Britain, Russia and South-East Europe, 1941–5

Abstract

Throughout the years when Britain and the Soviet Union were allies, South-East Europe was a sensitive spot. Each suspected the other’s long-term aims in the area. Until late 1943, both subordinated their suspicions to the needs of joint war strategy. From then on, their conflicting long-term aims played an increasingly open part, influencing their political relations and military policies. But although there were minor local clashes, a major open clash over South-East Europe was avoided until the war against Hitler was won.