The Vietnam WarThe Vietnam War

Why is the study of the Why is the study of the Vietnam War significant Vietnam War significant

for Australians ?for Australians ?• The study reveals the operation of The study reveals the operation of

Liberal- Labor politics in the 1960’s Liberal- Labor politics in the 1960’s and 70’s, with such significant and 70’s, with such significant politicians as Robert Menzies, politicians as Robert Menzies, Arthur Calwell and the rise of Gough Arthur Calwell and the rise of Gough Whitlam.Whitlam.

• Australia’s commitment to Vietnam Australia’s commitment to Vietnam War reveals the growth in its foreign War reveals the growth in its foreign policy of Australia’s alliance with policy of Australia’s alliance with America.America.

• A study of the causes of the Vietnam A study of the causes of the Vietnam War reveals the legacy of post World War reveals the legacy of post World War 11 power blocs and the War 11 power blocs and the subsequent Cold War.subsequent Cold War.

• The impact of the war on Australian The impact of the war on Australian citizens is revealed in the growth of citizens is revealed in the growth of political activism and the political activism and the Moratorium Movement.Moratorium Movement.

• The Vietnam War was the first war The Vietnam War was the first war fully exposed by the media. It fully exposed by the media. It became known as “ the lounge room became known as “ the lounge room war” The power of the media was war” The power of the media was shown in its impact on public shown in its impact on public opinion.opinion.

The Legacy of World War The Legacy of World War 1111

USSR

Fear of USNeed to

Control bufferstates

Marxism encouragedrevolution

WarsawPact

USA

Developmentof

Domino Theory

Truman Doctrine

MarshallPlan

NATO

““The Grand Alliance”-The Grand Alliance”-Feb 1945 Feb 1945

Potsdam July 1945- Churchill, Truman, Stalin

Churchill’s “Iron Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speechCurtain” speech• ““I have a strong admiration and regard for the valiant Russian people and I have a strong admiration and regard for the valiant Russian people and

for my wartime comrade, Marshal Stalin. There is deep sympathy and for my wartime comrade, Marshal Stalin. There is deep sympathy and goodwill in Britain -- and I doubt not here also -- toward the peoples of all goodwill in Britain -- and I doubt not here also -- toward the peoples of all the Russias and a resolve to persevere through many differences and the Russias and a resolve to persevere through many differences and rebuffs in establishing lasting friendships. rebuffs in establishing lasting friendships.

• It is my duty, however, to place before you certain facts about the present It is my duty, however, to place before you certain facts about the present position in Europe. position in Europe.

• From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic an iron curtain has From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic an iron curtain has descended across the Continent. Behind that line lie all the capitals of the descended across the Continent. Behind that line lie all the capitals of the ancient states of Central and Eastern Europe. Warsaw, Berlin, Prague, ancient states of Central and Eastern Europe. Warsaw, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Bucharest and Sofia; all these famous cities Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Bucharest and Sofia; all these famous cities and the populations around them lie in what I must call the Soviet sphere, and the populations around them lie in what I must call the Soviet sphere, and all are subject, in one form or another, not only to Soviet influence and all are subject, in one form or another, not only to Soviet influence but to a very high and in some cases increasing measure of control from but to a very high and in some cases increasing measure of control from Moscow.Moscow.

• I do not believe that Soviet Russia desires war. What they desire is I do not believe that Soviet Russia desires war. What they desire is the fruits of war and the indefinite expansion of their power and the fruits of war and the indefinite expansion of their power and doctrines.doctrines.

• From what I have seen of our Russian friends and allies during the war, I From what I have seen of our Russian friends and allies during the war, I am convinced that there is nothing they admire so much as strength, and am convinced that there is nothing they admire so much as strength, and there is nothing for which they have less respect than for weakness, there is nothing for which they have less respect than for weakness, especially military weakness. especially military weakness.

Fear of the USFear of the US

• “ “ The ruling group of American The ruling group of American Imperialists…has taken the path of outright Imperialists…has taken the path of outright expansionism, of ensclaving the weakened expansionism, of ensclaving the weakened capitalist states of Europe and the colonial capitalist states of Europe and the colonial and dependent countries. The clearest and and dependent countries. The clearest and most specific expression of this policy is most specific expression of this policy is provided by the Truman –Marshall Plan…provided by the Truman –Marshall Plan…immitating the Hitlerites, the new immitating the Hitlerites, the new aggressors are using blackmail and aggressors are using blackmail and extortion.”extortion.”

