Former UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace, who recently resigned, allegedly attempted to disrupt a major military helicopter deal with the US, causing a diplomatic dispute between the two countries, according to The Times. Sources suggest that this incident occurred following Wallace’s failure to secure the position of NATO secretary general, although it is claimed that these two matters are unrelated.
Wallace reportedly spent his final weeks in office trying to cancel the purchase of 14 Boeing Chinook H-47 heavy military helicopters worth £2.3 billion. He expressed doubts about the deal, arguing that Britain already possesses the largest heavy-lift fleet in Europe and favored investing in medium-lift support helicopters instead. This alternative option would have allowed the country to save money. Additionally, Wallace raised concerns regarding Britain’s lack of communication, satellite technology, and transportation capabilities required for special operations involving US-designed aircraft.
This initiative by Wallace triggered discontent among various UK officials, with one individual describing it as “mad.” Another source suggested that Wallace was deliberately attempting to provoke the Americans. The brewing diplomatic row reportedly prompted Karen Pierce, the UK ambassador to the US, to warn against canceling the helicopter deal.
UK officials scrambled to calm their American counterparts and assured them that tensions would ease once Wallace was no longer in office. Efforts were made to reconcile the situation and reaffirm the US’s trust. According to an anonymous source, many reunification efforts were made to reassure the US.
The controversy arose following US President Joe Biden’s refusal to endorse Wallace as the successor to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. In July, Biden declined to support Wallace’s candidacy due to the UK’s announcement of a coalition to assist Ukraine in acquiring F-16 fighter jets, which was made without consulting the US. This decision undermined Wallace’s chances and left him deeply disappointed, with the blame falling on the White House.
The Times article vehemently refuted the speculation that Wallace’s attempts to cancel the helicopter deal were connected to his NATO aspirations. However, one source claims that he was profoundly disappointed that his hopes of succeeding Stoltenberg were dashed, which he believed was due to the actions of the White House.
In conclusion, the reported attempt by Ben Wallace, the former UK Defense Secretary, to derail a military helicopter deal with the US sparked a diplomatic dispute between the two countries. Despite claims that this incident was unrelated to Wallace’s failure to secure the position of NATO secretary general, there is speculation regarding a potential link. The controversy surrounding the deal highlights the challenges faced in maintaining the alliance between long-time allies, the UK and the US.
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