The German Democratic Republic and Australia

This article covers the development of relations between the German Democratic Republic (GDR) and Australia through the full course of the GDR's existence, but with an emphasis on events leading to mutual diplomatic recognition in December 1972. It argues that as minor powers within their respective Cold War blocs the GDR and Australia had very limited room for manoeuvre, yet within those limitations both sides adopted a good deal of pragmatism in cultivating political, cultural, sporting and above all trade relations. Although the conservative Australian government which was voted out of office in early December 1972 consistently resisted pressure to recognize the GDR, the new Labor government under Gough Whitlam was able to build on the pragmatic foundations for an expanded relationship laid in preceding years. Nonetheless, Whitlam moved rapidly and with a boldness which indicated a clear new direction in Australian foreign policy under his leadership. Diplomatic recognition did not, however, necessarily bring with it improved relations in other spheres, indeed the possibilities for improved trade remained largely unfulfilled through to the GDR's demise.