| MR JOSEPH P KENNEDY SAYS AU REVIOR American Ambassador Joe Kennedy makes a statement before returning to the States. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tape Master: | 6425 | |
| Catalog #: | 192033 | |
| Clip Number: | 192033-1 | |
| Orginal Film: | 40/86 | |
| Timecode: | 01:38:18 - 01:40:30 | |
| Location: | United Kingdom | |
| Year Shot: | 1940 (Actual Year) | |
| Audio: | Yes | |
| Color: | No | |
| Headings: | INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: Embassies/Consulates LOCATIONS/EUROPE: UK, England, London OCCUPATIONS: Politicians / Statesmen PERSONALITIES: Kennedy, Joseph P. WORLD WAR TWO, GENERAL: Speeches | |
| Description: | MR JOSEPH P KENNEDY SAYS AU REVIOR American Ambassador Joe Kennedy makes a statement before returning to the States. MS American Ambassador Joseph P Kennedy sitting at his desk talking about the fact that he is returning to report to the President after three years in Britain. Joe Kennedy continues by talking about the high morale of the British people and their courage in facing up to the blitz, he thanks the British for their kindness to him and his family. He uses the slogan Britain can take it. "I am returning to Washington to report to the President. I leave England at this time with real regret. No one could do otherwise who has lived in England for the past three years. They have been full years. Years that have seen history made in your county and in mine. I am grateful for this opportunity to speak to you. It's been a tough two months. You have faced it day and night with plenty of courage. Faced them with chins up and with a grin. And nothing is as signifgant as to me as the sign on your salvage wagons that go around though the cities which to me represents the slogan of all the British people and that is: "We can take it!" I can't forget a shop I passed coming to work the other day. It sells knick-nacks. The whole front of it had been blown out. But on the top was hanging a sign: "Business as Usual But Now Wide Open Day and Night." That is your courage. When I went to school, we were taught that the great courage of the world was "Spartan courage" but your exhibition will certainly earn you a great page in history will have it talked about for centuries to come: British courage. My hat's off to you. May I also say at this time that I shall never forget your kindness to me and to my family. There will not be one minute while I am away that I shall not be thinking of you and praying for you. God bless you all." | |
WPA FILM LIBRARY
