Foreign Policies 1945-1964: Labour vs. Conservative Government

The transition from a Labour to a Conservative government in 1951 began the change of some of Britain’s foreign policies. In particular the relationships with the superpowers, the Middle East, defence expenditure and international alliances.

Under Atlee relationships with the USA had been prosperous, he had secured American commitment to European defence with the Brussels defence treat of 1948 and they proceeded to promote a powerful united front to the rest of the world.

The problems presented by the Berlin Blockade gave the two countries yet another opportunity to exercise their cooperation and anti-communist principles. However these testing circumstances only made the relationship closer, this is highlighted by the adoption of another defence treaty NATO in 1949.

The Conservative govt., despite having similar policies to their predecessors, maintained a disrupted allegiance with the USA over their four terms. Being half-American, Churchill continued the relationship very successfully especially with Eisenhower, with whom he had enjoyed close collaboration with previously.

However when Eden took on the role of PM in 19 55 he could have potentially destroyed the efforts of those before him and the ‘special relationship’ between the two powers. The Suez crisis of 1946 threatened Britain’s standing not only with America, but globally. America condemned Eden’s actions and took personal offence that they were not consulted as did other members of NATO.

This deviation from the united path they had followed after WW2 shows a difference of foreign policy. Although it was only during Eden’s term as things did gradually return to normal after his resignation.

The Labour Govt. advocated a strong stance of the containment of communism. This is evident from their acceptance of the validity of the Long Telegram and in the determination they showed in maintaining the air lifts into Berlin for over 6 months.

The Conservative Govt. however, especially under Churchill called for a détente with Russia. The death of Stalin in 1953 made this goal more feasible and in July 1945 Churchill invited the Russians to Britain without consulting his cabinet. His invitation however was declined and Churchill was forced to abandon his final crusade due to ill health. None the less, reconciliation was a new government policy with regards to the USSR under the Conservatives.

Atlee had been keen to maintain Britain’s influence in the Middle East to protect the oil trade.
Churchill concurred and until the end of his term there were no major rifts or challenges to Britain’s influence in this area. Under Eden however this was not the case, Eden’s actions in the Suez crisis were disastrous. Nassar was outraged by the West’s invasion and used the incident to give weight to his anti-western propaganda