Introduction
In October 1933, nine months after Adolf Hitler was appointed chancellor of Germany, the German government announced its withdrawal from the League of Nations. The stated reason was the refusal of the Western powers to acquiesce in Germany’s demands for military parity. Germany’s departure from the international organization was followed by its massive military buildup undertaken in violation of international agreements; renunciation of the Locarno Pact (1936); seizure of Austria (1938); and annexation of the Czechoslovak provinces of Bohemia and Moravia (March 1939). These actions culminated in the German attack on Poland of September 1, 1939, and the outbreak of World War II.
Primary Source
Mr. General Secretary,
In the name of the German Government, I have the honor to inform you that Germany hereby declares its resignation from the League of Nations pursuant to Article 1 paragraph 3 of the Statute.
Please accept, Sir [Mr. General Secretary], the assurance of my highest consideration.
Source: Konstantin von Neurath, “Letter from Konstantin von Neurath: Withdrawal of Germany from the League of Nations, 19 October 1933.” League of Nations Archives, United Nations Office at Geneva Library. Translated by Dr. Jared Donnelly. Available online at https://www.wdl.org/en/item/11598/.