[Homer_J_Simpson]

Strange as it may seem in the light of recent events, Mr. Chamberlain and his most trusted advisers are not yet convinced that Italy will fight beside her mighty partner in the Axis when the fatal crisis in Europe comes. War with Germany is coming to be regarded as inescapable, and perhaps before very long, but high quarters here have not entirely given up the hope that Italy will declare her neutrality, at least during the first few critical weeks of the struggle.

I did not realized this level of resignation existed well before the Nazi-Soviet pact.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Ping. Comment at #2

[r9etb]

I did not realized this level of resignation existed well before the Nazi-Soviet pact.

As noted above ... read The Gathering Storm. Chamberlain was merely the culmination of nearly two decades of British fecklessness. Their unwillingness even to prepare was deeply ingrained.