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Churchill's Guests Britain and the Belgian Exiles during World War II
Robert W. Allen
ISBN: 0-313-32218-X
ISBN-13: 978-0-313-32218-1
248 pages
Praeger Publishers
Publication: 3/30/2003
List Price: $85.00 (UK Sterling Price: £58.95)
Discount Price: $42.50 Sale Price for U.S. Customers Only. Save 50%. Ends 12/31/2009.
Availability: In Stock
Media Type: Hardcover
Trim Size: 6 1/8 x 9 1/4
Subjects:
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
About the Author: ROBERT W. ALLEN is Instructor of History at Pierce College.
LCC Class: 940
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