From Australia and New Zealand’s point of view at the time, ANZUS offered a protection against a possible future threat of Soviet or Chinese aggression. For the US, ANZUS represented a secure stake in the Pacific, as it sought to strengthen its alliances around the world, in its efforts to contain communist powers. ANZUS did not guarantee military support from the US, but provided for consultation in the event of an attack on any of the three countries. The treaty was also significant in that Australia joined the US in a regional security alliance that did not include its traditional ally, Britain.
In 1986, New Zealand banned the entry of US Navy ships into their ports in the belief that they were carrying nuclear weapons or were nuclear-powered. The US responded by suspending relations with New Zealand as a member of ANZUS. For Australia, this alliance with the US has continued to be a foundation of its defence policy. Photo: Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, 1952. The first meeting of ANZUS military representatives. Seated from the left: Lieutenant General S.F. Rowell, Admiral A.W. Radford and Major General W.G. Gentry. More; http://ow.ly/SsZrF
