Ukraine

[Bella Kemp]

With Trump now at the helm, I would like to make a proposal for resolving foreign tensions. I would like to see a deal with Putin whereby the atrocities against Ukraine and full independence including EU membership to be granted in exchange for the return of Alaska to Russia . At the same time, I think it is acceptable for the US to take possession of Greenland in the proviso that there is no mineral.extraction or military motives. In return, I would like to see Hawaii ceded to China. That should balance things up a bit.

And frankly Calais should be returned to the British, the French should get Louisiana back - but don't mention Alsace Lorraine

[Bella Kemp]

But seriously there will have to be some compromise. Crimea, for example.

[Serial_Apologist]

With Trump now at the helm, I would like to make a proposal for resolving foreign tensions. I would like to see a deal with Putin whereby the atrocities against Ukraine and full independence including EU membership to be granted in exchange for the return of Alaska to Russia . At the same time, I think it is acceptable for the US to take possession of Greenland in the proviso that there is no mineral.extraction or military motives. In return, I would like to see Hawaii ceded to China. That should balance things up a bit.

Indeed - hawaii not??

[vinteuil]

And frankly Calais should be returned to the British, the French should get Louisiana back - but don't mention Alsace Lorraine

... time to re-open the Schleswig-Holstein question, I think.

As Palmerston put it, "Only three people have ever really understood the Schleswig-Holstein business – the Prince Consort, who is dead – a German professor, who has gone mad – and I, who have forgotten all about it... "

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schleswig%E2%80%93Holstein_question

.

[Ian Thumwood]

... time to re-open the Schleswig-Holstein question, I think.

As Palmerston put it, "Only three people have ever really understood the Schleswig-Holstein business – the Prince Consort, who is dead – a German professor, who has gone mad – and I, who have forgotten all about it... "

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schleswig%E2%80%93Holstein_question

.

Palmerston probably had more things to worry about such being prosecuted for raping one of Queen Victoria's servants.

There is a statue in the middle of Romsey which was about 3 miles from where I grew up. Surprised no one requested that it is taken down.

[vinteuil]

Palmerston probably had more things to worry about...

I think in his very busy life he had many "things to worry about" -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_John_Temple,_3rd_Viscount_Palmerston

...being prosecuted for raping one of Queen Victoria's servants.

Not something I was aware of. Would you like to supply background?

.

[Ian Thumwood]

Palmerston died aged 81 after being caught with a housemaid who he raped over a billiard table .

[french frank]

Or this version

https://www.thetimes.com/article/pocket-this-myth-jl0d7jmj9v0

[richardfinegold]

Palmerston is best known here for wanting to intervene in the American Civil War on the side of the Confederacy, having been dissuaded after Gettysburg

[HighlandDougie]

Palmerston died aged 81 after being caught with a housemaid who he raped over a billiard table .

A much-repeated canard - "He died in flagrante with a housemaid on a billiard table,” Mr Cameron told The Times CEO Summit yesterday". As in the-now Lord Cameron, that beacon of probity, backed up by the Daily Mail. Hmm. The evidence points to a much duller cause - pneumonia.

[Ian Thumwood]

Palmerston is best known here for wanting to intervene in the American Civil War on the side of the Confederacy, having been dissuaded after Gettysburg

I am not surprised by this given Palmerston was largely more familiar as a belligerent foreign secretary famous for his 'gun boat' policy. I e. Using the Royal Navy to reinforce foreign policy. British support for the confederacy was not widespread but advocated by the cotton mill owners in Lancashire who relied on imports from the southern states.