• Speech by leading member of the Communist Speech by leading member of the Communist Government in Sept 1947Government in Sept 1947

Ideology and TerminologyIdeology and TerminologyAs it was used after 1945 the term ‘Cold War’ described not only a

situation of intense mutual hostility and suspicion, but also a fundamental clash of ideologies and interests. The American historian, Anders Stephanson, has defined the Cold War as possessing the following characteristics:

a) It was essentially a bipolar conflict involving two great blocs that appeared to ‘superimpose’ their rivalry on the rest of the world. Thus, the Cold War spread to the Middle East, Asia, Africa and South America.

b) It was a struggle carried on by all means short of war. There was a

massive arms build up and nuclear weapons made both sides virtually impregnable. Diplomacy was turned into a kind of ‘militarised thinking’ that concentrated on building and strengthening alliances.

c) Each side denied the other’s right to exist. The USSR, following Marx’s and Lenin’s teaching, was convinced that coexistence between Capitalism and Communism was impossible as capitalism was

immoral and doomed to collapse, while the capitalist West saw the

USSR in the words of President Reagan as an ‘evil empire’.d) Each side conducted ferocious propaganda attacks against the

other and suppressed internal dissidence. Stalin’s paranoid reaction to opposition is well documented, but a milder form of repression also took place in the West. In the United States, for example, Senators Nixon and McCarthy led a campaign against alleged Soviet agents in the US government forcing President Truman to set up a commission to review the loyalty of American civil servants.

Domino TheoryDomino Theory

Originally coined by President Eisenhower in 1954 the idea stated that if one country fell to communism, then its neighbour would fall ‘ like a row of dominoes”.

McCarthyism took place during a period of intense suspicion in the United States primarily from 1950 to 1954, when the U.S. government was actively countering American Communist Party subversion, its leadership, and others suspected of being Communists or Communist sympathizers. During this period people from all walks of life became the subject of aggressive "witch-hunts," often based on inconclusive or questionable evidence. It grew out of the Second Red Scare that began in the late 1940s and is named after the U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy, a Republican of Wisconsin.

Strengthening of Strengthening of AlliancesAlliances

• NATONATOThe core of NATO is Article V of the NATO Treaty, which states:The core of NATO is Article V of the NATO Treaty, which states:

– ““The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all. Consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack them all. Consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or occurs, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defence recognised by Article 51 of the collective self-defence recognised by Article 51 of the Charter of the United NationsCharter of the United Nations, will assist the Party or Parties so , will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking forthwith, individually and in concert with the attacked by taking forthwith, individually and in concert with the other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area.”Atlantic area.”

• This provision was intended so that if the This provision was intended so that if the USSRUSSR and its allies launched an and its allies launched an attack against any of the NATO members, it would be treated as if it was attack against any of the NATO members, it would be treated as if it was an attack on all member states. This marked a significant change for the an attack on all member states. This marked a significant change for the United States, which had traditionally favoured isolationist policies. United States, which had traditionally favoured isolationist policies. However, the feared invasion of Western Europe never came. Instead, However, the feared invasion of Western Europe never came. Instead, the provision was invoked for the first time in the treaty's history on the provision was invoked for the first time in the treaty's history on September 12September 12, , 20012001, in response to the , in response to the 11 September11 September attacks on the United Statesattacks on the United States the day before. the day before.

Divided we Fall- Berlin BDivided we Fall- Berlin Blockadelockade

Increasing PolarizationIncreasing Polarization• West Berlin, as an outpost of Western democracy and West Berlin, as an outpost of Western democracy and

economic success deep within the Communist zone, was economic success deep within the Communist zone, was both a nest of spies for both sides and a constant challenge both a nest of spies for both sides and a constant challenge to the Soviets.to the Soviets.

The The Berlin BlockadeBerlin Blockade was an attempt to starve the city into was an attempt to starve the city into submission and the Allied airlift signalled the West’s submission and the Allied airlift signalled the West’s determination to use all resources to defend Berlin.determination to use all resources to defend Berlin.

Thereafter, it was accepted by both sides that Berlin would Thereafter, it was accepted by both sides that Berlin would act as the trigger for general war. Any Russian invasion act as the trigger for general war. Any Russian invasion would be followed by conflict with the considerable Allied would be followed by conflict with the considerable Allied forces camped permanently on the plain of West Germany. forces camped permanently on the plain of West Germany. Both sides finding Europe too dangerous a site for Both sides finding Europe too dangerous a site for confrontation, looked elsewhere to competeconfrontation, looked elsewhere to compete

The Spread of The Spread of CommunismCommunism

• Between 1939-1945, Soviet Russia had Between 1939-1945, Soviet Russia had gained Latvia, Estonia, Lthuania and gained Latvia, Estonia, Lthuania and Bessarabia. By 1948 it hade control of Bessarabia. By 1948 it hade control of all the states of Eastern Europe except all the states of Eastern Europe except YugoslaviaYugoslavia

• The Soviet Union controlled EThe Soviet Union controlled E AST AST Germany and the Eastern half of BerlinGermany and the Eastern half of Berlin

• In 1949 China became CommunistIn 1949 China became Communist• In 1950 communist Nth Korea attacked In 1950 communist Nth Korea attacked

non communist Sth Koreanon communist Sth Korea

A TENUOUS BALANCEA TENUOUS BALANCE

““Out in the Cold”- The Out in the Cold”- The origins of the Korean Warorigins of the Korean War

• Student Internet Site study; Use the Student Internet Site study; Use the following website to answer the following website to answer the following question in 200 words; following question in 200 words; What events led to the Korean War What events led to the Korean War and Australia’s involvement in this and Australia’s involvement in this conflict?conflict?

