ABSTRACT
Far from 'showing the Germans', as was often suggested, it might well demonstrate the disunity of Britain, to the benefit of any further designs Hitler might have and to the detriment of the efforts of the western allies to resist future aggression. It was often argued that the Army would somehow 'be good' for Britain's youth, and that from the introduction of some degree of obligatory service miraculous results would flow, overnight producing an immensely powerful Army. The meeting with Bonnet had convinced Halifax that it was vital that Britain should introduce measures sufficiently important and dramatic to underline its firm stand against Hitler. Negotiations between Poland and Germany merely heightened tension, and as the British government sought to construct some sort of front against Germany, it was subjected to mounting criticism within Britain. The Polish guarantee was a gesture of support; it contributed nothing to the improvement of Poland’s immediate position.
