This book examines the evolution of Canadian policy towards Newfoundland during the decade leading up to Confederation in 1949. The outbreak of war in 1939 produced relatively few changes in Canadian- Newfoundland relations but, in 1940, with the Allied collapse in Europe and the base-destroyer deal which introduced an American presence in Newfoundland, the Canadian government was forced to take a more active interest in that country's welfare. Over the course of the war the Canadians increasingly provided for the defence of Newfoundland, and a vigorous effort was made to preserve and enhance Canada's influence there.