(POLITICAL NATIONALISM [continued(4)])[28th March 1987]

[Redbook3:50-51][19870328:2010d](POLITICAL NATIONALISM [continued(4)])[28^th March 1987]

.2010

[continued]

In fairness, it must be pointed out that the same hypocrisies* often attach to patriotism of political Nations such as the U.K. when they are in conflict with other, external Nation-states – or, for that matter, in dealing with national minorities within their own territories.

The post-war U.K. record in dealing with national minorities within Britain is not, so far as I can tell, all that bad; so far as Ulster is concerned, reasonably good intentions during the last twenty years seem to have been let down by the actions of individuals from time to time, within the context of conflicting minorities.

This aspect** of externally-directed patriotism was apparent during the Falklands war in some Press coverage. The Argentinian invasion was embarrassing***, and the attitude of some other States did not encourage humility; but the major justifications for re-capture were first, and least****, the need to draw the line in the interests of World order and peace; but second, and greatest, the obligation, if practically possible, to assist people, ordinary individuals, whose fundamental freedoms were being cynically (and nationalistically) stolen from them without any just cause. Argentina's actions in governing the Falklands, and (much more) its record in Welsh Patagonia and in the matter of the disappearances, made rescue essential, if it was practically possible.

*[See last previous entry.]

**(i.e. hypocrisy) <870401>

***[to the U.K., presumably.]

****(of the two) <[84]0403>

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