johndoe@gmail.com
To PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA
The British situation has been vastly improved by the miraculous evacuation of the BEF, which gives us an army in the Island more than capable, when re-equipped, of coping with any invading force. Also evacuation was a main trial of strength between the British and German Air Forces. The Germans have been unable to prevent evacuation, and though largely superior in numbers, have suffered at least three times our loss. The main remaining danger is, of course, Air factories, but if our Air defence is so strong that enemy can only come on dark nights, precision will not be easy. I therefore feel solid confidence in British ability to continue the war, defend the Island and Empire, and maintain the blockade.
We must be careful not to let the Americans be too complacent about the prospect of a British collapse, or allow them to think they might benefit from it by obtaining the British Fleet and the guardianship of the British Empire. … Although the President is our best friend, we have received no practical help from the United States yet. We have not expected them to send military aid, but they have not even sent any worthy contribution in destroyers or planes. Any pressure which you can supply in this direction would be invaluable.
We are deeply grateful to you for all your help and for destroyers, which have already gone into action against a U-Boat.
Kindest regards.
To PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA
All the matters in your telegram of May 30 have been for some time in my mind. British situation vastly improved by miraculous evacuation of BEF, which gives us an army in the Island more than capable, when re-equipped, of coping with any invading force likely to be landed. Also evacuation was a main trial of strength between British and German Air Forces. Germans have been unable to prevent evacuation, and though largely superior in numbers have suffered at least three times our loss. For technical reasons, British Air Force would have many more advantages in defending the Air above the Island than in operating overseas. Principal remaining danger is, of course, Air factories, but if our Air defence is so strong that enemy can only come on dark nights precision will not be easy. I therefore feel solid confidence in British ability to continue the war, defend the Island and the Empire, and maintain the blockade.
We must be careful not to let Americans view too complacently prospect of a British collapse, out of which they would get the British Fleet and the guardian-ship of the British Empire, minus Great Britain. …Although President is our best friend, no practical help has been forthcoming from the United States as yet. We have not expected them to send military aid, but they have not even sent any worthy contribution in destroyers or planes, or by a visit of a squadron of their Fleet to Southern Irish ports. Any pressure which you can supply in this direction would be invaluable.
We are deeply grateful to you for all your help and for destroyers, which have already gone into action against a U-Boat.
Kindest regards.
This is a telegram from Prime Minister Winston Churchill to the Prime Minister of Canada on 1 June 1940. It reports on the state of the BEF and the RAF, and discusses support for Britain from the US and from Canada.
In this telegram, Churchill discusses the aftermath of the Dunkirk evacuation in Britain with the Canadian Prime Minister. Canada was fully allied to Britain and prepared to send more troops to help defend Britain but wanted a clear picture of the situation before doing so; the only issue was whether Britain would fall and leave thousands of Canadian troops in the hands of the Nazis. However, the position with the US was different. Roosevelt wanted to support the British but there was a strong anti-war group in the US which wanted to keep America out of the war. Roosevelt did everything he could to help the British out with loans and equipment but until 1941 he could not actively involve US forces.
Although Allied soldiers (mainly French) were still fighting a rear-guard action against the Germans, 6 British destroyers had already been sunk and the RAF were to lose 135 planes by 4 June. Almost all of the British tanks in France had been abandoned.
Remember we are hoping that this source can be useful to us in investigating whether the Dunkirk evacuation was a triumph or a disaster. Sources usually help historians in two ways:
Which of the inferences below can be made from this source?
| On a scale of 1-5 how far do you agree that this source supports this inference? | Which extract(s) from the source support your argument? | |
| Churchill gives a detailed analysis of the successes and failures of the Dunkirk evacuation. | ||
| Churchill is anxious to give the Prime Minister of Canada a favourable impression of the British Armed Forces. | ||
| The Dunkirk evacuation was a triumph. |
➜ Download table (PDF)
➜ Download table (Word document)
