Special Relationship

Being a newly formed nation, America did not share the same intelligence institutions as its counterpart, Britain, and therefore relied on the British for their, for a lack of a better term, brains and geographical advantages. The American department of state policy outline in the creation of the Atlantic Alliance that the United Kingdom should ‘retain control of her outlying possessions’ so that certain territories such as Malaysia would not ‘fall into less friendly hands.’ The phrase ‘less friendly hands’ used in the text referring to one of America’s and Britain’s most feared enemy; Communism under the Soviet Union. It is very surprising to see America, a country that successfully broke away from British colonialism, to condone such action, having said this, the fact that they have asked this of Britain just shows the extent of importance placed by America on this concept of Special Relationship. America is willing go back on their endorsement of self …show more content…
Despite it originating in the United Kingdom by a British Prime Minister, America had used the sentiment just as often as Britain in order to maintain peace around the world and for national interest. America, although being one of the most powerful country in the world did not at that time have the same political influence over the globe and so needed Britain’s support in order to legitimise or gain further strength in their foreign affairs. Throughout the entire relationship it was assumed that Britain had always been more dependent on America due their financial prosperity, nuclear advancement and all round political power but this was simply not the case. America and Britain had a mutual appreciation for the Special Relationship that had formed between the two and used it when thought necessary. After all, the fraternal relationship could not have lasted if both parties did not desire for it to do