ALS signed “Winston S. Churchill,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, blindstamped Treasury Chambers letterhead, October 18, 1927. Letter to British conservative politician Arthur Steel-Maitland. In part: “The cabinet decided on June 15 that yr Bill shd only be framed 'on the basis of no change immediate or prospective in the principles of finance at present governing Unemployment Insurance.' I was assured of yr acceptance of this basis not only by yrself, but by the Prime Minister. Otherwise I am sure that in view…of Nevilles position, you wd not have been allowed to introduce yr measure. I warned you several times that, stripped of its financial allurements, yr Bill wd be a burden, & yield no advantage to the government…You however declared that you wd go forward on the basis of the Cabinet decision. And that is where we stand to day. I cannot agree to defend from the definite basis of decision & agreement on wh you decided to introduce the Bill. The words wh you have furnished to Davidson seem just to fall within the limits wh were agreed: but the gloss put upon them in the inspired political note in the Times goes beyond them, & seems to leave open to further pressure a line deliberately adopted after full debate, from which I cannot recede…I am sorry to have to be so plain—for I know your difficulties & stipulations.” In fine condition, with staple holes to the upper left corner. Accompanied by Steel-Maitland’s retained carbon copy of his response. During this period, Churchill was serving as Chancellor of the Exchequer and Steel-Maitland was Minister of Labour; they had worked together in 1926 to end the general strike in the United Kingdom. A lengthy and boldly penned letter discussing complex politics, demonstrating Churchill’s straightforward approach. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA.
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