The Price of Cold War Partnership: Sir Oliver Franks and the British Military Commitment in the Korean War

Abstract

In 1949-50 the Cold War spread to Asia. Although at odds in their attitudes to Communist China, Britain and America were in harmony on the need for a tough reaction in Korea. Since 1947 at least the British had sought to be regarded by the American allies as their principal Cold War ally. They felt the Korean War would give them the opportunity of displaying their value as a partner. The British government wished to confine its military involvement to the deployment of Royal Navy. Washington, however, wanted the despatch of British ground troops. Sir Oliver Franks, British Ambassador in Washington, argued that moral support and counsel would not be enough; the presence of British soldiers was the necessary price of being seen as the United States' main partner. The importance to London of preserving such a relationship with United States, rather than combating communism, was the vital ingredient in persuading the British to send forces.