I knew this morning that I was going to make a speech that would offend, and even hurt, many of my friends. I know that you are deeply convinced that the action you suggest is the most effective way of influencing international affairs. I am deeply convinced that you are wrong. It is therefore not a question of who is in favour of the Hydrogen bomb, but a question of what is the most effective way of getting the damn thing destroyed. It is the most difficult of all problems facing mankind. But if you carry this resolution and follow out all its implications - and do not run away from it - you will send a British Foreign Secretary, whoever he may be, naked into the conference chamber. ... And you call that statesmanship? I call it an emotional spasm.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Arguing against a resolution to oppose the hydrogen bomb, he claims it undermines diplomacy.
- In plain terms
- Opposing the bomb through this method harms diplomacy.
- What can you take from it?
- Consider diplomatic consequences before acting.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is emotion a barrier to effective policy?
Another view
Direct action sometimes bypasses diplomacy.
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