Sir Frederick Sheddon And The Making Of Australian Defence Policy
'Defence Supremo' tells the little-known but dramatic story of the most powerful figure in Australian defence policy-making during a crucial period of the nation's history. Sir Frederick Shedden was Secretary of the Defence Department from 1937 to 1956 - including the Second World War, the onset of the Cold War and Australia's commitment to the Korean War and the Malayan Emergency.
Shedden's role went far beyond that of the traditional public servant. He was a central player in some of the most important events in Australian history. He was the key confidant of the Second World War Prime Ministers Robert Menzies and John Curtin, accompanying them in discussions with Prime Minister Winston Churchill and President Franklin Roosevelt. As secretary of the War Cabinet and the Advisory War Council, he was at the heart of the national defence effort when Australia was under threat of invasion. He became the trusted link between Curtin and American General Douglas MacArthur.
Shedden dominated the Australian defence organisation for two decades and, some argued, usurped the powers of the military chiefs. By the late 1940s terms such as "civilian commander-in-chief", "defence supremo" and "defence czar" were used about him.
Shedden's remarkable story is essential background for understanding the development of Australian defence organisation and policy, and has great relevance for current policy-makers.
