The Sixties - Foreign Affairs

Question 1

What was the situation in 1964?

Answer 1

Great deal of political and public opinion that Britain still had a great world role = caused issues with increased decolonisation and a reduction in Britain’s military responsibilities

Macmillan’s ‘wind of change’ brought independence to 18 New Commonwealth states

Question 2

Wilson’s view towards the special relationship

Answer 2

pro-American + keen suporter of NATO

Due to ongoing Cold War, wanted to maintain US committment to defence of Europe

Question 3

Why did the special relationship come under starin?

Answer 3

issue of the Vietnam War

Question 4

The Vietnam War + Britain’s involvement

Answer 4

US gov. supported non-Communist South which had been invaded by Communist North
After escalation of war in 1964, US wanted support and approval from allies
- Australia sent troops to Vietnam
- US wanted Briatin to do the same
However, Wilson rejected any direct military action despite good relationship w/ Johnson

Question 5

Why was Britain’s response difficult to balance?

Answer 5

• wanted to maintain Atlantic Alliance
• Vietnam War hugely unpopular in Britain + Wilson rised losing political support
• Britain could not afford military involvement
• Wilson needed the support of the USA to avoid devaluation

Question 6

Result of Britain’s decision in the Vietnam War

Answer 6

Annoyed:
- USA as wanted more backing
- Labour MPs and supporters who wanted the gov. to condemn the USA

Question 7

Labour’s view towards Europe

Answer 7

Labour not very committed to seeking entry into the EEC:
- Early opposition before 60s (Gaitskell, Foot, Castle) –> belived EEC was a club for capitalists that would prevent socialist policies
- Europhiles (Jenkins + George Brown) –> pro-EEC
- Wilson more ambivalent + prefered NATO + Commonwealth BUT could see EEC economic strengths

Question 8

Issues to do w/ 2nd application to join EEC

Answer 8

• Application might seem half-hearted because of doubts within Labour
• de Gaulle still French president

Question 9

de Gaulle + EEC

Answer 9

Wilson + George Brown met w/ de Gaulle + toured 5 EEC countries

de Gaulle wanted assurance that Britain would detatch itself from the ‘special relationship’
–> Wilson would not do this = de Gaulle used his VETO