AUSTRALIA AND VIETNAM
On the 29th of April 1965, Australia Prime Minister Menzies formally announced Australia's participation in the Vietnam War and explained it in the following terms:
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 trust by Communist China between the India and Pacific Oceans.
Furthermore, Menzies highlighted that Australia's commitment was a direct response to the request of South Vietnam Government. Although, Menzies took trouble to emphasize the independence of Australia's decision and commitment, he flourished President's Johnson's letter of appreciation rather ostentatiously. But, political statements being political contain only shades of truth.
Since then historians have debated on factors leading to Australia's involvement. Peter Edwards views the Vietnam commitment as a 'culmination of twenty years of Australian involvement in Southeast Asia.' As such, he feels that the Indonesia Confrontation had sizeable ramifications on Australia's Vietnam decision. …
