Atlantic Meeting Roosevelt and Churchill in Newfoundland - 1941

1935 - 1938 Exhibit Focus 1. Political Climate Change This thematic exhibit documents The political climate in Europe changed dramatically when Adolph Hitler the ‘Atlantic Meeting’ of 1941 was appointed Chancellor of Germany and created a radical single party between U.S. President Franklin nation promoting pro-Aryan laws targeting minorities. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Roosevelt expressed his concern with Hitler’s new policies to European Minister Winston S. Churchill. leaders including and the League of Nations.

Germany’s territorial expansion plans began when citizens voted in the 1935 Saar plebiscite for reunification with Semi-postal for benefit Germany after French mandate control. of National Culture Fund

Addition of the Saar encouraged Hitler to extend Germany’s Roosevelt and Churchill Nansen passport revenues 1936 borders into neighboring countries with German speaking Overprinted “Réfugies Sarrois” populations while ever increasing numbers of minorities fled. Beginning with circumstances (Saarlander Refugee) prior to the encounter at sea, the The League of Nations, unable to impose sanctions as Germany resigned its membership earlier, exhibit continues with events watched as German re-armament and rhetoric grew. As an interim measure, the League opened leading to the meeting, including a new London office for the ‘High Commissioner for Refugees Coming from Germany’ in 1935. preparation, attendees, travel, the site and ends with the meeting Thus began the road to the ‘Atlantic Meeting’ of 1941 and a long overdue coordinated response and ‘joint statement’ outlining the to aggression by the Axis nations whose expansionist ideals were resolved only through conflict. war and peace aims agreed to and reaffirmed by both governments.

Exhibit Plan

1 Political Climate Change 2 Catalyst for Action 3 A Plea and a Plan 4 Secret Preparations 5 Travel to Newfoundland 6 The Meeting 7 The 8 Homeward to Victory

Difficult to acquire items are highlighted in dark blue

Note: The term ‘united nations’ may be confusing as the allies referred to themselves as the ‘united nations’ as early as 1942, long before the United Nations London, England to Geneva, Switzerland, 28 August 1937, 2 1/2 pence surface letter rate Service mail from the office of the ‘High Commissioner for Refugees Coming from Germany’ organization was founded. 3 examples recorded 2. Catalyst for Action - Aggression by Germany, Italy and Japan March 1938 - June 1940

Germany annexed Austria in 1938 and then pressed claims on other German speaking areas within the borders of neighboring countries.

Local delivery within Vienna, Austria, 19 March 1938 24 groschen local letter rate ‘Der Führer in Wien’ (The Leader in Vienna) hand stamp Mailed the day Germany annexed Austria

Warsaw, Poland to Geneva, Switzerland, 27 December 1938 80 groszy letter rate, 50 groszy registration to Nansen International Refugee Office

Occupation of Czechoslovakia’s German speaking Sudetenland in 1938 was followed by open warfare with Poland in 1939. Germany expanded the war to other European countries during 1940 and after their defeat, Great Britain quickly became the focus.

Sudetenland local overprint “We are free”

German issue overprinted Luxemburg

In June 1940, Italy and Japan integrated their war aims with Germany and formed the ‘Axis Powers’. Italy, under Prime Minister Benito Mussolini, occupied Ethiopia and Japan’s incursion into northern China and formation of the state Manchukuo secured raw materials for war.

Hitler & Prime Minister Mussolini Selassie pleading for Ethiopia Japanese occupation joined forces in June 1940 before the League of Nations Japanese Warship overprint for Map of Manchukuo 3. A Plea and a Plan - Churchill’s Plea May - October 1940

King George VI of Great Britain turned to Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister as of May 1940. His reaction to assuming the post produced the famous quote - “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.”

London, England to New York, N.Y., 9 December 1941, 2 1/2 pence surface rate Official service mail with British censor marking and King George VI definitive issue “blood, toil, tears and sweat”

As France fell to German forces in June 1940, more than 500,000 troops were evacuated from the shores of Dunkirk. Britain then stood fully isolated and alone with most of the European Semi-postal to benefit continent occupied. the rebuilding of Dunkirk Ships of all sizes and shapes were used during the emergency evacuation of Dunkirk Se-tenant Pairs

In September of 1940, Britain became the target of an aerial ‘blitz’ as German bombers pummeled London under the cover of night. RAF Spitfires bravely defended the city causing the Luftwaffe’s bombing campaign to gradually halt, delaying the ground invasion indefinitely. This respite provided Churchill time to plan his plea for support. Battle of Britain

Booklet Cover Churchill knew a strong ally was needed to survive the onslaught, one with great potential reserves. He desperately needed to convince Roosevelt that America should join the allied cause and quickly. Double background impression missing border 3. A Plea and a Plan - Roosevelt’s Plan November 1940 - January 1941

Roosevelt believed Germany His plan required preparing the might defeat all of Europe. public for a future war footing Facing the growing German and through radio broadcasts. The Italian oppression, he suggested most important was the ‘America U.S. support for allied nations is the Arsenal of Democracy’ in a 1940 campaign speech. speech on 29 December 1940.

