Alfred Rosenberg's "Memoirs" Youth of an ideologist Early history of the Party Spiritual foundation for a thousand-year Reich Bearers of power Adolf Hitler, man and myth Minister for the East End of the Third Reich -- end of a career Rosenberg's Political Testament
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Alfred Rosenberg's "Memoirs"
Youth of an ideologist
Early history of the Party
Spiritual foundation for a thousand-year Reich
Bearers of power
Adolf Hitler, man and myth
Minister for the East
End of the Third Reich -- end of a career
Rosenberg's Political Testament
Youth of an ideologist
Fo r 2 0 0 y e a rs a ft e r th e b e g in n in g o f th e 1 8 th c e n tu ry , th e Ba lt ic u m
h a d b e e n u n d e r Ru s s ia n c o n tro l. Mo s t s o le m n ly Cz a r Pe te r h a d g u a ra n te e d to
th e Ge rm a n s th e ir s p e c ia l p riv ile g e s fo r a ll t im e , a fa c t w h ic h c a u s e d m a n y o f
th e la t e r d iffe re n c e s b e tw e e n th e Ba lt s a n d th e Ru s s ia n g o v e rn m e n t . Th e
m a jo rity o f th e Cz a rs w e re b e n e v o le n t - - a n d th e ir re a lm c e rta in ly p ro fit e d b y
th a t b e n e v o le n c e - - u n t il a g ro w in g S la v o p h ilis m b e g a n to o p p o s e
w e s te rn is a t io n , a n d p ro c e e d e d w ith p a rt ic u la r h a rs h n e s s a g a in s t Ba lt s a s th e
p ro ta g o n is t s o f th is le a n in g to w a rd th e w e s t . A w a v e o f Ru s s ific a t io n e n s u e d .
Pro fe s s o rs w h o h a d ta u g h t in Ge rm a n w e re fo rc e d to le a rn Ru s s ia n d u rin g th e ir
s u m m e r v a c a t io n s . Th e h a rb in g e rs o f th e c o m in g o p p re s s io n ru s h e d o v e r th e
la n d . Ho w e v e r, th e s e e a rly s to rm s d ie d d o w n a g a in . I n s p it e o f e v e ry th in g th e
Ru s s ia n d e te rm in a t io n a c c o m p lis h e d , a t ru e fo u n d a t io n w a s s t ill la c k in g ,
n a m e ly a re a lly Ru s s ia n p o p u la t io n . As a s u b s t itu te la rg e Ru s s ia n g a rris o n s a n d
g ro u p s o f g o v e rn m e n t o ffic ia ls w e re b ro u g h t in . Bu t m o re o ft e n th a n n o t th e
o ffs p rin g o f th e s e fu n c t io n a rie s s im p ly b e c a m e Ba lt s .
My e a rlie s t m e m ory of m y g ra n d fa th e r is a b rown top h a t with wh ich I a lwa ys wa n te d to p la y, s om e th in g h e la u gh in g ly pe rm it t e d . He s t a n ds be fore m y m in d 's e ye a s a t a ll o ld m a n in a b rown d re s s in g gown , s h a rp fe a tu re s a n d a s m a ll m ou th , with n a rrow e ye s th a t looke d a lit t le t ire d .
My g ra n d fa th e r n o lon ge r h a d s u fficie n t m on e y to pe rm it m y fa th e r to s tu dy. Th u s h e e n te re d life a s a m e rch a n t 's a pp re n t ice a n d be ca m e , a ft e r a com pa ra t ive ly s h ort pe riod , th e h e a d of th e Re va l b ra n ch of a r ich Ge rm a n com m e rcia l h ou s e .
Wh e n , la t e r on , I be ca m e a ct ive in Ge rm a n y, I wa s a m a ze d a t th e e ve r p re s e n t oppos it ion to th e t e a ch e rs . In m a n y of m y fe llow s tu de n t s th is b roke th rou gh qu it e ope n ly a n d cra s s ly. In th e you th m ove m e n t , th e Prof wa s re fe rre d to with g re a t a ce rb ity. Of ou r own te a ch e rs a t th e s a m e type of s ch ool in Re va l I ca n on ly s pe a k with th e g re a te s t re s pe ct .
