A Question of Leadership: July 1966 and Harold Wilson's European Decision

This article examines the reasons why Harold Wilson decided to embark on a probe of the European Community countries in October 1966 to see if the conditions existed for British membership of the EEC. It traces the development of Wilson's policy towards the EEC between 1964 and 1966. It argues that Wilson's policy towards the Community was politically not economically motivated. Faced with the contraction of Britain's political influence in Europe and in the Atlantic Alliance, with the erosion of Britain's position with the Commonwealth and with the termination of Britain's defence commitments East of Suez, Wilson had no choice but to turn to the EEC.