EUROPEAN/AMER ICAN RELATIONS: WHO LEADS?
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the settlers at present on the West Bank. I know from experience that he
will listen carefully to the argument-he is a good listener-and I think
there is quite a good chance that he will take this argument on board. I
think he would see that it would both strengthen Israel's security and
put Israel's relations with America on a more stable and secure basis.
It
is true that Netanyahu has the reputation of being a hawk. But so was
Begin.
It
may be that in Israel only a reputed hawk can conclude a last–
ing peace. And Netanyahu will be able to see that the conclusion of such
a peace would be a devastating blow to Israel's fiercest enemies, both in
the Arab world and in Europe.
You have heard Mr. Pryce-Jones's devastating analysis of movements
of opinion in Europe, and it is very clear that anti-Americanism has
taken hold of the old anti-Semitic feelings which had been lurking under
the surface and now have the respectable shield, "We're not against
Jews, we're just against expansionist Israel." I think if the kind of pro–
posals I have in mind were to be put in action, relations between Amer–
ica and Europe would be improved. They wouldn't be totally
transformed, but they would be improved, because this pernicious, anti–
Jewish factor would be taken out of the scenario. Certainly Europeans
would find other pretexts for being anti-American. This has not been
the only one. But it has been the most plausible one, because of the deep,
underlying, and deadly emotions it appeals to. I think, therefore, that
there would be a modest but significant improvement in American /
European relations through the kind of change I have in mind. My
remarks so far have been intended not to close any avenues but to start
a discussion. I'm hoping some of you will find them interesting, and I'd
be interested in any challenges to what I've said or any other comments
regarding it. Thank you very much for hearing me so patiently.
Peter Wood:
The floor is open to questions.
Joseph Skelly:
Good afternoon. I'd just like to ask Mr. Pryce-Jones a
question. Could you elaborate on your powerful presentation about the
fundamenta l tectonic shift that may be happening, which you compare
to the decline of Rome? I completely agree with your analysis of Euro–
pean developments. Would you consider, however, that America's com–
mitment to democracy, liberty, and freedom, which you share, is also
something that America shares with Great Britain and other members
of the Anglosphere, and that while America's commitment to maintain–
ing democracy may not be able to be pursued as avidly as it was during
the Cold War with its continental European allies, there may be other
