Quotes from Ernest Bevin

What astounds me about the history of the British Navy is how cheaply we have policed the world for 300 years.

Foreign policy isn't something that is great and big, it's common sense and humanity as it applies to my affairs and yours.

If you open that Pandora's Box you never know what Trojan 'orses will jump out.

Unintelligent people always look for a scapegoat.

The most conservative man in this world is the British trade unionist when you want to change him.

It was like a life-line to a sinking man. It seemed to bring hope where there was none. The generosity of it was beyond our belief.

There never has been a war yet which, if the facts had been put calmly before the ordinary folk, could not have been prevented ... The common man, I think, is the great protection against war.

The first thing to decide before you walk into any negotiation is what to do if the other fellow says 'no'.