| ID | 121544 |
| Title Proper | Cut the bonds which bind our hands |
| Other Title Information | deniable operations during the confrontation with Indonesia, 1963-1966 |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Tuck, Christopher |
| Publication | 2013. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | In 1966, Britain triumphed in a little-known low-intensity war against Indonesia. Orthodox assessments of what was known as the "Confrontation" have lionised British achievements during the campaign, especially the role played by Operation Claret: a campaign of secret, deniable cross-border operations. This article argues that, in fact, British deniable operations were extremely problematic and, indeed, increasingly unpopular with senior military officers. The argument highlights, in particular, the re-occurrence of a perennial problem in the use of military force: the difficulty in measuring during campaigns the extent to which tactical- and operational-level military successes actually translate into strategic political success. |
| `In' analytical Note | Journal of Military History Vol. 77, No.2; Apr 2013: p.599-623 |
| Journal Source | Journal of Military History Vol. 77, No.2; Apr 2013: p.599-623 |
| Key Words | Low - Intensity War ; Indonesia ; Britain ; Operation Claret |