“ I know there are a great many people affected by the orders which we have made who are people affected by the orders which we have made who are passionate enemies. I am very sorry from them, but we cannot, under the present circumstances, draw all the distinctions we should like to do. If landings are attempted and fierce nights follow, those unfortunate people would be far better out of the way for their own sake as well as ours.
There is, however, another class for which I feel not the slightest sympathy. Nature has given us powers to put down fifth column activities with the strongest hand, and we shall use those powers subject to correcting without hesitation until we are satisfied and more than satisfied that this malignancy in our midst has been effectually stamped out.
We are assured that novel methods will be adopted, and when we see the originality, malice and ingenuity of aggression which our enemy displays we may certainly prepare ourselves for every kind of novel stratagem and every kind of brutal and treacherous manoeuvre. I think no idea is so outlandish that it should not be considered and viewed with a watchful, but at the same time steady, eye.
We must never forget the solid instincts which belong to our nature and how they are locally exercised. I have myself full confidence that if all instincts do their duty as best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend our island , ride out the storms of ware, outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary, for years, if necessary, alone.”
And so we defend our island, our comfort zone, with best arrangements, perhaps unconsciously known.
Please forgive me Winston,
Batesy.