25.2.1976

Today saw an attempt that failed to start a history essay. The habit of being lazy soon creeps into the system and I’ve been unable to brush it off these past few days.

Read some communist literature in the light of today’s opening of the 25^th Communist Congress, in Moscow. Are the Russians the terrible menace that they are painted to be? Surely not. They’re big, they’re powerful and capable of destroying NATO, but is it wise to try and keep up the arms race with our NATO allies, especially when the chances of us getting dragged into a war that we don’t want, are great? Switzerland and Sweden are neutral, so why can’t we follow?

Also thought about the USSR, in the light of recent attacks on the police state and lack of freedom. I know the Revolution has gone terribly wrong (but not irrevocably so), but there must be contented people inside. After all, if it was the will of the vast majority of people that things would change, why shouldn’t they change? Freedom of speech, of the Press and from arbitrary imprisonment are three dear freedoms that should be brought to the USSR now!!

(ALevel Frech, my diary 26-28 Febuary)