The Blogs: Cameron & Churchill

On David Cameron’s 2nd mandate – Advice by our national Saviour from his “The Good European” Speech, May 1948, Amsterdam.

I am writing these words at Napoleon’s Grave aux Invalides in Paris, where an exhibition on Churchill and De Gaulle has much to teach us today. So much, that Najat Belkacem, France’s eloquent Education Minister, is here, showing some schoolchildren round the exhibits, including the very Order of the Liberation chain, which De Gaulle placed around the Prime Minister’s celebrated neck. The neck which Goebbels promised “to break, like a little chicken’s.” “Some chicken! Some neck!” as Winston himself quipped. Churchill would have been thrilled by Belkacem’s visit. Today, France is commemorating Victory in Europe, as David Cameron is celebrating Victory in England. France’s Education Minister is here to transmit the values of our working together, as we did in WWII. Churchill’s legacy lives on in France, but will it do so in England?

Churchill strained every sinew so that Britain’s relations with both the US and Europe would grow from strength to strength.

Churchill:

This is the Europe which we wish to see rise in so great a strength as to be safe from internal destruction or foreign inroad. We hope to reach again a Europe united, but purged of the slavery of ancient classical times, a Europe in which men will be proud to say “I am a European.” We hope to see a Europe where men of every country will think as much of being a European as of belonging to their native land—and that without lessening any of their love and loyalty to their home and birthplace. We hope that wherever they go in this wide domain, to which we set no limits in the European continent, they will truly feel— Here I am at home, I am a citizen of this country too. These men are my brothers and friends. Let us meet together, let us work together, let us do our utmost, all that is in us, for the good of all.

David Cameron has promised us a referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union. Pray G-d that he remembers his predecessor’s wisdom and work. For Britain’s destiny is to play a greater role in a greater Europe.

Next to Napoleon’s grave, appear the following words of France’s Emperor.

Everywhere, where my rule has stretched, it has left durable remains of its benevolence.

May David Cameron strive to live up to the same lofty ideal.