During Harold Macmillan's tenure (1957-1963), a profound change took place in British foreign relations. This affected both the relationship with Western Europe and Britain's position within the Commonwealth.

The study explores the little-researched interactions between Commonwealth and Western European policies. It particularly examines how the ministries were involved in formulating political strategies and translating them into negotiation tactics.

By comparing three different phases, a nuanced picture emerges of the political role of the bureaucracy in the complex tension between tradition and renewal.