Great Britain - Politics & Government, Diplomatic Relations, World War II, British History - General & Miscellaneous

Menzies and Churchill at War

Name: Menzies and Churchill at War
Author: David Day
ISBN: 9780195535594

by David Day

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Overview

In 1941, in the midst of British defeats in Greece and the Middle East, a bitter conflict was taking place between two of the most charismatic leaders of the time, Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of Britain, and Robert Menzies, Prime Minister of Australia. At issue were the conflicting demands of prosecuting the war while protecting the Empire—yet in later years both leaders sought to gloss over their violent division over the best course of action. Drawing on meticulous and original research into private papers and diaries, David Day outlines in highly readable fashion their fascinating struggle for power.

About the Author, David Day

David Day has written widely on the Second World War and Australian history, and is the author of Reluctant Nation (OUPA, 1992) and The Great Betrayal (OUPA, 1988).

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Editorials

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Australian historian Day presents startling evidence that Australian prime minister Robert Menzies sought to remove Winston Churchill from power during World War II. Early in the war Menzies believed that Churchill was about to subordinate Britain in an alliance with the Americans that would supersede the Empirethat he was ``selling out'' Great Britain to ensure victory over the Nazis. Menzies favored a negotiated peace. Angered by Churchill's unwillingness to divert defense resources to Australia and shaken by Britain's military defeats in Greece and the Middle East, Menzies agitated for a Dominion-inclusive war cabinet in London. As a member of that cabinet he hoped to remove Churchill from his position of undisputed power and rescue the Empire from apparent catastrophe. Day describes how Churchill, with the crucial support of Canadian prime minister Mackenzie King, blocked Menzies' path before the imminent showdown. Photos. (November 5)