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"The defence of freedom and peace", 16 Oct 1938

 Unknown
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/132/61-78

Scope and Contents

Final version of speaking notes for WSC's broadcast to the United States ([United States National Broadcasting Company]) on the need for the democracies, including the United States, to unite against the dictatorships. At the start of the speech WSC says that it may not be possible to broadcast to the US in future because "The stations are closing down; the lights are going out". Issues covered include: the consequences of the "abandonment" of Czechoslovakia [later Czech Republic and Slovakia]; likelihood of war; a call for the English-speaking peoples to "join hands together over land and sea" to ensure peace; the strength and efficiency of the Nazi totalitarian state and air power; the [Sino-Japanese war]; struggles against fascism in Spain; the need for the Unites States to join Britain and France; and the power of "a little mouse of thought" against dictators. WSC concludes by calling for action by the English-speaking peoples. Typescript notes laid out in "psalm" style to aid delivery. Labelled "Actual Speech Notes" and annotated in pencil by WSC and also by ?a secretary. Includes filing note.

Dates

  • Creation: 16 Oct 1938

Conditions Governing Access

Open

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright: Churchill Family and Crown

Extent

18 folio(s)

Language of Materials

English

External Documents

Bibliography

Complete Speeches VI pp 6015-7

Repository Details

Part of the Churchill Archives Centre Repository

Contact:
Churchill Archives Centre
Churchill College
Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB3 0DS United Kingdom
+44 (0)1223 336087