Roosevelt Papers: Telegram
President Roosevelt to Prime Minister Churchill 1
priority
Number 648. Top Secret and Personal from the President for the Prime Minister.
The more I think it over the more I get convinced that a meeting of the three of us just now may be a little less valuable than it would be after I am inaugurated on the twentieth of January. The location of a meeting now is very difficult. All my people advise strongly against the Black Sea. I do not think there is a chance that U J would agree to Jerusalem, Egypt or Malta.
But there is a real chance that by the end of January or early February he could get rail transportation to head of the Adriatic. He might be willing to come to Rome or the Riviera. I would of course stop in England going or returning. I do not think he wants to fly or take a very difficult and long rail journey to Haifa.
Incidentally it would be far easier for me as I am undergoing the throes of the old session and preparing for the new session on January third.
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What do you think of postponement? It appeals to me greatly. My best to you on your Parisian trip. Don’t turn up in French clothes.
- Sent to the United States Naval Attaché, London, via Navy channels.↩