Smiles mask growing transatlantic divisions

Mr Bush has adopted an uncompromising stance

By Jon Leyne in Washington

President Bush has had the first round of meetings, the smiles, the pats on the back.

But now he faces a stark question as he begins a new trip to Britain and Europe - what is he going to talk about ?

We should not adhere to a treaty that prevents the United States and other freedom-loving people from developing defences

President Bush

There is hardly a lack of big issues to discuss. The future of the world's climate, and the global system of nuclear deterrence are the two most pressing.

However President Bush and his European allies - with Britain top of the list - are rapidly running out of new things to say to each other.

Global warming has been the biggest point of transatlantic difference ever since President Bush shocked his allies by starkly denouncing, so early in his term, the Kyoto treaty.

Britain opposes the US' position, special relationship notwithstanding.

Yet once again, on the eve of his departure, the President made it clear to the BBC that there would be no change. Not even no change, no counter-proposal.

'Wait and see'

On missile defence Britain is more equivocal. Prime Minister Tony Blair's government has adopted a wait and see approach.

Mr Bush has spoken of a "strong personal relationship" with Tony Blair

The aim appears to be to bridge the gap between the United States and those European allies, such as France, deeply opposed to the American ideas.

President Bush has said he will consult over the issue. Yet members of his administration have made it clear they will press ahead regardless.

There will be nearly one test a month following last weekend's successful trial missile interception, and the president's language is not much more compromising:

"The Europeans heard me once and they'll hear me again say that the Cold War is over, that Russia is not our enemy, and that we should not adhere to a treaty that prevents the United States and other freedom-loving people from developing defences," he told the BBC.

No change

Analyst Ivo Daalder of the Brookings Institution in Washington said the president's position had not moved on anything.

More missile tests are expected in the coming months

He said: "If anything his position is even more disconcerting on missile defence."

The visit to London will be friendly. The big differences may be more painfully exposed when Mr Bush arrives in Genoa for the G8 summit at the weekend.

But this does not appear the moment for any historic, ground-breaking deals.