Series J/11. - Broadcast speech,

Letters received by Clement Davies after his broadcast speech. The writers of J/11/1-46 criticize the arguments propounded in the speech. Most of the correspondents are particularly incensed by the Liberal leader's attacks upon Churchill, who, it is clear, is still seen as 'the man who won the war.' Many also argue the case for 'fusion' between the Liberal and Conservative parties as a base to fight against Socialism. The broadcast is particularly condemned for its failure to advocate constructive and relevant Liberal policies and for its concentration upon attacks on the other parties, a negative and retrogressive stance to adopt. J 11/47-129 are letters of congratulation. Many of the correspondents comment in some detail on current political trends and there is much discussion of the alleged merits and demerits of the Labour government. The letters reflect the dilemma faced by many Liberal supporters at this time and subsequently: how to vote in constituencies where no Liberal stood, how to vote in seats where the Liberal candidate stood no chance of election (i.e. the problem of tactical voting in a situation where patently 'a Liberal vote is a wasted vote'), how to convince others of the need for a practical application of Liberal principles. From:.