1970-1979 Foreign Policy (Unit 3, Topic 3) Flashcards
Britain's entry into and relations with Europe, The state of the 'special relationship' with the USA; attitudes towards China and USSR.
What is Abstaining?
Restrain oneself from doing something
What is European Commissioner?
The equivalent of a minister at a European level, each appointed by national governments
What is the 30 Year Rule?
Government documents (where there are no security restrictions) are automatically released to the public after 30 years of
What is Detente?
An easing of hostility between nations
Why did Britain need to Join the EEC?
Britain is deemed as neither an enemy or an ally to any other nation but rather they are a link for Britain to get to it’s true interests. Britain are dependent on trade links, whilst the two superpowers USA + USSR have lots of power but are immoral on how they show it. Britain is the perfect example of morality in international relations. Due to their connections and history that’s what gives Britain it’s power
When did Britain Join the EEC?
Britain joined the EEC in 1973 with the new prime minister of France Georges Pompidou believing that the EEC would profit from it. Luckily, the papers were already in place due to Heath in 1962. There were doubters in the Conservatives and believed more strongly in the Commonwealth and that by Britain joining it was surrendering its sovereignty. Especially, Enoch Powell went against the bill at every stage
What are the Advantages of the EEC?
-Gained access to European markets
-Benefitted from the final end of wartime antagonism
-As parts of European block, it stood a better chance of attracting global business
-British regions were entitled to European developments grants
-British workers had the right to work in other countries
-Greater opportunity for movements of British people into Europe
What are the Disadvantages of the EEC?
-No longer able to buy cheap food
-Had to make higher contributors to the EEC by 1980 it was paying 20%
-British consumers paying inflated prices
-Britain had to fish in customary grounds reducing fishing industries
-VAT added to customer bought items
-Britain joined an outdated protection organisation
Why was the 1975 Referendum Held?
The referendum was about whether Britain was to stay or leave the EEC. Labour aimed to hold the party together. It also allowed the labour and conservative to campaign and join each other secretly.
Why did the Remain Vote do better than the Leave Vote in the Referendum?
-Only 3 papers reported media about leaving
-2 to 1 vote to stay in EEC
-People wanting to leave was seen as insane or Marxist
-Large campaigns from conservatives to stay
Why did Britain Remain?
-2 to 1 to stay in the EEC
-People especially Margaret Thatcher wanted to do special events with people to show stay support
Why did Relations with Britain and the US deteriorate?
The US wanted to use NATO bases to airlift supplies to Israel. Britain like others refused to believe that Middle Eastern oil would become scarce. Callaghan and Wilson were both key on the Atlantic Alliance and negotiated the replacement of Polaris nuclear missiles with Trident in 1979 with US President Jimmy Carter. Nevertheless they finally withdrew from the East Suez
Which Party best maintained Relations with the USA?
Edward Heaths conservatives were more tailored towards working with Europe and even rejected attempts by US Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger wanted to use Britain to access Europe. During the Yom Kippur War in 1973 relations worsened
What was the 1970 Detente?
During 1970 there was a detente after the Cuban missile crisis between USA and USSR, they established direct contact which led to meetings and agreements to limit build up of arms. Nevertheless, an underlying tension remained
What were Relations between the USA, Britain and China?
Relations between Britain and China, USA and Europe were strained. 1971 Nixon announced a surprise visit to China in February 1972 where meetings were held with Chinese Leader Mao Zedong. In March, Britain exchanged ambassadors with China and Heath made many visits from 1974 onwards and was awarded ‘People’s Friendship Envoy’ by the Chinese government. October 1979 Premier Hua Guofeng made a visit to Britain, the first since the communist revolution
