Provocation Can Be Carried Too Far

Northern Advocate, 5 July 1947, Page 7

Provocation Can Be Carried Too Far

Bevin

(Rec. 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, July 4. Speaking at the American Embassy dinner to celebrate the Fourth of July, Mr Bevin said: “The United States wants us to devise a plan in which everybody can settle things on a basis of reason, discussion and the facts. “I think this is misunderstood by a lot of our friends in the world.

‘•They seem to think our obsession for peace is a thing which entitles them to go on to provocation in spite of this great design. “They must not be surprised—and indeed the evidence of the last two struggles indicates —that you can carry provocation too far. “People will say one day, ‘We are tired of this.’ “There comes a moment when we sav: ‘We have had enough.' NO INTERFERENCE

“I say to my friends who take a different view than we do: ‘Don't provoke that situation.’

“It is said we want to interfere with the sovereignties of peoples. We run no feuds, we don’t determine Governments. we don’t appoint Prime Ministers. we don't do anything of that kind. “I love the Russian people. The ordinary men and women of the world want peace. They want' to be left alone. They want amenities that civilisation can give them. “Why split the world on some ideology. on such things as material determinism or Christian religion?”

‘CELEBRATE OUR DEFEAT’ Mr Bcvin began by saying that they were celebrating a unique occasion which he thought only Britishers understood.

“I don’t really believe the Americans can understand it," he said.

“We are here tonight to celebrate your victory and our defeat. “Thank you for defeating us and producing as a result the wonderful United States of America. “You can have your revolution, your Bunker’s Hill and your Yorkstown, but nothing will ever separate us now, whatever they do.” ACCEPT CHALLENGE

Mr Bevin described Mr Marshall’s aid to Europe speech as a great speech from one continent to another.

“Who could resist such a spirit and could speak even for a moment about suspicions concernng its honesty?” he •said.

“Speaking for the British people, and interpreting their desire, I say to Mr Marshall: ’We take you and the American nation at your word. We do not question it. I accept your challenge and will get on with the job.’” America and Britain, he added, would continue to think alike.

“I beg the great American Continent to go on with its great mission. As long as I am Foreign Secretary I will work with you.” CONCEPT OF LIBERTY He added: “The correct description of the present conflict going on in the world is that you have on the one. side a materialistic conception of history, and on the other there are we Anglo-Saxons who believe in liberty. “Sometimes people describe Britain as the awkward squad. “As an old trade union leader I say most of my men have marched on the pavement. “They won’t be directed and ordered and as long as we maintain that spirit, liberty will be a greater prize than material gain.”