• www.awm.gov.au/korea/origins/www.awm.gov.au/korea/origins/origins/origins.htmorigins/origins.htm

The Korean War- a proxy The Korean War- a proxy warwar

1950-531950-53

StalemateStalemate

Summary of the Development of Summary of the Development of Cold War-an ideological, political , Cold War-an ideological, political ,

economic and military conflicteconomic and military conflict

Spread of communism

CzechoslovakiaChina

AlliancesNATO

WARSAWANZUSSEATO

BerlinBlockade

MarshallPlan

TrumanDoctrine

Churchill’sIron Curtain

speech

WeaknessesOf Yalta

AndPotsdam

Cold War

FLASHPOINTS OF THE FLASHPOINTS OF THE COLD WARCOLD WAR

Vietnam1962-72

Cuban MissileCrisis1962

KoreanWar

1950-53

Flashpoints

Background History of Background History of VietnamVietnam• In the mid-nineteenth century, France took over Vietnam and the neighbouring states In the mid-nineteenth century, France took over Vietnam and the neighbouring states

of Laos and Cambodia. These countries became French colonies and were collectively of Laos and Cambodia. These countries became French colonies and were collectively

known as known as French Indo-ChinaFrench Indo-China. By 1900, Vietnamese nationalists had organised . By 1900, Vietnamese nationalists had organised against the French, whom they saw as exploiting the land and its people. There were against the French, whom they saw as exploiting the land and its people. There were

some some uprisingsuprisings, and some harsh French reprisals , and some harsh French reprisals

• Japan occupiedJapan occupied Indo-China during World War II. When Japan was defeated, the Indo-China during World War II. When Japan was defeated, the Vietnamese nationalists hoped that the USA and its allies would allow them to be a new Vietnamese nationalists hoped that the USA and its allies would allow them to be a new independent nation. But instead, the USA allowed the French to resume control. independent nation. But instead, the USA allowed the French to resume control.

Between 1945 and 1954, Vietnamese rebels led by Between 1945 and 1954, Vietnamese rebels led by Ho Chi MinhHo Chi Minh fought against the fought against the French. Ho was both a nationalist and a communist. In 1954, the rebels – called the French. Ho was both a nationalist and a communist. In 1954, the rebels – called the

Viet MinhViet Minh ? defeated the French army at the battle of Dien Bien Phu. The French ? defeated the French army at the battle of Dien Bien Phu. The French

realised that they could no longer keep Indo-Chinarealised that they could no longer keep Indo-China • A conference was held in A conference was held in GenevaGeneva, Switzerland, to decide Indo-China's fate. Laos and , Switzerland, to decide Indo-China's fate. Laos and

Cambodia became independent. But Cambodia became independent. But Vietnam was divided in twoVietnam was divided in two (just as Korea (just as Korea had been divided in 1953) – South Vietnam and North Vietnam. In the North, the had been divided in 1953) – South Vietnam and North Vietnam. In the North, the communist Viet Minh were dominant. In the South, the dominant forces were anti-communist Viet Minh were dominant. In the South, the dominant forces were anti-communist and, in places, pro-French.The agreement was known as the Geneva Accord communist and, in places, pro-French.The agreement was known as the Geneva Accord

and Vietnam was divided along the 17and Vietnam was divided along the 17thth parallel. parallel. The division of the country was The division of the country was supposed to be temporary, until elections were held for a unified supposed to be temporary, until elections were held for a unified Vietnam in 1956 Vietnam in 1956

Ho Chi Minh 1890- 1969Ho Chi Minh 1890- 1969• Born in 1890, studied in Paris and Born in 1890, studied in Paris and

inspired by Marx, and the Russian inspired by Marx, and the Russian RevolutionRevolution

• Helped organise exiled nationalists Helped organise exiled nationalists into Vietnamese Revolutionary into Vietnamese Revolutionary League, in an attempt to expel the League, in an attempt to expel the FrenchFrench

• In 1940, French surrendered to the In 1940, French surrendered to the Japanese. Ho Chi Minh helped form Japanese. Ho Chi Minh helped form the Vietminh and fought a guerilla the Vietminh and fought a guerilla campaign against the Japanese. campaign against the Japanese.

• The Vietminh received weapons The Vietminh received weapons and ammunition from Soviet Union and ammunition from Soviet Union and the US.and the US.

