Foreign Relations 1951-1964

Foreign Relations 1951-1964

1. Europe

   • EEC
     • Firstly Britain supported it but did not join
       • dominated by Germany and France (losers)
       • Britain thought they were a world power
       • maintain special relationship
     • then they wanted to join
       • boost industrial production for export market
         • increase industrial efficiency with competition
           • stimulate economic growth
       • application vetoes by de Gaulle
         • against influence of special relationship
   • EFTA
     • formed in 1959
       • did not match EEC economic growth

2. USA - special relationship

   • allies during cold war
   • Macmillan
     • plans for summit conference with Nikita Kruschev
     • good relationship with JKF
       • informed about Cuban Missile Crisis
   • strained during Suez crisis

3. Nuclear Deterrent

   • Churchill continued this policy
     • 1952 - first tests of atomic bomb
       • 1957 - H bomb developed
   • CND
     • powerful pressure group
       • for unilateral disarmament
         • some members of labour
           • 1958, demonstration with 8000 people
   • USA
     • 1958 - shared nuclear technology

4. Korean War

   • Britain sent 90,000 soldiers
     • major role in world affairs, despite economic restraints

5. Suez Crisis

   • Nasser nationalised suez canal company
     • on Soviet union side
     • Plans for Israeli forces would invade Egypt
       • Britain and France would seize control of canal
       • political protest
         • =ruined Eden's reputation

6. decolonisation

   • British forced were fighting against national independent movements
   • early 50s, they thought they could have gradual transition
     • Mau Mau rebellion 1952
   • Winds of Change
     • called for decolonisation and recognition of independence movements
       • coutrnies should accept majority rule