760C.62/1128: Telegram
The Chargé in Germany (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 29—1:20 a.m.]
946. I understand that the document which Henderson has just left with Hitler75 sets forth two problems for consideration of which one is the settlement of the outstanding problems between Poland and Germany and the other the ultimate relations between Germany and Great Britain which cannot be regulated until some agreement between Germany and Poland has been reached by direct negotiation. The document indicated that Poland’s consent to direct negotiation with Germany had been obtained and that Great Britain would use its efforts to facilitate a successful outcome of the negotiations without in any way impairing the bilateral character thereof. The solution arrived at, the document continued, must be predicated upon the maintenance of the integrity and independence of Poland supported by international guarantees in which Great Britain would join. The document furthermore emphasized the necessity that the solutions be arrived at by peaceful means and that otherwise England would stand by its pledges to Poland. As a condition precedent to negotiation the press campaign and the publication of incidents and unverified rumors must cease in order to relieve the tension which was mounting to a climax. Upon the completion of successful direct negotiations between Poland and Germany the matter of the limitation of the armaments referred to by Hitler would be discussed as well as the improvement of trade relations between Germany and Great Britain which would follow the cessation of the armaments race. The note ended with renewed emphasis on the necessity for a peaceful solution of the German-Polish differences which were threatening the world with war.
The foregoing oral outline of the document was given with the express stipulation that it receive no publicity through its communication in this way.
- British Cmd. 6106, Misc. No. 9 (1939), doc. No. 74, p. 126.↩