I.Australia:Foreign Relations Stage One:1788-1940s Until 1900 Australia comprised a group of six British colonies whose relationship to the rest of the world was dictated by the British government. On Federation in 1901,Australia became an independent colony but until the 1940's it had little control in the field of foreign affairs. In 1907 it was decided that the "great colonies"including Australia should no longer be called colonies but should be styled "the self-governing dominions beyond the seas" I. Australia: Foreign Relations Stage One: 1788-1940s • Until 1900 Australia comprised a group of six British colonies whose relationship to the rest of the world was dictated by the British government. • On Federation in 1901, Australia became an independent colony but until the 1940’s it had little control in the field of foreign affairs. • In 1907 it was decided that the “great colonies” including Australia should no longer be called colonies but should be styled “the self-governing dominions beyond the seas