We must admit that history is enjoyable to a large extent because it enables us to pass judgement on the past.
Douglas Hurd

Margaret Thatcher was fearful of German unification because she believed that this would bring an immediate and formidable increase of economic strength to a Germany which was already the strongest economic partner in Europe.
Douglas Hurd

There are thus great swathes of the past where understanding is more important and reputable than judgement, because the principal actors performed in line with the ideas and values of that time, not of ours.
Douglas Hurd

I may be wrong in that, but not I think in putting the questions. In our modern democracy the government needs not a unanimous but a general support for war before it orders our forces to fight.
Douglas Hurd

History provides no precise guidelines.
Douglas Hurd

We should be wary of politicians who profess to follow history while only noticing those signposts of history that point in the direction which they themselves already favour.
Douglas Hurd

No military timetable should compel war when a successful outcome, namely a disarmed Iraq may be feasible without war, for example by allowing more time to the UN inspectors.
Douglas Hurd

Despite this lamentable lack of balance in our education I do not believe that either children or adults in my country are permeated by a widespread hostility to Germany.
Douglas Hurd