……………………………………
This argument involves a bit of an ambit claim. In reality I would not have opposed the idea of British soldiers being on the continent. But if you have Germans on your soil its the responsibility of your boys to face them. The Brits may train their guys as shock troops. But to fulfil their commitments in this situation they would then have their shock troops usually doing logistical support rather than being at the sharp end of the spear. Perhaps there needed to be an exception right at the start to really slow down the German onslaught through Belgium and into France.
A good culturally Christian leader has to send his boys home intact in almost every situation. This is good strategically since it leaves your men whole. If your men aren’t locked into the field you can negotiate better, since you still have resources in reserve. The Germans made all these huge ambit claims that are now used as a justification for fighting them to a standstill. Taking a more ethical approach to warfare could have left the Brits in a position to negotiate a lot of these demands away, still leaving a slightly aggrandised Germany, which probably would have been a good thing because lets face it Germans were pretty damn awesome.
Graeme, I think Clive Hamilton has completely redeemed himself because of his latest book. what do you think? http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-22/book-reveals-extent-of-chinese-influence-in-australia/9464692
LikeLike
Yes I agree. I couldn’t be more happy with him. All is forgiven. I want to look for opportunities to first read his book and then tell everyone what a fine chap he is. Resisting subversion is even more primary than defence right now. Since if folks can subvert you they are effectively controlling your defence investment.
LikeLike
If you get a chance tell him that all is forgiven and he’s fucking righteous and in my Australian heroes book now. He’s the first fellow really to stand up and stick his neck out. With the global warming bullshit he was taking the soft path. Don’t get me wrong. I, following one of my heroes, am a realist so I like Beijing. Why not? That they are addicted to murder by organ theft doesn’t mean I have to be unrealistic about our good good Chinese friends. But we must be sovereign. We must make policy locally. And for someone from the left to come out and ring the alarm bell ….. Well what can you say but “Bravo …”
LikeLike
also see here http://www.clivehamilton.com/
LikeLike
Thanks for that. I’ll read it all when I can get around to it.
LikeLike
Notice because of the extreme credibility of Lee Kwan Yew that has rubbed off onto the Singaporeans. So both parties could have a good meeting in Singapore. Both nuclearised juvenile fat boys could sit down and nut out an adult agreement in total confidence of their hosts. They didn’t even have to worry that much about security because when we are talking about Singapore we are talking about a class act.
LikeLike