To answer the question, read the following excerpt of a letter from General Ismay to the British Cabinet in September 1938 about a meeting between Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and Adolf Hitler. Select the two examples from the excerpt that identify problems with the British policy of appeasement. The broad conclusions of this Note may be summarized as follows: (a) A German absorption of Czechoslovakia will enhance her military prestige, increase her war potential and probably enable her to dispose of stronger land forces against France and ourselves than she can do at present. (b) So far as air power is concerned, Germany may be able to maintain her lead over the Franco-British Air Forces in air striking power. On the other hand, it is open to us, provided that we make the necessary effort, to catch her up, or at least greatly reduce her lead, in the matter of defense (both active and passive) against air attack. By so doing we shall have heavily insured ourselves against the greatest danger to which we are present exposed: indeed by substantially reducing Germany's only chance of a rapid decision, we shall have provided a strong deterrent against her making the attempt. (c) It follows, therefore, that, from the military point of view, time is in our favor, and that, from the military point of view, time is in our favor, and that, if war with Germany has to come, it would be better to fight her in say 6-12 months’ time, than to accept the present challenge. (4 points) Responses "A German absorption of Czechoslovakia will enhance her military prestige, increase her war potential and probably enable her to dispose of stronger land forces" "A German absorption of Czechoslovakia will enhance her military prestige, increase her war potential and probably enable her to dispose of stronger land forces" "Germany may be able to maintain her lead over the Franco-British Air Forces in air striking power." "Germany may be able to maintain her lead over the Franco-British Air Forces in air striking power." "by substantially reducing Germany's only chance of a rapid decision, we shall have provided a strong deterrent against her making the attempt." "by substantially reducing Germany's only chance of a rapid decision, we shall have provided a strong deterrent against her making the attempt." "if war with Germany has to come, it would be better to fight her in say 6-12 months’ time, than to accept the present challenge."

Answer 1

The two examples from the excerpt that identify problems with the British policy of appeasement are:

1. "A German absorption of Czechoslovakia will enhance her military prestige, increase her war potential and probably enable her to dispose of stronger land forces against France and ourselves than she can do at present."
2. "If war with Germany has to come, it would be better to fight her in say 6-12 months’ time, than to accept the present challenge."

These statements highlight the risks of appeasement, suggesting that allowing Germany to expand its territory would only strengthen its military capabilities and that delaying conflict may be necessary but acknowledges the inevitability of confrontation.