Oliver Franks and the Truman Administration

Sir Oliver Franks served as British Ambassador to the US between 1948 and 1952. This analysis reveals a great deal about the condition of relations between Britain and America, the mechanics of co-operation and the impact of a singular individual on international relations.

Michael F. Hopkins

Part 1 The ambassador, the embassy and the Anglo-American relationship: individuals and institutions; postwar relations; new ambassador. Part 2 Establishing a reputation: first impressions; Cold War allies. Part 3 Achievements: Dean Acheson; devaluation of the pound; part of the European queue or special partners?; the Korean war. Part 4 Difficulties: Anglo-American tensions; a new foreign secretary. Part 5 The return of the conservatives: working with Churchill and Eden; epilogue - end of a mission; conclusion.