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Churchill's Guests Britain and the Belgian Exiles during World War II
Robert W. Allen
Book Code: GM2218
ISBN: 0-313-32218-X
ISBN-13: 978-0-313-32218-1
248 pages, map, photos
Praeger Publishers
Publication: 3/30/2003
List Price: $85.00 (UK Sterling Price: £47.95)
Availability: In Stock
Media Type: Hardcover
Trim Size: 6 1/8 x 9 1/4
Subjects:
Series Title: Contributions to the Study of World History
Series Number: 104
Reviews:
  • [P]rovides a soberly written but interesting and useful perspective on a neglected story.
    —Albion     Fall 2004
Description: When the Belgian exiles arrived in 1940, the British considered them (and especially their leaders) to be unhelpful ingrates. Individual exiles soon made firm friends, but it would take longer for the exile government to improve its public image. This study provides a comprehensive look at a wartime partnership from the perspective of the junior partner, detailing the evolution of relations from awkward tolerance in 1940 to full teamwork that lasted from 1942 through 1945. Typical accounts of the Second World War concentrate on the economic exploits and resources of the Big Three, while glossing over the role of other nations. Allen presents a truer picture of the Allied war effort as a cooperative coalition that depended on more than just America, Britain, and Russia. British respect was partially earned through the strong economic power of Belgian's large gold reserve and the varied resources of the huge Belgian Congo. Differences with the British occurred over the control of links to the Resistance, food relief to Belgium, and propaganda. The Belgian experience has enough in common with other large exile groups to provide readers a reasonable grasp of the overall contribution to British life and the war effort by the exiles as a group. The personal bonds and patterns of cooperation forged in wartime London would help create vital postwar military and economic organizations.
Table of Contents:
  • Preface
  • Introduction
  • Defeat and Confusion
  • Refuge and Respect
  • Help from Overseas
  • Reaching Out Beyond Britain
  • Sharpening the Sword
  • Liberation and Recovery
  • Conclusions
  • Bibliography
  • Index
LC Card Number: 2002028432
LCC Class: D809
Dewey Class: 940
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