31 AUGUST 1945, Page 10

If, on the other hand, we use the word "

Democracy " to denote our own Liberal system, under which the State is regarded as a balanced organism,• and under which the interests of minorities and the rights of the individual are safeguarded by law, then we must recognise and remember that we are using a Greek word in an incorrect manner, and that the word we ought to use is " politeia." I am not suggest- ing that we should adopt so ungainly a nomenclature ; nor am I suggesting that when we use the word in its Eastern sense we should imply reproach or that when we use it in its Western sense we should admit inaccuracy. I am suggesting only that the essential distinction is not that between " political" and " economic " democracy, but that between free institutions and those that are despotic.

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