Admission from the world’s greatest newspaper

New York Times editorial, Sept. 2, 1939

‘Germany Draws the Sword’

 As a result of yesterday’s events, surprising in their swiftness to many who still had hopes that a conflict in Europe might be at the last moment avoided, a state of war now exists between Germany and Poland. Danzig has declared itself, and been accepted by Hitler, as part of the German Reich, and the German Army has attacked Poland and bombarded some of its cities.

General mobilization has been declared in France. The curtain seems to have lifted on what may be the worst drama in the history of our modern civilization.

At this writing it cannot be said that the conflict has yet become a general one, but there seems to be virtually no hope of avoiding this if Great Britain and France make good their pledge to Poland, so often reiterated. The madman has unsheathed his sword, with Poland as his first victim.

Let all those who believe in democracy, and in justice, try to keep cool and courageous and do their duty in face of this calamitous decision.

https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/14/opinion/14iht-op1939sept02.html

What that says is, “We have no idea what is going on. Everyone hope for the best.”

The final paragraph seems to have been added on, perhaps by an editor who decided "The madman has unsheathed his sword..." just a bit too accusatory of Herr Hitler.