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Washington firmly believes that the departure of its strongest partner in Europe would also reduce American influence on the continent, as Britain so often shares American views. An EU without Britain would be seen as weaker on free trade and less reliable on defence and foreign policy issues.
"It is important to state very clearly that a strong UK in a strong Europe is in America's national interest", said a senior US administration official. "We recognise national states but see the EU as a force multiplier."
Britain's free trade philosophy is regarded as vital in preventing the union from drifting towards protectionism. "We understand that a Europe without the UK would be a weaker Europe", said a Whitehall source... "But at the moment we are focused on making Europe work better for us. We are on focusing on free trade, the single market and commerce. We are committed to making the EU more competitive."
With the eurozone still in danger of collapse, and momentum building on the continent for greater fiscal and political union, the Government has edged towards holding a referendum on EU membership.
Conservatives are increasingly envisaging a future where Britain's involvement withdraws from European institution and limits its connections to the single market and free trade.