" THE DEFENCE OF BRITAIN "
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR] Sm,—I have to thank you for a very understanding review of my book,. Britain Looks at Germany, and I hope I shall not seem unappreciative if I seek to call your attention to what seems to me a very dangerous flaw in one part of your argument.
My view, as you rightly say, is that since the encirclement of Germany is likely to produce another European War, her claim to a larger sphere of political and economic influence such as all other Great Powers possess should not be met with a blank and obstinate negative, so long as the freedom of other nations is not at stake. What we ought to defend in Europe is law and liberty, not the status quo.
You disagree with this opinion, and hold apparently that the encirclement of Germany is necessary for justice and peace. Many share that view of the case. But why do you go on to say that my view, right or wrong, " prejudices the practical issues," and more particularly the case for a National Register, which I have endeavoured to state ? Surely the need for national organisation against air attack is all the greater if concessions to Germany, whatever their nature, are to be ruled out of court. If security and strength are indispensable even to a policy of conciliation, they are doubly so to a policy of resistance to German aspirations at all points.
It seems to me, therefore, that domestic differences on foreign policy should not preclude the co-operation of all parties in the organisation of the country for defence. You yourself insist upon the danger that must menacethis island until it is fully organised against overhead attack, and you say very truly that " unless this situation is faced, Britain will never be able to play an independent role in Europe and the world." That is the essence of my own argument ; and I am sure that no British Government, whatever its political colour, will be able to play a decisive part for justice or for peace until it is faced.— I am, Sir, yours faithfully, [We do not hold that " the encirclement of Germany is necessary for justice and peace." On the contrary, we hold that any deliberate " encirclement " of Germany would be unwarranted and disastrous, and solicitude for the liberties of Czechoslovakia, for example, is not to be interpreted as a desire for encirclement. But the extension of German hegemony in Central Europe, to which Sir Edward Grigg appears to have no Objection, is not a sound basis for an appeal for national service in this country.—En. The Spectator.]
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