TOPICS OF THE DAY

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21250, 22 October 1940, Page 4

TOPICS OF THE DAY

History Repeated In 1803 Napoleon struck a medal to commemorate the successful invasion of England by his army: he expected that London would fall in 1804, and the medal was prepared on that assumption, says the Manchester Guardian. Broadsheets gave a vivid impression of the temper of the British people during the months of tension, the appeals to British spirit, the denunciation of Napoleon, the warnings against “ fifth columnists ” all having a familiar sound today. By his treatment of Holland and Switzerland Napoleon had forfeited all claim to be regarded as a champion of liberty, defending the great ideas of the Revolution. Hence the popular feeling against him was as strong as that of the classes whose special interests and sympathies had been outraged by the Revolution. Napoleon was very sensitive to British criticism, and in 1802 he had made a formal demand for restraints upon the British Press, a demand that was rejected firmly by statesmen of all parties. The spirit in which Britain met and finally wore down the vast power of the first Napoleon made a great impression on his nephew, and Napoleon 111. put friendship with Britain as the first aim of his foreign policy. But the British people had still such a mistrust ol the name Napoleon that he never succeeded in his desire.