The Manifestations of Terror. Supplement I : Parallels and Similarities. Wyndham-Lewis. Secret Intelligence Service

ARCHIVE

The Manifestations of Terror. Supplement I

Parallels and Similarities

12/11/2014
(C-II) Wyndham-Lewis: Strategy. The similarities and parallels among acts of terror

.
Ladies and gentlemen. Good morning. Let us begin.

As you are aware, we are not stationary in time, irrespective of how it may appear to some and for a variety of reasons. A simple assessment, but let’s look at it in the context of strategy, all the while arriving at our point very quickly. Strategy, well it usually involves two important processes; formulation and implementation. Formulation comprising the art of analyzing the environment or situation, crafting the diagnosis, and developing the guiding policy. Implementation referring to the action plans we take to achieve the goals established by the guiding policy.

Well, the reason strategy is important as a consideration is because of our point of focus here, which is; ‘similarities and parallels among acts of terror‘- this being very much contained within strategy, I mean our point of focus is not happenstance though the fundamental problem is that it is often perceived as so, after the fact and the question is asked; how could this ever be strategy? Unfortunately our focus has been a central force in formulation and implementation both during the past and is so during the present time.

In dealing with questions of strategy by isolating the present time is not our method, we have to include the past. What is the past is the present.

Let’s ask a few questions and later we can discuss around these questions. I want you to split into two groups if you would, and find two examples to begin with, one example per group, of ‘similarities and parallels among acts of terror’ that probably live in unfamiliarity in most people’s minds. Is this clear, gentlemen, ladies?

We cannot be confined to two examples very obviously and we have to expand later, but in the first instance I want you to come up with what illustrates a central facet of terror in strategy.

Any questions?

Well, yes, terror is characterized by the following in varying magnitudes, overlap and not necessarily in this order; savagery, killing, the seizing of property, the raping of women, kidnap of the young, oppression, enslavement, extermination/mass murder. If you consider strategy a vehicle for the underlying drives of ideology, racial intolerance, religious belief and I’m confident you can expand further.

Do please bear in mind the two examples. Try and find what is not of common knowledge, you might even want to regard it is having been hidden for current political favor. Once you’ve done this and presented during the afternoon, we can ask the questions that are most pertinent. You will find all that you will need in the library on the first floor.

Before you leave, might I just arm you with a caution which is; what is contrary to the morality we uphold can be very disturbing.

Ladies and gentlemen, you have three hours and we will assemble here at 13.00 hours prompt.