Relayed from Geneva
The introductory talk to another important new series in the 'Taking Stock ' scheme. The object of the series is to present a coherent picture of the British Empire today and to arouso discussion of the problems it presents. The Empire is a 'world-society,' linking roughly a quarter of the globe and a quarter of its population together in allegiance to one Crown. In twelve weekly talks this year the British Commonwealth of Nations-the self-governing Dominions and the Irish Free State-will be discussed. A further series of twelve talks after Christmas will deal with the other two sections of the Empire-on the one hand, India, and, on the other, the Crown Colonies and Dependencies.
The complex organisation of the Empire demands an outline knowledge of its history and evolution. Therefore, the series proper will begin next week with the first of three talks by Professor Coupland, explaining the collapse of the first British Empire in the American Revolution, the growth of the Dominions, and the fitting of the Irish Free State into the structure, and the definition of the existing status laid down by tho Imperial Conference of 1926 and ratified by the Statute of Westminster, 1931.
A special pamphlet, bearing on these talks, containing an introductory essay, and an annotated bibliography by Professor Coupland. can be obtained from the Publications Department, [address removed], price 6d., 7d. post free.