• After the Japanese surrender Ho After the Japanese surrender Ho announced the formation of the announced the formation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Democratic Republic of Vietnam. However Roosevelt, Churchill and However Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin had already decided what Stalin had already decided what would happen at a summit meeting would happen at a summit meeting in Potsdam- the country to be in Potsdam- the country to be divided into the Chinese Nth and divided into the Chinese Nth and the British South.the British South.

Legacy of ColonialismLegacy of Colonialism• After the war Britain After the war Britain

and China left Vietnam and China left Vietnam in control of Francein control of France

• Fighting soon broke out Fighting soon broke out between French troops between French troops and the Vietminh. and the Vietminh. Increasing public Increasing public criticism and cost were criticism and cost were proving problematic for proving problematic for the Frenchthe French

• On May 7On May 7thth 1954 France 1954 France surrendered and the surrendered and the following month US, following month US, Soviet Union, Britain Soviet Union, Britain and France met at and France met at Geneva.Geneva.

The Geneva AccordThe Geneva Accord• 1. Vietnam would be divided at the 171. Vietnam would be divided at the 17thth parallel parallel• 2 Nth Vietnam would be ruled by Ho Chi Minh2 Nth Vietnam would be ruled by Ho Chi Minh• 3. Sth Vietnam would be ruled by NGO Dinh 3. Sth Vietnam would be ruled by NGO Dinh

Diem, an opponent of communismDiem, an opponent of communism• 4. French troops would withdraw from Vietnam4. French troops would withdraw from Vietnam• 5. The Vietminh would withdraw from Sth 5. The Vietminh would withdraw from Sth

VietnamVietnam• 6.The Vietnamese could freely chhose to live in 6.The Vietnamese could freely chhose to live in

the Nth or Sththe Nth or Sth• 7. A general election for the whole of Vietnam 7. A general election for the whole of Vietnam

would be held before July 1956, under the would be held before July 1956, under the supervision of an international commissionsupervision of an international commission

Cold War to Hot WarCold War to Hot War• The elections were not held. The USA feared that Ho Chi Minh and his The elections were not held. The USA feared that Ho Chi Minh and his

communist supporters would win the elections. US President Eisenhower communist supporters would win the elections. US President Eisenhower admitted that 80 per cent of the Vietnamese people would probably vote for Ho admitted that 80 per cent of the Vietnamese people would probably vote for Ho in an election. So the USA encouraged South Vietnam not to cooperate in the in an election. So the USA encouraged South Vietnam not to cooperate in the holding of the elections. This led to full-scale holding of the elections. This led to full-scale civil warcivil war, with Ho Chi Minh's , with Ho Chi Minh's

communist supporters in the South, known as the communist supporters in the South, known as the Viet Cong,Viet Cong, opposing the opposing the government of South Vietnam government of South Vietnam

• Even before 1960, the USA tried to support South Vietnam by sending supplies Even before 1960, the USA tried to support South Vietnam by sending supplies

and and military advisersmilitary advisers to the South. As Viet Cong support grew, and as South to the South. As Viet Cong support grew, and as South Vietnamese forces experienced more defeats, the USA increased its aid. Vietnamese forces experienced more defeats, the USA increased its aid.

•   On July 31, 1964, the USS Maddox, a navy destroyer, began a reconnaissance On July 31, 1964, the USS Maddox, a navy destroyer, began a reconnaissance mission on the coast of North Vietnam in the Gulf of Tonkin.  On August 2, while mission on the coast of North Vietnam in the Gulf of Tonkin.  On August 2, while the USS Maddox was not far from Hon Me, a North Vietnamese island being the USS Maddox was not far from Hon Me, a North Vietnamese island being attacked, three North Vietnamese torpedo boats chased the Maddox off. The attacked, three North Vietnamese torpedo boats chased the Maddox off. The attack was unsuccessful, although torpedoes were launched. The USS Maddox attack was unsuccessful, although torpedoes were launched. The USS Maddox was hit by one heavy machine gun shell from the torpedo boats. was hit by one heavy machine gun shell from the torpedo boats.

• The The Gulf of Tonkin ResolutionGulf of Tonkin Resolution passed in August 1964 empowered passed in August 1964 empowered President Johnson to “ Take all necessary steps to repel armed attack against US President Johnson to “ Take all necessary steps to repel armed attack against US forces” and “ to take all necessary steps, including force to assist Sth Vietnam forces” and “ to take all necessary steps, including force to assist Sth Vietnam

and any member of and any member of SEATOSEATO””

Breaches of the Geneva Breaches of the Geneva AccordAccord

The Response of Australia The Response of Australia to the Threat of to the Threat of

CommunismCommunism• Internationally Australia had sought to strengthen Internationally Australia had sought to strengthen

her security through alliances ,specifically ANZUS her security through alliances ,specifically ANZUS and SEATOand SEATO

• Australia adopted a foreign policy underpinned by Australia adopted a foreign policy underpinned by the logic of “forward defence”the logic of “forward defence”

• The Australian voters responded to fear of The Australian voters responded to fear of Communism ,by electing Robert Menzies who had Communism ,by electing Robert Menzies who had promoted the platform of “kicking the communist promoted the platform of “kicking the communist can”can”

• Introduced the Communist Party Dissolution Bill in Introduced the Communist Party Dissolution Bill in 1950. Claims that this was unconstitutional led to a 1950. Claims that this was unconstitutional led to a referendum in 1951 which was narrowly defeated.referendum in 1951 which was narrowly defeated.

