Greatest of national interests - British public were in support of preserving peace.
Britain had everything to lose and nothing to gain - cost lots of money, wouldnt gain anything from it.
helped to promote commerce - would lose trading partners if a war broke out
Economic situation was very bad, not god for a war, preserving peace would allow them to economically recover
there was awareness that Britain was increasingly vulnerable - cutting spending on defence and arms, wouldnt be able to survive a war.
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Defence of Britain
A vital concern was to ensure that Britain was adequately defended.
Protection of essential trade routes
Defence of the empire
Savage defence cuts had unfortunate consequences for Britains domestic arms industry, which virtually disappeared. (10 year rule - didnt think they would be involved in a war for another 10 years)
They needed to be ready to cooperate in the defence of Britain's allies.
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Importance of the USA
They were a great economic power and potentially a great military power.
Britain couldnt even afford a minor quarrel with America
A permanent quarrel with them was unthinkable
Britain might need its assistance in the future.
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Preserving the Balance of Power
the best insurance against the renewal of war
it was believed that World War One had been caused by a rigid alliance system
most British governments had no intention of binding the country to preserve the status quo
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World Power
Few politicians considered Britain a fully fledged European state.
British interests were global rather than just continental
Preservation of the Empire was essential if Britain was to remain a great world power.
Politicians claimed that self-government was the destiny of every part of the British Empire. Most were determined to preserve that imperial union in some form.
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