Quote: sally cinnamon "Yes, the "Special Relationship" has always been one-sided.
The classic example was at the supposed height of the relationship when Reagan and Thatcher were the leaders, and Argentina invaded the Falklands.
Reagan declared the US neutral and said "it's difficult for us because we're friends with both countries".
That was Galtieri's military junta launching an illegal invasion of British sovereign territory where the citizens steadfastly did not want to be under Argentinian control. And America was 'neutral'.'"
Rubbish. Yes, the US declared themselves neutral initially to pursue a diplomatic solution. However they soon officially and publicly sided with the UK. US policy was at first skewed by Secretary of State Alexander Haig, who favoured an "Argentinian sovereignty by stealth" plan, although his true colours became clear when he told Congress the principle of self-determination did not apply to the Falklanders, followed by a joke about their sexual practices. Haig even threatened to leak British movements. This is the same man who suggested a "nuclear warning shot" in Europe might deter the USSR.
The USA had been receiving strong Argentinian support in training Contras. The Junta gambled this would negate the 'Special Relationship', but they got it wrong.
Reagan, publicly at first, stuck to his neutral stance re sovereignty over the islands but opposition to military action. However he soon gave his consent to strong material support to the British military campaign.
The US not only provided intel, but also repositioned a spy satellite from Soviet spying duties, burning valuable fuel, thus shortening the satellite's lifespan. They supplied 12.5 million gallons of aviation fuel diverted from US stockpiles, airfield matting, thousands of rounds of mortar shells and other equipment - including hundreds of Sidewinder missiles - many at 48 hours' notice, taken directly from US frontline defence forces at the height of the Cold War.
Ascension Island is a British territory, but the defunct airfield had been rebuilt by the US and was operated by the USAF at the time - but was handed over to the RAF, a vital staging point.
The US even offered to lend the UK the USS Iwo Jima if the UK lost a carrier. It was never needed. That alone is an enormous indication of the relationship between the 2 nations.
It's worth also considering that In the face of Soviet scrutiny it was important for the UK to appear to be able to win the war independently, hence the levels of assistance were not all immediately made public. A key NATO member needed to appear strong without direct US military assistance.
Reagan then made his loyalties clear when, 2 weeks after the end of the Falklands War, Haig complained to him about the 'cacophony of voices' speaking out on US foreign policy. Reagan replied with a note saying, "Dear Al, it is with the most profound regret that I accept your letter of resignation", and that was the end of Haig as SoS.
Arguments continue for both sides but the chances are we would have won with or without US assistance - we were well equipped and had excellent intel of our own.