• The Petrov AffairThe Petrov Affair• Formation of a new political Party –the DLP IN 1957Formation of a new political Party –the DLP IN 1957• Introduction of Conscription for the Vietnam WarIntroduction of Conscription for the Vietnam War

ANZUSANZUS The treaty came about following the close cooperation of The treaty came about following the close cooperation of the United States, Australia and New Zealand during the United States, Australia and New Zealand during World War II, during which time Australia had come perilously close to invasion by Japan The resulting treaty was concluded at The resulting treaty was concluded at San Francisco on 1 September 1951, and entered into force on 29 April 1952. The treaty bound the signatories to recognize that an armed attack in the Pacific area on any of them would endanger the peace and safety of the others. It committed them to consult in the event of a threat and, in the event of attack, to meet the common danger in accordance with their respective constitutional processes. Article III STATES

“ “The Parties will consult together whenever in the The Parties will consult together whenever in the opinion of any of them the territorial integrity, political opinion of any of them the territorial integrity, political independence or security of any of the Parties is threatened in independence or security of any of the Parties is threatened in the Pacific.” the Pacific.” What differences exist in language and meaning between What differences exist in language and meaning between NATO and ANZUS Treaties ?NATO and ANZUS Treaties ?

What was the purpose of the treaties Australia contracted during this period?

SEATO ,SEATO , alliance organized (1954) under the alliance organized (1954) under the Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty by Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty by representatives of Australia, France, Great Britain, New representatives of Australia, France, Great Britain, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, and the Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, and the United States. Established under Western auspices after United States. Established under Western auspices after the French withdrawal from Indochina, SEATO was the French withdrawal from Indochina, SEATO was created to oppose further Communist gains in Southeast created to oppose further Communist gains in Southeast Asia. The treaty was supplemented by a Pacific Charter, Asia. The treaty was supplemented by a Pacific Charter, affirming the rights of Asian and Pacific peoples to affirming the rights of Asian and Pacific peoples to equality and self-determination and setting forth goals of equality and self-determination and setting forth goals of economic, social, and cultural cooperation between the economic, social, and cultural cooperation between the member countries. The civil and military organizations member countries. The civil and military organizations established under the treaty had their headquarters in established under the treaty had their headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand. SEATO relied on the military forces of Bangkok, Thailand. SEATO relied on the military forces of member nations and joint maneuvers were held annually. member nations and joint maneuvers were held annually. SEATO’s principal role was to sanction the U.S. presence SEATO’s principal role was to sanction the U.S. presence in Vietnam, although France and Pakistan withheld in Vietnam, although France and Pakistan withheld support. Unable to intervene in Laos or Vietnam due to support. Unable to intervene in Laos or Vietnam due to its rule of unanimity, the future of the organization was in its rule of unanimity, the future of the organization was in doubt by 1973, and SEATO was ultimately disbanded in doubt by 1973, and SEATO was ultimately disbanded in 1977.1977.

The Communist Party The Communist Party Dissolution BillDissolution Bill

• Introduced into the House of Representatives on 27 April Introduced into the House of Representatives on 27 April 1950, the Communist Party Dissolution Bill was one of the 1950, the Communist Party Dissolution Bill was one of the most contentious pieces of legislation ever introduced in most contentious pieces of legislation ever introduced in Australia. Its main provisions made the Australian Australia. Its main provisions made the Australian Communist Party and associated organisations unlawful, Communist Party and associated organisations unlawful, dissolved them, and appointed a receiver to dispose of dissolved them, and appointed a receiver to dispose of their property. Persons who were members of the their property. Persons who were members of the Communist Party were to be ‘declared’, making them Communist Party were to be ‘declared’, making them ineligible for Commonwealth employment, holding office in ineligible for Commonwealth employment, holding office in a trade union, or working in certain industries. Although a a trade union, or working in certain industries. Although a ‘declared’ person could appeal to the High Court, the onus ‘declared’ person could appeal to the High Court, the onus of proof would be on such persons to prove their innocence of proof would be on such persons to prove their innocence

• The legality of the legislation was successful challenged in The legality of the legislation was successful challenged in the High Court and a move to amend the constitution, to the High Court and a move to amend the constitution, to grant Parliament powers to ban the Communist Party, was grant Parliament powers to ban the Communist Party, was defeated at a referendum in September 1951. defeated at a referendum in September 1951.

