We welcome Russia to her rightful place among the leading nations of the world. We understand the Russian need to be secure on her western frontiers by the removal of all possibility of German aggression. There is sympathy and goodwill in Britain- and I doubt not here also- towards the peoples of all the Russias and a resolve to preserve through many differences and rebuffs in establishing lasting friendships. I have a strong admiration and regards for the valiant Russian people and for my wartime comrade, Marshal Stalin. Nobody knows what Soviet Russia and its Communist international organization intends to do in the immediate future or what are the limits if any to their expansive and proselytizing tendencies. We must and I believe we shall prove ourselves equal to this severe requirement.Ī shadow has fallen upon the scenes so lately lighted by the Allied victory. It is necessary that constancy of mind, persistency of purpose and the grand simplicity of decision shall guide and rule the conduct of the English-speaking peoples in peace as they did in war. To reject it or ignore it or fritter it away will bring upon us all the long reproaches of the after-time. Opportunity is here now, clear and shining, for both our countries. As you look around you, you must feel not only the sense of duty done but also feel anxiety lest you fall below the level of achievement. With primacy in power is also joined an awe-inspiring accountability to the future. It is a solemn moment for the American democracy. The United States stands at this time at the pinnacle of world power. I can therefore allow my mind, with the experience of a lifetime, to play over the problems which beset us on the morrow of our absolute victory in arms and try to make sure that what has been gained with so much sacrifice and suffering shall be preserved for the future glory and safety of mankind. Let me however make it clear that I have no official mission or status of any kind, and that I speak only for myself. I shall certainly avail myself of this freedom and feel the more right to do so because any private ambitions I may have cherished in my younger days have been satisfied beyond my wildest dreams. The President has told you that it is his wish, as I am sure it is yours, that I should have full liberty to give my true and faithful counsel in these anxious and baffling times. Amid his heavy burdens, duties and responsibilities-unsought but not reconciled from- the President has travelled a thousand miles to dignify and magnify our meeting here today and give me an opportunity of addressing this kindred nation, as well as my own countrymen across the ocean and perhaps some other countries too. It is also an honour, ladies and gentlemen, perhaps almost unique, for a private visitor to be introduced to an academic audience by the President of the United States. Indeed it was at Westminster that I received a very large part of my education in politics, dialectic, rhetoric and one or two other things. The name “Westminster” is somehow familiar to me. I am glad to come to Westminster College this afternoon and am complimented that you should give me a Degree. Extracts from Churchill’s Iron Curtain speech given in the USA in March 1946 (Catalogue ref: FO 371/51624) Transcriptįollowing IS THE Text of an address prepared for delivery by The Right Honorable Winston Churchill, M.P., at Westminster College, Fulton, Missouri, Tuesday,
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