Reasons for Australia’s involvement

Treaties and AlliancesSEATO and ANZUS

Threat of IndonesiaInsurance for Australia’s security

Containment policyThe Global threat of Communism

Forward Defence PolicyMenzies Believed in Fighting his enemies on

their turf

Menzies Believed that it was better to meet the threat on foreign soil.

Fighting in Vietnam meant Australia’s land, economy, and her civilian population would not be harmed.

Menzies was a strong opponent of Communism.

He showed this through:His attempt to ban the Communist PartyThe way he used the Petrov affair to his

advantageHis belief in the Domino theory

Menzies used his power to protect Democracy and Capitalism.

In the mid 60’s Australia’s greatest threat was Indonesia, not Vietnam.

By supporting the United States in Vietnam, Australia ensured that the United States would defend her against Indonesia should the need arise.

Australia has signed two treaties as a result of the threat of Communism in the 50’s

Although Australia was not obligated to enter the Vietnam War because of ANZUS and SEATO, Menzies believed that it was Australia’s duty as an ally