22. Gilbert, Companion Volume, 187 n. 1.

23. Pownall, Chief of Staff 2:359. Note, however, Churchill’s habit of openly speculating and frankly discussing the most important matters within his circle. Sir Edward Bridges: “In this sort of discussion he would keep nothing back. He would express the most outspoken views … or about the various ways in which the situation might be expected to develop” (Action This Day, 22-23).

24. Lukacs, The Duel, 103.

25. 30 May, after a cabinet: “Winston was in a combative and discursive mood. I have never seen so disorderly a mind. I am coming to the conclusion that his process of thought is one that had to operate through speech. As this is exactly the reverse of my own, it is irritating.” 19 June: “It is the most extraordinary brain, Winston’s, to watch functioning that I have ever seen, a most curious mixture of a child’s emotion and a man’s reason.” 24 June: “Winston’s garrulousness…” (Halifax Papers, A. 7.8.4). These diaries are weeded. His correspondence with his wife, who disliked Churchill, is still kept in a sealed hamper in the Muniment Room, Garrowby. On 5 July Halifax said to Victor Cazalet that Churchill was getting to be arrogant and impatient: “It’s almost impossible to get five minutes of conversation with him” (Gilbert, Companion Volume, 483-84).