Harold Wilson – who?


Yesterday BBC television screened the second part of the dramatised documentary, ”The Plot Against Harold Wilson”, Labour Prime Minister of Britain, who resigned from office suddenly and mysteriously 30 years ago to the day.

Myself, I found many things said in the programme that previously were only talked of in whispers or not at all. One thing in particular was the ‘Anti-Terrorist Exorcise’ at Heathrow which they announced was nothing of the sort but rehearsal in anticipation of a possible military coup, and a warning shot over Wilson’s bow. Perhaps time, deaths of some seniors involved and the recent ’30 Years Rule’ have cracked the embargo?

What has further surprised me, quite considerably, is the virtual lack of media response to this documentary considering its gravity? Perhaps you had to be at least ‘of the time’ to appreciate the significance, but even those born after should be aware – or made aware - of the immense importance to Britain of this Cold War episode.

The ‘official’ reason for Wilson’s premature resignation was advancing Alzheimer's, and the very few mentions in the press, such as in The Guardian, decry the allegations made against him in connection with the Soviets. Perhaps these were false, perhaps only some were, and perhaps not all have been revealed. Perhaps also in the fullness of time the Soviets, sorry, Russians, will disclose documents to us about ALL their activities here, which someone will be able to publish freely?

I am not seeking to turn this post into a party political debate as (A), I am not a party political person, and (B), beliefs of those of the time are far too ingrained to be changed by rhetoric. However, in view of the interest in this forum about Soviet influence, this episode illustrates the reality of the Cold War was about far more than just the nuclear threat, and to what lengths Nations were prepared to go to avoid becoming Communist.

No.9