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Bob Bowker: ‘The Decline of an Empire to which Australians Largely Wished Still to Belong’ Menzies and the Suez Crisis

29 October marks the 65th anniversary of the start of the Suez Conflict, during which Israeli, French and British troops attacked Egypt in an attempt to regain control of the Suez Canal which had been nationalised by Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser. The invasion quickly turned into a great imbroglio for the latter two invading powers, who were repudiated by the United States and forced to withdraw under pressure from America, the Soviet Union, and the United Nations. In the aftermath, a humiliated Britain was left to reassess its dwindling status as a world power, with significant consequences for Australia both strategically and emotionally.

The Suez Conflict was the culmination of the early stages of the Suez Crisis, the immediate aftermath of the nationalisation during which the interested parties tried to negotiate a solution. It was in this complex and tense situation that Robert Menzies took on a central role on the global stage, acting as the leader of an international committee which sought to convince Nasser to allow an international body to operate the canal. Menzies’s actions were motivated by his heart rather than his head, and he was blindsided by the subsequent invasion. The episode is a tremendous lesson on the importance of strategic thinking, departmental advice, and the difficulties involved in getting that advice heeded.

Joining us to discuss the Suez Crisis is the author of Australia, Menzies and Suez: Australian Policymaking on the Middle East Before, During and After the Suez Crisis, Dr Bob Bowker. Bob is a specialist on the Middle East and Islamic issues and a former Adjunct Professor of the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies at ANU. Prior to this, he served with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, undertaking five postings in the Middle East, including as Australian Ambassador to Jordan (1989-92) and as Australian Ambassador to Egypt (2005-08).