David Dimbleby Lecture.

**ap1** · 08-12-2006, 10:13

Originally Posted by Smokeyjoe

Mathew,
I do believe you are being a little unfair, the poor General as all senior officers do has to answer to the government of the day.
If you watched the lecture you must agree that it was very good.
Regards,
Joe.

Hi Joe,

Your right about armed forces being answerable to the government of the day. But he was the head of an organisation, that because of the lack of resources and political interference was failing the soldiers under his command. Val's comment about medical treatment is a good reminder of how the soldiers have suffered over recent years. Poor medical treatment was unthinkable whilst we were serving.

I'm sure he spoke very well during the lecture, but his comments would have had much more impact delivered from the steps of Whitehall, as he annnouced his resignation from the Armed Forces. Last night on BBC's Question Time, it was clear that the government spin doctors were already at work, with Ruth Kelly claiming that the General had already backed down over some of his comments, following the pre budget speech by the chancellor.

For me General Jackson's comments can be summed up "To little, to late".

Al

**Gwyn Nicholas** · 08-12-2006, 11:52

Come on Joe - When is his book due to be released? This is typical pre-memoire publicity. How many people would know this man well enough to buy his book without a bit of media coverage? Me, Cynical? Maybe I am but I have always prefered people speaking up " as and when" and not, (as I believe in this case) just to be in the limelight. I have far more respect for his replacement who does the talk now. (right or wrong depending on your own personal view) The reason our boys do not get the right support where and when it needed is because there are to many lame ducks at the highest level who, are more concerned with their own political futures and upsetting the status quo, than what is happening to the Armed Forces. Generals who make noises get heard, EX- Generals who make noises, SELL BOOKS!

Smokeyjoe · 08-12-2006, 12:30

Hello again,
I agree with all the comments so far, I must admit that my comment about the "poor General" was as I thought a rather cynical side swipe at the ones who must be obeyed.
I still maintain that it was a good lecture but also accept that it would have had more effect had he made them whilst still serving.
Regards to all,
Joe.

taffylooneytoon · 08-12-2006, 15:16

Hi Paul, if he had kick up a fuss, embarrassed the government, and the press went on feeding frenzie because the top man advising government for the military resigned because there actions put his soldiers at risk , would he be classed as doing his job.
I think hiding in a corner and agreeing to something he knows will kill and wound countless men, should have not been given the job in the first place.
He knew what would happen, but history will so he did not do his job .Val.

**rob jones 60** · 08-12-2006, 15:21

From his follow up interview the next day he seemed to back track some of the things he said . On the hole i think he was very much a soldier's general and in privet he voiced his concerns to the government . as for voicing them in public whistle still serving he would have been moved on preity sharpish . looking at the equipment the guys get now its moved on 100%, but you'll never have enough equipment ,but you make do with what youve got that's what makes the British soldier second to nun.

**jungle1810** · 08-12-2006, 15:29

Hello All,
Going back to Al's quotation "The road to Damascus" I think "Eyeless in Gaza" or even "They also serve who only stand and wait" may well be applicable in this case.

Don

**Keith Jones 989** · 08-12-2006, 18:15

Further to my last, Bliar's Assassination Squad can stand down. General Jackson has been assassinated by his previous colleagues!

Paul Hinge · 08-12-2006, 18:41

Being on the outside looking in now gives us all a comfort zone that repurcussions regarding our words and deeds do not effect our careers or our employability. A serving General or a Fusilier has a duty to support publicaly what the Government of the day dictates as their Foreign and Defence policy no matter what they might think privately or indeed express to Politicians out of earshot of the media.
Whereas, I agree with you that Gen Jackson standing on the steps of the MOD building in Whitehall saying what he really felt whilst tendering his resignation would have created huge waves across the country. But having served, do you think he would have done that given he had 45 years service behind him.......I don't think so!
I have read most of the reportsd in the papers on his lecture and comments and I cannot see him retracting anything he said in his original lecture. He did say that his interpretation was perhaps different from the present Commander but at the end of the day they would be both trying to get the same end process for their troops.
This is a difficult subject and we all see it slightly differently. but what we all want is the best for our lads in theatre and some real support for their families. If, God help us our boys need medical treatment then the deserve the best the country can offer!

Hingey

ianto73 · 09-12-2006, 13:31

Very interesting set of comments regarding the lecture. My problem with Iraq is that there were people who actually believed that the intelligence concerning WMD was factual. Apart from that, having served in Aden in 66/67, when the Terrorist organisation called NLF actually became the government when we left, I find the actions of Bush & Blair to be totally irresponsible. Lord David Owen was interviewed by Andrew Neil recently and stated:"Blair made the same mistakes over Iraq as Anthony Eden over Suez, although the latter did resign. On top of that, the gross incompetence of both Bush & Blair over the two places can only be compared to that of Gallipoli". The Forces clerical training was superb in making people administrators - do the civil service have this? Knowing some-one who is employed at a government office, I don't think so - as he is just turning up to get his pension and throws more sickies than anyone else I know. Being computer literate doesn't make you an administrator. But who cares - certainly not our politicians.

**ap1** · 10-12-2006, 11:44

Gen Jackson was interviewed by Andrew Marr on Sunday AM this morning. He was asked why he did'nt resign. He appeared slightly contrite, and indicated he was aware of the criticism surrounding his lack of action and that he may have allowed his concerns over constitutional arrangements to overide other decisions(or words to that effect).

It is clear that he did fight his corner whilst serving, and that his arguments were ignored by the politicians and civil servants. A missed opportunity.