Bruce, Stanley Melbourne

Bruce, Stanley Melbourne (mĕl`bərn), 1883–1967, Australian political leader. Educated at Cambridge, he was called to the bar (1906) in England. After service in World War I, he entered the commonwealth legislature in 1918, was treasurer (1921–23) in the cabinet of W. M. Hughes, and served (1923–29) as prime minister. He was notable for promoting the closest relations of Australia with the empire compatible with Australian self-government, and he also advocated international cooperation. Bruce served as Australian delegate to the League of Nations and in 1936 was president of the council. From 1933 to 1945 he was high commissioner for Australia in London. In 1947 he was made Viscount Bruce of Melbourne.