Britain's Retreat from East of Suez: The Choice between Europe and the World? 1945-1968

This book is the first detailed account of Britain's East of Suez decision, which was taken by the Harold Wilson Government in 1967-68. Contrary to received opinion, the author argues that the decision was not taken hastily as a result of the November 1967 devaluation. Nor is there any hard evidence to support the notion that there existed a "Pound-Defense" deal with the US. Despite Washington's pressure to maintain Britain's East of Suez role, the decision was taken by the Labor Government on the basis of a long-term effort to re-examine Britain's world role since 1959, and it marked the end of an era for postwar Britain.