My Country Right or Left?

Abstract

England is at war again. A fascist regime, guilty of the most barbarous crimes against its own people, has committed a clear act of aggression — covering itself, of course, with the usual rhetoric about historical claims to the disputed lebensraum. The prime minister, who decides to stand up against this is a ferociously Right-wing Tory, given to biting criticism not only of the Labour Opposition but of the softness of previous Conservative governments as well. The old white Commonwealth is solid with Britain, as are the French, but the Americans are playing a more neutral game while both Irish and Afrikaner nationalists are flirting with Britain’s enemy. The Russians, hitherto so loud in their condemnation of the fascist regime, have suddenly veered right round and are trying hard to befriend it, denouncing Britain for its ‘imperialist war’. As usual the outcome of the war depends squarely on the Royal Navy. June 1940? Yes, and June 1982 as well.

First published in New Society, 17 June 1982.