Bomber Harris (1989 TV Movie)

John Nettleton: Wing Commander Harry Weldon

Quotes 

• Wing Commander Harry Weldon : [lecturing on "The Ethics of Bombing"]  ... So therefore, it is not a question of *ethics* at all! War is *not* the opposite of *peace*, nor is it a corollary of it! War is a *complete breakdown* in civilization, so it shouldn't have "ethics" thrust upon it. Because that way lies danger; that way, *war becomes acceptable!* The means of death and destruction are immaterial, war was always war, the only *difference* today is the *scale* of it! So, when this war is finally over, the world should accept that there is no limit; there are no "Hague Rules of Combat" anymore! The worse war is, the more *savage* it becomes! When people *understand* this, and stop trying to *limit* it, then perhaps, we shall achieve *lasting peace!*

• [Harris is dining with three staff officers at his home] 

  Sir Arthur 'Bomber' Harris : [amicably]  I'll tell you *my* philosophy: I did so much foot-slogging in the *last* war, that I got into the air as fast as I could... it's far more *comfortable!*

  Wing Commander Harry Weldon : Uh, that's not "philosophy"...

  Sir Arthur 'Bomber' Harris : [amused]  Isn't it?

  Wing Commander Harry Weldon : No sir... that's *common sense.*

• Sir Arthur 'Bomber' Harris : What *is* "Political Warfare", Harry?

  Wing Commander Harry Weldon : Conservative versus Labour!

  [a visiting Political Warfare Officer proposes a half-baked idea, then departs] 

  Sir Arthur 'Bomber' Harris : [bemused]  Strange what *some* people think of as "war".

  Wing Commander Harry Weldon : That's the danger: "Thinking"!