Speech It’s Leo Amery’s 140th birthday: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Leo_Amery_1917.jpg I like re-reading the big wartime Parliamentary debates – the old blue-covered Penguin Hansard gives a good selection. There is, of course, the powerful moment on September 2nd 1939, when Chamberlain still refrains from declaring war on Germany. Arthur Greenwood stands in for Attlee on behalf of the Opposition, and as he rises, Amery calls out across the floor of the House: ‘Speak for England, Arthur.’ But even more, there’s the Norway Debate of May 7/May 8 1940. You can read it, even now, like a great play with unforgettable characters like Attlee, Roger Keyes [in full naval uniform with six rows of medals], Morrison, Lloyd George, Greenwood, Chamberlain, Churchill and the rest. But nothing, however familiar, prepares you for the force of Amery’s peroration: ‘…Somehow or other we must get into the Government men who can match our enemies in fighting spirit, in daring, in resolution and in thirst for victory. Some 300 years ago, when this House found that its troops were being beaten again and again by the dash and daring of the Cavaliers, by Prince Ruperts Cavalry, Oliver Cromwell spoke to John Hampden. In one of his speeches he recounted what he said. It was this: I said to him, Your troops are most of them old, decayed serving men and tapsters and such kind of fellows. ... You must get men of a spirit that are likely to go as far as they will go, or you will be beaten still. It may not be easy to find these men. They can be found only by trial and by ruthlessly discarding all who fail and have their failings discovered. We are fighting to-day for our life, for our liberty, for our all; we cannot go on being led as we are. I have quoted certain words of Oliver Cromwell. I will quote certain other words. I do it with great reluctance, because I am speaking of those who are old friends and associates of mine, but they are words which, I think, are applicable to the present situation. This is what Cromwell said to the Long Parliament when he thought it was no longer fit to conduct the affairs of the nation: You have sat too long here for any good you have been doing. Depart, I say, and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go. ‘ amazon/In-Name-God-Go-Churchill/dp/product-description/0393033937
Posted on: Fri, 22 Nov 2013 07:18:47 +0000
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