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During the century since the agreements of 8 May 1904, relations between the French and British governments have displayed an alternance of periods either of entente or of disagreement. After a close alliance during the First World War, there were sharp differences at the peace conference of 1919 and then about the enforcement of the treaty of Versailles. After the split, which resulted from General de Gaulle’s veto on Britain’s entry into the E.E.C, there was reconciliation under Heath and Pompidou. As for public opinion, its fluctuations were not so sharp. Most Britons had and have a negative view of France, which tabloids constantly mock and attack. Traditionally, Frenchmen were divided between anglophobes and anglophiles, but presently indifference towards Britain prevails. However, thanks to many and various links between the two nations, the entente cordiale is no mere whim.