Conscription II.

This is coolbert:

Conscription - - conclusion!

John Curtin!

During that period of the Second World War [WW2] the borders, the boundaries of what was defined as "Australia" being constantly expanded. OVERSEAS as was that term was defined now including territory and areas well beyond what was normally and ordinarily accepted as the traditional borders and boundaries of Australia. That conscript, the draftee now compelled and ordered to military service in a manner as was deemed necessary and proper, controversial and "hot button"!!

"hot button - - n. informal a. a controversial subject or issue that is likely to arouse strong emotions"

The Australian war time Prime Minister John Curtin requiring compulsory "overseas" military duty for others in a way he was personally opposed to during the First World War [WW1]!!

"during World War I he was a militant anti-conscriptionist . . . He was briefly imprisoned [one month?] for refusing to attend a compulsory medical examination, even though he knew he would fail the exam due to his very poor eyesight."

Curtin while a much younger man not only opposing "overseas" duty for Australian soldiers but conscription period!!

That definition of where Australia ends and the rest of the world begins constantly being revised during the war, again, the exigencies of the war and the peril as existed at the time mandating that this be so!!

"Curtin also expanded the terms of the Defence Act, so that conscripted Militia soldiers could be deployed outside Australia to 'such other territories in the South-west Pacific Area . . . as being territories associated with the defence of Australia'."

John Curtin generally speaking receives high marks for superior performance as PM during that period of WW2 AND MOST DESERVEDLY SO? Did what he felt was necessary at the time, high youthful exuberance and idealism from a former era tempered as they say by age and a willingness to accept the new circumstances for what they were?

Please note too that both President Roosevelt in the U.S. and John Curtin in Australia did not survive to see the end of the war. Both succumbing to the excess stress that accompanies leaderships in trying times and circumstances. NOT easy for anyone!

coolbert.