Domestic 1st class rate

A newly amended American Neutrality Act allowed the allies to purchase ships and military equipment from the ‘Arsenal of Democracy’. Campaign speech 2 Nov. 1940 ‘Liberty Ship’ purchase ‘Arsenal of Democracy’ tanks

Roosevelt wished to include his ‘Four Freedoms’, outlined in his speech on 1 January 1941, in any agreement he made.

Freedom of Speech Freedom of Worship Freedom from Want Freedom from Fear

“In future days, which we seek to secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essen- tial human freedoms. The first is the freedom of speech and expression - everywhere in the world. The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way - everywhere in the world. The third is the freedom from want - which translated into world terms, means eco- nomic understandings which will secure every nation a healthy peace-time life for its inhab- itants - everywhere in the world. The fourth is freedom from fear - which, translated into world terms, means a world-wide reduction of armaments to such a point and in such a thor- ough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor - anywhere in the world.” - Franklin D. Roosevelt

Holyoke, Ma. to Bern, Switzerland. 22 March 1943 5¢ foreign surface rate (1¢ overpaid) Returned to sender ‘No Service Available’ due to suspended mail service 7 November 1942 Block of six of ‘Four Freedoms’ issue 4. Secret Preparations - Participants, Transport and a Date June - July 1941

Military advisors Generals George C. Marshall and Henry ‘Hap’ Arnold attended but leaders like Prime Minister Mackenzie King of Canada were not invited.

George C. Marshall Henry ‘Hap’ Arnold Mackenzie King 20¢ per ounce 65¢ = 3 ounce 4¢ make-up domestic letter rate domestic letter rate rate value as of 2 May 1974 as of 3 April 1988 as of 1973

The Brooklyn Navy Yard outfitted President Roosevelt’s flagship, the U.S.S. Augusta, with an elevator and ramps to ease his access onboard. Brooklyn Navy Yard Station to Washington, D.C., 14 May 1941, 1¢ post card rate

U.S.S. Augusta to Brooklyn, N.Y., 18 July 1941, 3¢ domestic letter rate, Posted during the Augusta’s retrofit in Brooklyn Navy Yard

German SS In a transatlantic phone propaganda Joseph Stalin conferred call in mid-July, the two forgery privately with Roosevelt’s leaders agreed upon 9 Printed in personal aide at the end of August as the date for Oranienburg- July and unaware of the their top secret meeting Sachsenhausen meeting, sent his requests concentration “Somewhere at Sea’. and views on the conflicts. Advertising tab and booklet stamp camp 4. Secret Preparations - the Meeting Site July - August 1941

Roosevelt took advantage of the ‘Lend Lease Act’ of 1941 and chose the Naval Air Station on Placentia Bay in Newfoundland as the secret meeting site. The station was chosen as it was remote and very newly commissioned by U.S. forces.

‘Lend Lease’

Placentia Bay

Argentia, Newfoundland local delivery 1 December 1941, 5¢ domestic rate Contractors for refurbishment of the Argentia U.S. Naval Air Station

Placentia Bay provided concealment from the Atlantic Ocean and had both warship and military seaplane operations to protect it. Additional warships were deployed for security in early August.

Air station protection by sea and air

Self-adhesive, 1st class letter rate

A.P.O. 801-A, Argentia Naval Air Station to Rialto, Ca., 15 July 1941 6¢ airmail rate with naval censor Commissioning Day Signed by base commander 5. Travel to Newfoundland - Churchill Sails West 3 - 8 August 1941

Churchill, three military staff and a foreign affairs diplomat departed #10 Downing Street the morning of 3 August 1941. They traveled to Scotland by train under strictest secrecy.

London to Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, 3 July 1941, (10 Downing St. on rear flap) ‘LONDON OFFICIAL PAID’ postmark in red

Ship at , Scotland, via London to Hatfield, England, 3 January 1940 censor hand stamp with initials, King’s Harbour Master embossed on rear

On departing Scapa Flow on 4 August, one of the greatest cat and mouse dramas of World War II began. In a daring sprint across the Atlantic, the H.M.S. Prince of Wales with Churchill aboard and accompanied by H.M.S. Hesperus, avoided German submarine and seaplane patrols to arrive in Placentia Bay on 9 August.

H.M.S. Prince of Wales

U-boat commander Seaplane patrol German Semi-postal Issues Churchill on deck at Placentia Bay, picture post card, Valentine & Sons, Ltd. Dundee & London, 1942 5. Travel to Newfoundland - Roosevelt Sails North 5 - 8 August 1941

The presidential yacht, the U.S.S. Potomac, ferried President Roosevelt to an evening rendezvous with the U.S.S. Augusta on 5 August. The Potomac then began a ‘fishing trip’ off the coast of Maine with newsmen reporting that the president was enjoying his fishing vacation. The U.S.S. Augusta steamed stealthily northwards toward Newfoundland.

USS Potomac to Nova Scotia, Canada 28 August 1941 Reply postal card rate to Canada was 1¢, the same rate as a domestic card (1/2¢ overpaid)

The U.S.S. Tuscaloosa and the destroyer U.S.S. Madison escorted the U.S.S. Augusta under flotilla commander .

