139
Department of State Bulletin, vol. I, p, 160
President
Roosevelt to the Chancelor of Germany (Hitler)
[Telegram]
AUGUST 25, 1939.
I have this
hour received from the President of Poland a reply to the message which I
addressed to Your Excellency and to him last night. The text of President
Moszicki's reply is as follows:
"I highly appreciate the most important
and noble message which Your Excellency was good enough to address to me.
"I would like to emphasize that the
Polish Government always considered direct negotiations between governments as
the most appropriate method of solving difficulties which may arise between
states. We consider this method all the more fitting when adopted between
neighboring countries. It was with this principle in view that Poland concluded
pacts of non-aggression with Germany and the Union of Soviet Republics.
"We consider likewise the method of
conciliation through a third party as disinterested and impartial as Your
Excellency
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DOCUMENTS
to be a just and equitable method in the
solution of controversies arising between nations.
"While naturally wishing to avoid even
the semblance of availing myself of this occasion to raise the points at issue
I nevertheless consider it my duty to point out that in this crisis it is not
Poland who is proffering any claims or demanding concessions from any other
nation.
"It is therefore only natural that
Poland agrees to refrain from any positive act of hostility provided the other
party also agrees to refrain from any such act direct or indirect.
"In conclusion may I express my ardent
wish that Your Excellency's appeal for peace may contribute towards general
appeasement which the people of the world so sorely need to return once more to
the blessed path of progress and civilization."
Your
Excellency has repeatedly and publicly stated that the ends and the objectives
sought by the German Reich were just and reasonable. In his reply to my message
the President of Poland has made it plain that the Polish Government is
willing, upon the basis set forth in my message, to agree to solve the
controversy which has arisen between the Republic of Poland and the German
Reich by direct negotiation or through the process of conciliation.
Countless human lives can be yet saved and
hope may still be restored that the nations of the modern world may even now
construct a foundation for a peaceful and a happier relationship if you and the
Government of the German Reich will agree to the pacific means of settlement
accepted by the Government of Poland.
All the world prays that Germany, too, will
accept.
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT