Catch-22 in the EU
From Mr Robert Sebag-Montefi ore Sir: David Watkins (Letters, 13 October) says that Britain is in a Catch-22, unable to leave the EU without ipso facto annoying the US and jeopardising the 'special relationship'. I think he is defeatist and wrong.
First, Britain's overriding priority today is to preserve our nation-state from destruction at the hands of the EU. It follows that, with or without US approval, we must leave the European Union and reclaim independence, democracy, liberty and the possibility of decent governance.
Second, it must be more than doubtful whether, having fully understood the implications of the 'European project', the US will in fact wish her strongest and most loyal ally to sink into provincial status in a hostile anti-American bloc. Her reactions to the 'European army' would indicate otherwise.
Third, the real Catch-22 is surely that Britain cannot preserve the 'special relationship' if she does remain in the EU. No 'special relationship' can exist, the very concept can have no meaning, where one side is a mere province, the status to which Britain (with all the other former nationstates in the EU) is doomed and destined.
Finally, that `FC0 establishment' which Mr Watkins fears so much is a paper tiger, if faced with political will, public support and courage. In the Falklands affair, for example, did not Lord Carrington resign and the Argentines decide to return home?
Robert Sebag-Montefiore
Chateau d'Oex, Switzerland
Previous page
