The British public should take this example, go below and
put on their boots, and give the Government all the moral backing they possibly can. They may be reminded that the soldier whom the Government have sent to the Near Eastern theatre—General Monro—is one of the coolest, ablest, and, above all, most sincere of soldiers—a man with the fullest sense of public duty. Presumably he has been given ample power not only to examine the situation, but to act, and act quickly if necessary. Confident .that he will do what the complicated and difficult situation demands, the country can await the event with composure. Happily there is no need to urge the nation to steady its nerves or to keep a good heart. That is what it is perfectly prepared to do without being preached at by us or anybody else. The British people are not clamouring for consolation, nor, again, to make anybody a scapegoat. We sincerely hope that the Government will realize this and treat the nation as it treats them. They must not be afraid of telling it the plainest and, if necessary, the sternest truths.
