10 POST OFFICE SQUARE                    
 
                              BOSTON                        
 
                                                            
 
 
                  The President Washington                  
 
                         Washington D.C.                    
 
                                                            
 
 
                     September 20, 1940                     
 
                      Dea %r Mr. President:                 
 
      It is with some hesitation that I bring this matter to your attention 
      but I believe it is of sufficient importance to Anglo-American 
      relations to warrant imposing on your time. I have felt for months 
      that British propaganda in this country would be enormously strengthened 
      if Mr. Churchill were on the air more frequently. Of course, 
      he is far too busy to make special broadcasts. However, he does 
      report fortnightly, as a rule, to the Commons on the progress 
      of the war. I know it is contrary to the rules of the Commons 
      to broadcast from there but strengthening the ties of friendship 
      with this country is more important than the rules of the Commons. 
      Furthermore, a speech from the House of Commons would carry far 
      greater weight with the American public than one simply made 
 from a broadcasting station which might be labeled as propa
 
                                                            
 
 
If you believe this idea of mine is a sound one, I suggest 
      that you mention it to the British Ambassador. A word from you 
      would carry enormous weight as, besides being the country's chief 
      magistrate, no one understands the American people as you do. 
      I need hardly add that I realize perfectly the suggestion would 
      have to be made with some delicacy. In order that this letter 
      may come to your attention, I am taking the liberty of seeking 
      the cooperation of my good friend and neighbor, Catherine Grant. 
      In closing, I should say that I have only spoken of enlisting 
      your aid for this plan to Helen, my father and Catherine Grant, 
      and, naturally, I will not mention it further, as should the 
      plan come to fruition it might be embarrassing both to you and 
      the British if it were generally known that you had cooperated 
                        in this direction.                  
 
                                                            
 
 
Need I add my delight at the Gallup poll this morning. In 
      the language of sport, it is "in the bag", and allow 
                 me to offer my congratulations.            
 
                                                            
 
 
                     With best wishes,                      
 
                        Faithfully yours,                   
 
      R. Minturn Sedgwick