Subjects: Diplomacy

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.

The Only Way to Obtain Peace

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In an interview with a correspondent from the news-magazine “Ha-olam Ha-ze,” Begin explains that there is currently a guerilla war being conducted by Israel’s enemies and Begin says it is crucial to think about how to end this war. The conversation shifts to talk about an ‘opportune moment.’ He provides examples of these moments, a current one being Arabs not feeling strong enough to attack Israel in a general war. By using force at this point in time, it will stop the guerilla war and end the conversation about destroying Israel. However, the Government will not act in this ‘opportune moment.’ Begin later explains that it is problematic that Israel has no allies. It is also discussed how other countries would respond to Israel partaking in military action. If military action took place and Israel gained land West of Israel (Transjordan), Begin explains that this would bring peace. He argues that real peace does not mean a peace treaty, but means a stoppage of bloodshed.

There’s War

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Begin focuses on David Ben Gurion’s involvement in the Government and other political figures in Government who he deems as “leaders who do not want to want.” He first speaks about Ben Gurion’s writings, which simplify how the State was reborn. Furthermore, Begin criticizes Ben Gurion of overstepping his boundaries as past Prime Minister. His actions, Begin argues, weakens the Government and the Government’s image in the eyes of other nations. Begin then speaks about Dayan’s role as Chief of Staff. As Chief of Staff, Begin explains that it is crucial for Dayan to be non-partisan. Begin shifts to his main point that despite what others are saying, Israel is currently in a war. He explains that to end the war with Arabs and liberate the rest of the Homeland, Israel has every right to fight the war. He also explains that without war, at the right moment, Israel can succeed. Begin concludes that the latter option cannot happen with leaders who “do not want to want.”

The Irresponsible Conduct of Mr. Sharet

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Begin writes about the Kibiya operation and his disagreement about Moshe Sharett’s response. He first mentions that unlike other nations fighting to retain independence, if Israel loses independence it will not only be a national disaster, it will mean annihilation of its citizens. He shifts to address Sharett’s comment about Arab States partaking in a cold war against Israel. Begin explains that because there is bloodshed, it is actually a hot war. Begin explains that Sharett’s response about Kibiya was irresponsible for multiple of reasons. He mentions that Diaspora Jewry did not react the same negative way Knesset members reacted, even though their news sources made it seem like the Kibiya operation sprung out from nowhere. He also brings up irresponsible actions of Jewish leaders in the midst of Israel’s independence. Begin concludes that Sharett’s comments about Kibiya are problematic because he did not mention the Jewish bloodshed.

Dulles Shows Sharet the Way

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Begin argues that the conflict will not be solved by allowing the return of 100,000 Arab refugees. This is because Arab nations would not want peace with Israel, even if there was not a refugee problem. He also shares that in the political world, the original number of Arab refugees was 868,350, and with the birthrate, the number increases by 25,000 each year. Therefore, allowing 100,000 refugees to return in the year 1954 would only be about 10% of total refugees. Since this is a small percentage, Begin argues that allowing the return of refugees will not be an exchange for peace. He believes that the United States would argue that the refugees should be allowed to return as a down-payment. Begin explains that it is misleading to use the word refugee and blames the Government for making such a mistake in calling them refugees. He closes stating that the Government “can call themselves peace-lovers. But they are not peace-seekers.”