BRITAIN AND FRANCE SPURN NAZI-SOVIET PEACE (9/30/39)

Microfiche-New York Times archives, McHenry Library, U.C. Santa Cruz | 9/30/39 | Raymond Daniell

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[BroJoeK]

The International Situation

"In no uncertain manner British and French opinion yesterday rejected the German-Russian suggestion that the Allies recognize the conquest of Poland and lay down their arms. The British people and press gave every indication that threats of drastic action by Berlin and Moscow could not swerve them from their determination to fight Hitlerism to the finish. An equally emphatic official "no" was expected from France.

"The Germans, however, were exultant as Foreign Minister von Ribbentrop brought back his new agreements from Moscow, singing the praises of Soviet hospitality. Although they looked for a formal peace move by Premier Mussolini of Italy, they warned the British and French that Russian planes might join the German attack on them in the West if peace were not accepted.

In Russia the government's conclusion of its latest agreement with its former hated foe left the people bewildered and anxious, still distrustful of the Nazis and fearing that they were about to be dragged into war by this new link. Neutral circles, however, believed that the Reich had suffered a blow and regarded the deal as a confession of weakness.

As the Baltic States breathed easier because Estonia had fared no worse under the agreement that made here a virtual protectorate of the Soviet, attention shifted to the Balkans..."

Can you imagine the Nazis claiming that Stalin's warplanes would join them in attacking France and Britain? The word "delusional" comes to mind. Probably not for the last time...