02Chamberlain Declares War

The following official communique had been issued from Ten Downing Street. On September 1st, his Majesty the Ambassador in Berlin was instructed to inform the German government that unless they were prepared to give his Majesty's government in the United Kingdom satisfactory assurances that the German government had suspended all aggressive action against Poland and were prepared to prompt it with all their forces from Polish territory,

his Majesty's government in the United Kingdom would, without hesitation, fulfill their obligations to proverbs. At 9am this morning, his Majesty's Ambassador in Berlin informed the German government that unless not later than 11am British summertime, today September the 3rd, That is, factory assurances to the above effect had been given by the German government,

and had reached his Majesty's government in London. A state of war would exist between the two countries as from that hour. His Majesty's government are now awaiting the receipt of any reply that may be made by the German government.

The Prime Minister will broadcast to the nation at 1150. That is the end of the announcement. This is London. You will now hear a statement by the Prime Minister. I am speaking to you from the cabinet room at Ten Downing Street.

This morning, the British Ambassador in Berlin handed the German government a final note, stating that unless we heard from them by 11 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 that consequently this country is at war with Germany. You can imagine what a bitter blow it is to me that all my long struggle to win peace has failed.