WINNIE THE POODLE

Bevanite attitude to US condemned (The Guardian, October 10th, 1951)

Speaking in his constituency at Woodford last night, Mr Churchill said it was vital to world peace, and especially to our own safety, that our relations with the United States should be continually growing stronger and that our influence with the American government, which wielded such enormous power in the world today, should be restored and improved.

"The prime minister has been emphasising in his election speeches the importance which he attaches to Anglo-American relations and I daresay he has done his best," he said. "There is no doubt, however, that he has been hampered by the highly critical mood of his supporters below the gangway in the House of Commons.

"Their prejudice against the United States has been painfully evident on numerous occasions. The result of the voting at Scarborough for the executive committee of the Labour party, has, however, placed Mr Bevan and his supporters and lieutenants at the head of the poll.

"This shows that the critical attitude of British socialism towards the United States is not by any means limited to the group of members who have made themselves obnoxious in the House.

"On the contrary they have received support in the Labour conference, which shows only too clearly the anti-American current which is flowing among the leftwing masses. If the socialists should be successful in this election, Mr Bevan's following would increase not only British difficulties but also the dangers of a general war. [...]

"Obviously at this anxious time our first interest is to maintain the best and the closest relations with the United States. Apart from the world-wide causes of freedom and peace in which the whole English-speaking world is solemnly engaged, what is happening in the Middle East and in the Mediterranean makes it all the more necessary for us to work in harmony and consultation."