31 OCTOBER 1958, Page 6

I AM IN FAVOUR of free speech even for monarchs

and field-marshals. Suggestions that King George VI 'interfered' in politics by giving advice to Ministers (which they did not have to accept) seem to me as absurd as the idea that, because he is still a field-marshal, Lord Montgomery should not make controversial speeches. In refusing I° impose civil service principles of discretion and silence on Monty—or rather in refusing to attempt to do so—the Government has been refreshingly sensible. But whether from his own point of view Monty was wise to make his speech last FridaY is another matter. In his Memoirs, which come out next week, he naturally maintains that he was usually right when other people were wrong. It should not make any difference, I know; but people are rather less likely to believe that big judgment was so good on military matters in the war, if it is all too apparent that on political matters it is very faulty now. However, will generals so powerful in America, France, Pak tan and elsewhere, it may be that Lord Mont' gomery is just trying to keep up with the de Gaulleses.