LLOYD GEORGE
SIR,—As an old Radical and one-time admirer of Lloyd George, I would like to comment. somewhat belatedly, on Henry Fairlic's article of December 10. While agreeing with much that he says, I feel he is too severe on his subject.
When it is a question of motive, which of us is able fairly to judge another? Is there any politician whose motives are completely pure and disinterested? Success in this field means a struggle for power which almost invariably corrupts to some extent.
Judging from common,. as distinct from Christian, standards, I shall always consider Lloyd George the greatest political figure of my time. There is much to he remembered which people are prone to forget.
He climbed the ladder from the lowest rung with exceptional ability and determination. Quite early on he jeopardised his career by his brave and unpopular stand against the deplor- able South African War. He retained his seat at the Khaki Election by his wonderful powers of persuasion and brilliant oratory. Later his measures of social reform laid the foundations of the Welfare State, and these he would have carried further if it had not been for the implacable hostility of the Lords.
In this, as in other respects, he was the victim of prejudice ('That Welshman'). We Anglo-Saxons instinctively distrust the Celt. and when he proVes too clever for us, distrust becomes detestation.
He, more than any other single man, was responsible for victory in the First World War just as truly as Sir Winston in the second; and he had all those achievements of peace behind him.
It may well he that Lloyd George had no real beliefs nor any true conception of the nature of society. But is that not the case with all our contemporary leaders? They are not philoso- phers or prophets—simply politicians. And this is the explanation of most of our troubles.— Yours faithfully,
PENDRII. BENTAI
543 Crookesmoor Road, Sheffield, 10 .
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