Office of the Historian

760C.62/822: Telegram

The Ambassador in Poland (Biddle) to the Secretary of State

Warsaw, August 15, 1939—noon.
[Received 3 p.m.]

170. For the President and the Secretary.

1.
Following in effect are high points of Beck’s confidential report (which he is guarding with utmost secrecy) on Hitler-Burckhardt conversation (see my No. 167, August 11, 12 midnight, paragraph 3).
2.
Conversation amounted to monologue wherein Hitler “thinking out loud” on Danzig question: (a) stated that in view possibility his associates had neglected to inform him fully on situation he had wanted to consult Burckhardt (while Hitler might have awakened to possibility his associates were withholding full information, Hitler to my mind did not overlook occasion to flatter Burckhardt who it is generally thought here aspires to become Swiss Minister to Berlin); (b) let it be known he still aimed at extraterritorial passageway across Pomorze and Danzig’s incorporation in Reich.
3.
Beck’s preliminary reactions: (a) he found no discernible traces either (1) of a search for a means of retreat, or (2) of a definite plan of action; (b) in fact despite Beck’s reports of accumulative military preparations in East Prussia and along other sectors of Polish-German border Beck was inclined to perceive in substance of Hitler’s reported “monologue” signs of indecision. Of pertinent bearing moreover Beck’s reports from Italy indicated absence of signs presaging intentions of action in near future; (c) however Beck considers (1) situation grave, (2) Hitler contemplates either bluff or military action, and (3) that in either case the intensity of Hitler’s preparations would have to be the same. Hence Poland had to prepare correspondingly to meet either alternative.
4.
Beck, his associates and the high command continue vigilant but notably calm and resolute.
Biddle