Britain, Southeast Asia and the Onset of the Pacific War - Hardcover

Tarling, Nicholas

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521553466 ISBN 13: 9780521553469

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1996

Synopsis

This book describes British policy in Southeast Asia in the early years of World War II. With its military strength directed against Germany, Britain drew on diplomatic resources to maintain its power in the area and to limit the Japanese threat. The book focuses on Britain's relations with America, Dutch India, the Philippines, French Indo-China and Thailand. Nicholas Tarling's extensive analysis of British archives, and documentary material on the foreign policies of other states makes this an important reinterpretation of the origins of the Pacific war.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

This book describes British policy in Southeast Asia between the outbreak of war in Europe in 1939 and the opening of the Pacific war at the end of 1941. The British government sought to preserve the status quo. Yet it was difficult for Britain to retain its position as the major colonial power in Asia when it had to pursue its struggle with Germany. The book shows that, unable to maintain effective naval or air forces in the East, the British drew on diplomatic resources to achieve their aims. The British wanted to avert the military expansion of the Japanese and to limit their penetration of the area. They had increasingly to rely on the United States, but had little control over American policy. It is this context that the book focuses on Britain's relations with the Netherlands East Indies, the Philippines, French Indo-China and Thailand. Nicholas Tarling's extensive analysis of British archives, together with documentary material on the foreign policies of other states, makes this an important reinterpretation of the origins of the Pacific war, which turned a European war into a world war. It is also the first time that the region as a whole has been considered in this context, and the interconnectedness of events explored. As a substantial study in diplomacy it is pertinent, invoking issues of continuing relevance to readers in international relations. Specialists in modern British history, Asian history and the history of World War II will also find the book invaluable.

Review:

"...this careful study...is a thorough piece of work that will not soon be superseded." Raymond A. Callahan, Albion

"Scholarly, thought-provoking, and well documented, with maps and a complete bibliography." W.W. Reinhardt, Choice

"Tarling's book...gives the reader a dizzying, kaleidoscopic image of the complex situation that faced policy makers at [this] time." Journal of Cold War Studies

" This is a well constructed book full of sound judgements....Tarling has illuminated a negelected aspect of the Second World War and contributed to the understanding of the decolonization of South-East Asia which followed that conflict." Ian McGibbon, International History Review

"...his book is a valuable addition to a still-growing body of literature on aspects of the war in Asia that, unfortunately, is likely to be consigned to a smaller audience than it deserves." Michael A. Barnhart, American Historical Review

"...this careful study...is a thorough piece of work that will not soon be superseded." John D. Fair, Albion

"Thoroughly researched...this is a detailed, blow-by-blow account of British policy and British attitude towards the policies of its partners in the Western alliance." John Kent, American Historical Review

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0521553466
• ISBN 13: 9780521553469
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 452