Britain, Poland and the Eastern Front, 1939

A revisionist account, questioning Britain's determination to defend Poland and oppose German expansion eastwards.

Anita J. Prazmowska (Author)

9780521529389, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 12 February 2004

240 pages
21.7 x 14 x 1.7 cm, 0.32 kg

This book offers a revisionist interpretation of British foreign policy towards Poland and the role of the Anglo-Polish relationship during the period March-September 1939. It challenges and questions hitherto held views on the British determination to defend Poland and oppose German expansion eastwards. It includes a study of foreign policy, economic policy and military planning. This book is a major contribution to our knowledge of the outbreak of the war because it contains a unique and original study of the role of the Poles in British proposals for an eastern front and the Polish perception of their relationship with Germany. Finally the inconclusive nature of British approaches to the Soviet Union and the Rumanian government are put into the context of the abortive proposal for an eastern front against Germany.

Preface
Introduction
1. The legacy of the Munich conference
2. March 1939 and the decision to build an eastern front
3. The British guarantee to Poland
4. The military consequences of British involvement in the east
5. The financing of the eastern front
6. The Soviet Union: the rejected partner
7. August 1939
8. September 1939: war in the east
Appendices
Notes
Select bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: International relations [JPS]