Discussing this elsewhere someone pointed out that Britian was more likely to sit out the start of the war than France. They claimed that Chamberlain was still attempting backdoor negotiations with Germany after January 1939; That the British negotiators were the largest obstacle in the three way discussions between the USSR, France, and Britian in early 1939; And that a significant minority in the British Parliment were opposed to declaring war on Germany in September 1939.

So, turning around my original question: Assume Britian drops out of the alliance negotiations in early 1939, but that Stalin decides to support France rather than Germany. So, in the first week of September 1939 France and the USSR both declare war on Germany and announce military aid to Poland. Assume also:

A. That as part of the agreement a promise is wrung out of the French politicians that France will begain significant offensive operations not later than sixty days after the start of mobilization. The French General Gemelin & the head of the airforce Vullimen are directed to alter mobilization plans accordingly (or to resign).

B. German gov. becomes aware of this alliance some months before the attack on Poland. Appropriate plans could be made to deal with the situation.

C. The USSR begains secretly preperatory mobilization a couple weeks before the shooting starts.

How does this alter the situation for each side and what are the likely short term military outcomes in 1939-1940?

How much longer might Britian sit out the war?

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