Русская версияJames Lonsdale-Bryans, a well-educated fascist sympathizer and
novice politician, traveled to Italy in the first months of World
War II to negotiate a deal with the German ambassador in Rome,
Ulrich von Hassell, revealed the archives from Britain's Foreign
Office.
Previously classified files concerning Londsdale-Bryans' actions
were released on Sunday, Aug.
31, as part of the Freedom of
Information Act.
"Bryans' idea is that the world ought to be divided into two parts,
that Germany should be given a free hand in Europe and that the
British Empire should run the rest of the world," read a file from
the archive.
The newly released documents indicate that, following his visit to
Italy, Londsdale-Bryans took his plan to then Foreign Secretary
Lord Edward Halifax. He apparently also attempted to contact top US
officials, including Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was Supreme
Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe during the war, and even
high-ranking Nazi leaders.
"There is no doubt that Bryans with or without the authority of
Lord Halifax endeavored to go to Germany to contact (German Foreign
Minister) Ribbentrop and if possible Hitler himself," showed one
file.
Keeping it under wraps
He soon became an embarrassment to the British Foreign Office,
which feared he would take his story to the press.
One letter from the Foreign Office suggests Bryans was only spared
jail in order to avoid publicizing his unpopular plan:
"Although there seems to be a good deal to be said for locking him
up to prevent him airing his views to all and sundry, I understand
that if this is done it will inevitably involve his bringing up the
question of his contacts with the Foreign Office and the facilities
that afforded him to go to Italy," it read.
The political climate drastically changed in 1940, however, when
Germany invaded France and a policy of appeasement became less
popular. Winston Churchill replaced Neville Chamberlain as prime
minister and Halifax was sent to Washington as Britain's ambassador
to the US.
(Deutsche Welle)
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