Thumbs Down- and UpThumbs Down- and UpThe Communist Dissolution The Communist Dissolution

BillBill

Culture of 007Culture of 007

• Espionage was a very important part of the secret Espionage was a very important part of the secret conflict carried out during the Cold War. The conflict carried out during the Cold War. The Soviet intelligence agency (KGB and its Soviet intelligence agency (KGB and its predecessors) was successful in penetrating some predecessors) was successful in penetrating some sensitive areas of the US and other Western sensitive areas of the US and other Western governments. This was usually done with the governments. This was usually done with the cooperation of citizens in Western countries or by cooperation of citizens in Western countries or by Soviet diplomats..Soviet diplomats..

• The Cold War was a time characterised by strongly The Cold War was a time characterised by strongly held convictions regarding the vast ideological held convictions regarding the vast ideological chasm between the communist and democratic chasm between the communist and democratic worlds. In this environment, defectors were often worlds. In this environment, defectors were often held up as trophies that testified to the bankruptcy held up as trophies that testified to the bankruptcy of one system and the virtue of another.of one system and the virtue of another.

Russian guards drag the wife of Russian diplomat Vladimir Petrov to a plane at Sydney airport to take her back to Russia. The publication of this photo by the Australian media helped Menzies win the 1954 federal

election.

While carrying out his spying duties, Petrov soon came to the attention of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), Australia’s recently formed intelligence service. ASIO had been formed in 1949, primarily to investigate what was known as ‘The Case’. The Case concerned leaks of information from the Australian Department of External Affairs to the Soviet Union.Part-time ASIO agent, doctor, violinist and Polish emigré Michael Bialoguski was an eccentric yet key player in Petrov’s defection. Bialoguski met Petrov at the Russian Social Club in Sydney and the two became friends. Petrov didn’t suspect Bialoguski’s ASIO connection and confided in him about his troubles at the Soviet Embassy. Bialoguski was the first person to alert ASIO to the possibility that Petrov might want to defectOn April 3 1954, Vladimir Petrov defected to Australia under top secret conditions. He was taken to a safe house on Sydney’s north shore. Only a few ASIO officers knew of the defection and even his wife, Evdokia, was unaware of her husband’s decision Once the Soviet Embassy became aware of Petrov’s defection it accused Australian authorities of kidnapping him. They quickly took Evdokia from her house in Lockyer Street, Griffith and effectively placed her under house arrest at the Soviet Embassy. Two armed couriers from Moscow arrived to escort her back to Russia (and, presumably, punishment and possibly death). By the time Mrs Petrov arrived at the airport a large, enraged crowd had gathered to ‘save her’ ASIO contacted the pilot by radio and Colonel Charles Spry, Director-General of ASIO, made arrangements to approach Mrs Petrov in Darwin so that, if she wished, she could seek asylum in Australia

The Affair

‘ ‘ Witnesses of Truth”Witnesses of Truth”• On April 13, the eve of the last Parliamentary sitting day before the On April 13, the eve of the last Parliamentary sitting day before the

1954 election campaign, Prime Minister Robert Menzies announced 1954 election campaign, Prime Minister Robert Menzies announced the defection of Vladimir Petrov. He called for a Royal Commission to the defection of Vladimir Petrov. He called for a Royal Commission to investigate evidence of espionage contained in the documents Petrov investigate evidence of espionage contained in the documents Petrov brought with him brought with him

• Leader of the Opposition, H V Evatt came to believe that the Petrov Leader of the Opposition, H V Evatt came to believe that the Petrov defections were part of a sinister conspiracy devised by Menzies, defections were part of a sinister conspiracy devised by Menzies, ASIO and Catholic anti-communist elements inside the Labor Party to ASIO and Catholic anti-communist elements inside the Labor Party to secure a Coalition victory at the 1954 election. Members of Evatt’s secure a Coalition victory at the 1954 election. Members of Evatt’s staff had been named in the Petrov documents. He claimed they were staff had been named in the Petrov documents. He claimed they were forgeries sold by Petrov to the government to damage the Labor forgeries sold by Petrov to the government to damage the Labor Party. .Party. .

• On September 7 1954, after a series of extraordinary outbursts the On September 7 1954, after a series of extraordinary outbursts the Commissioners withdrew Evatt’s leave to appear before the Royal Commissioners withdrew Evatt’s leave to appear before the Royal Commission. They argued that he was representing his own political Commission. They argued that he was representing his own political interests as Leader of the Opposition and not his clients’ interests. interests as Leader of the Opposition and not his clients’ interests. Evatt’s suspicion of a conspiracy deepened as a result of his dismissal.Evatt’s suspicion of a conspiracy deepened as a result of his dismissal.

