Secret Treaties and Other International Agreements

In Secret Treaties and Other International Agreements, Peter C. Lundy explores the relationship between formal treaties under international law and documents of lesser status, commonly known as memorandums of understanding. The book critically examines the gaps in diplomatic policy, with a particular focus on the Australian Government’s casual approach to these non-treaty documents.

Featuring original copies of the historic Five Eyes Agreement between the British Government and the United States, the book offers a unique perspective on significant international relations. Lundy delves into the consequences of relying on such agreements, notably highlighting the atomic bomb tests at Maralinga in South Australia. Beyond identifying these issues, the book proposes methods to address the inconsistencies in how the Australian Government handles non-treaty documents. It also compares the approaches of other nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Community, offering solutions to the challenges Australia has faced in the past.