Subjects: Communists

How Far are We Going to Retreat?

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Begin writes about the controversy over who should control the Suez Canal area. He argues that David Ben-Gurion made a major mistake when overnight changing Israel’s position, meaning that Israel would retreat. Unlike Britain and France, Israel will be threatened by Nasser if Egypt gets control of the Suez Canal region. In regards to the idea of the UNO police force be stationed there, Begin argues that the land will end up in Nasser’s hands. If Egypt returns to the Suez Canal, Begin is confident that they will rebuild their army. Additionally, should Israel retreat from Suez Canal area, it will invite the international world to demand Israel to also retreat from the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza, and eventually, Jerusalem.

The Honour of a Nation

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Begin argues that “Israel must learn that a nation that surrenders its honor will lose more than honor.” He first gives an example of Poland holding onto its honor against Russia in a joint Russian-Polish announcement. Begin continues to provide examples of Israel’s unstable relationship with both Russia and Turkey. In both instances, Russia and Turkey recalled their ambassadors from Israel and Israel chose to not recall theirs from Russia and Turkey. It is crucial for Israel to recall their ambassadors from countries that recall theirs from Israel.

When Churchill Goes

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Begin focuses on the conversation of Churchill stepping down as Prime Minister of England. He first mentions that Anthony Eden will not be unanimously elected to be Churchill’s successor by the House of Commons. He then shifts to evaluate Churchill’s accomplishments while being Prime Minister to try and determine what changes would happen in England if Churchill resigned. First though, he acknowledges what is out of Churchill’s control, one being demographics. He focuses on England’s relationship with the United States and Churchill rescuing England from an American diplomatic ‘prong.’ According to Begin, Churchill is a statesman. Eden, Begin argues, is not and gives examples of his attitude towards the Hydrogen bomb debate. Begin concludes with saying that the Israeli Government is unable to comprehend the difference between national and international affairs. This is dangerous for Israel.

What Would Herut Do

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While in South Africa, Begin addresses the South African Revisionist Party’s Executive Council and speaks about what Herut would do if it was the leading party in the Government. This address was printed over the course of three newspaper editions, each focusing on a specific topic. In the first article, Begin explains the country’s internal struggles, and then shares Herut’s solutions to those problems. The discussion of Israel’s economic problems continues in the second articleIn the last article, Begin speaks about the lack of peace with Arab countries and that liberating all of Eretz Israel is the road to peace. He expresses the necessity in giving complete equality of rights to the Arab population living in Israel. Begin also spends time discussing is the politics within the Government and concludes that it is crucial to not give up the dream of Herut being victorious in elections.

In the Mirror of the Year

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In his Rosh Hashanah greeting, Begin reflects on key events that happened during the past year, mainly focusing on the weakening relationship between the U.S. and Israel. He first acknowledges the change in leadership in the U.S. and then explains through examples the new U.S. Government’s positions towards Israel. The first example Begin mentions is how American newspapers speak about Israel. Then he talks about John Foster Dulles, the new Secretary of State, and his relationship with both Moshe Sharett and Egyptian General Naguib. Begin shifts to speak about the Prague trial and 9 doctors put on trial in Moscow. Begin explains how the death of Stalin affected the relationship between Israel and the Soviet Union. He closes with sharing mistakes his colleagues have made, and how these mistakes impaired Israel’s relationship with Soviet Union and the U.S.