What a poseur! The nub of the matter is the publication on the afternoon of the 4th of a White Book stating an increase in budgetary appropriations for military purposes of 10.5 million pounds. The British government justifies the increase by pointing to the unreliability of the collective security system and to Germany’s militarization, which it sees as the main source of anxiety in Europe. Hitler took offence and decided to teach the English a lesson. The Foreign Office describes Hitler’s prank as grotesque. Leeper (head of the press department) even made the spiteful witticism: Hitler caught cold between the damp pages of the English White Book.

In general, the British are shocked and vexed, but Simon, of course, will seek agreement with the angry dictator just the same. Presumably, Hitler will ‘forgive’ him… Hitler would never risk being so impudent, were the English not so wet and pathetic!

Hitler’s illness has spoiled the game, and the Cabinet made no decision today on Eden’s visit. Vansittart assures me that it will be made soon.