other financial centre has even attempted to take over the mantle from London. While this is not an altruistic role, the City does play an invaluable part in creating a truly inter-national society in which commercial cooperation and economic interdependence loom larger than national rivalries. In addition to the fees and commissions from their services, these institutions are also providing the basis on which the United Kingdom can develop an expanding multi- is basically on these itself.' is still a closed book, and in a

ABSTRACT

For centuries the world-wide activities of the City of London have depended on personal character and initiative, which have been its driving force in the service of the private firm, the public company and latterly of the State-controlled undertaking. The City is accustomed to take the long view and is acutely aware that this driving force must be preserved

A Time to Speak and actively encouraged, whatever the colour of the Government or the structure of an industry may be. The campaign I am suggesting is not, therefore, an attempt to preserve the status quo-that can never be done for very long. It is not a veiled attempt to 'keep the socialists out'—as Her Majesty's opposition the Labour Party is the alternative government. While first promoting the well-being of the City, the campaign could also bring about a wider understanding of what keeps our free society going.