Foreign Affairs 70s Flashcards
When did Britain finally join the EEC
1973
What was Heaths first speech in parliament about
The Schuman Plan
Why was Britains EEC bid much more likely to be successful in the 70s
Heath was staunchly pro european
De Gaulle had been replaced by Georges Pompidou who was very open to Britain in the EEC
All the negotiations and settlements had already been essentially settled in 1962 with Britains first application
Who was an extremely vociferous critic of the EEC within Heaths own parliament
Enoch Powell
What was Labours stance on joining the EEC in the 70s
They were split- Wilson neither for or against but could not repudiate the idea entirely due to the number of pro europeans in his party, despite the hostility of the labour left. WIlson ended up criticsing the Heaths EEC proposals for its terms, then on principle and could only compromise by offering a renegotiation and referendum(Tony Benns idea) upon reelection
How many rebel labour MPs allowed Heaths EEC plan to pass by voting for it
69
Out of 419 buisness owners, how many wanted leave the EEC
4
When did Wilsons promised EEC referendum take place
1975
What were the rougly 2 categories of people who voted to leave the EEC
Leftists who thought that British workers would be undermined by continental imports, Supported by Barbara Castle and Michael Foot
Those who thought that Britain would lose their independence, including Tony Benn, Enoch Powell and Ian Paisley
What were the rough % for and against in the EEC referendunm and why was it important for Wilson
70% stay 30% leave-By such a majority Wilson succeeded in keeping his party together on an issue that was heavily divisive
What was Heaths attitude towards the Special Relationship with the USA
He rejected overtures by Kissinger and suggested the US negotiate with europe as a whole than using Britain as a go-between. However, Heath got on well with Nixon and was more supportive of Vietnam than Wilson was
Why did Britain and the USA have diplomatic issues in 1973
The US watned to use NATO based to assist Israel, but most of NATO, including Britain, was opposed as this may threaten their oil supply
What did Callaghan negotiate with the US in 1979
The replacement of Polaris with Trident missiles
What was the Markov affair
A Bulgarian defector, Georgi Markov was assassinated in London in 1978
What title was Heath granted by the Chinese goverment
People’s Friendship Envoy
