The speech was drawn up after fears of an apocalyptic conflict between the US and Russia. The address was just one of many imagined scenarios mocked up in Whitehall, The Sun reported. Another included the arrest of 1980s Labour leader Michael Foot at a peace rally.

The script said: “Not for a single moment did I imagine that this solemn and awful duty would one day fall to me.

“We all know that the dangers facing us today are greater by far than at any time in our long history.

“The enemy is not the soldier with his rifle nor even the airman prowling the skies above our cities and towns but the deadly power of abused technology.

“But whatever terrors lie in wait for us all, the qualities that have helped to keep our freedom intact twice already during this sad century will once more be our strength.”

Curator Mark Dunton told The Sun: “The idea that the fates of millions were being decided by these little sweeps of a pencil is quite extraordinary.”

“The exhibition is part of the National Archive’s Cold War Revealed season.

“We want people to think, ‘How would I have coped if the worst had happened?’

“The pervasive threat of nuclear war impacted everyday life for millions.”

The Protect and Survive exhibition in London includes further documents from the time.

One of which is Sir Winston Churchill plans to divide Europe with Russian tyrant Josef Stalin after World War Two.

The 1944 plans showed parts of Bulgaria, Greece, Yugoslavia, Hungary and Romania that the Soviets or Britain would control.

Sir Winston called it his “naughty document” and later admitted the plan could seem “callous”.

Full speech below:

“When I spoke to you less than three months ago we were all enjoying the warmth and fellowship of a family Christmas. Our thoughts were concentrated on the strong links that bind each generation to the ones that came before and those that will follow. The horrors of war could not have seemed more remote as my family and I shared our Christmas joy with the growing family of the Commonwealth.

“Now this madness of war is once more spreading through the world and our brave country must again prepare itself to survive against great odds.

“I have never forgotten the sorrow and the pride I felt as my sister and I huddled around the nursery wireless set listening to my father’s inspiring words on that fateful day in 1939. Not for a single moment did I imagine that this solemn and awful duty would one day fall to me.

“We all know that the dangers facing us today are greater by far than at any time in our long history. The enemy is not the soldier with his rifle nor even the airman prowling the skies above our cities and towns but the deadly power of abused technology.

“But whatever terrors lie in wait for us all, the qualities that have helped to keep our freedom intact twice already during this sad century will once more be our strength. My husband and I share with families up and down the land the fear we feel for sons and daughters, husbands and brothers who have left our side to serve their country. My beloved son Andrew is at this moment in action with his unit and we pray continually for his safety and for the safety of all servicemen and women at home and overseas.

“It is this close bond of family life that must be our greatest defence against the unknown. If families remain united and resolute, giving shelter to those living alone and unprotected, our country’s will to survive cannot be broken.

“My message to you therefore is simple. Help those who cannot help themselves, give comfort to the lonely and the homeless and let your family become the focus of hope and life to those who need it.

“As we strive together to fight off the new evil, let us pray for our country and men of goodwill wherever they may be.

“God bless you all.”

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