2.11 Wilson and East of Suez Flashcards
In SEATO (South East Asia Treaty Organisation) what was Britain under obligation to defend?
Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand
In CENTO (Central Treaty Organisation) who did Britain have a responsibility to?
Pakistan and Turkey
Where else did military obligations mean that a presence was needed?
Singapore, Hong Kong, Aden, the Persian Gulf, Simonstown (In South Africa), Malta, and Libya
What did Healey argue about a rapid withdrawal?
It would be impossible
Why did Wilson start to believe that a reduction in military expenditure was needed?
Britain was overextended in the world
A rise in nationalism caused Britain to…
Concede independence to all major colonies
What was announced in January 1968?
All British military forces would be withdrawn from east of Suez by the end of 1971
How much had the Royal Navy been reduced by?
1952: 282 ships
1965: 110 ships
What did the 1966 Defence Review recommend?
Spending cuts from 7% to 6%
By 1965, how many ‘trouble spots’ had Britain sent troops to?
17
When did British forces withdraw from Aden?
December 1967
What is Aden now known as?
It’s a city in Yemen
When did British HQ Far Eastern Command close?
June 1970
Where did British forces withdraw from Singapore and Malaya?
1970
Where did British troops withdraw from in December 1971?
Persian Gulf
What did Libya end in 1970?
The Anglo-Libya defence agreement
Where was the focus clearly shifting to?
Europe
What was the changing pattern of trade?
From the empire to Europe
How far had Britain’s GDP declined between 1950 and 1965?
From 7th to 12th
Why did Wilson see a financial need to withdraw from east of Suez?
Wilson wanted to increase state spending which required cuts in defence spending
In 1965, how much was the 55,000 military personnel east of Suez costing Britain?
£317m a year
How much of the defence budget was the 55,000 military personnel east of Suez?
15%
What had meant that bases in Aden, Singapore, South Africa, and the Gulf were no longer strategically necessary?
Decolonisation
Which conflicts required sustained British involvement?
Malaysia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the South Arabian Federation
In terms of the Cold War, why did Wilson think Britain could withdraw?
There were other reliable allies for these places to link to meaning that there would not be a power vacuum for Soviet takeover.
