With a hat tip to Tony Cunneen in Sydney, we were made aware of a folder in the National Archives of Australia: Netherlands Legation – Tasman Tercentennial (NAA: A6661.180).
It begins with suggestions made in April 1942 to find an appropriate way to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Abel Tasman’s ‘discovery’ of Tasmania. Remarkably, this idea gained significant traction at the highest levels, culminating in a formal commemoration at Australia House in London on 24 November 1942—close to the anniversary of Tasman’s landing.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Professor Dr. Pieter Sjoerds Gerbrandy, who led the Dutch government-in-exile based in London. Representing Australia was Stanley Melbourne Bruce, the Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and a former Prime Minister of Australia. Also present were the Agents-General of all the Australian states, the British Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, and various high-ranking military and civil officials based in the UK.
The correspondence from this period provides fascinating insights into diplomatic protocol, particularly concerning messages sent by King George VI of the United Kingdom and Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands.
At the time, the Dutch community in Australia was relatively small, as the large wave of post-war Dutch migration had yet to occur. However, World War II had forged stronger ties between Australia and the Netherlands, with both nations fighting as Allies. The wartime challenges faced by the Netherlands and the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) were also acknowledged in the event’s discussions.
Among the notable attendees was Dr. Hubertus van Mook, head of the Netherlands East Indies government-in-exile, which was based in Australia. His presence underscored the complex geopolitical situation of the time, as the Netherlands was at war on two fronts—against Germany in Europe and Japan in the Pacific.
This commemorative event highlights an important moment in the shared history of Australia and the Netherlands, reflecting both nations’ deepening relationship during World War II.
Below is the link to this interesting folder.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=420682
