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Clip description
On 8 December 1941 John Curtin announces Australia is at war with Japan. He declares Australia must look to the United States rather than the United Kingdom for security.
Curator’s notes
The politics of war are analysed. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Curtin is concerned with the defence of Australia. In the most public of announcements he declares the United States and not traditional ally the United Kingdom as vital to Australia’s protection. It is extraordinary to think that the Australian prime minister did not have direct access to the US President in 1941.
Curtin’s direct statement concerning Australia’s security strategy created conflict with British prime minister Winston Churchill. Interviewed at the end of this section, Sir Harold White, Parliamentary Librarian of Australia 1947–60 and National Librarian 1960–70, describes Churchill and Curtin as men whose lives seemed destined to experience their finest hours as wartime leaders. Rare colour footage of first-aid drills is a highlight of the archival material in this clip.
