International Peace Campaign

The International Peace Campaign, nationally presided by Judge Foster, materialised in Australia in early 1936. It followed in the footsteps of the peace movement in Britain and the ‘socialist-inspired’ popular front movement in France and had branches in 40 nations.[1] It emerged with the aim of co-ordinating pacifist organisations and anti-war groups within Australia and supported the League of Nations. Consequential to increasing fears of another world war, the International Peace Campaign represents a ‘last-ditch attempt’ in confronting threats of war and fascism.[2] For this reason, great efforts were taken to mobilize public opinion in support of disarmament and peace as well as the League. It was founded by Lord Cecil of Britain and a French Jurist named Pierre Cot. The inaugural Australian Peace Congress of 1937 was held at the Melbourne Exhibition Building from 16 – 19 September. The public meeting was graced by the presence of Mr Arthur Henderson, a member of the House of Commons. It was the first open meeting of the International Peace Campaign in which Australian peace groups, such as the Teacher’s Peace Movement and the Melbourne Peace Society, met with the aim of unifying and celebrating the peace movement.