There is a tendency to be captivated by the general waves of good feeling, what I might call the ‘Pilgrims’ approach’. Many have sat through and indeed delivered the speeches necessary for that sort of occasion. It is possible, particularly on the British side, to be somewhat seduced or intoxicated by the benevolence of that speech-making. I am not saying that it is hypocritical, but it is not a sure guide to what happens when you are actually enveloped in making or receiving policy.
A better guide for a British minister or chief of staff is to say to yourself every night that the ‘special relationship’ depends on the usefulness of Britain to the United States. That is the key. Everything else is pleasant surrounding noises.
