An International History Of British Power, 1957-1970 [Paperback]

This book offers a detailed examination of Britain's role and influence in a pivotal period. The post-war international order had more or less taken shape by the mid-1950s, but much was still unsettled, and in these circumstances Britain made the most of its opportunities even while accepting that it could not realistically expect to remain-or ordinarily be treated as-one of the Big Three world powers with the USA and Soviet Union. Obviously, some adjustments were required in British priorities and methods, in view of changing pressures and needs both at home and abroad, but the continuing desire was to shore up Britain's position in those parts of the world that were of special importance to British prestige, power, strategy, prosperity, and security. In April 1957 the defence minister in the Conservative government of the time, Duncan Sandys, emphasized to the House of Commons that whether we like it or not, we cannot go on devoting such a large part of our resources, and, in particular, of manpower, to defence. Sandys and his colleagues tried to find a balance between commitments and resources. How did they fare? Gradually, Britain did step back from some of its responsibilities overseas, but defence expenditure remained high as did the overall costs of maintaining a global role. Denis Healey, who served as secretary of state for defence in the Labour government of 1964-1970, later recalled that when I left office, for the first time in its history, Britain was spending more on education than on defence. Britain had to compromise. It had to be content with a lesser role on the international stage. But did this mean that all influence was lost? Did Britain cease to be powerful? Were its wishes and opinions no longer respected by others? This book elucidates the motives behind key decisions, discusses their far-reaching consequences, and explains why some options were taken and others were rejected. It provides an integrated international history of the periol£S