Admiral Ernest King U.S.S. Tuscaloosa to New York, N.Y., 6 April 1941, penalty clause paid domestic postage (top) U.S.S. Madison via Portsmouth, Va. to Washington, D.C., 4 June 1941, penalty clause paid postage, 6¢ airmail issue added to pay airmail service fee (bottom) 6. The Meeting - Arrival in Newfoundland 9 August 1941

On 9 August, the U.S.S. McDougal guided H.M.S. Prince of Wales to the anchorage of the U.S.S. Arkansas and U.S.S. Augusta.

U.S.S. McDougal to New Orleans, La., 10 April 1942, penalty clause paid domestic postage rate (3¢) without stamp

U.S.S. Arkansas

Commemorative hand cancel devices of the U.S.S. Arkansas and the U.S.S. Augusta, President Franklin Roosevelt’s Flagship, 9 August 1941 3¢ domestic letter rates, dated on the day the ‘H.M.S. Prince of Wales’ arrived with Prime Minister Churchill aboard Souvenir cacheted envelope printed by order of Roosevelt for use of the crew members of all ships, commemorative ship cancels most likely backdated 6. The Meeting - Discussion and Agreement 9 - 12 August 1941

The two world leaders met from 9 through 12 August 1941, alternating between the U.S.S. Augusta and the H.M.S. Prince of Wales.

Double impression of background before border was printed Churchill on Prince of Wales 4 mm offset to left

Churchill’s most important goal was to get the U.S. to make a ‘joint statement’ and join the war on the side of Great Britain and her allies. Roosevelt promoted self-governance of nations and colonies and assistance to refugees to “hold Se-tenant pair, domestic letter rate as of 3 Feb. 1991 out hope to the enslaved peoples of the world”. Roosevelt / Augusta and Churchill / Prince of Wales Both leaders found compromise in eight points Stamp design - ‘hold out hope to the enslaved’ of the ‘joint statement’ which later served as 1¢ Certificate of Mailing fee paid by UN definitive inspiration in founding the United Nations. Two recorded examples

U.S. officers discussed supply planning and resource distribution with their British counterparts as well as battle strategies to ‘Stamp Out!’ the three Axis Powers of Germany, Italy and Japan.

Prime Minister Hideki Tojo of Japan

Prime Minister Hideki Tojo and Japan were a subject of conversation. The ‘joint statement‘ was also meant as a warning to Japan on further aggression in China.

Great Britain, China and USA flags Washington, D.C. to New York, N.Y., 3 October 1942, 3¢ domestic letter rate, Minkus patriotic cachet - Stamp ‘em Out! 7. The Atlantic Charter - War and Peace Aims Defined 14 August 1941

The ‘joint statement’ outlined war and peace aims of both leaders. A typed, hand-corrected draft was wired to Washington and London for affirmation by the U.S. Congress and the British Parliament.

U.S. Congress Issue of 1923

2006 reprint Wireless transmission receipt ‘on Board British Ships’ British Parliament gutter pair Clement Attlee, in London, broadcast the ‘joint statement’ on British radio at 3 p.m. on 14 August 1941. A U.S. broadcast was made at the same time - while Churchill and Roosevelt were still at sea. London’s Daily Herald quickly Clement Attlee Churchill Labour Leader dubbed it - the ‘Atlantic Charter’. still at sea

U.S.S. Augusta to Washington, D.C., 14 August 1941, 3¢ domestic letter rate (Army & Navy Register Publishing Co. was a private military news publisher 1879-1948) Posted on the day the ‘Atlantic Charter’ was announced to the world - Only recorded example 8. Homeward to Victory - A Successful Meeting August 1941 - January 1942

As the H.M.S. Prince of Wales steamed homeward, she encountered an allied convoy made up of English, Canadian and American ships. On Churchill’s order, the H.M.S. Prince of Wales sailed through their center, signaling that Churchill was aboard and wished them a “Good Voyage”. Churchill returned home with a guarantee of war supplies for Britain and the allied nations. He had succeeded with his plea for assistance.

Armed convoy ship Signalman on convoy ship

3¢ domestic letter rate, Pitney Bowes postage meter with advertising slug, Signal flags use international code

Roosevelt returned home having ensured his ‘Four Freedoms’ ideals were included in the text of the ‘Atlantic Charter’. His support plans for the allies became the driving force behind the ideal of ‘UNITED we are strong’ and a symbol for ‘Nations United for Victory’.

Patriotic envelope front

Mountain, Wi. to San Francisco, Ca. 25 May 1945, 6¢ airmail rate rear flap of 1942 patriotic envelope Office of War Information (OWI) ‘UNITED we are strong’

Un-watermarked paper The ‘Atlantic Charter’s Regular stamp issued on watermarked paper importance was made ‘PEACE’ clear when 26 ‘Nations United for Victory’ all ‘Nations United declared allegiance and for Victory’ signed the ‘Declaration ‘Nations United for Victory’ to win a lasting by United Nations’ on 2 Signed by designer ‘Peace’. January 1942. ‘Declaration by United Nations’ Leon Helguera Signed in Washington, D.C. 2 Jan. 1942