The strong anti-communist stand taken by the Menzies liberal government in the 1950'2 and 1960's led to Australia taking active part in the politics of the south East Asian region. In august 1962, thirty Australian Army Instructors arrived to assist in training the South Vietnamese Army.
Menzies believed in the "forward defense" policy which was based on "it is better to fight over there than here". After Australia's experience with the Japanese in World War 2, we were ready to support the US in the fight against aggressive communist behavior.
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