The year 1961 marked a pivotal moment for the Commonwealth of Nations, as its heads of government convened for their 11th meeting in the United Kingdom. Hosted by Britain's then-Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, this gathering in March 1961 was far from a routine biennial event. Unusually, it had been scheduled merely a year after the previous conference, a testament to the pressing and unresolved tensions surrounding South Africa's controversial policy of racial segregation, known as apartheid.

The Apartheid Ultimatum: South Africa's Divisive Stand

The core of the 1961 conference's drama revolved around South Africa. Its Prime Minister, H.F. Verwoerd, arrived not to seek reconciliation but to formally announce his country's intention to become a republic in May 1961, following a constitutional change approved by a referendum in October 1960. This move, while seemingly an internal matter, necessitated a reapplication for Commonwealth membership, and it thrust the deeply divisive issue of apartheid onto the global stage within the Commonwealth.

Opposition to South Africa's continued membership was fierce and widespread. Leaders of African states under black majority rule were unequivocal in their condemnation, as were India's Jawaharlal Nehru, Malaya's Tunku Abdul Rahman, and other non-white Commonwealth nations. Significantly, Canada's Prime Minister, John Diefenbaker, emerged as a strong voice against apartheid, making Canada the sole "old white Commonwealth" member to explicitly oppose South Africa's re-entry. Diefenbaker proposed a compromise: South Africa's re-admission should be contingent upon its willingness to join other member states in condemning apartheid in principle.

On the other side, a contingent including Britain's Harold Macmillan, Rhodesia and Nyasaland's Roy Welensky, Australia's Robert Menzies, and New Zealand's Keith Holyoake formed the "Keep South Africa In" group, arguing for the country's continued inclusion. However, as the debate intensified and it became unmistakably clear that South Africa's application for re-admission would face outright rejection, Verwoerd opted to withdraw his country's application altogether and departed the conference. This dramatic exit sealed South Africa's immediate departure from the Commonwealth, a direct consequence of its apartheid policies.

Beyond Apartheid: Other Crucial Discussions

While South Africa dominated the headlines, the conference addressed other significant matters shaping the Commonwealth's future:

• Britain and the Common Market: Delegates voiced considerable concern regarding the United Kingdom's prospective membership in the European Common Market (now the European Union). The potential impact on existing trade relations between the UK and its Commonwealth partners was a major point of discussion, highlighting anxieties about economic ties shifting.
• Global Disarmament: In a world still grappling with Cold War tensions, the Commonwealth heads collectively expressed their support for worldwide disarmament. This commitment, however, was qualified by the crucial caveat of requiring "effective inspection and control" to ensure genuine global security.
• New Members Join the Fold: The Commonwealth welcomed new members, reflecting the ongoing process of decolonization. Cyprus, which had gained independence the previous year, saw its application for membership approved, despite initial opposition from the United Kingdom. The UK had objected on procedural grounds, as Cyprus had not applied for membership prior to independence, contrary to customary practice. Nevertheless, the application was accepted, and Cyprus's President, Archbishop Makarios III, joined the conference once the decision was made. Similarly, Sierra Leone's membership application was accepted, becoming effective upon its independence on 27 April 1961.

A Pioneering Leader: Sirimavo Bandaranaike

Adding another layer of historical significance to the 1961 conference was the presence of Sirimavo Ratwatte Dias Bandaranaike. As the Prime Minister of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), she made history as the first woman head of government ever to attend a Commonwealth conference, and indeed, the world's first female prime minister. Her participation underscored the evolving nature of global leadership and the Commonwealth's increasingly diverse composition.

The Aftermath: South Africa's Republic and Departure

Legally, the decisions made at the 1961 conference had immediate and profound consequences for South Africa. Under the terms of the Constitution of 1961, formally known as the Republic of South Africa Constitution Act, 1961, South Africa officially left the Commonwealth and was re-established as the "Republic of South Africa." This marked the end of the Union of South Africa, which had existed since 1910, and ushered in two decades where this new republican constitution served as the fundamental law of the land, with the country operating outside the Commonwealth until its eventual re-entry in 1994, following the dismantling of apartheid.

FAQs About the 1961 Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference

What was the main topic of the 1961 Commonwealth Conference?

The primary and most contentious issue was South Africa's continued membership in the Commonwealth due to its policy of apartheid, especially after its decision to become a republic.

Who hosted the conference?

The conference was hosted by the United Kingdom, with Prime Minister Harold Macmillan presiding.

What was the outcome for South Africa?

South African Prime Minister H.F. Verwoerd withdrew his country's application for re-admission after it became clear that its membership would be rejected due to strong opposition to apartheid. This led to South Africa's departure from the Commonwealth.

What other important topics were discussed?

Concerns about the United Kingdom joining the European Common Market, support for worldwide disarmament with effective inspection, and the applications for membership from newly independent nations like Cyprus and Sierra Leone.

Who was Sirimavo Bandaranaike and why was her presence significant?

Sirimavo Ratwatte Dias Bandaranaike was the Prime Minister of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). Her attendance was historically significant as she was the first female prime minister in the world and the first woman head of government to attend a Commonwealth conference.