Sen. John McCain is concerned about Scottish independence, although he would not say that he outright opposes it in a recent interview.
The Arizona Republican said a major reason he is concerned is that he believes Great Britain is the most important military and intelligence ally the United States has, according to the Financial Times.
“I don’t see how it could be helpful, not just as far as intelligence ties are concerned, but to the unique military relationship as well,” he said.
But he also told the Times that he is reluctant to comment on an internal issue in another country.
McCain also has a personal stake in the referendum, since he is of Scottish descent. During the 2008 campaign, the publisher of one of his books even claimed that he was a distant relative of a Scottish king, although scholars debunked the link.
With polls showing the referendum on Scottish independence is closely tied, many American observers are concerned about possible effects on the European Union as well as the relationship with Great Britain. But few are willing to argue publicly against it.
At a White House press conference Monday, spokesman Josh Earnest said the U.S. has a “deep interest” in seeing Scotland remain part of Great Britain, but he also said it was up to the Scottish people to decide.
“This is a decision for the people of Scotland to make,” he said.
