On 17th July there came to us at Potsdam the eagerly-awaited news of the trial of the atomic bomb in the [New] Mexican desert. Success beyond all dreams crowded this sombre, magnificent venture of our American allies. The detailed reports ... could leave no doubt in the minds of the very few who were informed, that we were in the presence of a new factor in human affairs, and possessed of powers which were irresistible.

We shall not flag nor fail. We shall go on to the end.

We have always found the Irish a bit odd. They refuse to be English.

I always avoid prophesying beforehand, because it is a much better policy to prophesy after the event has already taken place.

We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.

Some civil servants are neither servants nor civil.

Play the game for more than you can afford to lose... only then will you learn the game.