It is sufficient that the way government officials are selected from the British population doesn’t specifically select for traits contrary to the “national character,” or that their behavior is constrained by what the general public would be outraged at, even when they act in secret.
I don’t think the phrase “national character” does refer to the belief of the general public in this context. It refers more to the character of the British elite.
I don’t think the phrase “national character” does refer to the belief of the general public in this context. It refers more to the character of the British elite.