A leftward tilt Down Under could disrupt U. S. defenses.

The article contends that a shift towards an Australian Labor government could have disruptive implications for Washington's strategic planning. The author cites the possibility of certain American monitoring installations in Australia being jeopardized. The author claims it would be impossible to use Cockburn Sound as home port for U.S. Indian Ocean fleet vessels. The author also notes that B-52s may not be allowed to transit through Darwin, a northern port in Australia. In addition, there would be pressure to demilitarize the Anzus Treaty.