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.

History unfolds itself by strange and unpredictable paths. We have little control over the future; and none at all over the past.

I have had a number of threatening letters each week, some telling me the actual time and method of my death, and I don't like it.

When someone says to me, Ugh, you smoke. I reply, Ugh, you're ugly. I can quit smoking.

Far be it from me to paint a rosy picture of the future...But I should be failing in my duty if, on the other side, I were not to convey the true impression, that this great nation is getting into its war stride.

Golf. Trying to knock a tiny ball into an even smaller hole with implements ill suited to the purpose.

No one can understand history without continually relating the long periods which are constantly mentioned to the experiences of our own short lives.