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CHURCHILL, Winston S. Manuscript notes, unsigned, rough notes for a speech delivered in the House of Commons 13 April 1939. 2 pages, 4to .
CHURCHILL, Winston S. Manuscript notes, unsigned, rough notes for a speech delivered in the House of Commons 13 April 1939. 2 pages, 4to . "DISILLUSION & DISAPPT WITH NEVILLE WHO HAS BEEN A SECOND TIME DECEIVED BY THE DICTATOR...MY BELIEF IS COUNTRY IS FAR AHEAD OF THE GOVT." "DARKENING SCENE," Churchill writes in these notes which he held in his hand during this speech on the diplomatic and military situation five months before Germany's invasion of Poland. One of the British government's key concerns in this period was to maintain relations with Italy and hopefully split them off from the Axis alliance. The central heading in these notes is "Anglo Italian Agreement." And further down the page Churchill makes two points about Italy: "1. Not in her interest to be involved in a mortal struggle with England & France. 2. Germany's interest is to get Italy involved in war before striking in herself." He remarks on Chamberlain's disastrous capitulation at Munich and Germany's recent move into Prague, in violation of the Munich agreement. "Disillusion & disappt. with Neville who has been a second time deceived by the Dictator..." Other observations include: "Situation in Spain, Greece, Turkey, Romania & Bulgaria. Balkan block vital. Are we doing all we can? Fleet disarray. Gibraltar..." On the second page he sharpens his attack on the Chamberlain government: "One does not feel that existing political machinery fairly reflects the deep feelings of anxiety & dissatisfaction in the conduct of affairs in country. My belief is county is far ahead of the Govt." After a traumatic experience in 1904 when he "went up" and forgot his text in mid-speech, Churchill never rose in the House of Commons without some kind of written outline to guide his delivery. A fascinating survival from the mind and hand of this great orator at a crucial moment in British history.