[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] SIR,—Three words in Mr.
Pakenham's last letter go to the very heart of the question of Labour's failure. He boasts of an "intellectualised foreign policy." I suggest that it is precisely this " intellectualist " way of looking at problems of foreign and domestic policy which repels many people, - in this country and in other parts of Europe, from supporting
parties of the Left. The process of reasoning seems to be this first step, let Britain give a lead. (A magic phrase this ; why she should is never made clear. We are not the strongest Power for this purpose, and I doubt if Mr. Pakenham and his friends have any use for what is called our moral prestige .) Second step : we build up an overwhelming front against aggression ; in practice that means against Italy, Germany and Japan ; which in turn means against peoples most anti- pathetic to Labour views. The small nations of Europe and the Dominions are in fact asked to join a conservative, ideological front behind which Labour can sit and watch capitalism die. While the front is being formed the "Fascist Powers" sit and quake at the sight of a Labour Government, supported by thousands of pacifists, taking the lead. When it is too late they will draw the sword only to drop it when they see the length of the front. Then all sit down to a table and settle the redistribution of raw material supplies and colonies. One wonders how long the collective system would survive the jealousies of such a conference.
At every stage of this process apparently the young English- man must be ready to " overwhelm " aggression in any part of Europe. His naval and military commanders must co- ordinate their plans with those of every anti-Fascist staff in Europe. Where is the guarantee of peace in all of this ? To the foreigner this is nothing less than a conspiracy for the defence of vested interests, a large-scale version of the conspiracy which the Left Book Club smells out in every hole and corner. The idealism of which Mr. Pakenham speaks is not regarded as such in other nations of Europe ; they call it sublimated conservatism and decadence. They do not one and all pray for leadership from a Labour-run British Government. If they did I would follow Mr. Pakenham the whole way. In view of the complications and manoeu- verings of Europe, the foreign policy of the Labour Party reminds one of the chess-player with a logical plan of attack, sweeping vision and boundless optimism, who tries out his plan without any black men on the board. Planning is only possible where there is complete power ; and power too is a condition of successful political idealism. It is surprising to find that Mr. Pakenham, a notable champion of the grievances of Ireland, has so much faith in the power and reputation of British idealism abroad.—Yours, &c.,
DONALD MCLACHLAN.
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