“One of the weaknesses of a democracy, a system of which I am trying to make the best, is that until it is right up against it it will never face the truth.”

— Stanley Baldwin

Speech http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1935/oct/23/international-situation#column_152 in the House of Commons (23 October 1935).
1935
Context: The lessons of this crisis have made it clear to us that in the interests of world peace it is essential that our defensive services should be stronger than they are to-day. When I say that I am not thinking of any kind of unilateral rearmament directed either in reality or in imagination against any particular country, as might have been said to be the case before the War. It is a strengthening of our defensive services within the framework of the League, for the sake of international peace, not for selfish ends... I will not be responsible for the conduct of any Government in this country at this present time, if I am not given power to remedy the deficiencies which have accrued in our defensive services since the War.... One of the weaknesses of a democracy, a system of which I am trying to make the best, is that until it is right up against it it will never face the truth.

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Stanley Baldwin 225

Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom 1867–1947

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“One of the weaknesses of a democracy, a system of which I am trying to make the best, is that until it is right up against it it will never face the truth.”

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Stanley Baldwin 225

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