Best plausible ways for the British Empire to decolonialize 'gracefully'?

[The Odyssey]

With any PoD after 1900 (with the exception of those completely preventing the World Wars), what would be the best ways for the British Empire to dissolve from colonies into nations? For example, could unrest caused by the break-up of the British Empire into independent nations, such as the wars in Africa and the economic effects on the UK, be completely stopped/mitigated? And could Britain and her former colonies maintain some form of good relations? I know of several PoDs that could result in these (e.g., improving the post-WWI economic policies of Britain, building the Cairo-Capetown railroad, etc.), but I'd still like the outside input on this topic.

Additionally, is it possible to consolidate some of the holdings of the British Empire? Like can Britain conceivably maintain sovereignty over more areas? And could dominions like Canada and Australia gain control of some British holdings?

 

[The Odyssey]

Bump! I'd like some input on this guys.

 

[GarethC]

France comes off the gold standard in 1931 and sells some bullion, thus avoiding a currency crisis in 1936 and counterinvading the Rhineland.

The Hitler government collapses (probably with military help). WWII in Europe is avoided, although a Winter War and the annexation of the Baltic states by the USSR is probably on the cards.

Some kind of Five Powers' Conference in 1937-8 ends with Japan receiving an ultimatum from Britain, France, the Netherlands, the US, and China to quit China and Manchukuo. The Japanese response, condensed from the diplomatic language, is two words long, and the second one is "off".

The Pacific War in 1939 sees the F&ABDA forces engage the IJN while providing air support to the KMT. It's all a bit dismal really, but by 1941 Japan is attrited to a white peace, losing the Mandates, Okinawa, Formosa, and influence in Manchuria.

Over the next two decades the various empires (and the Philippines) are decolonised in a rather more organised manner than OTL, as the post-independence situation sees the perception of significant threats from Japan, and the USSR, which drive continuing ties with the colonial powers for the provision of common defence.

 

[The Odyssey]

France comes off the gold standard in 1931 and sells some bullion, thus avoiding a currency crisis in 1936 and counterinvading the Rhineland.

The Hitler government collapses (probably with military help). WWII in Europe is avoided, although a Winter War and the annexation of the Baltic states by the USSR is probably on the cards.

Some kind of Five Powers' Conference in 1937-8 ends with Japan receiving an ultimatum from Britain, France, the Netherlands, the US, and China to quit China and Manchukuo. The Japanese response, condensed from the diplomatic language, is two words long, and the second one is "off".

The Pacific War in 1939 sees the F&ABDA forces engage the IJN while providing air support to the KMT. It's all a bit dismal really, but by 1941 Japan is attrited to a white peace, losing the Mandates, Okinawa, Formosa, and influence in Manchuria.

Over the next two decades the various empires (and the Philippines) are decolonised in a rather more organised manner than OTL, as the post-independence situation sees the perception of significant threats from Japan, and the USSR, which drive continuing ties with the colonial powers for the provision of common defence.

While this does to help improve decolonization in general (and keeps to my requirements about the World Wars), I'd prefer more PoDs centered around the British Empire.

 

[Orry]

They take Kippling seriously and train & educate the locals and promote them to positions of influence based on merit not skin colour. Then when they leave there is an effective and efficient local government to smoothly take over.

Build up the idea of the commonwealth before de-colonization so that the different ex-colonies work together with Britain and each other on major development programs.

Somehow get the idea across that better developed colonies are better trade partners in the long term.

You need to avoid GB having any major financial hick ups though so that they have the spare cash to kick start it all. That and the need to reduce the level of racism especially toward the African people probably make the whole idea ASB

 

[The Odyssey]

They take Kippling seriously and train & educate the locals and promote them to positions of influence based on merit not skin colour. Then when they leave there is an effective and efficient local government to smoothly take over.

Build up the idea of the commonwealth before de-colonization so that the different ex-colonies work together with Britain and each other on major development programs.

Somehow get the idea across that better developed colonies are better trade partners in the long term.

You need to avoid GB having any major financial hick ups though so that they have the spare cash to kick start it all. That and the need to reduce the level of racism especially toward the African people probably make the whole idea ASB

Hmm... Regarding the issue with racism, perhaps the use of African troops in certain important battles during WWI could help tone it [racism] down?

As for the finances, I've heard that GB could avoid re-adopting the gold standard (or at least do so differently from OTL) as well as look into Keynesian economic policies to at least mitigate some of the economic slack post-WWI. I'm not completely sure on the plausibility of the latter, however.