Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

Speech unveiling plaque in Prague (naming "Winston Churchill Square")

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: Winston Churchill Square, Prague
Source: Thatcher Archive: COI transcript
Editorial comments:

1050-1100.

Importance ranking: Minor
Word count: 198
Themes: Foreign policy (Central & Eastern Europe), Conservative Party (history)

Vaclav HavelMr President, Mr Mayor, it is a great honour to be asked to re-name this Square “Winston Churchill” .

Winston Churchill never compromised on liberty and justice, they were too important for that. Alongside Czechoslovakia we fought so that those qualities may prevail. And I remember that when Winston Churchill became our Prime Minister in the darkest days of the war, he said: “I have nothing to offer you but blood, sweat, toil and tears.” And we knew whatever the difficulties would be, our cause would eventually prevail.

It took far longer for these qualities to return to Czechoslovakia. But you, the people of Czechoslovakia, have written some of the proudest chapters in your country's history and Winston will rejoice with us today that you are once again a free country in Europe.

I served with Winston Churchill as a Member of Parliament in his last Parliament and my first, and it is a very proud memory and I now proudly re-name this Square after that great man who has done so much for both our countries.