Austalia's Secret Zionist: Doc Evatt's Crucial Role in the Establishment of Israel

This presents the story behind the involvement of Herbert Evatt, Australia's External Affairs Minister from 1941 to 1948, in the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. Doc Evatt's influence in the foundation of Israel ran parallel to Australia's need to establish itself as an important political player away from the gaze and influence of Britain. In February 1947, Britain turned Palestine over to the United Nations for the determination of its future. Within Australia at this time there was neither a Jewish nor an Arab vote of any electoral significance. During the early and mid-1940s, Evatt was befriended by a number of Australian Zionists who urged him to adopt a stance conducive to their cause.