Mrs. Thatcher
and détente Mrs Thatcher's forceful analysis of the real character of the détente policy, and her sharply-worded criticism of the prospects for the Helsinki summit were well-timed. This was the strongest breath of commonsense and fresh air in British foreign policy speeches since Lord Home's celebrated address at Stockton many years ago, every single salutary point of which has been demonstrated to be true by events in the intervening years — so much so that Dr Kissinger is even now echoing the judgments of the former Foreign Secretary. On becoming Leader of the Conservative Party Mrs Thatcher herself expressed regret at her lack of experience in foreign policy but, on the crucial issue of EastWest relations she has now twice given voice to reservations full of acute commonsense and real insight — first when she cross-examined Mr Wilson on his return from trade talks in Moscow, and then again in Chelsea last weekend. For recent years have seen a massive increase in Soviet military strength, a stepping-up of brutality in the treatment of Russian citizens, an ever-growing emphasis on Soviet dominance in Eastern Europe — and an ever more pliant and fawning approach to the USSR on the part of the Western alliance. Still, there are not many voices regularly raised in defence of Western interests, and none are to be found in the ranks of the present British government. The intervention of the Leader of the Opposition is timely; and it should be heeded.
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