Hopkins Papers: Telegram

Prime Minister Churchill to the President’s Special Assistant (Hopkins)1

top secret

To Mr. Harry Hopkins from Prime Minister. Personal and top secret.

I cannot pretend to be an authority on the supply and financial questions relative to stage II having been so much immersed in the war. But, of course, I would hear what the President had in mind and then report it to my colleagues. I must have someone to keep me right on the facts and figures. I am, therefore, bringing Lord Cherwell for this part of our work which would not be till some days after the military side had started.

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2.
With regard to the President’s wish to limit the conference to the smallest possible numbers, the British Chiefs of Staff inform me they can manage with only about fifteen officers who need actually take part in the conference. However, it is indispensable for me and the Chiefs of Staff to take with us sufficient staff for the day to day conduct of the war and for carrying on the government of Great Britain. Observing that our absence from Headquarters may be any thing up to three weeks, I shall have to have my full cypher staff, map room, etc. I cannot conceive how this will, in any way, get in your way or trouble you. You must remember that the United States Chiefs of Staff will not be away from Washington much more than a week and a few hours in an aeroplane can bring them any assistance they wish. I hope, therefore, that this will be agreed to.
3.
Brendan3 has raised the point that our meetings at Quebec and Cairo were marked by certain troubles with the press who came from far and wide and then found that there was nothing for them until the official communiqué for the press conference at the end of the meetings. In the case of Octagon, I suggest we should let it be known in advance that no information about the subject under discussion will be given apart from any communiqué that will be issued at the conclusion of our talks. If this is agreeable to you, I could give definite instructions to our public relations and press people to this effect at this end. Counting on you to do the same at yours.
Prime
  1. Sent by the United States Military Attaché, London, via Army channels.
  2. The message originated at Eighth Army Headquarters in Italy but was sent via London.
  3. Bracken.