• The final report of the Royal Commission was released on September The final report of the Royal Commission was released on September 14 1955. It concluded that the Petrov documents were genuine and 14 1955. It concluded that the Petrov documents were genuine and that the Petrovs were ‘witnesses of truth’. However no prosecutions that the Petrovs were ‘witnesses of truth’. However no prosecutions were recommended as a result of the inquiry.were recommended as a result of the inquiry.

Dr H V EvattDr H V Evatt

• Dr Herbert Evatt claimed Dr Herbert Evatt claimed to be anti-communist, yet to be anti-communist, yet he acted for the he acted for the Communist Party in its Communist Party in its High Court challenge High Court challenge

• Failing to win the next Failing to win the next election, Dr Evatt, made election, Dr Evatt, made a scathing attack on the a scathing attack on the Labor Party, leading to a Labor Party, leading to a split and the subsequent split and the subsequent formation of the DLPformation of the DLP

• The Petrov Affair also The Petrov Affair also divided the Labor Partydivided the Labor Party

Royal CommissionRoyal Commission• The Royal Commission concluded its The Royal Commission concluded its

hearings in March 1955. In September hearings in March 1955. In September 1955 the commissioners released their 1955 the commissioners released their decision to the parliament. The following decision to the parliament. The following three things were resolved.three things were resolved.

• The Petrov Papers were authentic documents The Petrov Papers were authentic documents and the Petrovs were truthful witnesses. and the Petrovs were truthful witnesses.

• From its establishment in 1943 to its From its establishment in 1943 to its departure in 1954, the Soviet Embassy in departure in 1954, the Soviet Embassy in Canberra had been used for Soviet espionage Canberra had been used for Soviet espionage in Australia in Australia

• The only Australians who knowing assisted The only Australians who knowing assisted Soviet espionage were communists.[Soviet espionage were communists.[

B J Santa MariaB J Santa Maria• Evatt’s position on the Petrov Affair inflamed Evatt’s position on the Petrov Affair inflamed

existing divisions within the Labor Party. The existing divisions within the Labor Party. The anti-Communist Right of the Party bitterly anti-Communist Right of the Party bitterly opposed the conspiracy theory that Evatt opposed the conspiracy theory that Evatt mounted at the Petrov Royal Commission. They mounted at the Petrov Royal Commission. They believed his conspiracy theory amounted to a believed his conspiracy theory amounted to a defence of Communism..defence of Communism..

• After a series of dramatic meetings, involving After a series of dramatic meetings, involving fist-fights and wild accusations, disagreement fist-fights and wild accusations, disagreement became violent dissent within the caucus. On became violent dissent within the caucus. On October 6 1954 Evatt charged the Catholic October 6 1954 Evatt charged the Catholic group, The Movement, led by B A Santamaria, group, The Movement, led by B A Santamaria, with being part of the conspiracy against him. with being part of the conspiracy against him. Evatt believed The Movement was directing a Evatt believed The Movement was directing a small group within the ALP to subvert the small group within the ALP to subvert the

PartyParty. .

Verdict of HistoryVerdict of History• In 1984, thirty years after the Affair, the ASIO files on In 1984, thirty years after the Affair, the ASIO files on

Petrov and the records of the Royal Commission were Petrov and the records of the Royal Commission were made available to historians. In 1987 the historian Robert made available to historians. In 1987 the historian Robert Manne published The Petrov Affair: Politics and Manne published The Petrov Affair: Politics and Espionage, which gave the first full account of the Affair. Espionage, which gave the first full account of the Affair. He showed that Evatt's suspicions were unfounded, that He showed that Evatt's suspicions were unfounded, that Menzies and Spry had been telling the truth, that there Menzies and Spry had been telling the truth, that there had been no conspiracy, and that Evatt's own conduct had had been no conspiracy, and that Evatt's own conduct had been mainly responsible for subsequent political events.been mainly responsible for subsequent political events.

• But Manne also showed that although there had been But Manne also showed that although there had been some Soviet espionage in Australia, there was no major some Soviet espionage in Australia, there was no major Soviet spy ring, and that most of the documents given by Soviet spy ring, and that most of the documents given by Petrov to ASIO contained little more than political gossip Petrov to ASIO contained little more than political gossip which could have been compiled by any journalist. This which could have been compiled by any journalist. This included the notorious "Document J" which had been included the notorious "Document J" which had been written by Fergan O'Sullivan, a member of Evatt's staff, written by Fergan O'Sullivan, a member of Evatt's staff, and passed to Petrov. Despite Manne's research, many on and passed to Petrov. Despite Manne's research, many on the left continue to believe in a Petrov conspiracy.the left continue to believe in a Petrov conspiracy.

