Polaris,East of Suez: British Plans for a Nuclear Force in the Indo-Pacific, 1964–1968 |
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Authors: | Matthew Jones John W Young |
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Institution: | University of Nottingham , UK |
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Abstract: | This article investigates the little-known plans formulated by Harold Wilson's Labour government to deploy Polaris submarines in the Indo-Pacific region. The scheme was first proposed in 1965 as a response to several problems faced by British policy-makers, including China's acquisition of a nuclear capability, Britain's wish to maintain a meaningful position ‘East of Suez’ at reduced cost, and German pressure for equal treatment within NATO on nuclear matters. Despite extensive high-level discussion, the plans were finally abandoned in mid-1968, as Labour moved more decisively to forsake the world role. |
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Keywords: | Great Britain Polaris Nuclear Weapons Cold War Strategic Deterrent Indian Ocean |
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