| Source | The Times, September 2nd 1939 |
| Event referred to | 1st September 1939: Wermacht invasion of Poland
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| Technological characteristics | Text file scanned in
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| Description of the source | Newspaper article from microfiche archive held in a library for public use. Copyright remains with the Times.
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| Contextualisation of the source | The Times is regarded as a conservative newspaper. In 1939 the reporting of news items began on page 4 of the paper, with the first three pages given over to family notices and appointments.
On September 2nd a number of short articles appeared setting the context for British involvement in the conflict developing out of the invasion of Poland. This article focussed on the British response to the German invasion of Poland.
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| Interpretation of the source | This article supports other articles on page 10 of the Times in highlighting British support for Poland. The attendance at the debate which allocated 500,000 pounds to the Polish emergency, provided clear evidence of the importance and severity of the events that were taking place.
The calm, collected approach of the Prime Minister in detailing the actions of Germany is in marked contrast to the violence of the military action against Poland.
The detailing of the action taken by Germany against Poland is used to support the view that Germany was clearly acting aggressively and without provocation against Poland.
It is clear that Poland and Britain have the moral high ground in this event, with Germany clearly being condemned. The action which will be taken is unmistakable although not directly stated as military action against Germany but rather expressed as Britain and France fulfilling their obligations to Poland.
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| Original Contents (English Translation) | |