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“In researching a novel I have been unable to find references regarding Winston Churchill’s observations/concerns/predictions concerning the People’s Republic of China,” writes Keith Hazleton of Columbus, Ohio. If you are aware of any published reference to the above, and can reply to me, I would be most appreciative.”
We recommended Winston S. Churchill: His Complete Speeches 1897-1963 (8 vols.), edited by Robert Rhodes James (NY: Chelsea House/Bowker 1974). Though rare and hotly sought after by collectors, it is usually available through inter-library loan. Readers will find it comprehensively indexed.
During the debate over recognizing the People’s Republic of China, which Britain did but America didn’t, Churchill remarked, “To recognize someone does not necessarily mean that you like him. We all, for instance, recognize the Rt. Hon. Gentleman, the Member for Ebbw Vale.” (That was his arch-political enemy, Nye Bevan, though they actually nursed a grudging respect for each other.)
And, Churchill had this to say of Madame Chiang, whom he cordially despised, and we think we can read between the lines: “Madame Chiang Kai-shek is a most remarkable and fascinating personality. Her perfect command of English, and complete comprehension of the world struggle as a whole, enable her to be the best of all interpreters in matters in which she herself plays a notable part.”
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