Typed letter signed, on an issue arising from her work leading the Aid to Russia Fund.

CHURCHILL, Clementine S.

Published by 10, Downing Street: 30 November 1943

About this Item

A wartime letter sent by Clementine from Downing Street concerning a minor diplomatic misunderstanding between the British Foreign Secretary, Anthony Eden, and the Soviet Foreign Minister, Vyacheslav Molotov, over a proposal to establish a British-funded hospital in the Soviet Union. Clementine, chair of the Aid to Russia Fund (founded in 1941), played a leading role in organizing medical relief to the USSR and travelled there to strengthen Anglo-Soviet ties. Writing to clarify the situation, she notes that Molotov's reply appeared not to take account of her second cable, raising concern that the British offer might seem to have lapsed: "I would not like the Russians to think that, having made the suggestion of a hospital, we were cooling off". She proposes a meeting with Lord Iliffe and Sir Arthur Abrahams to resolve the matter. The letter is addressed to "Mr Donaldson" and stamped "Received in A.S.E. Registry" - the recipient is presumably Ian Donaldson of the Allied Supplies Executive. Provenance: the collection of Steve Forbes, chairman of Forbes Magazine, and presidential candidate in the 1996 and 2000 US elections. Single sheet of Downing Street letterhead (242 x 191 mm), typed both sides. Clipped at upper outer corner without loss, secretarial notations at head, a little toned: in good condition.

Seller Inventory # 188886

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Typed letter signed, on an issue arising from her work leading the Aid to Russia Fund.
• Publisher: 10, Downing Street: 30 November 1943
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)