CHURCHILL Winston (1874-1965). L. S. with 2 autograph lines, Chartwell, Westerham (Kent), 26 November 1946, to General de Gaulle; 2 pages small in-4 addressed to him; in English. Questions about the Soviet danger and the United States of Europe. He had sent Duncan Sandys to Colombey, and wished to know, for his own information and in strict confidence, the General's opinion on two points: - the danger of a Soviet advance westwards to the sea; it is obvious that they have the power to do this at any time; but the end may not be as pleasant as the beginning; this is at any rate Hitler's experience and may act as a deterrent. Churchill believes that there are over two million Soviet troops in the occupied territories of Europe or in immediate reserve in the Leningrad and Odessa areas. Their organisation, mobility and effectiveness cannot be accurately measured. "First, what do you think about the danger of a Soviet advance westward to the sea? It is evident that they have the power to do it at any time. On the other hand the end might not be so agreeable as the beginning. This was certainly Hitler's experience and it may be a deterrent. Sandys will give you various information which I have received from Continental sources. My own view is that there are over two million Soviet troops in the occupied territories of Europe or in immediate reserve in the Leningrad and Odessa regions. Their exact organization, mobility and efficiency cannot be accurately measured. - the United States of Europe. He recalled his Zurich speech and expressed his conviction that if France could take Germany by the hand and, with the full cooperation of England, win her over to the West and to European civilisation, it would indeed be a glorious victory which would make amends for all we have endured and perhaps save us from having to endure much more. "The second point is about the United States of Europe. You will have seen my speech at Zürich and it is my conviction that if France could take Germany by the hand and, with full English cooperation, rally her to the west and to European civilization, this would indeed be a glorious victory and make amends for all we have gone through and perhaps save us having to go through a lot more." He has followed developments in French politics with the greatest attention. The main feature of the present Socialist-Labour government in England is its hatred of Communism and Communists. In this, of course, they will be supported by the Conservative Party... At the head of the letter, Churchill wrote in his own handwriting: "Private / My dear General de Gaulle," and added before signing: "Yours sincerely".