Ambassadors Quote by Neville Chamberlain
“I am speaking to you from the Cabinet Room at 10 Downing Street. This morning the British Ambassador in Berlin handed the German Government an official note stating that unless we heard from them by eleven o'clock, that they were prepared at once to withdraw their troops from Poland, a state of war would exist between us. I have to tell you now that no such undertaking has been received, and consequently this country is at war with Germany.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Radio broadcast to the House of Commons, 3 September 1939
He declares that Britain is now at war with Germany after a failed diplomatic ultimatum.
In simple terms: Britain is at war with Germany.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the gravity of diplomatic failures.
Themes
war
diplomacy
leadership
Mood
serious
historical
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- parliamentary debate
- public address
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
realpolitik
national security
decision making
Questions to Reflect On
- What alternatives could have avoided war?
- How does leadership communicate crisis?
