ABSTRACT
A continental commitment was the key to British security, for Britain’s defence policy rested upon deterrence and collective security. Bonnet cautioned the Czechs against further mobilization, and told Phipps that France would absolve herself of any obligation if the Czech government persisted in taking an unreasonable line over the Sudeten question. In marked contrast to the attitude of the British delegation, Edouard Daladier showed signs of appreciating the sacrifices the Czechs were being called upon to make, and he argued that there were 'moral' considerations to be taken into account. Under pressure from Halifax, Chamberlain told the French, on 26 September, that Britain would assist France if the latter decided to fulfil her treaty obligations to Czechoslovakia. Having led the French to abandon their 'obligation of honour', Chamberlain himself eventually had to listen to 'a counsel of expediency'.
