The British Team in Munich

The British officials work through an improvised conference structure, balancing protocol, translation, security and the Prime Minister’s decisions.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Journey Begins

A Last-Minute Delegation Flight from Heston Legat joins Chamberlain’s party after a late change in the travel list. Unequal Preparation The British arrive with officials and papers but without a settled agenda or reliable communications plan.

The Hotel Becomes an Office

Improvised Headquarters Rooms Allocated Legat assigns hotel rooms, sets up typewriters and tries to establish an open line to London. Isolation The phone line repeatedly fails, leaving the delegation uncertain whether messages are being delayed or monitored.

Draft Terms Translated

The Office Works at Speed Translating the Proposal Legat renders the draft agreement into English while colleagues examine its terms. Legal Precision The choice between words such as guarantee and agree becomes politically significant, showing how legal details can reshape responsibility.

A Breach of Instructions

Legat Leaves the Hotel Following Hartmann Despite Wilson’s instruction to remain at headquarters, Legat goes to the Führerbau and then follows Hartmann to meet privately. A Necessary Risk The breach lets him obtain evidence but threatens his position and the conference’s fragile operation.

The Delegation Returns

Documents and Fatigue Final Signatures The British team witnesses the signing after a long day of negotiation. Exhaustion Replaces Triumph Legat sees the officials’ fatigue and the Prime Minister’s physical strain beneath the public image of success.

29 September 1938, morning

29 September 1938, midday

29 September 1938, afternoon

29 September 1938, evening

30 September 1938, late night