Harold Wilson's Efforts at a Negotiated Settlement of the Vietnam War, 1965-67

This article aims to provide an account of British Prime
Minister Harold Wilson’s diplomatic attempts to settle the
Vietnam War. There are some previous studies discussing his
initiatives in 1965, but little research focussing on his
continuous trials in the following years. Starting with an
analysis of Wilson’s concept of an Anglo-American ‘division of
function’ in Vietnam, this article then examines Anglo-Soviet
summit meetings in 1966-67 and investigates the Wilson-
Johnson confrontation over America’s secret efforts at a
dialogue with the Hanoi regime. In conclusion, it will consider
the factors contributing to the ultimate failure to produce
significant results of Wilson’s peace-making efforts.