FRANCE AND GERMANY ADOPT A ‘GOOD NEIGHBOR’ POLICY (12/7/38)

Microfiche-New York Times archives | 12/7/38 | P.J. Philip

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

The two governments take note that between their countries no question of a territorial order remains in suspense and they solemnly recognize as definitive the frontier between their countries as it is at present established.

This treaty received big front-page headlines two days running. I think The Times sold on the street for 3 cents a copy. That is more than the treaty was worth, it seems to me.

[abb]

That is more than the treaty was worth, it seems to me.

To Hitler, the treaty was priceless. For it helped keep the French and other European countries lulled into a false sense of security and kept them from arming themselves for war.

It's the same today. Some thing paper represents security when in reality nothing but cold steel guarantees it.

[SamAdams76]

I'm sure Obama and his crowd would love to make similar agreements with our enemies today. Of course, the world will pay the price later but Obama should at least get a peace prize out of it and the liberals will be able to keep "War is not the answer" bumper stickers on their cars a little bit longer and feel good about themselves until their sons and daughters are sent to die in wars we could have avoided.

Not to change the subject but that 23 cent "fruit ring" advertisement has me intrigued. What the hell is a fruit ring?

[BroJoeK]

"I think The Times sold on the street for 3 cents a copy. That is more than the treaty was worth, it seems to me. "

I wonder if this wasn't some kind of quid-pro-quo from Hitler for France's going along with Hitler's free hand in Czechoslovakia?

It was negated, of course, when France declared war on Germany in September 1939, after Hitler's invasion of Poland.

For what it's worth: this was a curious reversal of 1914, when Germany first declared war and invaded France. In that war, France never did declare war on Germany.

In 1939, France did declare war, but still did not invade Germany. And this time, the Germans conquered France WITHOUT declaring war.
After all, what's the point of useless paperwork? ;-)

Like I said, for what it's worth.

[chiefqc]

European countries have gotten along for thousands of year.

Any guesses on how long this worthless piece of paper will be honored?

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Any guesses on how long this worthless piece of paper will be honored?

As long as it is convenient for Hitler.

[CougarGA7]

The text of that “treaty” reads like when our congress does on of their “sense of congress” bills. It’s a lot of words that dont have any real meaning.

It reminds me of what’s in the “Foundation” by Isaac Asimov; a prince comes to the foundation after the fringe of the Empire had broken up and gave many speeches to the people of the foundation. They took his speeches and analyzed them and every sentenced canceled themselves out. So he spoke for two weeks and said NOTHING.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

So he spoke for two weeks and said NOTHING.

Was the prince named Clinton?