The Power of Oil: Edward Heath, the ‘Year of Europe’ and the Anglo-American ‘Special Relationship’

Abstract

This article focuses on Anglo-American relations during, what US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger termed, the ‘Year of Europe’. In particular, Anglo-American interaction leading up to, and during, the Washington Energy Conference (11–13 February 1974) is examined. By doing this, subtle nuances in the foreign policy of Edward Heath, British Prime Minister, 1970–1974, can be better appreciated. Traditionally viewed by commentators as varying between lukewarm and antagonistic towards the Anglo-American ‘special relationship’, this article highlights that Heath was more than capable with working closely with Washington when he believed British interests were best promoted by doing so. Heath showed throughout the Arab oil embargo of 1973–1974 an ability to work in close cooperation with Washington. Indeed, Heath demonstrated that he was prepared to sacrifice his wider European ambitions in order to secure this. This was largely driven by Heath's overriding concern that US support was imperative to prevent the outbreak of ‘beggar thy neighbour’ oil policies that he concluded would result if the European Economic Community approach, predominantly driven by French thinking, was endorsed.