Synopsis
The Marshall Plan, originally proposed by General Marshall, US Secretary of State, as a means of providing dollars for Europe's post-war recovery operated from l947 to 1951. In this study, based on both British and American sources, the author examines the economic relations between the two countries in this period. He finds that although lip-service was paid both to the generosity of the American people and to the gratitude of the recipients, the documents reveal a marked divergence of attitude about the methods and purposes of the aid - leading at times to serious friction not only between the two countries but also within them. This book is a case-study of the problems of overseas-aid, of the American political system and of the uncertainty in both countries about Britain's future international role. Dr Pelling is the author of many books including "The Origins of the Labour Party", "The Challenge of Socialism", "America and the British Left", "Labour and Politics, 1900-1906" and "Britain and the Second World War".