ation of
eastern Europe at the end of World War II, work on the atomic bomb had
not yet been completed, and the Western powers were in no position
either to divine Stalin's ultimate goal, or to prevent it through the
use of nuclear weapons.

8) According to protocol, only the President could ask Congress for a
Declaration of War. Also, by attacking the colonies without a 'formal
declaration', General Hayes had violated International Law.

*

That these distortions were not looked upon with gravity by the
American public, can perhaps be attributed to the social conditions
prevalent at the time. Largely a cultural island, despite its vast
trade and high international standing, the United Commonwealth had
developed national characteristics not wholly conducive to truth and
perspective.

For example, if the average American saw a historical character (say
Abraham Lincoln) portrayed in a popular movie or book, it became set in
his or her mind that he/she now possessed a complete understanding of
both the man himself, and the tempestuous events in which he took part.
Thus, any subsequent input of contradictory facts or unclear morals
was discounted. Because as a general rule what appeared visually or in
print, larger (and often better) than life, seemed infinitely more real
and comprehensible than the confusing puzzle of actual events. The
fact that Hayes presented his version of the truth in a frank,
straightforward manner (why would he lie?) also tended to work in his
favor, lulling to sleep---they were barely awake to begin with---the
deeper sensibilities of his countrymen.

And in truth very little was known about the Battle of Athena. The
Commonwealth forces who had taken part in the mission were sworn to
secrecy, denied direct communication, and there was no way to obtain
more complete, unbiased information. Also, since it happened far away
and no casualties were announced, it all seemed less a prelude to
actual war than some vaguely exciting patriotic adventure and (to the
press) the possibility of some first-rate news footage.

This is not to say that all Americans were this bland or naive. Very
vocal opposition arose at once, along with equally vocal support. But
here again, the popular opinion of the middle class was the real power
in the Commonwealth, and for the most part this bulk society had not
yet made up its mind. Most were still, at the core, opposed to
bloodshed. But the economy WAS