New Zealand's Unexpected Opening to Asia: John Reid and the Making of the Colombo Plan, 1949-52

Date

2019

Authors

Reid, Anthony

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

New Zealand Asian Studies Society

Abstract

Post-war New Zealand was reluctant to follow Australia’s activism on combatting communism in Asia through assistance to the ex-colonies. In early 1950 its government was cool towards what was at first known as the ‘Spender Plan’ for Asia, and refused to commit any money. Nevertheless John Reid, who led the party of NZ officials involved in preparing the agenda for the crucial Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Sydney in May 1950, effectively allied with Asian delegates to rescue ‘Technical Assistance’ from an otherwise disastrous British-Australian conflict. Despite itself, New Zealand played a very constructive role in the emergence of the Colombo Plan.

Description

Keywords

Colombo Plan, John Reid, New Zealand, Asia, Indonesia

Citation

Source

New Zealand Journal of Asian Studies

Type

Journal article

Book Title

Entity type

Access Statement

Free Access via publisher website

License Rights

DOI

Restricted until

2099-12-31

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