Pe te rs e n wa s a n a tu ra lis t . He own e d a la rge bu t t e rfly colle ct ion , wrote on th e ge olog ica l h is tory of Es ton ia , a n d corre s pon de d with m a n y of th e s cie n t ific in s t itu te s of th e Re ich . I be lie ve it wou ld h a ve be e n e a s y for h im to h a ve ob ta in e d a n a ppoin tm e n t in Ge rm a n y. Bu t h is love for th e h om e la n d , a n d p roba b ly th e fe e lin g th a t h e wa s m ore in de pe n de n t th e re , h e ld h im ba ck. His on ly s on , h owe ve r, wa s s e n t to Je n a wh e re
Ha e cke l a n d Eu cke n we re m a kin g th is u n ive rs ity world fa m ou s . Th is s on d ie d s h ort ly a ft e r h e h a d fin is h e d h is s tu d ie s .
A s m a ll th in m a n n e qu in with a t re m e n dou s m ou s ta ch e a n d a be a rd , th e s e n s e of du ty pe rs on ifie d , wh o p re s u ppos e d in u s boys p ra ct ica lly S pa rta n vir tu e s . From be h in d th e p in ce -n e z wh ich h e n e ve r took off, da rk b lu e e ye s looke d s t e rn ly ou t a t th e cla s s . His de live ry wa s with ou t wa rm th , bu t e a s ily u n de rs tood a n d to th e poin t , s o th a t we ca rrie d h om e , if n ot e n th u s ia s m , a t le a s t kn owle dge . Howe ve r, S p re cke ls e n con ta in e d h im s e lf s t r ict ly with in th e fra m e work of e ve ryda y d is cou rs e s , a n d n e ve r we n t be yon d a n u n qu e s t ion e d re h a s h in g of Ru s s ia n con ce p t s . Ou r officia l h is tory t e xtbook wa s h is s t a n da rd , too . Bu t a ft e r th e be ll to lle d , h e s poke Ge rm a n ; a n d th ou gh h e n e ve r pa te rn a lly pa t t e d u s on th e s h ou lde rs , h e con ve rs e d with u s a s if h e we re t a lkin g to u n de rs ta n d in g a du lt s . We fe lt for h im n o pa rt icu la r re ve re n ce , bu t n e ve r de n ie d h im ou r com ple te re s pe ct . His fre e t im e wa s de vote d to th e ca re of th e Re va l Mu s e u m a n d o th e r h is toric in s t itu te s . On ce h e a s ke d if a n yon e ca re d to a ccom pa n y h im on a p re h is toric e xpe d it ion . I volu n te e re d with two of m y fe llow s tu de n t s . In a g ra ve ya rd we d is cove re d a n d e xca va te d a s ton e u rn . We a ls o u n e a rth e d s om e p it ch e rs , a rm le t s , a n d r in gs . For th e firs t t im e S p re cke ls e n to ld u s a bou t th e g re a t m ig ra t ion s of n a t ion s th a t h a d t a ke n p la ce lon g be fore th os e re corde d in writ in g .
I wa s p rom ote d e ve ry ye a r a n d wa s PRIMVS (cla s s p re s ide n t ) u p to m y s e n ior ye a r. A PRIMVS in ou r s ch ool wa s n ot th e s tu de n t with th e h igh e s t g ra de s . Oth e rs we re m u ch be t t e r a t th a t s ort of th in g th a n I. A boy wa s m a de PRIMVS be ca u s e th e a u th orit ie s e xpe cte d h im to be a good in flu e n ce on th e re s t of th e cla s s . As PRIMVS I h a d th e ke ys to th e ca b in e t wh e re e xa m in a t ion pa pe rs , ch a lk a n d s o on we re ke p t . I u s e d it a ls o to h ide m y own te xtbooks in be ca u s e I wa s too la zy to ca rry th e m h om e . For a n y of th e ora l e xa m s I s im p ly s tu d ie d du rin g re ce s s . On ly th e m os t im porta n t th in gs we re t a ke n ca re of a t h om e . As a n e t re s u lt I wa s n ot ve ry good in m a th e m a t ics . My fe llow s tu de n t s oft e n h e lpe d by e xp la in in g th in gs to m e , a n d I re m e m be r with pa rt icu la r g ra t itu de th e Pole , Ts ch e s ke s s ki, wh o h e lpe d m e s olve m a n y a n a lge b ra p rob le m . Du rin g th e re ge n t s e xa m I, in tu rn , d icta te d h is Ge rm a n th e s is to h im . Du rin g a ll th os e ye a rs I a lwa ys fe a re d th a t s om e da y a t e rr ib le e xpos u re wou ld ce rt a in ly com e . Bu t in th e e n d e ve ryth in g tu rn e d ou t a ll r igh t .
