"WHAT
THE BRITISH EMPIRE MEANS AND...THE IDEALS FOR WHICH IT STANDS"
GEORGE V, KING OF GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND.
Document Signed as King, no place, 26 November 1916. 2 separate pages,
13" x 8".
In the midst of World War I, George V issued this message of solidarity,
his Royal Response to an Address from the members of an Imperial Conference,
which had just ended in London. The first such conference had been held
in 1911, the year after George V ascended the throne, and each meeting
brought together leaders from the many countries within the British
empire.
"I have received with much pleasure the Address presented...from
the Imperial Conference: and the Queen and I warmly thank all the Members
of the Conference for this expression of their fidelity and devotion
to the Crown," the king asserts.
"I have followed with close interest all the proceedings of
the Conference. I am convinced that its labours have afforded not only
to the Members of the British Commonwealth of Nations, but to the world
at large, a better understanding and a clearer vision of what the British
Empire means and of the ideals for which it stands.
"It
has given me the utmost satisfaction during the past few weeks to greet
so many of my Ministers from the Dominions and the Representatives of
the Empire of India: and to have opportunities of learning personally
from them something of the problems and aspirations of my Peoples Overseas.
The Queen and I treasure the recollections of our visits to those lands
among the happiest experiences of our lives.
"We
wish the Members of the Conference God-speed and a safe return to their
homes." He has signed, "George R.I.," at
the conclusion.
George and his wife had visited Australia, South Africa, Canada, and
India when he was Prince of Wales, and they had traveled to India again
in 1911 after he became king.
The document is on the first and third pages of a four-page lettersheet
which has the Royal Arms embossed in gold at the head of the first page.
It is in very good condition. $950.00
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