CURTIN, CHURCHILL & ROOSEVELT
'The task ahead' by John Curtin, Sydney Morning Herald, 27 December 1941

 

Curtin broke from the traditional view that Australian foreign policy was best served by participating in Imperial foreign policy when he wrote:

Without any inhibitions of any kind, I make it quite clear that Australia looks to America, free of any pangs as to our traditional links or kinship with the United Kingdom. We know the problems that the United Kingdom faces...But we know that Australia can go and Britain can still hold on. [The task ahead, The Herald (Melbourne), 27 December 1941]

Curtin realised that Australia would not be able
to rely for its defence on Great Britain,
                        which was heavily involved in the European war.

PM John Curtin broadcasting to Australia on arrival in England, 30 April 1944. JCPML00409/14. 'No offence, mum, but I'm shifting to these here apron strings - at least for twenty-four hours' cartoon by John Frith. The Bulletin 31 December 1941.  

 

Wartime Relations

British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill
and American President Franklin Roosevelt
were strong leaders from two of the world's
most powerful countries. Australian prime
ministers had traditionally relied on being part
of the British Empire for their voice in world
affairs. Whilst still acknowledging the strong
links to Britain, Curtin fought to have Australia's
interests recognised and that increased
tensions between the three leaders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 John Curtin broadcasting for
 the BBC on his arrival in
 London, 1944.
 JCPML. Records of West
 Australian News Ltd.
 JCPML00409/14. Courtesy
West Australian News Ltd.

 Curtin: 'No offence, mum, but I'm shifting to these here apron strings - at least
for twenty-four hours' cartoon by John Frith.
The Bulletin 31 December 1941. Courtesy Frith Family.

  
John Curtin greeting Eleanor Roosevelt September 1943. JCPML00376/83 John & Elsie Curtin with American Ambassador Nelson Johnston and Gene Tunney, 1943. JCPML00376/94  
     
 Prime Minister John Curtin
 welcomes Eleanor Roosevelt
 to Australia, September
 1943.
 JCPML. Records of the
 Curtin family.
 JCPML00376/83.		 John and Elsie Curtin with American Ambassador Nelson Johnson (second from right) and heavyweight boxing champion, Gene Tunney, c. 1943.
JCPML. Records of the Curtin family. JCPML00376/94.

  
  PM John Curtin shaking hands with General Douglas MacArthur, Sydney 8 June 1943. JCPML00376/69  
     
   Prime Minister John Curtin
 shaking hands with General
 Douglas MacArthur,
 Sydney, 8 June 1943.
 JCPML. Records of the
 Curtin family.
 JCPML00376/69.