The last hours before the storm
The last days of August 1939 the year was marked by turbulent political negotiations, rolling mainly on the Arena of England – Germany – Poland. However, The content transmitted between diplomats did not indicate their official intentions, and the real goals were quite different, than declared. England wanted to remain neutral at all costs, In the event of the outbreak of war, this was to be justified by substantive reasons. In turn, the Germans wanted to discourage Western Allies from taking any warfare, what was to take place or by ordinary persuasion, or convincing them of the senselessness of their intervention. Moreover, Contrary to all appearances, The German ultimatum towards Poland was only a political game, For their main goal was to master Polish territory (Hitler presented his real intentions in his conversation with Brauchitsch, When he said that, that he only wants to put Poland in a difficult political situation, and then attack).
Poland's aspiration, both official, as well as real, there was room behavior, It would not be a room “at all costs”, that is, through consent to German demands.
As you know, Hitler originally set an attack on Poland at the dawn of the day 26 August 1939 year. The peak of diplomatic activities is therefore dated to the eve of this deadline, That is 25 August. At that time, the Germans conducted the strongest political actions aimed at isolating Poland from Western Europe, What were England and France. The main goal of Hitler was to make Western powers aware of the alliance with the Soviets and arouse the impression, that it is much further going, than they would seem. The second tool in his hands was folding “wide, generous offer” Great Britain, What was the proposal to guarantee the maintenance of the British empire, In the event of his neutrality in the upcoming war.
In connection with the first matter, What was the realization of England and France about the existence of the Reich brotherhood and the USSR, Some complications were due to. Namely, Hitler's idea was opposed to Stalin's plans, who in turn wanted, so that nobody would guess his cooperation with Germany. It had its deeper goals, For Stalin, not being sure of the forces of his army, He was afraid of its possible confrontation with the Polish army. In case, If Poles made sure about the alliance, they could send more forces to defend the eastern border, or even strengthen the defense. Moreover, attacking by surprise, The Red Army would achieve much greater results, than if the attack was easy to predict.
Second thing, related to “wide, generous offer” met on the part of the British with great interest. English and German politicians began to meet, to discuss this problem. At first, British ambassador, sir Neville Henderson, who undertook the role of a mediator between Poland and Germany, He made it to understand, that this offer will only be considered then, when it means reconciliation with the Commonwealth by negotiations, which Hitler replied to, that “Some Polish provocation can make an inevitable German intervention to protect people of German nationality at any time” (Being probably in mind the planned fake the Polish attack on the radio station in Gliwice).
It is worth noting, that Hitler did not take even more steps towards Great Britain, counting, that everything will explain the further development of events. After the initial conversation with Henderson, issued the final order to attack Poland at dawn the next day. An hour later, a German battleship came to the Free City of Gdańsk “Schleswig-Holstein”, having a tribute to the cruiser crew in Gdańsk on the official purpose “Magdeburg”, which sank before 25 years. The ship anchored opposite the Polish military institution, Westerplatte. In fact, A shocking group was hidden inside the battleship “Hennigsen”, designed to attack the Polish unit of the next day.
Beyond the case of England, Hitler also took a diplomatic steps to unite France, which was obliged to Poland with an alliance. During the afternoon conversation, he submitted to the French ambassador, Robert Coulondre?owi, declaration, that Germany does not have hostile intentions towards France and renounce Alsace and Lorraine to maintain peace. However, Despite showing reluctance to fight the French, Hitler reserved, that it will become a necessity, in case, If France had joined the war on the Polish side. The French left the issue to think about.
At the same time, In London, Polish-British negotiations have ended on the signing of the allied system in the event of war (see chapter. 1.1.), which was finally signed at 17:35. It was an event of enormous weight, For Germany put up in a very unfriendly situation. Hitler faced a difficult decision, when he was aware of this, that it will not be easy for him to reach an agreement with the Alliances of England and France, It will not be possible to count on Italian help. There were also doubts about Stalin's real intentions. As you can see, This situation was not favorable, Considering the fact, that the Wehrmacht was supposed to attack Poland at dawn the next day. O 18:30 Hitler came to the conclusion, that he needs time to negotiate – In an interview with Ribbentrop and Gen. Keitl orders to suspend all preparations for aggression, Arguing this with the need to carry out further negotiations.
It is worth reminding, that despite this, that aggression on Poland was canceled until further notice, The orders have not reached all German units. Polish soldiers were taken at the Jabłonowska Pass, And on the border with East Prussia there were numerous shootings. The Polish government received it as a provocation.