Item 76 - Carbon copy of a letter from Lord Pethick-Lawrence to Clement Attlee

1 single sheet

Urges him to say something ‘positive and constructive’ about Russia and the hydrogen bomb in his forthcoming broadcast.

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Transcript

16th. February, 1950

My dear Clem,

May I venture to hope that you will find it possible to say something positive and constructive about the question of Russia and the Hydrogen Bomb in your broadcast on Saturday night.

I am fullu† conscious that it is much easier for a Leader of Opposition to throw out superficially hopeful suggestions than for the responsible head of the Government to expound a carefully thoughtout† statesmanlike course. Nevertheless there is among men and women of all parties widespread anxiety at the grave potentialities of the latest scientific discoveries and I am convinced that they will not be satisfied by merely stating that we are waiting for a sign of a change of heart on the part of Russia, and still less by the attempts in to-day’s “Daily Herald” to ridicule the need for a new approach to the question.

Can you not at the least say that if confirmed in power you will take the earliest opportunity of discussing with the American President (or Government) in the light of the latest scientific developments whether the time has come for a new approach to the grave problems that threaten international peace.

Yours ever,
[blank]

All power to your elbow & personal good wishes

Rt. Hon. Clement Attlee,
10, Downing Street,
London, S.W.1.

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† Sic.

This description was created by A. C. Green in 2020.