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'… For the second time in the lives of most of us we
are at war. …We have been forced into a conflict. For
we are called with our Allies to meet the challenge of a principle
which, if it were to prevail, would be fatal to any civilised
order in the world.
It is the principle which permits a State, in the selfish
pursuit of power, to disregard its treaties and its solemn
pledges; which sanctions the use of force or threat of force
against the sovereignty and independence of other States.
Such a principle, stripped of all disguise, is surely the
mere primitive doctrine that might is right and if this principle
were established throughout the world the freedom of our own
country and of the whole British Commonwealth of Nations would
be in danger. But far more than this – the peoples of
the world would be kept in the bondage of fear and all hopes
of settled peace and of the security of justice and liberty
among nations would be ended.
This is the ultimate issue which confronts us. For the sake
of all that we ourselves hold dear and of the world’s
order and peace, it is unthinkable that we should refuse to
meet the challenge.
… There may be dark days ahead and war can no longer
be confined to the battlefield. But we can only do the right
as we see the right and reverently commit our cause to God.
If one and all we keep resolutely faithful to it, ready for
whatever service or sacrifice it may demand, then, with God’s
help, we shall prevail.
May He bless and keep us all.'
NAS: ED24/37 p.3 |
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Study the extract from King George VI’s
broadcast from September 1939 and answer the following
questions:
1. Which ‘primitive’ doctrine did
the king use as justification for going to war?
2. Which principles did he believe were under
threat?
3. Imagine you were listening to this message
in your home on 3 September 1939. Write a short paragraph
describing how you would feel.
Group discussion
topic
Can war ever be justified?
Working in groups, appoint your own chair to lead the
discussion and a scribe to record the views of each
member. The chair of each group should conclude the
activity by presenting a summary of the group’s
opinions to the rest of the class.
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