>SNIP
>>In 1935 Adolph Hitler massed two divisions of the German Army at the border of Poland. Jozef Pilsudski, the leader of Poland, sent two divisions of the Polish Army to oppose the German Army. Hitler sent a telegram to Pilsudski, apologizing for his actions and withdrew his troops.
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>I guess he changed his mind and took back his apology when Hitler invaded Poland on September 1st 1939...ah, the freedom of choice. As I recall from history (it has been awhile so I could be wrong) most Polish at the time felt Poland didn't prepare for war because they were told not to provoke the Germans by arming, to not be a 'threat' to Germany so Hitler wouldn't have that as an excuse for attacking. It was the rationale of Neville Chamberlain of the time--didn't he say something like: don't provoke anybody, cooperate with Hitler and he will cooperate with you?
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>Tracy

Tracy;

According to the stories I read Hitler feared Pilsudski. Two unfortunate things occurred and one was the death of Pilsudski in May of 1935, and the fact that France and England did not arm Poland as was promised after WWI. As Germany increased it’s war machine Poland asked for assistance on many occasions, which was never received. It is suggested by some historians if Poland had been armed Germany would have been kept in check. I could write a book on this topic.

The Polish Army did not lack courage as they attempted to stop German tanks with horse-mounted soldiers holding spears. That may sound stupid but when you are attempting to protect your country you use what you have. The Polish Air Force shot down (according to what I have read) over 300 German planes over Warsaw during the one-week battle for that city, and they only had 7 planes. Many Polish men escaped to England and joined the British military. I have a family member who was in the Polish Army and involved in this action.

The Treaties of WWI were the precursor to WWII. It seems the reasons for war never stop.

Tom