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Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs was an important job in the British government. This role was created in 1925. The person in this job helped the main Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs manage Britain's relationships with its "Dominions."

Dominions were countries that were part of the British Empire but had their own governments. These included Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Newfoundland, and the Irish Free State.

In 1947, this specific job changed. It became the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations.

Who Were the Under-Secretaries?

These people served as the Under-Secretaries of State for Dominion Affairs between 1925 and 1947. They helped manage the relationships with the Dominions.

What is a Permanent Under-Secretary?

Besides the Under-Secretaries, there was also a "Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs." This person was a top civil servant, not a politician. They provided ongoing advice and managed the department's daily work. This role also existed from 1925 to 1947.

The last Permanent Under-Secretary was Sir Eric Machtig. When the office changed in 1947, he moved to the new role. He became the Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations. He shared this job with A. Carter, who came from the India Office.

Key Permanent Under-Secretaries

Here are the people who held this important permanent role:

Name Started Job Left Job
Sir Charles Davis 1925 1930
Sir Edward Harding 1930 1939
Sir Eric Machtig (acting) 1939 1940
Sir Cosmo Parkinson 1940 1940
Sir Eric Machtig 1940 1947
History of English and British government departments with responsibility for foreign affairs
and those with responsibility for the colonies, dominions and the Commonwealth
Northern Department
1660–1782
Secretaries
Undersecretaries
Foreign Office
1782–1968
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Foreign and Commonwealth Office
1968–2020
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office since 2020
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1660–1768
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1768–1782
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1794–1801
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1854–1925
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1925–1966
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1966–1968
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1768–1782
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1947–1966
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. India Office
1858–1937
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and
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1937–1947
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