The European Challenge: Britain's EEC Application in 1961

This article argues that the British prime minister and his government's first and foremost concern applying for membership of the EEC was to safeguard Britain's position and influence in (Western) Europe. Awareness and in turn realisation of Britain's new challenge from the Community left little choice. It suggests that the decision and the deliberate chosen moment to submit the application were genuine British. American consensus seems largely irrelevant. After all, the Americans were unable and even unwilling to come to Britain's rescue supplying her with necessary bargaining means. Especially considering the substantial hazard as de Gaulle was likely to turn down the forthcoming negotiations.