The State Of The Special Relationship With The USA

Question 1

What was Heaths stance on the US relationship?

Answer 1

-main focus orietntated towards Europe
-less inclined strengthen Atlantic alliance

Question 2

What did this lack of interest lead to?

Answer 2

-rejected attempts by US sec of state, Kissinger, use Br as link with Europe
-he insisted the US negotiate with EEC as a whole + not use Br as go-between

Question 3

What did Kissinger comment?

Answer 3

-commented Heath ‘dealt with us with an unsentimentality to ally variance with “the special relationship’’’
-but Heath got on with US pres Nixon

Question 4

When did relations between US + Br worsen?

Answer 4

-during Yom Kippur war Oct 1973

Question 5

Why did this stain the relationship?

Answer 5

-US wanted use NATO bases in Europe for airlift of supplies to Israel
-most European states incl Br refused due to fearing supplies of oil from Middle East be put at risk

Question 6

What was lab position?

Answer 6

-Wilson + Callaghan still keen on Atlantic alliance

Question 7

What did Callaghan do?

Answer 7

-forged strong personal relationship with Kissinger
-negotiated replacement of Polaris nuclear missiles with Trident in 1979 with pres Carter completing withdrawal from East suez that began 60s