Hitler's "Last Territorial Demand" (9/27/38)

Microfiche-New York Times archives | 9/27/38 | Frederick T. Birchall

[BroJoeK]

"And Prague? Was there any sign of weakening there?

In the evening came a telegram from Colonel Toussaint, the German military attache, to OKW: "Calm in Prague.

Last mobilization measures carried out . . . Total estimated call-up is 1,000,000; field army 800,000 . . ."

That was as many trained men as Germany had for two fronts. Together the Czechs and the French outnumbered the Germans by more than two to one."

Consider also, the Soviets had offered to march to their Czech ally's aid, which would have increased the odds to three or even four to one against Germany.

So, bottom line, it was not a matter of military necessity which drove Chamberlain's negotiations with Hitler. It was simply the case that Chamberlain most feared war, and Hitler did not.

[nw_arizona_granny]

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