8 May 1970   Vietnam Moratorium March

On 8 May 1970 about 1000 people marched through Adelaide in a peaceful protest against the Vietnam war. There were some clashes with soldiers in civilian clothes and a few charges were laid. The Moratorium movement followed a call, in October 1969, by a group of students in Washington who urged others to join them in a demonstration for peace. Interest in the call for peace grew and other groups, from churches, trade unions as well as students, joined the movement. Support also came from some prominent people in the community. In Adelaide some academics from the two universities cancelled classes and joined the march. 

On Sunday, 10 May, 5000 people marched from Elder Park to Victoria Square where a rally was held. Don Dunstan, then Leader of the Opposition, spoke to the crowd. Demonstrations were also held in other countries including France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, and England, as well as the USA. The demonstrations were triggered by the entry of US troops into Cambodia which was seen as an escalation of this unpopular war.

The Advertiser, 9, 11 May 1970.