The personal correspondence between President Dwight D. Eisenhower
and Prime Minister Anthony Eden during the time they were
simultaneously in office tells the dramatic story of a relationship
that began with great promise but ended in division and
estrangement. Many of the letters have only recently been
declassified, making it possible for the first time to publish this
unique historic collection in its entirety.
Peter G. Boyle's introduction, annotations, and conclusion provide
context for the letters--details about the personalities and
careers of Eden and Eisenhower and major issues that influenced the
Anglo-American relationship up to 1955, such as relations with the
Soviet Union, nuclear concerns, colonialism, the Middle and Far
East, economic issues, and intelligence matters. The letters
themselves offer an intimate look into the special connection
between Britain and the United States through the often eloquent
words of their leaders. They offer particular insight into the Suez
Crisis of 1956, when Eden's and Eisenhower's views greatly diverged
over the use of force to resolve the situation. Their personal
relationship cooled from that point on and ended with Eden's
resignation in January 1957.