Post-war politics, 1945-1951

Component identifier:

Series 6

Content Summary:

Before World War II Cleland had been active in conservative politics. He was president (1936-1938) of the National Party of Western Australia and thrice stood unsuccessfully for the Legislative Assembly (1933, 1936 and 1939). On his return to Perth in mid-1945, he was elected vice-president of the State branch of the Liberal Party. Following the death of John Curtin in July 1945 Cleland contested the by-election for the seat of Fremantle in the House of Representatives but was unsuccessful. In October 1945 he was appointed Director of the Federal Secretariat of the Liberal Party, and in that position organized the effective 1949 campaign.

This series includes papers relating to post-war politics including the foundations of the Liberal Party of Australia, the Fremantle by-election, Cleland’s appointment as Director of the Federal Secretariat of the Liberal party (and later resignation), miscellaneous leaflets, reports and some personal letters.

Immediate source of acquisition:

The papers of Sir Donald Cleland were donated to the Library by Dame Rachel Cleland in 2002.

Names:

Donald Cleland

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