760F.62/836: Telegram
The Consul at Geneva ( Bucknell ) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 15—3:30 p.m.]
199. The first reaction upon the receipt of the news of Chamberlain’s visit to Hitler was of stunned surprise and general disbelief. The [Page 603] news of the visit having been confirmed reactions here may be divided in general as follows:
1. It is generally thought that Chamberlain’s visit constitutes a last desperate effort to avoid an immediate outbreak of war and his courage in defying tradition and in risking a loss of prestige is generally recognized. There is, however, a sharp divergence of opinion concerning (1) the reasons for choosing this line of action and (2) the general position he will assume in his conversations with Hitler, and the possible outcome.
2. Some, basing their opinion on what they consider the weakness of Chamberlain’s past conduct of affairs, believe that his decision was made merely in desperation and that this indicates a weakening British position with the result that he will attempt to obtain peace at almost any price.
3. Another group reject the foregoing on the ground that Chamberlain could not consider a policy which would inevitably result in a terrific blow to the prestige of himself, his party, and the nation. They explain the reasons for the visit as (1) the necessity of informing Hitler face to face of the true situation as regards the British position in case of war, the assumption being that Hitler’s entourage have kept him misinformed alleging that the British were only bluffing and at the same time to obtain a specific statement of Hitler’s minimum desires not only as regards Czechoslovakia but also regarding Germany’s future aims; and (2) that if war should break out in spite of this final effort British, the Dominions’ and world opinion would be back of the British Government and would place the responsibility for the conflict entirely on Hitler. It is pointed out that if Chamberlain had desired merely to “sell” Czechoslovakia he could have done so more easily and with less risk by staying at home.
The same group in general feel that Chamberlain will take a firm stand and demand a solution which, though entailing great sacrifices on the part of Czechoslovakia, would fall within the framework of a general European settlement. Therefore Chamberlain would attempt to obtain a clear expression of Hitler’s price for a general settlement and then would have to decide whether this price or war would be more costly first to the British Empire and secondly to France and her allies. This group feel that Chamberlain is proceeding on a carefully thought out plan along those lines and that he will attempt to initiate conversations which might eventually lead to the four power negotiations which have long been his desire. However unwilling France might be to exclude Russia, it is thought that she might agree to this to avoid war.
3 [4]. The Russians and Czechs here fear that if Chamberlain instead of issuing a clear warning attempts to bargain with Hitler, Czechoslovakia may be irrevocably sacrificed. It is also suggested [Page 604] that if developments indicate that Czechoslovakia is likely to be sacrificed the Czechs may appeal to the League in order to bring Russia into the negotiations. Code texts to London, Paris, Berlin.