British Diplomacy and the Concept of the Eastern Pact (1933-1935)

Jeziorny’s gripping book explores British diplomatic relations in the years of 1933–1935, illuminating London’s attitude towards the Eastern Pact and highlighting the way of thinking and acting of British diplomacy towards the European and even global situation. Was His Majesty’s Government interested in the success of the initiative promoted by Moscow and Paris? Did they understand the motives of the promoteurs? How did they react to the resistance of countries unwilling to accept such an issue? Who were London’s main partners to negotiate with? Could the Foreign Office be regarded competent in dealing with European problems, especially Eastern European ones? Were the former conclusions of the academic literature correct in assessing the particular powers’ role in the failure of the concept of the Eastern Pact? Jeziorny provides answers to these questions through detailed analysis of governmental materials available in The National Archives in London, particularly the general correspondence of the British Foreign Office at this time. A fascinating look behind the scenes of British diplomacy and its attitudes toward the French initiative.