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| Posing in front of the UK flag, 2017 |
My purpose of writing this post is not to examine the morality or legality of President Trump's decision. My purpose is to see this decision through historic lenses -- this is not the first time that the United States has been accused of betraying its allies.
On 14 Aug 1941, the United States and the United Kingdom signed the Atlantic Charter. This document detailed post-war activities which would be sought by the two countries. However, point number 3 of the charter had been hotly disputed by the United Kingdom and other allied nations. Point 3 stated this:
All people had the right to self-determination.
Why dispute that?
The Charter advocated that all people, including those from European colonies had a right to decide the future of their country. This meant that the colonies would be able to vote to be independent from their European masters. Although British Prime Minister Churchill wanted to limit the declaration to German-occupied territories, the Americans were undeterred.
In other words, no Americans lives were to be spent to protect the colonies after World War 2 was over. If the Europeans wanted to preserve their empire after the war, it would have to do so using their own resources and manpower.
The European powers, particularly the British and the Dutch, saw the America's stand as a betrayal of Allied interest. The European Allies had suffered many casualties during the war, and knew that the lack of post-war American support would lead the collapse of control.
The Americans saw the charter of an expansion of their anti-colonial policy. They were already planning to give the Philippines independence in 1946, and considered it hypocritical to use its resources to defend colonial empires.
Conclusion
When it comes to geo-politcal issues, just remember this: There are no common friends; only common interests.
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| Natural History Museum, London 2017 |
Why dispute that?
The Charter advocated that all people, including those from European colonies had a right to decide the future of their country. This meant that the colonies would be able to vote to be independent from their European masters. Although British Prime Minister Churchill wanted to limit the declaration to German-occupied territories, the Americans were undeterred.
In other words, no Americans lives were to be spent to protect the colonies after World War 2 was over. If the Europeans wanted to preserve their empire after the war, it would have to do so using their own resources and manpower.
The European powers, particularly the British and the Dutch, saw the America's stand as a betrayal of Allied interest. The European Allies had suffered many casualties during the war, and knew that the lack of post-war American support would lead the collapse of control.
The Americans saw the charter of an expansion of their anti-colonial policy. They were already planning to give the Philippines independence in 1946, and considered it hypocritical to use its resources to defend colonial empires.
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| Cambodia 2018 |
Conclusion
When it comes to geo-politcal issues, just remember this: There are no common friends; only common interests.
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