Consolidation: Part 2 1954–63

Abstract

The years 1954–63 marked a thaw in international relations followed by a crisis. In terms of Anglo-American relations, it was a crisis followed by a thaw. The crisis were occasioned by Cuba and Suez respectively. With the exception of the Suez debacle, bilateral relations were good, but the bases in the United Kingdom became increasingly expensive, with the built-in problem of bomber vulnerability. The period was marked by a general intensification of US overseas basing; in the United Kingdom’s case this was particularly noticeable with the introduction of Thor missiles. By 1963, the high point of British integration with US forces had been reached in tactical, strategic and intelligence collaboration.