Excerpt from the book ' 39 Poland: operation Fall Weiss
"Peace is a precious thing required. Our generation, gored in wars, deserve peace surely. But peace, like almost all things of this world, is priced high but measurable. We, in P
oland, we do not know the concept of peace at any price. There is only one thing in the life of people, Nations and countries that is priceless. This thing is the honor."
Józef Beck. Minister issues outside of Poland, 1939.
From Hitler to Stalin:
< Berlin, on August 20, 1939 (2 am).
Mr Stalin. Moscow.
I sincere welcome to the rusogermano trade agreement. It is the first step in the approximation of germanosovieticas relations.
The conclusion of a Pact of non aggression with the Soviet Union will allow me to set the German policy for a long time. Germany, thus, ensure political progress which will benefit both States for centuries.
I accept the proposition of the Pact of non-aggression made by its Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Molotov, but believe that it is urgent to clarify matters with him as soon as possible.
The supplementary Protocol desired by the Soviet Union can, I believe, clarified, in the shortest time possible, if German statesmen can go to negotiate personally.
The tension between Germany and Poland has become intolerable. The situation worsens day by day. Germany, therefore, ready to defend the interests of the Reich by all available means.
In my opinion, it is necessary, in the light of the intention of the two States starting new relationships, do not wait any longer. I propose that you receive my Minister of Foreign Affairs Tuesday 22, or, at most, Wednesday 23. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Reich is authorized to sign the Pact of non-aggression and also the Protocol. A stay of the Minister for Foreign Affairs in Moscow of more than one or two days is impossible, by the grave international situation.
Will I get pleased his response.
Adolf Hitler. >>
From Stalin to Hitler:
< Moscow, 21 August 1939 (9.35 in the morning).
To the Chancellor of the German Reich, Adolf Hitler:
Thank you for your note. I wish the concretion of the Pact of non-aggression rusogermano, because it will improve relations between the two countries.
The peoples of our two nations need peaceful relations more than any other. The agreement of the German Government to the signing of a Pact of non-aggression helps to remove the political tension and helps to establish the peace and cooperation between the two countries.
The Government of the Soviet Union informed you that we expect Mr Ribbentrop in Moscow on 23 August.
Iosef Stalin. >>