The Anglo-German Declaration

Chamberlain’s pursuit of a separate declaration turns Hitler’s public promise into a symbolic document with uncertain meaning and no binding force.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Phrase Remembered

Hitler’s Public Promise A Territorial Assurance Chamberlain’s broadcast recalls Hitler’s declaration that Germany has no further territorial claims in Europe. A Potential Opening The statement becomes the basis for Chamberlain’s belief that public words might support a wider settlement.

Chamberlain’s Proposal

A Further Conversation A Private Audience Requested Chamberlain asks to see Hitler after the territorial agreement has been reached. A Wider Aim He seeks to establish a process of consultation that might prevent another European crisis.

The Draft Revised

Words Carefully Chosen Strang’s Draft Officials shape a joint statement from Hitler’s earlier speech, while avoiding a return to the naval agreement’s implications. Symbol over Law The lawyers acknowledge that the text has no binding legal force, but Chamberlain values its political meaning.

Hitler Signs

A Signature Obtained Chamberlain’s Argument He asks Hitler to sign a statement based on words Hitler has already spoken publicly. Agreement Without Trust Hitler accepts, apparently treating the paper as a convenient way to end the meeting.

The Paper Displayed

The Declaration Goes Public Chamberlain Reads It On his return, the Prime Minister holds up the signed paper and reads it to the crowd. A Fragile Promise The scene offers hope but cannot ensure that Hitler will follow the words he has signed.

27 September 1938, during the evening broadcast

30 September 1938, early morning

30 September 1938, morning

30 September 1938, late morning

30 September 1938, evening