Owen Dixon

Owen Dixon was a High Court justice who took leave from the bench to become Australia’s minister in Washington during the Second World War. He served there in 1942–1944, succeeding Richard Casey. His judicial career extended from 1929 to 1964, including twelve years as chief justice. ¹

In Washington, Dixon cultivated access to President Franklin Roosevelt, presidential adviser Harry Hopkins, and General George Marshall. His friendship with Supreme Court justice Felix Frankfurter helped establish those relationships. He had to convey Australia’s military concerns while managing American irritation with demands from Canberra.. ¹