Australia - International

Australia’s role in promoting international peace was always going to be challenging due in part to the newness of the country, the size of its population and its geographic isolation. Following Australia’s participation in the Great War and its pursuance of peace alongside the League, Australia became increasingly involved in international relations and foreign policies. This exhibit offers an array of archives with relation to Australia and its relations with both Japan and Spain.

Japan was regarded as a Great Power, whose involvement was seen as essential to ensure the success of the League. Australia became involved in international relations with Japan through announcing a trade war against them on 22 May 1936 in order to protect British interests. [1]  The Japanese retaliated on 25 June 1936 with a boycott of Australian wheat, wool and flour and the international retaliations continued until a provisional agreement was signed for the duration of 18 months commencing 1 January 1937.[2] This was largely a result of  Japan abandoning the ‘gold standard’ in December 1931, which culminated in a 30% depreciation of the Yen in the last two weeks of December. Subsequently an exchange dumping duty as high as 65% was levied on Japanese goods and tensions rose due to these high import duties.[3]  Moreover, Japan and Australia had differing values with regard racial equality. Australia, notably Prime Minister Hughes, pushed for the prevention of a racial equality clause, while Japan proposed a racial equality clause be included in the Covenant.[4]

Comparatively, Australia participated in international discussions with regard the Spanish Refugee Crisis following their civil war. The Spanish Civil War was fought between the Republicans and the Nationalists (with Fascist support) and the Republicans received international support in their fight against Fascism. The Australian labour government promoted principles against Fascism and War throughout the interwar period and implored the International Peace Campaign to offer support in the Refugee Crisis.