In m y cla s s , con s is t in g of a bou t forty pu p ils , th e re we re fou r Ru s s ia n s , th re e Pole s , two ge n u in e Es ton ia n s a n d two wh o la te r pos e d a s s u ch . All th e re s t we re Ba lt s . I do n ot re m e m be r th a t we e ve r h a d h e a te d n a t ion a lis t ic d is cu s s ion s . With th e Ru s s ia n s we t a lke d Ge rm a n or Ru s s ia n , a s th e ca s e m igh t be , a n d th e s a m e with th e Pole s . Th e two Es ton ia n s , for re a s on s of th e ir own , ke p t to th e m s e lve s . Bu t con flict s th a t m igh t we ll h a ve be e n pos s ib le n e ve r occu rre d . In s p it e of th e n a t ion a lis t ic a t t itu de of th e cou n t ry it s e lf, ou r s ch ool re m a in e d a n e xe m pla ry oa s is of pe a ce for th e you th s of s u ch va rie d n a t ion a l orig in s . Th is s t ill s t r ike s m e a s be in g s om e th in g p le a s a n t a n d p rom is in g .
Th e ba t t le th e s e ch ild re n a n d th e ir h ors e Be ga rd wa ge d a ga in s t Ch a rle m a gn e im pre s s e d m e g re a t ly, bu t I wa s e s pe cia lly tou ch e d by th e fa te of th e h ors e it s e lf. Th e n ob le a n im a l wou ld n ot s in k e ve n u n de r th e h e a vie s t loa d . As lon g a s h is m a s te r ke p t on lookin g a t it , t h e be a s t cou ld a lwa ys h old it s e lf a bove wa te r . Bu t th e n Re in h old wa s force d to tu rn h is t e a r- fille d e ye s a wa y, a n d Be ga rd s a n k. I crie d wh e n I th u s firs t d is cove re d h ow fide lity is re wa rde d in th is world . An d n ow wh e n I re m e m be r th a t qu ie t , g re a t e xpe rie n ce of m y you th , t e a rs a ga in ru s h to m y e ye s , a n d n ot m e re ly be ca u s e of Be ga rd 's fa t e .
He re , a n d la te r a ls o in th e s u bu rb of Re va l wh e re s h e live d , Hilda ca m e in to m ore im m e d ia te con ta ct with Ru s s ia n cu s tom s th a n I, a n d a cce p te d th e m with a pp rop ria te s ym pa th y. Be s ide s , s h e h a d a n a dop te d s is t e r , Joh a n n a , wh o, a t th e Pe te rs bu rg Aca de m y of Art , h a d m e t a n d m a rrie d th e s on of th e Re ctor. Th is a s s ocia t ion a ls o h e lpe d h e r to be com e a cqu a in te d with th e Ru s s ia n s . To be s u re , th e op in ion s of th is m a n we re qu it e re volu t ion a ry, s o th a t th e d iffe re n t ia t ion be twe e n Ru s s ia a n d th e h a te d Cza ris t re g im e be ca m e e ve r m ore p ron ou n ce d . Provoke d by th e s e th e orie s , I re a d Tols toy's Wa r a n d pe a ce a n d An n a Ka re n in a . Th e y im pre s s e d m e g re a t ly a n d re m a in e d for m e th e g re a t n ove ls of Eu rope a n lit e ra tu re . In th e cou rs e of t im e I h a d a ch a n ce to vis it Hilda . S h e p la ye d for m e - - s h e p la ye d we ll e ve n th e n - - Ru s s ia n com pos it ion s : Borod in a n d Rim s ky-Kors a kov. Th e s e , too , we re be a u t ifu l a n d g ra t ifyin g , s o in a rou n da bou t wa y I le a rn e d m ore a bou t Ru s s ia th a n m os t o th e r Ba lt s d id du rin g th e s e ye a rs .
On e da y Hilda b rou gh t a book to th e t ra in wh ich I s im p ly h a d to re a d . It wa s Nie tzs ch e 's Za ra th u s t ra . I im m e d ia te ly t r ie d to a bs orb th e e n t ire work, bu t s om e th in g a bou t it s t ru ck m e a s a lie n . Th a t wa s , a s I re a lis e d la t e r , th e ove rly pa th e t ic, e ve n th e a t r ica l e le m e n t wh ich , to m e , a ppe a re d wilfu l ra th e r th a n pe rfe ct . I th e n re a d two books a bou t th e a u th or. Eve n th e s e d id n ot e n ligh te n m e a n y fu rth e r. S o I re tu rn e d Za ra th u s t ra s om e wh a t s h a m e fa ce d ly.
