Nuclear Diplomacy and the Special Relationship
Britain's Deterrent and America, 1957-1962
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Oxford University Press
Published:7th Apr '94
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
A controversial book based on newly declassified documents
Tells the full and inside story of Anglo-American nuclear relations from 1957 to 1962. Based on a detailed analysis of newly-declassified documents, this book examines such critical issues as British nuclear targeting of the Soviet Union and the cancellation of the Blue Streak missile.The full inside story The full and fascinating inside story of Anglo-American nuclear relations from 1957 to 1962 is told for the first time in this book. This period saw the creation of a close and exclusive relationship of nuclear collaboration between Britain and the United States, with an agreement on atomic co-operation, the establishment of the facilities for US nuclear submarines in the UK, and the sale of US missiles, including Thor and Polaris for the British strategic submarine force. Revelations from formerly top secret documents Ian Clark's detailed analysis of newly declassified official documents reveals that, while special, the Anglo-American nuclear partnership was not without tension and rivalry. Prime Minister Harold Macmillan sought to combine interdependence--which reduced costs--with national policies on nuclear strategy, NATO, nuclear co-operation with France, and nuclear testing; the result was conflict with US administrations. Dr Clark examines such critical issues as British nuclear targeting of the Soviet Union and co-ordination with US nuclear war plans, cancellation of the Blue Streak missile, the bargain over Skybolt and the Holy Loch base, the diplomacy of the Skybolt crisis in 1962, and British ambitions for Polaris. The frank revelations contained in the formerly top secret British and American documents from the period enable him to offer fundamentally new and sometimes controversial interpretations of events in this dramatic period.
`carefully researched study ... This is an instructive book ... I found the subject fascinating, not only as a student of history; other readers will surely find it equally interesting' Army Quarterly and Defence Journal
`important study ... It adds an important dimension to an understanding of the Anglo-American special relationship' International Affairs
`This book, the product of research in both British and American archives, demonstrates his enormous expertise in this subject ... it is a tribute to Dr Clark's skill that he has made the work such an enjoyable read ... This book offers sound research and new insights for students of Anglo-American nuclear diplomacy.' Political Studies
Clark provides a survey that, with admirable precision, sets out to supplement and revise existing literature on the subject. Throughout the book, Clark's carefully reasoned and balanced approach lead to a convincing description that places new archival discoveries in the context of traditional scholarly debates. It is a tribute to his clarity that he renders a complex and technical subject so readibly comprehensible. By exposing new material, Clark has cut a bold stroke into conventional accounts of this topic. * The Round Table Book Reviews *
This book is a wealth of information in regards to the scope of topics which are all linked to Anglo-American nuclear relations ... highly recommended book ... It will surely be essential reading if the "special relationship" is to be correctly understood. And although it is wide in scope, it is judicious in content; a balance rarely found in books these days. * Contemporary Security Policy *
To Clark's credit, he does not lose sight of the wood for the trees, which is easily done in this in-depth sort of study. Moreover, he relates his detailed analysis to the wider contexts which shaped events ... This is a thoroughly researched account, drawing on American as well as British archives. If it does not revolutionise our understanding of the events covered, it adds detail and offers new interpretations ... this book is an important contribution to the literature ... anyone interested in post-War British defence policy and Anglo-American relations will read it with profit. * Millennium *
ISBN: 9780198273707
Dimensions: 223mm x 145mm x 32mm
Weight: 736g
470 pages