Editorial: John Curtin
All victims of war are not battle casualties.
It is no exaggeration to say that the deaths of President Roosevelt and Prime Minister John Curtin were attributable largely to the strain of war conditions and the heavy burdens thrown upon them.
Whatever their political colour, few will dispute that Australia owes much to John Curtin. There will be widespread and deep grief at the news of his untimely death.
John Curtin became Prime Minister at a critical stage of the war without a secure majority. The subsequent general election was an overwhelming vote of confidence in his government and a great tribute to him personally.
That tribute has been justified by the firm and farsighted leadership of John Curtin when Australia was threatened with invasion for the first time in her history. It was justified by the dignity and ability with which he represented his country in council with the leaders of great nations.
A lovable personality was John Curtin the man. He disliked all ostentation and shunned social display. He was armoured with impregnable integrity.
Yes, a great debt is owed to John Curtin. Let us not forget it.