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Originally Posted by The Bear
All that I can think about are a bunch of inconsequential little islands that with the possible exception of the Falklands aren’t worth the effort, and Gibraltar that will soon be a part of Spain anyway as we all become a single USE.
As for the shipping lanes, get real.
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'Get real'? DO you have any idea how heavily the UK relies on shipping? 95% of all goods traded by the UK arrive or depart by sea. Protecting shipping lanes is a no-brainer. Also, defending British subjects abroad (ie. Falklands etc) is necessary if only out of principle. That you would abandon countrymen in their time of need is disgusting.
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Originally Posted by The Bear
Having the US forces in Britain makes us a target for any aggressor intent on attacking the US especially if we continue to put up with their radar outposts here and in the rest of Europe, radar that forms a part of the US defence shield and does Sweet Fanny Adams for us or Europe.
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Being a leading nation in both NATO and Western Europe we're a target anyway. I also disagree that having US troops stationed here doesn't bring any benefit to Europe. Providing a base of operations allows for quick deployment to Europe, Africa and the middle east if necessary. It also means that should any NATO member be attacked, there are already US troops in Europe able to respond.
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Bear
The idea that the US would come galloping to our aid if we were in danger was blown out of the water with the outbreak of WW2 where with the exception of selling armaments to both sides the US did nothing for us alone until they were given a bloody nose at Pearl Harbour.
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The US did send not only equipment, but also advisors and service personnel.
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Bear
We actually have far more to thank the Russians for than the US, had it not been for Hitler going after the USSR in the (correct) belief that he had crushed Britain he world have had his forces invade us and the US would have done NOTHING.
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Correct belief that he had crushed Britain? Really, so what was the Battle of Britain all about then? We were walking in Berlin in 1945.
The USSR may have sacrificed the most during the war, but that in no way belittles the effort of the other Allies.