Description: This book investigates the course of Anglo-French policy in Europe from 1936 to1938, a critical period during which France was governed by a series of Popular Front coalition Ministries. It asserts that French policy-makers made a substantial impact upon the course of British foreign policy whilst breathing new life into the waning Entente Cordiale. The study contends that close attention to the role of French influence is fundamental to a grasp of British appeasement and rearmament policy in the period and essential to the understanding of the Anglo-French response to such problems as the Spanish Civil War, the collapse of League of Nations authority and the treatment of the Soviet Union. Essential reading for students of British or French Political History or the origins of World War II in Europe
Brief description: Martin Thomas is the former Commodore of the Ocean Cruising Club, and is currently the Vice-Commodore of the Royal London Yacht Club. He was previously the Watch Officer on board the sail training schooner Sir Winston Churchill. A distinguished surgeon, he has written on topics of emergencies at sea and medical treatment for yachtsmen.
Review Quotes:
"The book is based on a very thorough knowledge of the relevant French and British archives. It is classic diplomatic history, but pays due obeisance to the importance of financial matters and (...) demonstrates some sensitivity to domestic politics." --H-France Review of Books
"The author has made excellent use of French archival sources which have only recently become available, combining them skilfully with British archives and an encyclopaedic knowledge of the published material. The notes, whixh occupy about one-quarter of the length of each chapter, are a goldmine in themselves." --Diplomacy and Statecraft "Scholars of the interwar period and of the role of France in particular should consider (this) book as essential reading." --The Journal of Strategic Studies "Martin's book is exemplary of the enviably well-informed, relatively positive attitude with which many writers now approach the last chapter of the Third Republic." --Journal of Modern History