Conflict concerning the demarcation line between The Third Reich and the USSR in 1939 Cover Image

Spór o przebieg linii demarkacyjnej między III Rzeszą a ZSRR w 1939 roku
Conflict concerning the demarcation line between The Third Reich and the USSR in 1939

Author(s): Andrzej Aksamitowski
Subject(s): Military history, Political history, Interwar Period (1920 - 1939), WW II and following years (1940 - 1949), Fascism, Nazism and WW II
Published by: Oficyna Wydawnicza KA AFM

Summary/Abstract: This article presents the political-military conflict which came about in Soviet-German relations as well and inter-German relations during the final phase of activity on Polish land in September and October of 1939. Political and military leaders of the Soviet Union closely cooperated with representatives of The Third Reich in the period of preparation of military aggression towards Poland. The plans and intentions for cooperation between the Red Army and Wehrmacht were closely coordinated, however, did not prevent misunderstandings between them throughout the course of action. The agreed upon route of the temporary demarcation line (which divided Poland) between the USSR and The Third Reich, was not upheld by Wehrmacht. In consequence, this lead to misunderstandings between the commanderin-chief of The Third Reich, Adolf Hitler, and leaders of Wehrmacht. Russian invasion prevented German troops from marching east from the line of the Bug River. Withdrawal of German contingents to the west was expected according to a secret protocol which was drawn up and added to the pact of August 23, 1939. Until that time, the military situation on the Polish front complicated plans of German commanders. Wehrmacht stepped into the area known as „Soviet zone of interest”, separated from the area generally accepted as the zone of German control marked by the Pisa-Narew-Wisła-San line. Political and military leaders of The Third Reich tried to uphold agreements or to explain its actions regarding violation of agreed upon divisions, which were most often the result of battle with Polish contingents. Of great significance was the German evaluation of the situation on the Bug River line and areas lying further east.

  • Issue Year: 2010
  • Issue No: 3-4
  • Page Range: 197-209
  • Page Count: 13
  • Language: Polish