CHURCHILL Winston (1874-1965). L. S. with 2 autograph lines, Chartwell, Westerham (Kent), 1st November 1946, to General de Gaulle; 2 pages small in-4 addressed to him; in English. Concerns about the Soviet armed forces. In this "private and confidential" letter, Churchill stated that he had received worrying information from various quarters about the strength mobilised by the Soviets in the occupied territories of Europe and the immense disproportion between the Soviet forces and those of their satellite states, on the one hand, and those of the other Allies, on the other. "I have received from various quarters disquieting information about the Soviet mobilized strength in the occupied territories of Europe and of the immense disproportion which exists between the Soviet forces and those of their satellite states, on the one hand, and those of the other Allies, on the other hand. There is very little doubt in my mind that it is in the power of the Soviet armies to advance westward with considerable rapidity: This does not of course prejudge the question of whether they would wish to do so." He had heard that the General was worried about the situation. He suggested a meeting between a trusted friend and his son-in-law, Duncan Sandys, who had been a minister and Member of Parliament under his administration. An exchange of views in strict privacy could be beneficial to both countries. However, Churchill would understand perfectly and would not be in the least offended if de Gaulle felt that such contact was undesirable... At the head of the letter, Churchill wrote in his own handwriting: "My dear de Gaulle," and added before signing: "Yours sincerely".