In May 1938 Adolf Hitler had completed an anschluss with Austria. Britain and France had largely ignored this action, neither country was willing to commit to any act which might provoke hostilities with Germany. It was less than 20 years since the end of World War One and popular feeling was against any return to war. The prime ministers of both countries were anxious to keep their positions and not make any move which might jeopardise their positions as premiers of their respective countries.
Six months later in September 1938 Adolf Hitler was making speeches calling for the German speaking people in Czechoslovakia to be re-united with the mother country. Neville Chamberlain of Britain was set on a non-agressive policy of appeasement towards Hitler. He believed that if concessions were made towards Hitler then he would be content and not make any further acts of aggression.
In mid September Chamberlain met Hitler at the Berchtesgaten and Hitler agreed not to make any move until Chamberlain had a chance to try to negotiate a solution. Chamberlain returned to London and met with Daladier, the French President. They both decided that a plebiscite should be held in those areas of Czechoslovakia where more than 50% of the population were German speaking, the Sudetenland. The Czech government initially rejected the proposal but realising there was no other option reluctantly agreed on 21st September.
On 22nd September Chamberlain again flew to Germany and met with Hitler. However, since their last meeting Hitler had changed his mind and now demanded that the Sudetenland be evacuated of Czechs by 28th September and handed over to Germany. A frustrated Chamberlain agreed to put the demands to the French and Czechoslovak governments.
On 23rd September the Czech government mobilised its forces and a day later the French did the same. In a bid to avoid war it was suggested that a four power conference of Chamberlain, Daladier, Mussolini and Hitler be held. Hitler agreed and the four met in Munich on 29th September 1938. The resultant Munich Agreement allowed Hitler to take possession of the Sudetenland area of Czechoslovakia but that any other areas desired by Germany should be determined by an international commission. Hitler agreed and the paper was signed was signed at 2am on 30th September but was dated 29th September. The Czech government were told that they could fight the move if they desired but that they would receive no support from Britain or France. The Czech government chose to submit.
Neville Chamberlain returned home and as he stepped off the plane he waved the signed document declaring “I believe it is peace for our time.”
