Political Agreement between France and Poland4.1229 Defensive Military Accord between
France and Belgium in the Case of an Unpro-
voked German Attack
Alliance Members:France and Belgium
Signed On:September 7, 1920, in the city of Paris. In force until Octo-
ber 14, 1936, when Belgium denounced the alliance and reasserted its
neutrality following German reoccupation of the Rhineland.
Alliance Type:Defense Pact (Type I)
Source:Martens,no. 10, p. 342.
Additional Citations:Consolidated Treaty Series,vol. 221, p. 412.
SUMMARY
France’s postwar strategy revolved around several bilateral agreements
aimed at containing any renewed German threat. This alliance with
Belgium was an obvious part of that process, given the location of
both countries relative to Germany and the location of much of the
fighting during World War I.
The alliance was more problematic for Belgium because the Flemish
population thought any broader association with France would
increase the political power of the French-speaking Walloons. Regard-
less, the alliance withered as Hitler’s Germany became a real threat to
both countries. Belgium, not nearly capable of withstanding a direct
German attack, renounced the alliance and attempted to pursue an
ultimately unsuccessful policy of neutrality during World War II.
Description of Terms
In case of a threat or an aggression by Germany and a reinforce-
ment of the French and Belgian troops stationed in the
Rhineland becomes necessary, France will send nine divisions of
infantry and Belgium will send two divisions of infantry.
If Germany generally arms, the two powers will mobilize
their forces and France will provide fifty-five divisions while
Belgium will provide twelve divisions. The French navy will
send the necessary ships to protect the Belgian coast.
After the occupation of the Rhineland ends, French and Bel-
gian headquarters will immediately begin the organization of a
system of defense for their frontiers and the frontier of Luxem-
bourg.
4.1230 Political Agreement between France
and Poland
Alliance Members:France and Poland
Signed On:February 19, 1921, in the city of Paris. In force until Sep-
tember 27, 1939, upon the dissolution of Poland following the Ger-
man and Russian invasions.
Alliance Type:Defense Pact (Type I)
Source:League of Nations Treaty Series,no. 449.
Additional Citations:France and Her Eastern Allies 1919–1925,p. 393.
SUMMARY
Both France and Poland had significant interests in pacifying Europe
after the devastation of World War I. While the French economy
prospered far beyond that of any other European state following the
war, Poland was a fledgling state that had recently gained indepen-
dence from Russian occupation. The main objective for Poland was to
build a viable state, both politically and economically, free from Soviet
interference. Poland found an ally in France, which sought to maintain
its dominant status and replace the former French-Russian alliance.
In this agreement, France and Poland agree to consult each other on
any foreign policy endeavors that concerned either party in accor-
dance with the Covenant of the League of Nations. To restore interna-
tional order and peace in Europe, the two parties pledged to develop
economic relations under special agreements and commercial treaties,
and if either state were to be attacked, the two governments were to
take up arms to defend the territory and interests of the other. Each
government also pledged to consult the other when taking part in
additional agreements that would potentially affect their policies in
central and eastern Europe.
The alliance began to deteriorate when Germany invaded Poland on
September 1, 1939. France, with the help of Britain, issued Germany
an ultimatum to leave Poland. World War II then began as Germany
ignored this ultimatum. On September 17, 1939, the Soviet Union
invaded Poland, and by September 27, Poland was effectively elimi-
nated as a sovereign state.Alliance Text
The Polish Government and the French Government, both
desirous of safeguarding, by the maintenance of the Treaties
which both have signed or which may in future be recognised
by both Parties, the peace of Europe, the security of their terri-
tories and their common political and economic interests, have
agreed as follows:
(1) In order to co-ordinate their endeavours towards peace,
the two Governments undertake to consult each other on all
questions of foreign policy which concern both States, so far as
those questions affect the settlement of international relations
in the spirit of the Treaties and in accordance with the Covenant
of the League of Nations.
(2) In view of the fact that economic restoration is the essen-
tial preliminary condition of the re-establishment of interna-
tional order and peace in Europe, the two Governments shall
come to an understanding in this regard, with a view to con-
certed action and mutual support.
They will endeavour to develop their economic relations,
and for this purpose will conclude special agreements and a
Commercial Treaty.
(3) If, notwithstanding the sincerely peaceful views and
intentions of the two Contracting States, either or both of them
should be attacked without giving provocation, the two Gov-
ernments shall take concerted measures for the defence of their
territory and the protection of their legitimate interests, within
the limits specified in the preamble.
(4) The two Governments undertake to consult each other
before concluding new agreements which will affect their policy
in Central and Eastern Europe.
(5) The present Agreement shall not come into force until
the commercial agreements now in course of negotiation have
been signed.