Manchester University Press
1 Anglo-German relations in 1964 – continuity or change?
Abstract
This chapter sets the scene for the book. It establishes the state of relations between Britain and Germany as the Labour government took office, as a yardstick against which to determine whether continuity or change marked the following six years. It also explores the domestic pressures — economic, party political and public opinion — that motivated actions by Harold Wilson and his ministers, especially in the period immediately after October 1964. In this period, there were incidents that might have had a damaging and lasting effect upon the understanding between Britain and Germany, but both governments recognised that ultimately their interests were better served by a good relationship, and agreed to increase their bilateral contacts to ensure that the improvement in relations that had been fostered by the previous Conservative government was maintained.
Abstract
This chapter sets the scene for the book. It establishes the state of relations between Britain and Germany as the Labour government took office, as a yardstick against which to determine whether continuity or change marked the following six years. It also explores the domestic pressures — economic, party political and public opinion — that motivated actions by Harold Wilson and his ministers, especially in the period immediately after October 1964. In this period, there were incidents that might have had a damaging and lasting effect upon the understanding between Britain and Germany, but both governments recognised that ultimately their interests were better served by a good relationship, and agreed to increase their bilateral contacts to ensure that the improvement in relations that had been fostered by the previous Conservative government was maintained.
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- Preface vi
- Acknowledgements vii
- List of key events, October 1964 to June 1970 viii
- List of abbreviations xi
- Introduction 1
- 1 Anglo-German relations in 1964 – continuity or change? 19
- 2 Nuclear sharing in NATO 46
- 3 The offset agreements and their impact on Anglo-German relations 73
- 4 Britain, Germany and the Harmel report 100
- 5 NATO nuclear strategy and the adoption of ‘flexible response’ 122
- 6 Britain, Germany and the Non-Proliferation Treaty 147
- 7 Détente, Ostpolitik and Anglo-German relations 174
- 8 Anglo-German relations and Britain’s policy towards the European Economic Community 199
- Conclusion 227
- Appendix 1 237
- Appendix 2 241
- Bibliography 243
- Index 253
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- Preface vi
- Acknowledgements vii
- List of key events, October 1964 to June 1970 viii
- List of abbreviations xi
- Introduction 1
- 1 Anglo-German relations in 1964 – continuity or change? 19
- 2 Nuclear sharing in NATO 46
- 3 The offset agreements and their impact on Anglo-German relations 73
- 4 Britain, Germany and the Harmel report 100
- 5 NATO nuclear strategy and the adoption of ‘flexible response’ 122
- 6 Britain, Germany and the Non-Proliferation Treaty 147
- 7 Détente, Ostpolitik and Anglo-German relations 174
- 8 Anglo-German relations and Britain’s policy towards the European Economic Community 199
- Conclusion 227
- Appendix 1 237
- Appendix 2 241
- Bibliography 243
- Index 253
