Walking the tightrope : Edward Heath's vision of Europe and Anglo-American relations

Abstract

This is a study of the consequences for the Anglo-American special relationship of Heath’s attempt to place Britain at the centre of the EC. British accession to the EC is widely regarded as the chief accomplishment of the Heath Government, although the positive influence of membership are issues which are still debated. In contrast, contemporary Anglo-American relations, during the stewardship of Prime Minister Edward Heath and President Richard Nixon, are described as either inconsequential or as bewildering. The conventional interpretation of the Nixon-Heath years is that Heath pursued a European objective for Britain and that he was indifferent with regard to the special relationship.