The 1934 German–Polish declaration temporarily normalized relations between Nazi Germany and Poland, ending a decade-long customs war and pledging ten years of non-aggression.
Key Facts
- Date signed
- 26 January 1934
- Signing location
- Berlin, Germany
- Non-aggression period
- 10 years
- Parties
- Nazi Germany and the Second Polish Republic
- Prior conflict resolved
- Decade-long German–Polish customs war
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Relations between Germany and Poland had been strained since the Treaty of Versailles imposed territorial settlements that created border disputes between the two nations. A damaging customs war lasting roughly a decade further deteriorated economic ties, creating pressure on both governments to seek a diplomatic resolution.
On 26 January 1934 in Berlin, Nazi Germany and the Second Polish Republic signed a declaration of non-aggression. Both governments pledged to resolve mutual problems exclusively through bilateral negotiations and to renounce armed conflict for a period of ten years, formally normalizing diplomatic relations.
The declaration effectively ended the economically harmful customs war between the two countries and stabilized their relationship in the short term. It represented a significant shift in Polish foreign policy away from reliance on collective security frameworks, though Germany ultimately violated the pact by invading Poland in September 1939.
Political Outcome
Both countries agreed to renounce armed conflict for ten years and resolve disputes through bilateral negotiation, ending the customs war and normalizing relations.
Strained German–Polish relations marked by Versailles-era border disputes and a damaging customs war
Temporarily normalized bilateral relations with a formal pledge of non-aggression for ten years