Britain's Policy Towards the European Community : Harold Wilson and Britain's World Role, 1964-1967 PDF

by Helen (Keele University, UK) Parr

Part of the British Politics and Society series

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Description

Harold Wilsonâ€™s apparent volte-face on European Community membership in the autumn of 1966 has long puzzled commentators and Wilsonâ€™s colleagues alike.

Based on interviews, private papers and recently released evidence from the National Archives, this book provides a fresh interpretation of Wilsonâ€™s policy towards the European Community. Studying the development of Britainâ€™s policy between 1964 when Harold Wilson took office, and 1967 when the French President General de Gaulle vetoed Britainâ€™s membership application for a second time, this book examines the rationale behind the British approach, explaining why Wilson launched an initiative for membership when the French seemed certain to obstruct.

Also discussing Wilsonâ€™s handling of the Cabinet, and shedding light on Britainâ€™s diplomacy towards the Six, this work places British policy towards Europe within the context of its foreign policy transition from a global to a regional role.

Examining an important event in Anglo-European relations, this is essential reading for students of post-war British history, and for those interested in Britainâ€™s historical relationship with Europe.