3 FEBRUARY 1939, Page 15

I replied that, before I could answer that question I

must ask her to define what she meant by " imperialist." For instance, the Italian war against Abyssinia was certainly an " imperialist " war since it was waged for the purpose of acquiring the possessions of others. Would not an Italian aggression launched for the purpose of acquiring Tunisia be also an " imperialist " war ? On what grounds did she con- tend that, whereas it would have been noble for France to fight for the possessions of the Negus, it would be ignoble for her to fight for her own possessions ? Similarly did she contend that whereas it would be " imperialistic " for this country to defend Singapore against the Japanese, it would be right and proper for us to defend Gibraltar against General Franco ? She was completely routed by this counter- offensive. A slow, but most becoming blush ascended throughout her features. There are few things more painful for a speaker than to catch a heckler nicely out. I resumed my seat well aware that I had appeared as a purist, a politician and a pig.

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