The Federal Council of the Australian Country Party was calling for a four-power treaty for the control of Manus Island as a military base on this day in 1954.
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At a meeting in Canberra, the council said it would ask the Commonwealth government to request that Australia, New Zealand, Britain and the United States control the rebuilding, administration and military control of Manus.
"Each power would contribute equipment, finance and personnel," a story on the front page of The Canberra Times said.
"The council decided to seek an amendment to the constitution to prevent compulsory unionism.
"Council will consider a proposal to print the Country Party platform and policy in foreign languages for issue to newly naturalised citizens."
A referendum to amend the constitution was set to be held at the next Senate elections. An Australian naval base, HMAS Tarangau, was formally established on Manus Island in 1950.
It's two major functions were to provide fuel and communications facilities for the Royal Australian Navy and train the Papua-New Guinea Division in maintaining and operating a coastal force.
