860k.01/134: Telegram

The Ambassador in Poland (Biddle) to the Secretary of State

49. For the President and the Secretary.

1.
Beck imparted to British Ambassador Hitler was pressing him for settlement of Danzig negotiations before Easter. Moreover, I am aware Beck does not exclude possibility of Berlin’s timing potential trouble in Danzig to prevent Beck’s London trip.
2.
Meanwhile mobilization of four classes here rapidly nearing completion and large-scale concentrations on northern and western frontiers as well as southeastern Poland indicate Beck contemplates stubborn defense in the light of aforementioned negotiations (it is pertinent that German Ambassador imparted last fall that Berlin was always concerned lest, in the event of a show-down in German-Polish differences, Poland might pounce on East Prussia as a retaliatory measure).
3.
Further preparation for possible action is marked by withdrawal of Polish railway rolling stock from Danzig terminal aimed partly: (a) to make it available for Polish troop movements, (b) to withdraw it to a safe position, (c) to impress Nazi Danzigers with their dependence on Polish railways, and (d) importantly to strengthen Beck’s hand in further dealings on Danzig and in case of German demand for a double right of way across Corridor.
4.
It is, moreover, significant that Warsaw and Moscow agreed to dispense with ratification of trade agreement and to bring it into force March 27.
Biddle