In the afternoon of the 25th, Hitler summoned Henderson and talked with him for more than an hour. Hitler declared most resolutely that he must have Danzig and the ‘Corridor’ immediately. After that he would be willing to discuss at any given conference more general problems, such as those of trade, colonies and disarmament. Moreover, Hitler let it be understood that Germany would need a loan to convert military industries into civilian ones, and that he does not insist on the compulsory return of all former colonies to Germany, but would be prepared to accept a corresponding equivalent (i.e. compensation at the expense of France, Belgium, Holland and others). But all this could happen only after he got Danzig and the ‘Corridor’. No outsiders should interfere in the settling of the problem of Danzig and the ‘Corridor’. It was an entirely German affair. Hitler boasted at this point that after the signing of the German–Soviet pact, Poland’s position was hopeless and she would not risk going to war. In conclusion, Hitler asked Henderson to proceed to London and personally report their conversation to the British government.

On the morning of the 26th, Henderson flew to London. The Cabinet met in the evening of the 26th, and on the 27th and 28th, and the result was the reply which Henderson brought to Berlin today. The British government had discussed its response with Washington, Paris and Warsaw. The reply boils down to the following: the British government recommends settling the difficulties that have arisen by means of peaceful negotiation between Berlin and Warsaw and, should Hitler accept this, promises to consider at a conference the more general problems which he raised in his talk with Henderson on the 25th. At the same time, the British government firmly declares its intention to fulfil all its obligations to Poland.

Today, at 10.30 p.m., Henderson handed Hitler the British government’s reply.

What will be the next step? War or peace?…