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The Sixties: Foreign affairs - Coggle Diagram
The Sixties: Foreign affairs
Europe
Roy Jenkins and George Brown in the Labour party were both europhiles.
Harold Wilson preferred the Atlantic Aliance and stronger links wit the Commonwealth but he also saw the economic benefits of joining.
Many of the labour left such as Michael Foot + Barbara Castle opposed joining the EEC, as they saw it as a club for capitalists.
1967, Britian's second application to the EEC, was once agin rejected by French President Charles De Gaulle.
France felt Birtian wasn't fully commited to Europe, as evidenced by the labour left opposition to joining. France wanted Britain to detach itself form its 'special rleationship' with the USA.
Rhodesia
In Southern Africa Macmillan's 'wind of change' speech was seen as a threat and challenge, due to the white minority regimes.
Ian Smith became PM of Rhodesia and in 1965 declare Rhodesia independent without accepting majority rule - going against Britain.
The Labour government continued the decolonisation policy that had started under the Conservatives - 'wind of change'.
Smith's action was a direct challenge to the Labour government. Wilson tried to negotiate with Smith but this was unsuccessful with big oil companies often ignoring oil sanctions opposed on Rhodesia making Britain look weak.
USA
The war the US supported the non-communist south, the war was extremely controversial and became increasingly unpopular due to the high amounts of deaths and atrocities committed.
US president, Johnson wanted Britain to send troops in support, but Wilson refused any direct military involvement.
The relationship became strained over the Vietnam War.
Britain wanted to maintain relations with the US but all maintain relations with the Left and the public.
Wilson was pro-americas and a strong believe in the Atlantic Alliance.
This annoyed the US who wanted great support but also the left who wanted the Labour govenmnt to condemn the US.
Withdrawal from East of Suez + reduction in military
Withdrawal of Malaysia, The Middle East and Adan by 1971.
The 1967, devaluation crisis rapidly accelerated withdrawal
Dennis Healey, Minister of defence aimed to get Britain's defence budget below £2 million by 1970.
There had to be a reduction in Britain's military commitments due to economic issues.
Th development of a new war plane was abandoned because it was too costly.