A scene from “Unfinished Business”

Anthony Eden: In the early hours of this morning, the Israeli army launched an attack into Egyptian territory, the Sinai Peninsula, and is rapidly approaching the Suez Canal. The Egyptian army has mobilized a retaliatory force and is about to engage. Her Majesty's government has now issued a deadline to both Israel and Egypt to halt all acts of war and to allow Anglo-French forces into the country to preserve the peace. The Israelis have expressed a willingness to comply if the Egyptians do, but alas, President Nasser has thus far refused.

Queen Elizabeth II: When does the deadline expire?

Anthony Eden: Tomorrow morning, ma'am.

Queen Elizabeth II: And the next step, in your view, would be?

Anthony Eden: Military intervention, ma'am.

Queen Elizabeth II: War?

Anthony Eden: Indeed. But to keep the peace. It is the correct thing to do, ma'am. Nasser is playing roulette with the stability of the whole world.

Queen Elizabeth II: Well, thank you for your explanation. Before you go, I do have one or two questions. When you mentioned that the Israelis had launched an attack, you didn't seem surprised.

Anthony Eden: Why would I seem surprised?

Queen Elizabeth II: Unless I'm mistaken, the Israeli position has always been that they would, under no circumstances, launch a full-scale attack by themselves for fear of diplomatic isolation. And yet they've gone on to do precisely that, indicating that either they changed their mind, or there'd been some kind of collusion. Have we?

Anthony Eden: "Have we" what?

Queen Elizabeth II: Colluded with Israel? In any way?

Anthony Eden: [after a long pause] Six days ago, this government met with representatives of the French and Israeli governments in a small village on the outskirts of Paris, where a document was signed. The Sèvres Protocol, which outlines plans for a coordinated offensive against Egypt, whereby the Israeli army would attack the Egyptian army near the Suez Canal, thus allowing the intervention of Anglo-French forces.

Queen Elizabeth II: Who else knows about this?

Anthony Eden: Individual members of Cabinet. Senior members.

Queen Elizabeth II: But not Parliament?

Anthony Eden: No.

Queen Elizabeth II: Or the United Nations? When does all this begin?

Anthony Eden: Airstrikes begin tomorrow.

Queen Elizabeth II: You don't want to give it more time?

Anthony Eden: No, ma'am. The right thing to do is to go in now and to go in hard. I was right about Mussolini, I was right about Hitler, and I am right about this fella! Do I have your support?

Queen Elizabeth II: The Prime Minister always has the sovereign's support.