The rude shock when I found the Brits had quietly ‘ restricted’ my book

We’re not as free as we might care to think, warns Randall Doyle

IT came to my attention, via email, that my last book, The Australian Nexus: At the Center of the Storm, had been bought by many of the major research libraries in America. The Ivy League. Many of the Tier 1 universities. This was not unexpected because these institutions had bought many of my previous publications. Their libraries also held online many of my academic articles and op- ed pieces as well.

But when my friend did a search of British universities and institutions, the result was disturbing. Why? Because my book was discovered at only two British institutions: Oxford University’s Bodleian Library and The British Library. Well, most writers would be thrilled to have their books in these prestigious libraries. And, yes, I was grateful. But there’s a problem.

When I did the search myself what I discovered flummoxed me. My new book, The Australian Nexus, was not readily available to the British public. In fact, at both the Bodleian Library and The British Library there was a restriction put on my book by the British government.

On first glance, I found myself staring at this “regulation of access” that was printed in red.

In the electronic card catalogues at the Bodleian Library and The British Library, various Dewey Decimal classifications were applied to my book. This process is, of course, normal for all books in their collections. However, what grabbed my attention was the following advisory — added to my book — in red: UK Legislation Regulates Access.

This advisory was applied at both libraries.

To be absolutely honest, my initial reaction was, “What the hell is this?”

After the initial shock that my book had been restricted by the British government. I investigated what this meant in terms of scholars and students wanting to have access to, or read, my work.

I soon learned that the process was exactly the same at both libraries.

First, an individual had to ask for my book — specifically — from a librarian who worked in the department regarding restricted materials.

Second, the book could only be read on one of the libraries’ designated PCs.

Finally, the book could only be read on one of the libraries’ designated PCs in one of their designated reading rooms.

Needless to say, I was completely taken aback by these access guidelines. What on earth had I written about that would draw this type of unwanted attention from the British government?

I immediately went to the bookshelf in my study to retrieve a copy of The Australian Nexus.

After examining it, I believe the book drew the ire of the UK government for the following reasons:

First, in chapter two, Gough Whitlam: The Death of an Australian Politician, I wrote, in great detail, about the Dismissal of November 11, 1975. I used a variety of sources that were available in 2018. I addressed the role played by

the CIA, the Australian Establishment, Marshall Green and I introduced Ray Martin’s ABC interview of Christopher Boyce in 1988, concerning the coup that removed Whitlam from power.

And, I also mentioned how President Jimmy Carter, in 1977, sent an emissary to apologise to Gough Whitlam, at a meeting at the Sydney international Airport concerning US interference in Australian politics.

Second, I wrote that it was time for Australia to exercise greater independence in its foreign policy. Henceforth, Australia had to begin representing its own national interests, and not those of the UK or the US.

I might have ruffled a few feathers in the US and UK governments, but I stand by that analysis. Point of fact, it is time for Australia to embrace a more independent course.

Finally, I wrote about the sophisticated US Space Program constructed at the Naval Communications Station Harold E. Holt in Western Australia.

It is going to be the intelligence partner of the US Pine Gap facility. The former will focus on communications in space, and the latter will serve as the communications hub for US military operations on Earth. In theory, Australia benefits from both facilities.

Upon retrospect, I can understand why the British government restricted access to my book. But, Australia’s foreign policy, in truth, is still not its own. When I surveyed the libraries of major unis in Australia, only the University of New South Wales and Monash University had a copy of The Australian Nexus.

The 45th anniversary of the Dismissal is fast approaching.

Professor Jenny Hocking just published a new book that focuses on the recently released Queen’s letters concerning that fateful day. The anniversary and Prof Hocking’s book will be painful reminders for many Aussies who learned their democracy was not their own.