Germany's military parade and exercises put enormous pressure on the Soviet Union. German media also began building momentum, bombarding the Soviet Union's political, economic, and other problems. By this point, almost everyone believed that Germany was coming for the Soviets.
In contrast, the atmosphere among the dignitaries of various nations at Warsaw's Wilanów Palace was quite harmonious at this time.
Wilanów Palace stood on the outskirts of Poland. Construction began in 1677, and it had been built by King John III Sobieski of Poland as a summer palace for his queen.
Like the Russians, Poland, as a fellow Slavic nation, held Western civilization in the highest esteem. Thus, the Polish king had specifically hired Italian architects to build the palace.
The palace's architecture was primarily Baroque in style and brimmed with artistic charm. Its elegant, exquisite fountains and sculptures were accompanied by a library and museum containing many cultural relics and books.
Thus, Wilanów Palace was also known as the "Palace of Versailles of Poland." On this special day, that honor might well stir certain associations in the minds of those inclined to read into things.
Fortunately, this was Warsaw, Poland, rather than Paris, France. Otherwise, the French at Wilanów Palace might have become wary.
Of course, holding the dinner here had not been a deliberate arrangement by the Germans, but rather one made by the Polish government.
The Polish government had chosen Wilanów Palace as the venue for the dinner and the resting place of the various national dignitaries because of its location and its special standing among Warsaw's many palaces.
The scenery here was beautiful, and its suburban location made security work easier. Furthermore, Wilanów Palace was among the most artistic of Poland's many palaces, making it the perfect place for a dinner and for the leaders of