An Ocean Apart

S1 E6 Under the Eagle's Wing

本集简介

Harold Macmillan was determined to restore relations between Britain and America after the catastrophe of Suez. The launch of Russia's Sputnik was his opportunity: America needed nuclear bases in Europe, and Britain was prepared to offer them. But the atmosphere of goodwill was soured by Vietnam. American Secretary of State Dean Rusk put heavy pressure on Britain to send a token force in support. The British Government refused, to Rusk's dismay. 'When the Russians invade Sussex,' he said to one journalist, 'don't expect us to come and help you.'

上一集

1988/05/18 S1 E5

If You Don't Like Our Peaches, Quit Shaking Our Tree

Tonight's programme shows how the Cold War gave Britain a new role in the alliance, as an essential forward base for American bombers; but how her own freedom of action was limited - a truth brutally exposed by the Suez crisis of 1956. As the British launched their invasion, President Eisenhower rang Prime Minister Eden. 'I can only presume you have gone out of your mind', he said.

下一集

1988/06/01 S1 E7

Turning Up the Volume

The final programme in the series brings the relationship up to the present day. It reveals: the full extent of support given secretly to Britain during the Falklands War - 'you would have been defeated without us', claims the Secretary of the US Navy; Mrs Thatcher 's rage over the invasion of Grenada - 'like Krakatoa', reports someone dining with her that night; and the divisions created by the Tripoli raid - 'the Americans pushed us to the edge on that one' says one Cabinet member. The relationship under Thatcher and Reagan has been based on a shared belief in strong defence. But, David Dimbleby asks, what happens next if America thinks the Soviet threat is receding.

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An Ocean Apart