Understanding the Alliances: Britain, France, and Poland

The British and French guarantees to Poland were specifically directed against German aggression. The Anglo-Polish military alliance and the Franco-Polish alliance were designed to deter German expansionism. When Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, these alliances were triggered, leading to declarations of war by Britain and France against Germany. However, their actions against the Soviet Union were entirely different.

The Soviet Union: Neutrality and Opportunity

Believe it or not, the Soviet Union was neutral in the early stages of the war. The Russians did not declare war on the Allies or join the Axis powers. In fact, the Nazi-Soviet non-aggression pact provided the Soviet Union with a unique opportunity.

The Nazis and Soviets worked together, primarily because they shared a common interest in partitioning Poland and weakening Germany. Germany’s superior firepower combined with the Soviet Union’s largest army and many industries created a formidable force that could potentially conquer multiple continents. This collaboration was seen as a threat by the Allies, who feared the consolidation of power in Eastern Europe.

Churchill’s Calculations: Allying Against Germany

Despite Churchill's personal disdain for Stalin’s communist regime, he viewed the Soviet Union in a dual capacity. On one hand, he sought to ally with the Soviet Union against Hitler, believing that their conflict could benefit the Allies. On the other hand, he recognized that a strong Soviet presence in Eastern Europe could counterbalance Hitler's dominance in Europe.

Churchill’s strategies were multifaceted. He hoped that by pressuring both regimes, he could create a situation where neither could dominate the European continent. This complex diplomacy was driven by the strategic imperative to prevent a single totalitarian regime from becoming too powerful.

The Strategic Dilemma: Fighting Both Nazism and Communism

The Allies were wary of launching a war against the Soviet Union while already engaged in a desperate conflict with Nazi Germany. There was a logical fear that engaging both enemies at once would be resource-intensive and potentially unfeasible. The combined might of Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union would be a formidable challenge.

Moreover, the industrial and military capabilities of both the Germans and the Soviets made it a daunting task to win a two-front war. The war with Germany alone was already a severe struggle, and adding another front would strain resources to the breaking point.

Therefore, the Allies recognized the pragmatic necessity of avoiding war with the Soviet Union. It was more strategic to maintain the status quo and focus on defeating Hitler. As Churchill famously stated, 'There is no honor amongst thieves.' The Allies chose to accept the geopolitical realities and concentrate their efforts on the struggle against Germany.