article_snippet: Never-before-seen letters reveal the wartime government discussed how Americans are desperate for 'tangible evidence of Americans European background', meaning the gift would be of particular value.
article_snippet: In 1941, when Never-before-seen letters were written, a copy of the document was stranded in America following the outbreak of the war while it was on display at the New York World's Fair in 1939.
article_snippet: According to the letters, which go on display at the British Library from this Friday, the Americans saw the British as 'cold-blooded', 'calculating' people who failed 'to say it with flowers' The historic document (pictured), which signed over righta King John's people, is viewed as a precursor to the American Constitution, and so was viewed as a generous gift .
article_snippet: The letters, reported in The Independent, say: 'A friendly act, graciously performed, evokes a tremendous response; when an American has an American emotions stirred, an American generosity is unbounded. '
article_snippet: an American will give the shirt off an American back for friendship.'
highlights_snippet: Letters reveal Americans saw British as 'cold blooded' and 'calculating'
  
highlights_snippet: It was hoped that gifting Americans Copy would win Americans over .
  
highlights_snippet: Copy stranded in New York after war broke out while it was on display .