The decision to send nz troops to vietnam
NZ solider presented with garland. Photograph taken by Associated Press- Key Idea: The decision to send NZ troops to Vietnam was a key short term cause of the Anti-Vietnam War Protest Movement in NZ.
The ANZUS Alliance was signed by Australia, New Zealand and the US in 1951 and was a key cause in the decision to send NZ troops to Vietnam. The ANZUS treaty ensured collective security, whereby each nation could provide support to the other in the face of threats and breaches of peace in the Pacific region and from communism. This reflected the strengthening of defense ties with the USA, although there was public concern this could show disloyalty to our traditional ally, the British.
Following ANZUS, in 1954 as a founding member New Zealand signed the SEATO agreement (South East Asian Treaty Organisation, or Manila Treaty) alongside Australia, France, Pakistan, Thailand, the Phillippines, the United Kingdom and USA. New Zealand shared the Anglo-American concerns over the domino theory and this would attempt to block communist expansion, hiding under the appearance of improving the regions social and economic conditions.
When the decision was made to send US troops to Vietnam a request was made for both Australian and New Zealand troops despite having sufficient military capability. The USA wanted political support, with what it termed ‘a strong show of flags’. New Zealand was initially reluctant. The Prime Minister at the time Keith Holyoake was characterised by looking for the greatest gains at the least cost, making him cautious in regards to foreign policy. New Zealand also doubted how much of an impact could really be made by external intervention as the Diem regime was unstable and the Viet Cong powerful. Holyoake says 'external on any scale would seem unable to lead a significant improvement in the security situation'. Concerns were also raised that a larger war would be created including China. Anti-war activists wanted NZ to take on a humanitarian role only.
Australia had already sent a group of military advisers and finally in 1962 after repeated requests from the US, NZ followed with a civilian surgical team. This team would operate for the following 12 years at Qui Nhon in Binh Dinh province. No troops were sent however at this early stage with Holyoake maintaining the troops were needed in Malaya where the Malayan Communist Party had attempted to overthrow the British colonial administration, however after 12 years the communists were defeated in 1960. In June 1964 the continuing pressure became too much and NZ’s involvement was increased with Holyoake sending a non-combatant engineer unit of 25. This unit was based at Thu Dau Mot, the capital of Binh Duong province, building roads and bridges.
As the war escalated in the mid-1960’s the US called for more combat assistance. Holyoake was very reluctant with the successful outcome of the war unlikely and New Zealand’s limited military resources unable to change it. However, having signed the ANZUS and SEATO agreements, the effects of not supporting the US and to in the word of Holyoake 'walk out on making the political gesture' had the potential to 'place our reliability as an ally in some doubt' and New Zealand’s post-war security which was of great importance.
- Key Idea: The involvement of NZ troops in the Vietnam War was an immediate cause of the Anti-Vietnam War Protest Movement in NZ.