Enoch Powell and Imperialism

Brigadier Powell

I have now made my way through the first quarter of the ‘The Life of Enoch Powell’ by Simon Heffer. I can certainly say that at present his life prior to politics has been the most interest part of the book, but he has yet to make any decisive moves in politics other than resigning as financial secretary to the treasurer, due to inadequate cuts being made. Another interesting part within the early political chapters of the book is his shifting attitudes towards imperialism. Throughout Enoch’s life he had in his heart a love for the British Empire, something he said would only be extinguished by his death. However we also know how extremely logical he was in formulating his policies and so it was no surprise when his love for the empire clashed with what he thought to be the interests of his country.

During the second world war Enoch sought a posting in India, which he thought would lead him onto the pacific arena where he could finally achieved his much longed for goal of serving in action. He remained in India throughout the rest of the war where he fell in love the culture and learned his sixth language, Urdu. His love for India convinced him of a new life ambition once the war was finished, which was to become viceroy to India. Edmund Burke once said that the keys to Calcutta were to be found in the houses of parliament, and so it was this ambition of becoming viceroy that led Powell into politics. During the war he also developed a dislike for America as he was convinced, quite rightly in fact, that America’s main aim was not just to cripple the Axis, but was also to finish the British Empire in the process. Powell was to go as far as to seek passage to the Americas on a US naval ship once the war was over in an attempt to scout the geography in Peru where he thought the next Great War, being between America and Britain, would take place.

Powell’s motivation for entering politics was to be shattered very early on. With Labour winning the general election, Mountbatten was appointed viceroy of India with the instructions to make the nation independent within as short a period of time as possible. Enoch was devastated and said that when India’s Independence was announced, that he wandered the streets all night distraught and occasionally sitting on a doorstep to sob. Powell was of the belief that for Britain to hold onto her far eastern enclaves that she would also need to be in possession of India. This was the first step in triggering him to rethink his initial Imperialist stance.

The events leading up to the Suez crisis had seen the formation of a group of 24 MP’s who came together as a pro Imperial pressure group to ensure the government made the right decisions. Enoch was among them, but this would be the last time he championed the British Empire. He knew at the time that the Empire was finished but decided to support Britain’s success in the matter as he thought the situation was partly contrived by the Americans who at the very least wanted Britain to withdraw from the canal. Powell remarked years later that not only did he think the Empire was over at this time, but that it was also many years past its sell by date and perhaps should have collapsed decades earlier. After Britain’s humiliation in the Suez crisis Powell never attended anymore of the Imperial meetings.

Another delightful piece from 'The Life of Enoch Powell'

The Suez crisis is something that I actually know precious little about and so I have managed to find a cheap book on the matter through the kindle store. I have heard it referred to many times in recent months, particularly as a piece of political gesturing when pointing out the moment Britain realised it was no longer a power to be reckoned with.

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