AFTER THE CRISIS
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR] Saa,—A large number of your correspondents abuse Mr. Chamberlain and his policy with regard to Germany and Czechoslovakia. They appear to think that the shield of British Democracy, somewhat tarnished during the 20 post-War years, needed the blood of another million or so young men to burnish it. Did any of these noble souls pause to consider what chance we had of bringing such a war to a successful conclusion ? Do they know nothing at all about the condition to which twenty years of " economy " and political apathy have brought our armed forces ? Or do they believe that Great Britain should have sacrificed another generation lust as a
chivalrous gesture without regard to the possible results ? Have they not allowed the nobility of their sentiments and the kindness of their hearts to overcome their common sense ?
How many of these critics actually fought in the last War ? During the twenty years of neglect and political insanity that re- duced our national defences to a farce, how many of them have advocated national service or even armed forces properly adequate to defend our responsibilities, commitments and interests ? How many of them are willing and able to bear arms in defence of their democratic ideals alongside the volunteers on whom Great Britain has for too long relied to do her fighting for her ? How many of them, even now, will persistently advocate National Service and how many will offer their services as an example to those who hang back ?
These are questions that the critics of Mr. Chamberlain might well ask themselves before they so hastily abuse him and set themselves up as the champions of the honour of Great Britain.—Yours faithfully, H. N. Loaf. Via della Bacteria Nomentana, Rome, Italy.
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