Cameron decides to rewrite history - and his ignorance is just shameful
Come November, David Cameron will be standing solemnly at the Albert Hall, head bowed, honouring Britain's war dead.
But the veterans and bereaved of the second world war will be forgiven for dismissing him as a snivelling little sycophant who dishonoured their sacrifices – and those of their loved ones – merely to ingratiate himself with America.
When Cameron told a television interviewer that Britain was 'a junior partner to America in 1940' it is difficult to know what was worse – his appalling lack of knowledge or his willingness to talk disparagingly about his own country while visiting another.
Perhaps this humble column can help out where the history masters of Eton so manifestly failed.
Not only was America not the senior partner in 1940 – it was no sort of partner at all.
From September, 1939, Britain stood alone as Hitler rampaged across Europe. There was some mild wringing of hands in the United States, but an attitude of isolationism prevailed.
For two years the 'junior partner' lost tens of thousands of lives while staging the miraculous rescue at Dunkirk, fighting the Battle of Britain and withstanding the ravages of the blitz.
The 'senior partner' deflected all Winston Churchill's entreaties to help in the increasingly-desperate struggle, but showed its willingness to become a 'business partner'.
Britain was forced to purchase military equipment from America, and was still paying off this huge debt more than 60 years later.
Indeed, there is some evidence to suggest the 'senior partner' would not have become involved in the war at all had Japan not bombed Pearl Harbour in 1941.
Even then Hitler (as an ally of Japan) was obliged to declare war on the USA – and not the other way round.
It's true to say the Allies would not have won the second world war without the help of the Americans (and the Soviet Union come to that).
But it is equally true to say there would not have been a war left to win had Britain not fought on alone while the 'senior partner' considered its options.
With one glib comment, Cameron brought shame upon himself and abased a proud episode in this country's history.
The least he can do now is make a fulsome public apology for his crassness and ignorance.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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