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(Untitled), 12 Jan 1955

 Unknown
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHUR 6/3A/9-12

Scope and Contents

Copy of a letter from WSC to the President of the United States [President Dwight Eisenhower] marked "top secret: private and personal" in which he apologises for the delay in replying to Eisenhower; comments on the possibilities of the French delaying ratification [of the European Defence Community]; agrees that there can be no Four Power conference before ratification; discusses the increase in the Soviet Union's nuclear power; Great Britain's nuclear capability in the atomic and hydrogen "sphere"; thanks him for co-operation of the Unites States officers; expresses regret that Eisenhower was not in office at the time of the discussion of the McMahon Act and the delay in adding to US deterrent power. He notes that British scientists have mastered atomic and hydrogen weapons independently "through [Clement] Attlee's somewhat unconstitutional exertions in making vast sums available for nuclear development without disclosing the fact to Parliament" and encloses a paper (CP (54) 390) [not present] which has had a good response. Churchill concludes by agreeing to sit for Eisenhower's artist friend "Although my experiences as a model have not been altogether agreeable lately I submit myself with great confidence to your well-balanced love of truth and mercy." [a reference to the portrait of WSC by Graham Sutherland]. Unsigned carbon typescript.

Dates

  • Creation: 12 Jan 1955

Conditions Governing Access

Open

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright: Crown

Extent

4 folio(s)

Language of Materials

English

External Documents

Related Materials

WSC's paper on "Tube Alloys", a copy of which he sent with this letter, is present at CHUR 2/217/15.

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