A Stocktaking and Prospectus

Abstract

The picture of the Anglo-American defence relationship which emerges from the period covered by this study is far from straightforward. At a general level the defence partnership has mirrored the changing patterns and fortunes of the wider relationship between the two states. Thus when relations have been strained, part of the problem at least has often centred on differences over security issues. This was the case, as we have seen, in the immediate post-war period with the difficulties over nuclear cooperation,¹ in 1956 with the Suez crisis,² in 1962 with the Skybolt affair and in 1983 with the Grenadan crisis.³ Similarly, when relations in general have been harmonious this invariably has been reflected in wide-ranging cooperation in defence matters. A good illustration of this was in the late 1950s when the series of defence agreements which were negotiated⁴ symbolized the restoration of the ‘special relationship’ after the traumatic events of 1956. It was also true in the early 1980s, when relations between the Thatcher and Reagan governments were particularly close.

The author owes a debt to Hedley Bull for this chapter title. See H. Bull ‘Arms Control: A Stocktaking and Prospectus’, Adelphi Paper, No. 55 (London: ISS, 1969).