
one of equality. As the senior Dominion, the action Canada
took against Britain, by confronting Britain repeatedly in
matters of foreign policy, made Canada a leader in the
transition to Commonwealth.
Events leading to Canada's legal disassociation from
imperial foreign policy began with Resolution IX of the
Imperial War Conference of 1917. Although recognition of
changes in the imperial relationship came with the Balfour
Declaration of 1926, it was the appointment of the first
British High Commissioner to Ottawa in 1928 which confirmed
Britain's participation in a new relationship with Canada.
Resolution IX acknowledged that circumstances had changed in
British-Dominion relations. The struggles over imperial
foreign policy between 1919 and 1928 assisted in establishing
the principle of equal status between Britain and the
Dominions. These conflicts contributed to defining the
evolution of the Anglo-Canadian relationship in its formal,
legal sense. The Canadian involvement in these encounters has
received a great deal of attention whereas the same cannot be
said of the British side. Most historical writings have
assumed that the reactions of Britain were consistently
conservative and passive. The common supposition was that
Britain reacted only when pressured by Canada. By reviewing
these confrontations from the British perspective, this study
will examine the attitudes of and the interaction among the
British Cabinet, the Foreign and Colonial Offices in
formulating a policy toward Canada in this era, and
demonstrate that the transition to Commonwealth was neither
inevitable nor smooth.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
As I reflect upon the frustrations, loneliness and
uncertainty which plagued me throughout and tempted me more
than once to abandon the project, I am surprised that I have
actually made it. But my reflections are not all bad because
I also have the pleasant memories of all the people both in
and beyond the history field who have given me assistance and
much needed support.
Among those who have been of great assistance, the
British Council stands in a field by itself. The Council
generously funded me for my three years in Britain and without
this support I could never have undertaken this work. During
my three years of research, my studies took me to many
archives and libraries in Canada and in Britain. The able and
willing staffs which assisted me wherever my research took me
made my task substantially easier.
Many people have given me support and encouragement at
critical times in my historical studies. I regret that
Professor Granter, one of the most important influences on my
work in history, passed away before I completed my thesis. In
one way, Professor Granter is to blame for my effort. It was
while I was still a science student at Dalhousie University,
Canada, that Professor Granter convinced me that the very
least that I should do with my love of history would be to
take a few more years and complete a degree in it. I am not
sure that even he expected how far I would actually take my
interest. I am sure, though, that he knew before I did of the
pleasure and satisfaction I would derive with my further
studies of history. I must also thank Professor Peter
Burroughs and Professor P.B. Waite who not only guided me as
an undergraduate, but also proved ever handy with words of
encouragement and support when I lost confidence during this
project.
I was also fortunate to acquire during my stay in Britain
other individuals who contributed to my efforts. I extend my
thanks to John Barnes of the Government Department, London
School of Economics, who aided me in accessing the Amery
Diaries. I am also indebted to John Hilliker, Director of the
Historical Division of the Canadian Department of External
Affairs, for his insight and conversations about the
historical treatment of the development of Canadian External
Affairs. Wrestling with Canadian archival materials was made
substantially easier because of Bill Russell, the Archives
Officer at the Canadian High Commission during my time in
Britain. The ever-enthusiastic support of Vivien Hughes of
the Academic Relations at the Canadian High Commission
bordered on blind faith, but I revelled in it regardless. I
also must thank Vivien for linking me up with the British
Association of Canadian Studies whose lively conferences and
activities encouraged me that I was not studying British-
Canadian relations in a vacuum.
I extend my sincerest thanks to Dr. Robert Boyce who
supervised this thesis. His skill in asking questions which
at first appeared impossible to tackle were the very questions
whose answers rested at the core of my thesis. Dr. Boyce
also faced many hurdles as he challenged me to tackle my
analysis with penetrating determination, clarity and
precision. I sincerely hope that I have done him justice with
this work.
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Finally, I am indebted to my close friends and family who
gave been nothing short of stoic throughout these last years.
At times I found their faith in me unsubstantiated, but I
never ceased to rely upon it. I extend a very special thanks
to Julie Carroll and her editorial red pen. I apologise to
her if I have alienated her from ever reading history again.
I also am deeply in debt to Dr. Lieske Kuitert. Lieske has
been truly an all-purpose friend, whose assistance ranged from
giving patient, unflagging support to being a print and
production assistant. My final word of thanks is reserved for
my parents who certainly have proven their endurance by
supporting me not only through this effort but throughout all
the years leading up to this study.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract 2
Acknowledgements 4
Table of Contents 7
Introduction 9
Chapter One
SETTING THE STAGE FOR CHANGES 1900-1919 19
Chapter Two
SETTING THE CAUSE BACK: 1919-1922 51
Chapter Three
CANADIAN REPRESENTATION AT WASHINGTONS 1919-1926 100
Chapter Four
THE AWAKENING CONSCIOUSNESS: 1922-1923 141
Chapter Five
BRITAIN'S FIRST LABOUR GOVERNMENT AND
ANGLO-CANADIAN RELATIONS 186
Chapter Six
1924—1926S THE LAST SUBSTANTIAL EFFORTS TO RETAIN
FORMAL IMPERIAL DIPLOMATIC UNITY 220
7
Chapter Seven
REDEFINING THE ROLE OF THE GOVERNOR GENERAL
Chapter Eight
192 6-1928: THE BEGINNINGS OF A NEW ERA:
THE APPOINTMENT A BRITISH HIGH
COMMISSIONER TO CANADA
Conclusion
Bibliography