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Prime ministers

Anglo-American Relations Reach New Low Over Gerry Adams Welcome

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A deepening crisis in Anglo-American relations has arisen following President Clinton's decision to welcome Gerry Adams, the leader of Sinn Fein, to the White House. This move has been met with significant British opposition, with Prime Minister John Major expressing concerns that the US has failed to pressure Adams on the arms issue. Despite efforts to mend the rift, British officials in Washington have expressed dismay at the curt response from the White House, suggesting a growing impatience with London's objections.

Key Takeaways:

  • The crisis in Anglo-American relations has worsened over the US welcome extended to Gerry Adams, with Prime Minister John Major expressing concerns that the US has failed to pressure Adams on the arms issue.
  • The Prime Minister has called for the US to put pressure on Adams to decommission the IRA's deadliest weapons, including rockets and Semtex explosives.
  • The issue of the White House invitation has overshadowed Mr. Major's visit to Israel, where he has continued to make parallels between the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the situation in Northern Ireland.
  • British officials in Washington have been dismayed by the curt response from the White House, suggesting a growing impatience with London's objections.
  • President Clinton has refused to have any second thoughts about allowing Adams to raise funds in the US and call him to the White House.
  • The US has decided to treat the Sinn Fein president almost as a world statesman, hosting several top-level occasions this week, including the formal opening of Sinn Fein's US office.
  • The Arafat-Major meeting takes place today at the PLO leader's headquarters in the self-ruled Gaza Strip.

Statistics:

  • 1. The US has made Gerry Adams the guest of honour at several top-level occasions this week.
  • 2. The crisis in Anglo-American relations has worsened since President Clinton's decision to welcome Gerry Adams to the White House.
  • 3. The distance between the two countries has been highlighted by the curt response from the White House to British concerns.
  • 4. The US has decided to treat the Sinn Fein president almost as a world statesman.

Sources:

  • THE TIMES, HUGH PURCELL, 11 FEB 1995, "Crises mounts"

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