Extracts from letters to J. W. W.-B. from H. B.
 
 
April 21st, 1939.
 
 
 Just a few lines to go with the "Aquitania".
I had a hurried visit this morning lasting only for ten
minutes, but I shall see my friend again to-night, which
would be too late to write to you.    He says that full
mobilization against Poland will begin earliest on 10th May.
It might be that the Army was able to postpone it for
another six weeks, but Hitler has made up his mind to
risk a general war for the sake of crushing Poland.  As
matters stand that decision is unalterable.    He realizes
that on account of the new foreign policy of England there
is no chance for him left after the summer.    He and
Mussolini will try to get hold of Yugoslavia by way of
veiled Protectorate before the mobilization against
Poland begins.  I suppose that Mussolini is trying to
build up a predominance in the Balkans against the new
British policy but will not go further.  Judging from
his and Ciano's speech he does not seem to be inclined to
do more for Hitler thsn to immobilize a large part of the
French and Italian forces, and to rise his price or fish
in troubled waters.    That would, of course, not prevent him
from stirring up the fighting mood of Hitler, as that would
increese his power and deliver him from the danger of a
permanent strategical preoonderance of Nazi Germany at
his Northern Frontiers.