b'An American flavourDuring the Second World War almost one million American soldiers passed through Australia. Their cultural and economic impact was considerable. With their stylish uniforms, distinctive accents and deep pockets, they brought with them a touch of Hollywood glamour. For most Australians it was the first time they had encountered an American other than on the silver screen, and their influence spread quickly through the community. Hamburgers and hot dogs suddenly became popular, and so did Coca-Cola.The sweet, carbonated beverage first arrived in Australia in 1937. Distribution involved a team of ten people going store-t o-store selling the bottles, often selling one or two at a time. The small bottling plants scattered around the country gained momentum when RW Woodruff, president of the Coca-Cola Company, announced he would make Coca- Cola available to all US service men and women wherever they were and whatever the cost. The Australian plants supplied the men and women of both the American and Australian armed services. Most of the American troops based in Australia were in Brisbane and the local Coca-Cola plant often ran twenty- four hours a day.Towards the end of the Second World War Coca- Cola approached Arthur Robinson & Co to protect its intellectual property and advise on contractual arrangements with its franchised bottlers. Over the coming years, partners at theAdvertisement for Coca-Cola infirm undertook many visits to the Coca- Cola headquartersThe Australian Womens Weekly,in Atlanta, advising the company on intellectual property10 June 1944.disputes and a wide range of other matters.116'