The First Commonwealth Prime Ministers Conference, London, 1 May 1944
Mackenzie King, Jan Smuts, Winston Churchill, Peter Fraser, and John Curtin at the first Commonwealth Prime Ministers Conference, London, 1 May 1944 (Library and Archives Canada: C-068672)
We must begin by quoting Winston Churchill, who said:
“The conference took place at a time described as
‘the most deadly climax’ of the war.”
Generally speaking, the members of the First Prime Ministers Conference agreed to support the Moscow Declaration and their respective roles in the Allied war effort.
The Moscow Declaration spoken of here was issued on May 1, 1944, by the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union. It outlined a commitment ensuring the unconditional surrender of Germany. It thereby produced a system for post-war peace and security for its people. It spoke of their commitment to continue fighting the Axis powers until that surrender was accomplished and peace occurred throughout the nations.
Another important aspect of the Moscow Declaration was its methods for punishment of war criminals and the restoration of democracy in Italy. It wanted the Fascist institutions suppressed, and representatives for those who opposed Fascism.
Still speaking of the Moscow Declaration, it introduced, among other notions considered, the establishment of a European Advisory Commission, because they believed there was going to be needed a body to study and make recommendations on post-war political problems in Europe, particularly concerning the surrender of Axis powers and the mechanisms for enforcing their terms; a Soviet-backed government in Poland, because it was suggested their willingness to negotiate a post-war liberated Poland with some input from the West; and then what later emerged to be the need for a Joint Council in Japan upon its surrender. (continued)
Back to this first Conference. The future of the Commonwealth was at hand, and there was a discussion as to the type of a post-war world organization that would be necessary in order to maintain peace. Churchill indicated at the conference that this world council would be comprised only of the world’s great powers. These powers would have exclusive jurisdiction regarding the prevention of war and with other international matters.
However, it was decided each member of the sovereign states of the British nations would be members of the international council in their own right. Most importantly, it signaled a strong alliance and a united front against the Axis powers who, no doubt, were watching closely. Also, because the prime ministers, who agreed to support the Moscow Declaration, issued a joint statement outlining their goals and commitment to post-war cooperation, it was seen as strong bonds between the Allied nations and their commitment to defeating the Axis powers. This focus on unity made for a highly successful conference, and the success of the Commonwealth Prime Ministers Conference contributed to the continued momentum of the Allied war effort. This movement ultimately lead to the Allied victory in 1945.
At this First Prime Ministers Conference,
Mr. Churchill said:
“We intend to set up a world order and organization equipped with all the necessary attributes of power to prevent future wars or the planning of them in advance by restless and ambitious nations. For this purpose of preventing wars there must be a world controlling council. I am not talking about other purposes, but for the purpose of preventing wars there must be a world council comprising the greatest states which emerge victorious from this war, who will be obligated to keep within certain minimum standards of armaments for the purpose of maintaining peace;…”
