The Origin of U.S. Containment Policy in 1947: The Perception of British School

Norasmahani Hussain

《Tamkang Journal of International Affairs》 25卷4期 (2022/05) Pp. 53-115

https://doi.org/10.6185/TJIA.V.202205_25(4).0002

摘要

By the end and the aftermath of the Second World War, the conflicts that arose in the Eastern Mediterranean, specifically Greece and Turkey, was an important factor in the development of the Cold War. These two countries were considered by the West as amongst the earliest victims that suffered from the aggression of the Soviet Union due to the communist insurgent in Greece and the Soviet diplomatic pressure on Turkey regarding the Straits settlements as well as the territorial concessions concerning Kars and Ardahan. On March 12, 1947, the United States proclaimed that Greece and Turkey would receive economic aid under the Truman Doctrine that would bolster the capabilities of these countries in resisting Soviet expansionism. Many historians agreed that this economic aid was given due to the self-awareness of the United States to contain the expansion of Soviet influence in those countries. However, it was Britain who convinced the United States to do so. This article will discuss British strategies in bringing the United States into internal affairs in Greece and Turkey between 1945 and 1947 through the methodology of British primary historical resources. This study has concentrated on the viewpoint of British Foreign Secretary Ernest Bevin and his Foreign Office through the perusal of archival or primary records such as the Private Papers of Bevin (FO 800), the Cabinet Office Papers (CAB), the Foreign Office Papers (FO 371), the Defence Ministry Papers (DEFE) and the House of Commons Parliamentary Debate (HANSARD). The scrutiny of these records has shown that Britain could no longer assist Greece and Turkey in facing the Soviet threat alone due to its economic difficulties. Hence, the determination of Britain to get the assistance of the United States. Besides, the American new policy of intervention in world affairs would not only combat Communism but also help Britain in maintaining its status quo in Greece, Turkey, and subsequently British predominance in the Middle East.

關鍵字

Britain ； Turkey ； United States ； Greece ； Communism ； Containment

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