It will start if you do not have a solid state ignition system or starter motor. If your deisel has a hand crank start option , you are good to go.
Pre 1970 vehicles with the old fashioned points systems would easily start although the resistors of the charging system might have to be replaced.
Evidentally, THAT is why the government & military intend to go deep UNDERGROUND in the event of an EMP.
NEVER heard of that, not ever.
Say, I found a long list of survivalaist fiction book titles over on this webpage: