Neville Chamberlain

"The Munich Pact"

(London, England, September 30, 1938)

This morning I had another talk with the German Chancellor Herr Hitler and here is the paper which bears his name upon it as well as mine.

(He holds paper up and waves it about, people cheer again).

Some of you perhaps have already heard what it contains, but I would just like to read it to you.

(He Reads)

"We, the German Fuhrer and Chancellor and the British Prime Minister, have had a further meeting today and are agreed in recognising that the question of Anglo-German relations is of the first importance for the two countries, and for Europe. We regard the agreement signed last night and the Anglo-German naval agreement, as symbolic of the desire of our two peoples never to go to war with one another again."

(Everyone cheers)

ENG 10-2: Speeches from the Second World War

Neville Chamberlain, "The Munich Pact Announcement"

Mr. Steel

1. Who is Neville Chamberlain? Who is his audience? What does his audience want to hear? What does Chamberlain say to them?

2. What is the substance of the Munich Pact? Who are the partners to the pact?

3. Examine why Chamberlain's speech is so effective by filling out the following chart:

Tone:

Emphasis:

Imagery:

Repetition:

Audience's desire: