Concentrates the mind

I do not like drawing inexact historical parallels but the news that Poland and the USA will shortly sign (if, indeed, have not already done so, as the BBC Russian Service says) that agreement for setting up a defence shield made me smile (as well as I can do so after a very painful session in the dentist's chair).

The plan would see the US base 10 missile interceptors in Poland in exchange for help strengthening Polish defences, said PM Donald Tusk.

Of course, the parallels with 1938/9 are not really that. It was the Poles who were dragging their feet this time but I imagine the argument about strengthening Polish defences came to the fore in those negotiations.