Bizarre, Politics, Society

“Only Mad Dogs and Englishmen”: British Figure Proposed Dividing World Between England and Germany During World War II

Documents have been uncovered that James Lonsdale-Bryans, an amateur diplomat and fascist sympathizer, proposed to German diplomats during World War II that the two countries simply divide up the world. Lonsdale-Bryans had high-level connections to the English Foreign Ministry, but there is no evidence that he was supported in his efforts.

Lonsdale-Bryans tried to negotiate the agreement with German ambassador, Ulrich von Hassell. The Secret Service warned about these discussions and noted that “Bryans is a talkative and indiscreet fellow who is in possession of a story which he delights in telling and which if told publicly would be likely to cause embarrassment to the Foreign Office.”

Yet, the British did not stop him and, while distancing themselves from him when Americans were consulted by Bryans, the Foreign Ministry simply said Lonsdale-Bryans was “unreliable though not disloyal.”

The thought of America being forced to drink warm beer, to watch cricket, and eat fish wrapped in newspapers is too horrible to contemplate.

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5 thoughts on ““Only Mad Dogs and Englishmen”: British Figure Proposed Dividing World Between England and Germany During World War II”

  1. Well, the British plan worked very well in the Middle East. No problems from those choices!

  2. I can handle the fish and chips, but I will pass on the vinegar and the warm beer. I have watched some cricket on TV, but I have never seen one in person. It didn’t interest very much, but I have not seen much of it. It always helps your understanding of a sport if you have at least tried to play it.

  3. I love fish and chips with vinegar, and a good pint to wash it down with. But only in one of those ‘novelty’ English pubs here in the states (or a real one in the U.K.) If asked about cricket, though, I’d likely reply that I can’t stand the chirping sound they make.

  4. Patty,
    Fish, Chips and vinegar sounds good to me, I actually like cricket, but never drink beer warm/cold. However, the idea of being in a restaurant that serves Kidney Pie would be anathema to me. Also their
    Roast Beef is awful. Those are my dealbreakers.

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