Telegram - Winston Churchill to Franklin D. Roosevelt (May 19, 1941) 8 a.m.
JT
This telegram must be closely paraphrased before being communicated to anyone. (SG)
LONDON
Dated May 19, 1941
Rec'd 8 a.m.
Secretary of State,
Washington.
TRIPLE PRIORITY.
1998, May 19, noon. (SECTION THREE)
Three. At present rate in next twelve months we shall lose four and half million tons of shipping. The United States by a prodigy of generous constructive effort will build perhaps three and a half and we build the other million. Where have we got to then? Just making time and swimming level with the bank against the stream. Whereas cooperation of even a third of the American Navy would save at least one-half of the tonnage beforehand and give that mastery which alone can abridge the torment of mankind.
Four. Most grateful to you for your cable."
HTM