An a rt is t ic s u cce s s of m y own ca m e du rin g m y s e n ior ye a r. In Woe s s o I h a d p ra ct is e d d ra win g , n ot on ly with pe n cil bu t with ch a lk on g re y a rt pa pe r; th e h igh ligh t s we re tou ch e d u p with wh ite . In th is wa y th e s t roke of th e pe n cil d id , in de e d , los e s om e of it s im m e d ia cy, bu t th e fin is h e d p rodu ct , in tu rn , ga in e d p la s t icity. Now I im pu de n t ly s ke tch e d th e cot t a ge of Pe te r th e Gre a t . In th e ce n t re , th e s u n lit h ou s e , th e wa lls b rou gh t ou t in wh ite , th e roof t ile s don e in pa le cin n a ba r. As a s tu dy it wa s n ot too ba d . In th e g re a t h a ll of th e s o-ca lle d fire h ou s e , a ll th e s tu de n t s ' d ra win gs we re e xh ib it e d a n d we re vie we d by In s pe ctor Kru tch e n ko a m on g oth e rs . He like d m y d ra win g s o we ll th a t h e de cla re d it cou ld n ot pos s ib ly h a ve be e n don e by a s tu de n t with ou t th e a id of th e t e a ch e r. In a n y ca s e , h e h a d it gorge ou s ly fra m e d a n d p re s e n te d to th e s e n ior cla s s . Wh e n , a t th e occa s ion of a vis it to Re va l a s Re ich Min is te r for th e occu p ie d e a s te rn t e rr itorie s , I in qu ire d a bou t th e d ra win g . I le a rn e d th a t it wa s s t ill t h e re . Th a t wa s th ir ty-two ye a rs la t e r .
Th e s ocia l ce n t re of th e Ge rm a n s wa s th e Rifle m e n 's Pa rk, a la rge , fe n ce d - in ga rde n a t th e ce n t re of th e city, with re s ta u ra n t s , t e n n is cou rt s , a n d s o on , be lon g in g to th e th re e Ge rm a n corps . Th is wa s a re n de zvou s for a ll Ge rm a n you th , du rin g th e s u m m e r in th e pa rk, du rin g th e win te r in th e ba llroom . Adm is s ion wa s on ly on a pa s s , s in ce th e Rifle m e n 's Gu ild , a s th e own e r, h a d a r igh t to s e le ct it s gu e s t s . Th is fa ct , h owe ve r, ga ve th e wh ole th in g both a n a t ion a lis t ic a n d a ca s te - like ch a ra cte r wh ich wa s u n dou b te d ly n ote d by th e o th e rs with s ligh t ly m ixe d fe e lin gs . Riga 's s ocie ty de fin it e ly fe lt m ore a dva n ce d th a n th a t of Re va l. Wh e re a s th e form e r wa s dom in a te d la rge ly by u n ive rs ity p rofe s s ors , th e la t t e r wa s dom in a te d by m e re h igh s ch ool p rin cipa ls . Riga s tu de n t s we re n ot a t a ll like d in Re va l. Th e n ob ility in pa rt icu la r wa s con s ide re d e s pe cia lly ove rbe a rin g . Th e t e n s ion be twe e n th e ba ron s a n d th e bou rge ois in Riga wa s for th is re a s on qu it e a ppa re n t , e xce p t a m on g th os e wh o h a d in te rm a rrie d with th e n ob ility, or wh o con s ide re d a n in t im a te a s s ocia t ion with it a d is t in ct ion .
Howe ve r, it cou ld n ot be de n ie d : wh a t wa s clos e s t to m y h e a rt - - a rt a n d ph ilos oph y - - h a d th e s h ort e n d of th is s ort of s tu de n t 's life .
Look h e re , Fre d , wh e n we s u dde n ly d is a ppe a re d du rin g th e re volu t ion , a n d wh e n we re tu rn e d a ft e rwa rds , we we re u n a b le to work. We h a d to a g re e a m on g ou rs e lve s to e du ca te th e you n ge r pe op le like you rs e lf in orde r to ra is e a n oth e r ge n e ra t ion of Ba lt s for ou r h om e la n d . I ca n u n de rs ta n d you , bu t you too m u s t u n de rs ta n d . You h a ve s pe n t ye a rs in th e ir com pa n y, a n d th e y h a ve g ive n you a g re a t de a l. You h a ve be e n a cce p te d in to th e ir com ra de s h ip , s om e th in g th a t m a y be a h e lp to you for th e re s t of you r life . Do you re a lly wa n t to le a ve n ow? Wh a t wou ld h a ppe n to ou r h om e la n d if a ll of u s th ou gh t a s you do?
