The Role of Radio and Speeches in Diplomatic Communication

 A newspaper seller in London on September 3, 1939.

Courtesy:  The Telegraph

The allied leaders of Great Britain and the United States understood the value of obtaining support from the people of their nations.  This was best displayed in the radio broadcasts and speeches made to explain the reasons for, and the status of Great Britain’s declaration of war on Germany, and the U.S. declaration of war on Japan.  These communications were vital to the masses of people who were now partners in these traumatic endeavors. 

Neville Chamberlain announces Britain at war with Germany.

Courtesy:  British Broadcasting Company

On September 3, 1939, British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain announced the British declaration of war with Germany in a radio broadcast. 

King Georve VI announces Britain at war with Germany.

Courtesy:  The Telegraph

On the same day, King George VI gave his speech explaining why Britain was entering the war.  The story of King George’s speech is documented and dramatized in The King’s Speech, an award winning book and film which also tells of his struggle with public speaking.   

The speech was a personal challenge for King George because of his severe speech impediment. In the speech, King George said:

“It is to this high purpose that I now call my people at home and my peoples across the seas, who will make our cause their own.  I ask them to stand calm, firm and united in this time of trial.” 



It was not hard to gain British support as they were subjected to German bombings during the Blitz.  

Image from The London Blitz

Courtesy:  The Telegraph

Buckingham Palace (residence of their Royal Family) was bombed and a 14-year old future queen, Princess Elizabeth and her sister Princess Rose broadcast condolences of concern to British children displaced from their homes due to the war. 

Children sit among the rubble of the London Blitz

Courtesy:  eyewitnesshistory.com

Sir Winston Churchill explained what the war would entail, and praised the anticipated finest hour of the British people in his speech on June 18, 1940.  On December 26, 1941, speaking passionately about British support for America against Japan, Churchill addressed the U.S. Joint Session of Congress.  He explained regarding the U.S. and Britain, “Now we are the masters of our Fate” in their unity against Germany, Italy, and Japan.

Courtesy: hcscc.areavoices.com

 It was not hard to gain American support after the Japanese attack of Pearl Harbor.   





Pearl Harbor Attack

Courtesy:  blog.usnavyseals.com

On December 7, 1941, Japan attacked the military installation in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii which resulted in war between Japan and the U.S.  On December 8, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared war on Japan at a joint session of the U.S. Congress.   

Prior to June 6, 1944 (D-Day), General Dwight Eisenhower spoke by radio broadcast to the occupied people of Western Europe to announce their anticipated liberation by allied forces of the U.S., Great Britain, and Russia.

General Eisenhower delivering the Order of the Day, June 6, 1944.

Courtesy: archives.gov

In times of war it is imperative for the morale of the country that leaders communicate with their people.  A complete contast to this is the behavior of Emperor Hirohito of Japan.  

It was ironic that the first time the Japanese people heard their beloved Emperor Hirohito’s voice was when he was surrendering.  In John Hersey’s book, Hiroshima, Mr. Tanimoto said:

“At the time of the Post-War, the marvelous thing in our history happened.  Our Emperor broadcasted his own voice through radio directly to us, common people of Japan.” (64-65)