Nuclear Diplomacy and the Special Relationship: Britain's Deterrent and America, 1957-1962

Based on a detailed analysis of newly declassified documents, this book reveals the full and fascinating story of Anglo-American nuclear relations from 1957 to 1962. This period saw the creation of a close and exclusive relationship of nuclear collaboration between Britain and the United States: an agreement was formed on atomic cooperation, facilities for U.S. nuclear submarines were established in the U.K., and U.S. missiles (including Thor and Polaris) were sold for use in the British strategic submarine force. Ian Clark argues that this partnership, though special, was fraught with tension and rivalry. In exploring this relationship, Clark examines such critical issues as British nuclear targeting of the Soviet Union, cancellation of the Blue Streak missile, the bargain over Skybolt and the Holy Loch base, and British ambitions for Polaris. His use of formerly top secret documents from Britain and the United States enable Clark to offer new and sometimes controversial interpretations of events in this dramatic period.