Foreighn Relations 1964-1970 Flashcards
What was Wilson’s stance on the Vietnam war?
He wanted to maintain Atlantic alliance whilst also not disappointing the public
What were the issues with the Vietnam war?
(1964) Wilson resisted direct milatery involvement despite good relations with Lyndon B. Johnson
• this was unpopular in Britain
•couldn’t lose political relationships
•was financial constraints limiting troops
•US relations needed to avoid devaluation(they support sterling value)
What was the labour governments response to the EEC?
-labour left (Michael foot, Barbara castle & trade unions were hostile to the idea)
-europhiles: (Roy Jenkins , George brown, Wilson more like isn’t and became more likely in 1966 for financial reasons)
(1967) Wilson drafted an EEC application but was rejected by de Gaulle as Britain would not remove its special relations with US
What and Why was there withdrawal from the east if suez?
Denis Healy, had made the defence white paper in (1967) which withdraws troops from areas such as Suez Canal, Middle East and Singapore.
This was accelerated in (1967) after devaluation
Consequently caused high tech war planes to be abandoned (TSR2)
What did Wilson do to continue having a world role?
Deploying US Polaris missiles, which were upgraded in (1967)
What were the relations between south Rhodesia and Britain in the 1960s?
South Rhodesia wanted independence, but not allowed
So in (1965). Ian smith issued unilateral Declaration of Independence without accepting majority rule
Wilson tried to use oil sanctions & negotiations to prevent this but failed as Ian disregarded negotiations & the sanctions didn’t harm there economy
Resulted in Britain looking weak
