Dave, the first duty of government is usually given as the defence of the state.

I have been rereading Macmillan's book. As I remembered it has little to say on what we have been arguing.

"When the news of the rejection of the ultimatum (to Belgium) was leaked,... the Belgian public showed its approval."
"The Socialist Party issued a statement to say that their members were defending themselves against 'militarist barbarism' and fighting for liberty and democracy." (p586-587)

No solidarity with those comrades?