Napoleon's last laugh

Published on 2 November 2010 at 11:33

Cover

“British Army under French orders,” booms the tabloid Daily Express, giving the new agreement between France and Britain to pool military resources a decidedly chilly reception. Was it not French Exocet missiles that sank so many British warships during the Falkland war, it asks. Commander John Muxworthy, of the UK National Defence Association, is even more sceptical: “This is no way to run a country’s defence. In World War Two we were supposed to be standing side by side with the French and then look what happened.” While broadly supportive of the new Entente Cordiale, The Times warns that “Anglo-French military co-operation has an inglorious history."The only unsuccessful military campaign conducted by Britain since 1945 was Suez, a disastrous joint venture with France and Israel.

Tags

Was this article useful? If so we are delighted!

It is freely available because we believe that the right to free and independent information is essential for democracy. But this right is not guaranteed forever, and independence comes at a cost. We need your support in order to continue publishing independent, multilingual news for all Europeans.

Discover our subscription offers and their exclusive benefits and become a member of our community now!

Are you a news organisation, a business, an association or a foundation? Check out our bespoke editorial and translation services.

Support independent European journalism

European democracy needs independent media. Join our community!

On the same topic