Page:Justice in war time by Russell, Bertrand.djvu/13

Rh to give an "honourable undertaking," as regards my lectures, that I will not "use them as a vehicle for propaganda," I am quite unable to do so, for the following reasons: First and foremost, because I cannot acknowledge the right of the War Office to prevent me from expressing my opinions on political subjects. If I say anything which they think prejudicial to the conduct of the war, they can imprison me under the Defence of the Realm Act, but that is a proceeding to which I am not a party, and for which I have no responsibility. If, however, I enter into a bargain by which I secure certain advantages in return for a promise, I am precluded from further protest against their tyranny. Now it is just as imperative a duty to me to fight against tyranny at home as it is to others to fight against the Germans abroad. I will not, on any consideration, surrender one particle of spiritual liberty. Physical liberty can be taken from a man, but spiritual liberty is his birthright, of which all the armies and governments of the world are powerless to deprive him without his co-operation.

Apart from this argument of principle, which is hardly of a kind to appeal to militaries, there are other more practical reasons for not giving such an undertaking as is required. My lectures will be spoken, not read, and will no doubt be followed by questions. It is impossible to be absolutely certain what one will say when one speaks extempore; and it would be obviously absurd, in reply to an awkardawkward [sic] question, to say "I am under an honourable undertaking not to answer that question." Even if these difficulties could be overcome, it is utterly impossible to know what