Final answer:
Churchill likely had concerns about the Atlantic Charter's principle of self-determination undermining the British Empire, as well as the proposed economic policies that could weaken Britain's preferential trade relationships. His signing of the Percentages Agreement with Stalin displayed a more pragmatic approach, potentially at odds with the Charter's ideals. Additionally, his fear of Soviet influence in post-war Europe contrasts with the Charter's vision for free self-government.
Step-by-step explanation:
Winston Churchill's discomfort with the Atlantic Charter, which was a declaration of principles agreed upon by Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt, was not explicitly mentioned, but can be inferred from subsequent events. One key point of concern might have been the idea of self-determination and the impact it would have on the British Empire. The Atlantic Charter emphasized a world where people would have the right to choose their own form of government, a principle that could lead to anti-colonial sentiments and the dismantling of existing empires. Churchill was known for his desire to maintain the British Empire, and this principle would certainly have been at odds with those aspirations. Moreover, the mention of lower trade barriers and economic cooperation could have posed a threat to Britain's preferential trading positions with its colonies.
The Percentages Agreement signed by Churchill and Stalin, where they agreed to divide Eastern Europe into spheres of influence, illustrates Churchill's realpolitik approach which was somewhat contrary to the idealistic vision of the Atlantic Charter. This agreement, done in a somewhat underhanded fashion, reveals a more pragmatic and perhaps more cynical side of Churchill that acknowledged the spheres of influence despite the Charter's call for self-determination.
Another related concern for Churchill, though not explicitly stated regarding the Charter, was the role of the Soviet Union in Europe post-war. Churchill began to fear the growing influence of the Soviets, which was contrary to the ideal of free self-government promoted by the charter. This concern became more pronounced, as seen in his advocacy against Soviet control in Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland, at the Potsdam Conference in 1945.