Sir Robert Menzies

Posted in 1950

  • Prime Minister Robert Menzies with his wife Pat and daughter HeatherAwarded the Legion of Merit (Chief Commander) by US President Truman for "exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services 1941-1944 and December 1949-July 1950. Signed 28th July 1950."
  • In six weeks Menzies had visits to Singapore, Ceylon, Pakistan, Egypt, Rome, London, Washington, Ottawa, Tokyo and Wellington.
    Waikato Times, 21 August 1950
  • Menzies "is possibly better versed in defence aspects than any other Commonwealth leader today."
    Northern Advocate, Whangarei, 21 August 1950
  • Prime Minister Menzies addresses US Congress on Korea:Legion of Merit

"We, as you know, in Australia are not rich in manpower. We feel that our people when they go to war are first class fighters.

But in my talks with your leaders here it has been completely agreed that the time factor is so important in Korea. That a comparatively small force speedily prepared and despatched is better than a larger force postponed for many months."

  • "Menzies accepted the widely held fear that Soviet rulers were co-ordinating plans to defeat the West. He came back from extensive travels ... convinced of the possibility that Australia might have only three years to prepare for a third world war."
    Allan Martin in Australian Prime Ministers, 2000 p 195.