I did say I'd rather not go down this route but you insisted - so if you think that history disagrees with me on those points, please do list your reasons here. Happy New Year.
Hi John H,
Oh dear, and Friday started so well, my birthday n all.
As YOU insist on it John I will briefly answer your points.
I suggest bystanders with no interest in the subject switch to another channel.
In 1939 the UKs biggest trading partner, by far was the USA, & the British Empire Countries (Commonwealth). More specifically English speaking Nations from the Empire. Australia, New Zealand, South Africa & Canada. Trade with Europe was steady but small in comparison & declining, it did not overtake Commonwealth trade until the 1960 / 70s. The reason we still had an Empire & could trade so freely can be pinpointed to a single day – 21st October 1805 – Trafalgar. This single battle ensured our mastery of the seas for the next 140 odd years. In fact the Empire trade was so important is the sole reason that we became the largest shareholder in the Suez Canal Co. This mastery was briefly challenged by Germany between 1890 & 1916 hence the age of the dreadnought battleships & WW 1. However Admirals Jellicoe & Beatty & a band of merrie matalots effectively snuffed out this threat at the battle of Jutland in May 1916. A pyrrhic victory if ever there was one, but it ensured our trade routes stayed unchallenged for a few more years. Your comment that we went to war in 1939 to safeguard trade is simply wrong.
Churchill did encourage the fledgling Eu trading agreement realising that it was possibly the best way to stop European wars, but his lack of interest with regard to our participation at that time is contained in the above paragraph. Europe was not that big a trading partner.
As a matter of historical interest the Eu was conceived by Nazi Economist during the later stages of 2 WW. When finally signed in 1957 several ex Nazis were part of the German delegation that signed the agreement on Germany’s behalf.
Which brings me full circle to where I started - Baroness Ashton & her undemocratic rise to power.
A step ladder & a couple of hours in the loft will possibly produce the books & research papers that I had to wade through 30 odd years ago.
Dezi
.. it's friggin obvious anyway...
