FOREIGN RELATIONS: The Greatest Power

As often before, the U.S. people heard a resounding piece of news not from their President but from Winston Churchill.

The scene was London’s solemnly hideous Albert Hall. For the observance of U.S. Thanksgiving Day, its dark Victorian interior was blanketed with American flags, and the flags of all 48 states. A portrait of Lincoln hung from the proscenium; a spotlight played on an American eagle.

Out front, there was the most representative Anglo-American audience ever gathered under one roof in Britain. Impeccable Anthony Eden was there, and Mr. & Mrs. Clement Atlee. Viscount Camrose received in the royal box, along with Viscount Trenchard, president of the American & British Commonwealth Association. Viscount and Viscountess Simon came in, also Sir Andrew and Lady Cunningham, Sir Charles and Lady Portal, Sir Alan and Lady Brooke. The U.S. was represented by Ambassador John G. Winant, and its soldiery.

The London Symphony Orchestra and a white-robed choir played and sang American music, classical and Tin Pan Alley. Then Ambassador Winant, austere in striped trousers, his usually rumpled hair combed and glistening, moved to the podium. He spoke in his softly earnest tones: “Grant us brotherhood not for this day only, but for the years to come.”

This was supposed to end the gala meeting. But suddenly a stubby, balding figure, known to all, marched down the center aisle. Amidst thunderous cheers, Winston Churchill mounted the stage.

There was real cause for Thanksgiving, said Winston Churchill, “when we face the facts before us, that in three or four years the peaceful, peace-loving people of the United States—with all the variety and freedom of their life—have become the greatest military, naval and air power in the world.”

As the renewed cheers died down, Winston Churchill looked into the future: “But there is a greater Thanksgiving Day which still shines ahead, which beckons the bold and loyal and warmhearted, and that is when this union of action which has been forced on us by wars against tyranny . . . shall become a lasting union . . . between all the British and American peoples wherever they may dwell. Then, indeed, there will be a day of thanksgiving.”