Part 4/11:
If we imagine that Germany had indeed presented such an ultimatum, it is reasonable to conclude that Poland would have outright rejected it. The compromise would imply giving up crucial port access in return for a landlocked region. The political leadership in Poland, as evidenced by historical records, would never have consented to relinquishing a vital maritime asset. Moreover, given the tensions already brewing in the region, any attempt to negotiate territorial exchanges would likely have raised suspicions of German intentions.