Read more
Lord Runciman's mediation in Central Europe provides a sharp insight into British policy on the eve of the Second World War. Without clear objectives - other than to avoid war - his mission did little more than pressure Czechoslovakia for concessions. Runciman was manipulated into that position by Sudeten German separatists and also by those in Britain who sought to secure a rapprochement with Germany. The Mission's pursuit of that objective led directly to Chamberlain's fateful flying visits to Hitler.
List of contents
Maps Preface A Quarrel in a Far-Away Country Avoiding a Commitment Seeking a Solution Choosing a Mediator Deadlock in Prague The Mission Takes Shape Adrift in Central Europe A Glimmer of Hope Anxiety in London Mounting Despair Turning the Screw The Last Resort The Collapse of Mediation The Reckoning Conclusion Appendix 1: The Runciman Report Appendix 2: Ashton-Gwatkin's Parodies Bibliography Index
About the author
PAUL VYSNY is Senior Lecturer in Modern History at the University of St Andrews. He is author of Neo-Slavism and the Czechs, 1898-1914
Summary
Lord Runciman's mediation in Central Europe provides a sharp insight into British policy on the eve of the Second World War. Without clear objectives - other than to avoid war - his mission did little more than pressure Czechoslovakia for concessions. Runciman was manipulated into that position by Sudeten German separatists and also by those in Britain who sought to secure a rapprochement with Germany. The Mission's pursuit of that objective led directly to Chamberlain's fateful flying visits to Hitler.
Additional text
" . . . an invaluable resource." - Alan Sharp, Journal of Modern History
Report
" . . . an invaluable resource." - Alan Sharp, Journal of Modern History
