Gratitude to USA for 'inspiring act of faith"
12th March 1941: Churchill expresses thanks to America for this 'monument of generous and far-seeing statesmanship'
On the 11th March, the Lend-Lease Bill1 was signed into law by President Roosevelt. Churchill wanted to immediately respond. Earlier in 1941 he had broacast to the Amercan people with a plea to ‘Give us the tools and we will finish the job’.
There was no time to prepare a speech, so he arranged to be asked a simple question in the House of Commons, which he answered in simple but elegant terms. A speech would come later.
The Lease-Lend Bill became law yesterday, when it received the signature of the President. I am sure the House would wish me to express on their behalf, and on behalf of the nation, our deep and respectful appreciation of this monument of generous and far-seeing statesmanship.
The most powerful democracy have, in effect, declared in solemn Statute that they will devote their overwhelming industrial and financial strength to ensuring the defeat of Nazism in order that nations, great and small, may live in security, tolerance and freedom.
