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Abstract
The problem investigated by this thesis is the Self Containment Policy for
munitions supply in Australia 1901-1945. The thesis examines how the policy
was applied, and whether it succeeded in its goal of securing munitions supply
in Australia during a major conflict.
The procedures followed have been to examine the records of the Department
of Defence, the Department of Supply and Development, and the Department
of Munitions. The records of other federal government departments
were also investigated to supplement the documentary record contained in the
first three departments. Personal papers in the Australian War Memorial, and
National Library of Australia were also utilised to fill in gaps in knowledge. A
significant number of personal interviews with surviving figures of the Self Containment
Policy were also a valuable source of information. Newspapers were
used sparingly. The Self Containment Policy was hardly ever a public issue,
and was usually incorrectly reported by the public media. Secondary published
sources were not especially helpful. The Self Containment Policy has never been
of much interest to historians and scholars.
It has been possible to write a detailed account of the politics and
administration of the Self Containment Policy. The policy as administered by
the Munitions Supply Board, was well thought out, and ultimately successful
in supplying the quantity and quality of munitions required for the defence of
Australia during the Second World War.