Australian Foreign Policy- Australian Foreign Policy- “ Forward Defense ”“ Forward Defense ”

• Forward Defence suggested that it was Forward Defence suggested that it was better to face enemies in battle long before better to face enemies in battle long before they reach the shores of Australia.they reach the shores of Australia.

• Australia had sent troops to fight against the Australia had sent troops to fight against the communist North Korea in the Korean War communist North Korea in the Korean War 1950-53.1950-53.

• Menzies was a firm believer in the policy of Menzies was a firm believer in the policy of containment. Menzies told Parliament in containment. Menzies told Parliament in 1965;’ The takeover of South Vietnam would 1965;’ The takeover of South Vietnam would be a direct military threat to Australia”.be a direct military threat to Australia”.

Australia’s relationship Australia’s relationship with Indonesiawith Indonesia

“Australia's defence and foreign policy during the post war period cannot be fully understood without reference to Indonesia." Greg Pembarton-

1. The Dutch had controlled Indonesia for 300 years, but in 1949, with Australian support the Independent nation of Indonesia came into being

2. From 1949-1963 the country was led by President Sukarno, however economic problems and internal racial and religious conflict caused chronic instability.

3. In 1963 Indonesia launched a policy of confrontation, to destroy the newly created state of Malaysia. Australia’s response was to support Malaysia militarily

4. As well Indonesia had taken control of West Papua New Guinea

5. In 1965 an alleged communist attempt to seize power led to hundreds of thousands of deaths and the eventual overthrow of Sukarno

Australia’s commitment to the US in Korea and Vietnam was not just about fulfilling Alliance commitments but ensuring that America was drawn into the South East Asian Area. Given the proximity to Australia of an unstable Indonesia, with pro Communist elements, Gareth Evans, future Labor foreign minister said; ‘The Australian desire to see the United States actively engaged in the security of South East Asia was ..understandable.”

“ That old arm twister, Lyndon Baines Johnson, did not, as is the widely held belief, force Australia into the war in April 1965. Indeed, documents in the US archives confirm that, when America appeared to be wavering early that year on whether to commit ground troops, Australia applied pressure to involve the US more heavily in the war.” The National Times 1975

Politicians and PartiesPoliticians and Parties

Domino TheoryDomino Theory

• Source: Sydney Source: Sydney Morning Herald, Morning Herald, Thursday, 24 Thursday, 24 November 1966, p. 5November 1966, p. 5

• To what extent was To what extent was Vietnam as much Vietnam as much about internal about internal political conflict as political conflict as external conflict?external conflict?

1965 Sir Paul Hasluck, Minister for External Affairs"What is happening in South East Asia today is not a local, temporary or isolated situation. It is part of the rivalry of power and the ideological contest which is taking place throughout the world. It is part of the stream of events continuing into the future. In both of those contests the most significant factor in Asia is China".

US State Department; "In Vietnam, a Communist government has set out deliberately to conquer a sovereign people in a neighboring state..[by a] carefully planned program of concealed aggression ... as real as that of an invading army. The war in Vietnam is not a spontaneous and local rebellion against the established government".

Sir Robert Menzies; “ The Australian government is now in receipt of a request from the government of South Vietnam for furthur military assistance. We have decided- and this has been after close consultation with the government of the US-to provide an infantry battalian….this represents the most useful additional contribution which we can make to the defence of the region at this time.”

Prime Minister Menzies announces the Australian troop Commitment to the Vietnam War, 29 April 1965

“The Australian Government is now in receipt of a request from the Government of South Vietnam for further military assistance.We have decided – and this has been after close consultation with the Government of the United States – to provide an infantry battalion for service in South Vietnam ...There can be no doubt of the gravity of the situation in South Vietnam. There is ample evidence to show that with the support of the North Vietnamese regime and other Communist powers, the Viet Cong has been preparing on a more substantial scale insurgency action designed to destroy South Vietnamese Government control, and to disrupt by violence the life of the local people – whatever you say about the Government, the local people matter ...The takeover of South Vietnam would be a direct military threat to Australia and all the countries of South and SouthEast Asia.It must be seen as part of a thrust by Communist China between the Indian and Pacific Oceans.”© Extract from The Age, Friday 30 April 1965, p 1 #

In 1995, following the opening of Cabinet Papers under “the thirty year rule” much of what Menzies had said was untrue. Diem had not asked Australia for help and had in fact tried to dissuade Australia from becoming involved.Furthur, the commitment of advisors was at Menzies strong insistence

President Johnson’s visit to Australia in 1966

‘ All the Way with LBJ’ -Harold Holt

DominoTheory

Liberal Policy of

Anti

Comm.

Policyof

ForwardDefence

RelationshipWith

Indonesia

AllianceCommitments

SEATOANZUS

SupportofUS

Fear ofCommunism

reasons

Reasons for Australia’s Involvement in Vietnam

IDEOLOGICAL

STRATEGIC POLITICAL

MILITARY