The British Imperial Establishment, Post Imperial Era, and the ‘Churchillian’ World View, 1945-2016. (Adjustments & Challenges in Contemporary British Diplomatic Strategy)

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implied in his speech that the extent of Soviet expansion would depend on the
West’s response. He
suggested in his speech the idea of “a ‘special relationship’
between the British
Commonwealth and Empire and the United States. Fraternal
association requires not only the growing
friendship and mutual understanding
between our two vast kindred systems of society, but the continuance
of intimate
relationship between our military advisers, leading to common study of
potential
dangers, the similarity of weapons and manuals of Instructions, and to the
interchange of
officers and cadets at technical colleges.”34 Churchill proposed
to
share bases, weapons and resources. He continued by saying that the
“special
relationship”, “should carry with it the continuance of the present facilities
for
mutual security by the joint use of all Naval and Air Force bases in the possession
of either
country all over the world. This would perhaps double the mobility of
the American Navy and Air Force. It
would greatly expand that of the British
Empire Forces and it might well lead, if and as the world calms
down, to
important financial savings.”35 The American’s
reaction to Churchill’s speech was
not as enthusiastic as Churchill was expecting. However, a poll in
March, 1946
showed that 70% of the people in the U.S.A. did not approve of Russian
foreign
policy.

However, the growth of Communist parties in France and Italy, and the
Soviet failure to withdraw from
northern Iran persuaded the Americans to take a
stronger line against the Soviet Union. Now in office, in
1953, with his
enthusiasm for the “special relationship” as strong as ever, Churchill in
a
communication to the U.S. President, Eisenhower, said: “My hope for the future
is founded on
the increasing unity of the English-speaking world. If that holds all
holds. If that fails no-one can be
sure of what will happen.”36

In
the meanwhile, Churchill suffered a stroke and as a result Anthony Eden
took over the front line of
diplomacy. Eden, although believing Anglo-American
co-operation was essential, did not believe that
Britain should subordinate her

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