The 1939 cabinet papers
Sir: Robert Blake's article (3 January) on the Cabinet Papers of 1939 was, like every- thing he writes, authoritative and interesting. In the light, however, of his observation with regard to 'a characteristically implaus- ible Soviet interpretation which can now finally be dismissed' " I feel compelled to record a statement made by Chamberlain in my presence to a private Conservative dinner at the Carlton Club in June 1939.
He observed that a major objective of British foreign policy must be to stimulate conditions which would drive Germany and the Soviet Union to war against each other.
I am bound to admit that he did not seem to be at all clear as to how this was to be achieved: it could be classed as high-level wishful thinking, along the lines of 'peace in our time', designed to encourage a Con- servative audience in the summer of 1939.
I would submit, with respect to Robert Blake, who is a far greater authority in these matters than I am, that the Soviet interpreta- tion was not all that implausible, nor can it be finally dismissed.
In any case Molotov put paid to the proposition: at least for the time being.
Ian Harvey 43a Lonsdale Road, London wIl
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