Colonel Alfred Austin Joseph (Alf) Conlon (1908-1961) the creative force behind, and head of the Australian World War II Directorate of Research and Civil Affairs (DORCA).
Conlon is a controversial figure, whose influence has been felt throughout the Pacific region in the second half of the 20th century, though the Australian School of Pacific Administration which grew out of the Directorate. Conlon was Principal of the ASOPA between John Kerr's resignation to return to medical practice in 1948 and 1950.
Described as "Svengali like"[1] and notorious[2], Conlon created the mysterious Directorate in part as a haven for artists and intellectuals to avoid repeating the slaughter of the best minds of a generation that had impoverished Australian culture after the losses of the First World War. Conlon was influenced by libertarian philosopher, John Anderson and by James Burnham's The Managerial Revolution a book extolling the virtues of a bureaucratic meritocracy.[3]
Conlon was a charismatic figure, and had many friends in high places including H. V. Evatt and Herbert "Nugget" Coombs. He cultivated many contacts including Prime Minister John Curtin and General Stantke.