807 certified writers online. In front of the iron curtain which lies across Europe are other causes for anxiety. Now, at this sad and breathless moment, we are plunged in the hunger and distress which are the aftermath of our stupendous struggle; but this will pass and may pass quickly, and there is no reason except human folly or sub-human crime which should deny to all the nations the inauguration and enjoyment of an age of plenty. This speech was given in Missouri after his first term. Do not suppose that half a century from now you will not see 70 or 80 millions of Britons spread about the world united in defense of our traditions, and our way of life, and of the world causes which you and we espouse. They will not be removed by mere "waiting to see what happens." From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the Continent. These squadrons would be trained and prepared in their own countries, but would move around in rotation from one country to another. I reply that, on the contrary, it is probably the only means by which that organization will achieve its full stature and strength. Iron Curtain Speech. We cannot afford, if we can help it, to work on narrow margins, offering temptations to a trial of strength. I agree with Mr. Bevin, the Foreign Secretary of Great Britain, that it might well be a fifty years treaty so far as we are concerned. We cannot be blind to the fact that the liberties enjoyed by individual citizens throughout the British Empire are not valid in a considerable number of countries, some of which are very powerful. For with primacy in power is also joined an awe-inspiring accountability to the future. This would perhaps double the mobility of the American Navy and Air Force. The outlook is also anxious in the Far East and especially in Manchuria. '. This might be started on a modest scale and would grow as confidence grew. What they desire is the fruits of war and the indefinite expansion of their power and doctrines. But what we have to consider here today, while time remains, is the permanent prevention of war and the establishment of conditions of freedom and democracy as rapidly as possible in all countries. Neither the sure prevention of war, nor the continuous rise of world organization will be gained without what I have called the fraternal association of the English-speaking peoples. With typical oratorical skills, Church introduced the phrase "Iron Curtain" to describe the division between Western powers and the area controlled by the Soviet Union. If however they become divided or falter in their duty, and if these all-important years are allowed to slip away, then indeed catastrophe may overwhelm us all. When you hear about Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri - you may also hear about Sir Winston Churchill, and for good reason. The Agreement which was made at Yalta, to which I was a party, was extremely favorable to Soviet Russia, but it was made at a time when no one could say that the German war might not extend all through the summer and autumn of 1945 and when the Japanese war was expected to last for a further 18 months from the end of the German war. Eventually there may come -- I feel eventually there will come -- the principle of common citizenship, but that we may be content to leave to destiny, whose outstretched arm many of us can already clearly see. In these States, control is enforced upon the common people by various kinds of all-embracing police governments, to a degree which is overwhelming and contrary to every principle of democracy. Amid his heavy burdens, duties, and responsibilities -- unsought but not recoiled from -- the President has traveled a thousand miles to dignify and magnify our meeting here today and to give me an opportunity of addressing this kindred nation, as well as my own countrymen across the ocean, and perhaps some other countries too. We welcome Russia to her rightful place among the leading nations of the world. Twice we have seen them drawn by irresistible forces into these wars in time to secure the victory of the good cause, but only after frightful slaughter and devastation have occurred. I do not believe that Soviet Russia desires war. 1.800.888.WCMO (9266). It is a solemn moment for the American democracy. We cannot be blind to the fact that the liberties enjoyed by individual citizens throughout the United States and throughout the British Empire are not valid in a considerable number of countries, some of which are very powerful. As you look around you, if you look around you, you must feel not only the sense of duty done but also you must feel anxiety lest you fall below the level of achievement. What they desire is the fruits of war and the indefinite expansion of their power and doctrines. The name "Westminster" somehow or other seems familiar to me. The other controversial aspect of the speech is that Churchill states that  atomic weapons should be used as a deterrent against the Soviet Union: "And even then, if no effort is spared, we should still possess so formidable a superiority as to impose effective deterrents upon its employment, or threat of employment, by others.". Anyone can see with his eyes open that our path will be difficult and also long, but if we persevere together as we did in the two world wars -- though not, alas, in the interval between them -- I cannot doubt that we shall achieve our common purpose in the end. Found insideThis volume leans on the long-neglected fact that, even during the Cold War era, television could easily become a cross-border matter. It is nothing less than the safety and welfare, the freedom and progress, of all the homes and families of all the men and women in all the lands. When Churchill said this statement he meant several things. Our American military colleagues, after having proclaimed their "overall strategic concept" and computed available resources, always proceed to the next step — namely, "the method" Here again there is widespread agreement. In Satin Island, Tom McCarthy captures—as only he can—the way we experience our world, our efforts to find meaning (or just to stay awake) and discern the narratives we think of as our lives. I was a minister at the time of the Versailles Treaty and a close friend of Mr. Lloyd-George, who was the head of the British delegation at Versailles. We have also -- We British have also -- our twenty years Treaty of Collaboration and Mutual Assistance with Soviet Russia. The History You Aren’t Supposed to Understand: “The Iron Curtain” » pa . I have a strong admiration and regard for the valiant Russian people and for my wartime comrade, Marshal Stalin. Before we cast away the solid assurances of national armaments for self-preservation, we must be certain that our temple is built not upon shifting sands or quagmires, but upon the rock. When the designs of wicked men or the aggressive urge of mighty States dissolve over large areas the frame of civilized society, humble folk are confronted with difficulties with which they cannot cope. "From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic an "iron curtain" has descended across the continent. Found inside – Page 42In respect of the speech text itself, Churchill reported to Attlee that he had first showed it to Admiral Leahy, Truman's chief of staff, ... The Sinews of Peace. 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