"War Plan Red" Topic

"War Plan Red is the name of a secret US plan to overthrow the British Empire during the interwar years. It is the subject of a book by Graham Simons, which covers the plan and subsequent US intelligence gathering during WW2.

The idea of the USA and the United Kingdom at war seems ridiculous today given both countries fought as allies in two world wars, and more controversially, the 'special relationship' that has supposedly existed ever since. However, the world looked a different place after WW1, when many in the USA railed against British command of seas, which impinged on the US policy of freedom of the seas. The rights of neutral states meant little if belligerents had effective control of the seas, something that the UK regarded as essential to link together its empire and dominions. This was reflected in the various efforts to limit naval expansion after WW1.

The US war planners developed War Plan Red (they colour coded countries and the UK was red) in response to a possible UK attack from Canada and on US maritime interests, specifically sealing off the Panama Canal, using bases in the Caribbean. The plan set out various options, ranging from sealing off Canada to outright invasion and occupation. The naval options included dominating the sea lanes between the UK and Canada as well as defeating the Royal Navy in the Caribbean…"

Main page
link

Amicalement
Armand

The Canadian plan to invade the US was pretty comical too.

(smile)

Amicalement
Armand