Did the 1904 Entente Cordiale Originate in Bordeaux Thanks to Sports in 1895? Reflections on Sport Diplomacy

Abstract

Succeeding François Guizot and Lord Hamilton Gordon’s ‘cordial understanding’, the Franco-British 1904 Entente cordiale has been widely studied in its diplomatic, trading and touristic aspects through sport. Maybe because of its vital role in the First World War, its social facet has been less explored. Lord-Mayor of London’s visit to Bordeaux’s last international exhibition in September 1895, enhanced by two days of cycling festivities and races, shows masonic links within the French organisers and with certain British contributors. As such, this could have been considered not as the first sport diplomatic act but as an attempt which have been occurred in this way and led to the creation of a British association called ‘Entente cordiale’ which had no equivalent in France. Despite some actions both side of the Channel, ahead of the official agreement, and the creation of a new organisation in Normandy in connection with the Touring Club de France, the expression rapidly faded out. Finally, this study shows what conditions must be met for a sporting event to be described as diplomatic. The distinction between sport diplomacy and diplomacy through sport is not enough in the light of history to explore international political relations.