Victory Without Palms

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31107, 9 July 1966, Page 14

Victory Without Palms

(By

WHIM WHAM)

President Johnson expressed disappointment over the failure of some United States allies to support his decision to bomb oil storage depots on the outskirts of Hanoi and Haiphong . . . they did not understand what the United States was trying to do . . . observers believe his remarks were directed among others at the British Prime Minister. Mr Wilson, for dissociating Britain from the American raids. . . . —News Item.

Don’t be discouraged, L.8.J., It’s Part of What you have to pay For Victory, when It comes your Way,— What War was ever fought, without Some Disaffection or some Doubt (Even between the Best of Friends) Concerning Means—or even Ends? What War was ever won, unless By some superior Ruthlessness? Or even left the Victor’s Name Unspotted by Reproach or Blame? Triumphant Power’s a Thing we seem To fear. More than we esteem, — And, L.8.J., the Power YOU wield, If loosed upon the Battlefield, Is more than Any of us care To contemplate, or You would dare. The Obduracy of the Foe Determines how far WE must go.— WE, Mr President, are FEW— You won’t forget, We’re in This too? We did It of our own Accord, And Virtue is its own reward; We seek no Pay, we crave no Flattery, But—WHERE did You last see our Battery? Maybe a Battalion or Brigade Wouldn’t be easily mislaid? We’ve TALKED enough about It for A whole Division, even a Corps!— Still, We profess our Obligation, We can’t DISSOCIATE the Nation From Anything that L.B.J. does, Or Says—whatever the U.K. does! If Harold Wilson understood Our Policy, the Way he should, He’d not object, he’d lend a Hand— Maybe the Grenadier Guards Band Could BLAST them to the Conference Table? Sir, you can laugh, if You are able,— There’s Little else to do but cry,— So many Innocents have to die!