The Foreign Office's War, 1939-41: British Strategic Foreign Policy and the Major Neutral Powers

The book "The Road to War 1939-1941" challenges the idea that Britain stood alone until the invasion of the Soviet Union and the attack on Pearl Harbor brought about the Grand Alliance. It demonstrates that 1939 to 1941 was a period of intensive diplomatic activity by the British Foreign Office to ensure neutralization of potential enemies and maintain friendly relations with the United States until it could be persuaded to join the conflict.

Format: Hardback
Length: 354 pages
Publication date: 10 June 2022
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

The notion that Britain stood alone until the invasion of the Soviet Union and the attack on Pearl Harbor prompted the Grand Alliance is erroneous, as revealed through extensive archival research in the book. Spanning from 1939 to 1941, this period witnessed a flurry of diplomatic activity by the British Foreign Office. Its primary objective was to ensure that Britain's potential adversaries, particularly Soviet Russia, Italy, and Japan, remained neutral. At the same time, the British government worked tirelessly to maintain its most desirable potential ally, the United States, as friendly as possible, with the hope of persuading it to join the conflict. Diplomacy played a pivotal role in British policy during this period, as it sought to navigate the complexities of the situation. The book delves into various aspects, including the implementation of blockades and the disposition of British forces in different theatres. It explores decision-making within the British government, examining how the diplomatic considerations of the Foreign Office intertwined with broader debates amongst ministers and senior civil servants. Additionally, the book discusses the various courses towards neutrals advocated within the Foreign Office, including alternatives that were considered. Overall, the book offers a comprehensive and nuanced view of British policy in this crucial period, challenging the notion of Britain's isolation and highlighting the importance of diplomacy towards neutrals in shaping the course of World War II.

Weight: 638g
Dimension: 162 x 240 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783277056