Author Topic: QE2 Plot - The Wilson Goverment Coup  (Read 2659 times)

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Offline CAP

QE2 Plot - The Wilson Goverment Coup
« on: Dec 23, 2011, 05:04 PM »
I've come across what seems to be an interesting piece of British history which also appears to have involved the QE2.

It is alleged that during the Wilson (Labour) Governments of the 1960's & 1970's, there where far right elements conspiring to bring the government down.  It was also rumoured that sometime in the 1970's Lord Mountbatten was approached to lead a new government following the overthrow.  

QE2's association arises from a theory that she was to have been requisitioned by the plotters in order to detain members of the then cabinet.  In July 1975 Sir Basil Smallpeice (who had left Cunard some years earlier) was seemingly approached to attend a meeting about the ship.  Recognising that he (Sir Basil) had no influence over the ship he was dismissed.  Although the incident was reported to Sir Michael Cary (Permanent Secretary at the Minsitry of Defence) nothing further happened.

I've tried to find if there is anything further in the www but have only managed to turn up these (rather detailed) commentaries on the alleged coup, but disappointngly neither mentions the ship.   Apparently, there are official papers released that provide further detail.

Further Details 1  -  Further Details 2
« Last Edit: Dec 23, 2011, 07:46 PM by CAP »

Offline Twynkle

Re: QE2 Plot - The Wilson Goverment Coup
« Reply #1 on: Dec 23, 2011, 07:08 PM »
Hi Chris!

Just to say that the links at the foot of your post (further details 1 and 2) read 404 Error etc.
There was a lot of anti-Wilson gvt feeling during that period - in some circles, labour (as well as the unions) = marxism.
Everything that wasn't True Blue (conservative), was 'Red'!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4789060.stm

HW was sensitive and came across as an anxious man,
so the story probably took root in a pervasive sense of distrust.

QE2 is mentioned by The Socialist Party site
http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/pamphlets/state/
and a google search is here
http://www.google.co.uk/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=Plot+to+overthrow+Harold+Wilson+QE2&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&redir_esc=&ei=ec_0Ts3EM8WEOojmpagB
You'll find more in memoirs already written and Dennis Healey / Lord Prescott might well know more.
Any far right 'elements' sound fascinating, but perhaps too off topic for further research here.
Rosie

Offline CAP

Re: QE2 Plot - The Wilson Goverment Coup
« Reply #2 on: Dec 23, 2011, 07:55 PM »
Thanks Rosie, links now fixed.

Good to read your link and see the QE2 connection mentioned.
« Last Edit: Dec 23, 2011, 08:12 PM by CAP »

Offline Trevor Harris

Re: QE2 Plot - The Wilson Goverment Coup
« Reply #3 on: Nov 29, 2017, 07:29 PM »
(Bringing this topic back up, very interesting)
Enjoyer of classic cinema, literature, and music.