Media release

18 August 2008

Celebrating the Australia-United States Relationship

I am pleased on the Centenary of the first visit to Australia of the United States' Navy's Great White Fleet, to launch a new book by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Great White Fleet to Coral Sea: Naval Strategy and the Development of Australia-United States Relations, 1900–1945 explores the Australia-United States relationship through periods of peace, war and depression in the first half of the twentieth century and commemorates the development of the relationship.

The book provides an account of United States fleet visits in 1908, 1925 and 1941.

Over this time, the Pacific became a zone of competition and tension between the great powers of the day.

The book documents the special role United States fleet visits and naval strategy played in fostering the emerging bond between America and Australia.

It also examines the political, economic and strategic factors that culminated in the Alliance during World War II and the signing of the ANZUS Treaty in 1951.

The 100th anniversary of the visit of the Great White Fleet is an opportunity to reflect on the values Australia and the United States share and our enduring historical and cultural bonds, including shared sacrifice.

The Australia-United States Alliance has underpinned Australia's security, and that of our region, for over 60 years. It has addressed the contemporary strategic challenges of the day.

The book is available from the Historical Publications Officer in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (02 6261 1170 or dfat.publications@dfat.gov.au) or online at www.dfat.gov.au/publications

Media inquiries: Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555