Doubts on the use of "at the time" and "at that time"

[albertino]

"It is not a surprise if some leaders privately considered it, because the situation was far from clear at that/the time."

Is there any difference in the use of "at the time" and "at that time", or just the same?

Any ideas, friends.

[Casiopea]

They express the same meaning:

Post-modification: at the time (of the event).
Pre-modification: at that (given) time; i.e., at the time of the event.
=> At what time? That requires a referent. What's the previous sentence (i.e.. ___________. It's not a surprise...)?

Does that help?

[albertino]

The express the same meaning:

Post-modification: at the time (of the event).
Pre-modification: at that (given) time; i.e., at the time of the event.
=> At what time? That requires a referent. What's the previous sentence (i.e.. ___________. It's not a surprise...)?

Does that help?

Thanks.

[Casiopea]

You're welcome.