The idea of a Channel Tunnel has always aroused strong emotions in
Britain. It has been supported by those wanting closer political,
economic and cultural links with Europe but opposed by believers in
Britain's island identity and overseas empire. In contrast, the
French have been almost unanimously in favour. Channel Tunnel
Vision 1850-1950 is an account of attempts over a century to build
a link with France. Early schemes, some owing more to
Heath-Robinson than to sound engineering practice, were succeeded
by serious proposals based on scientific surveys of the sea-bed
carried out in the 1860s. After describing the major entrepreneurs
and their plans, Keith Wilson goes on to show the reactions of
successive British Governments. On several occasions the decision
on whether or not to go ahead was a very close-run thing. He quotes
the views, which make remarkable reading, of Prime Ministers from
Gladstone to Ramsay MacDonald; of Foreign Secretaries including
Grey and Curzon; and of admirals and generals ranging from Fisher
to Wolseley, French and Henry Wilson. Their fears of sabotage,
invasion and a future political rift with France were set against
hopes of economic advantage. They also saw an enhanced ability to
respond quickly to future German aggression. How the existence of a
Channel Tunnel would have affected the 1940 campaign is an
intriguing speculation.
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