I fa ce d th e de cis ion of m y life . S tu dy in Ge rm a n y m e a n t fre e dom a n d b roa de n in g of h orizon s , bu t a ls o los s of m y Ru s s ia n cit ize n s h ip . At h om e , ca m a ra de rie , ye s ; bu t n a rrown e s s , e ve n th ou gh it wa s h om e . Wh a t to ch oos e ? Wou ld I h a ve ch os e n d iffe re n t ly h a d I ke p t s ile n t a n d h a d m y e lde r b roth e r n ot s h own m e m y ob liga t ion towa rd m y h om e la n d? I s h ook h is h a n d . You a re r igh t ; I wou ld be u n g ra te fu l; I ' ll s t a y. I re tu rn e d to th e u n ive rs ity a n d a s ke d th e firs t s e cre ta ry to re tu rn m y re s ign a t ion .
S h e h a d fin a lly con vin ce d h e r pa re n t s th a t h e r de cis ion h a d be e n r igh t . Th e y re a lis e d it in d ica te d a s e riou s will to work; a n d s o Hilda re tu rn e d to Pa ris . S h e took da n cin g le s s on s from th e we ll-kn own Profe s s or La n dos s e , a s we ll a s rh yth m ic gym n a s t ics . Ju le s d 'Ud in e , a fr ie n d of Da lcroze , wa n te d to m a ke h e r a p rofe s s ion a l da n ce r. S h e h a d looke d in to th in gs of wh ich I a s ye t h a d n ot e ve n be com e a wa re . I wa s s t ill a fre s h m a n , u n fortu n a te ly force d to t a ke pa rt in a ch ild re n 's ba lle t , a n d , cla d in a m e d ie va l u n iform , to h e lp re p re s e n t th e pe op le in Wa lle n s te in 's ca m p .
In th e m e a n t im e Hilda h a d be com e a fa vou rit e pu p il of Ju le s d 'Ud in e a n d wa s a s s is t in g h im in h is t e a ch in g . I wa tch e d h im on ce in a n a m ph ith e a t re - s h a pe d bu ild in g . His rh yth m ic m e th od s e e m e d a n e xce lle n t wa y to ga in con t ro l ove r th e body; towa rd o th e r a pp lica t ion s of it , h owe ve r, I re m a in e d cold . Wh e th e r r igh t ly s o , I a m u n a b le to s a y. At th e Ca fé de la Roton de , on th e corn e r Ra s pa il-Mon tpa rn a s s e , wh e re I b re a kfa s te d da ily a n d wh e re th e a rt is t s of th e vicin ity m e t , th e a tm os ph e re wa s a lwa ys con ge n ia l. At th a t t im e it wa s s t ill a com forta b le o ld Fre n ch p la ce , n ot th e m on s te r it t u rn e d in to la t e r . Hilda 's n a m e wa s a lre a dy fa ir ly we ll kn own ; th e Ru s s ia n Ba lle t h a d a pp roa ch e d h e r re ga rd in g a pos s ib le tou r. Th u s I ga in e d a n in s igh t in to Hilda 's work a n d world . As for th e fu tu re , I wa s s u re we wou ld fin d a wa y toge th e r.
Th a t th e p rom is e of Pe te r th e Gre a t , gu a ra n te e in g th e Ba lt s th e ir p rivile ge s for a ll t im e , cou ld n ot be t a ke n a n y too lit e ra lly in th e fa ce of de ve lopm e n ts , m u s t h a ve be e n obviou s e ve n to th e m os t s tu bborn la n d -h olde r. Ne ve rth e le s s th e Ba lt s we re pe rfe ct ly ju s t ifie d in th e ir cla im th a t th e y h a d a r igh t to be h e a rd in con n e ct ion with ce rt a in ch a n ge s , a n d in th e ir re fu s a l to be th e ob je ct s of fre qu e n t , pu re ly in n e r, polit ica l a t t a cks .
Th e re t re a t of th e Ru s s ia n a rm ie s from Ge rm a n y force d th e gove rn m e n t to t ra n s p la n t im porta n t in du s t r ie s on a la rge s ca le . My fa th e r- in - la w's ca n n in g fa ctory h a d to m ove to S t . Pe te rs bu rg . Th e t e ch n ica l u n ive rs ity a ls o h a d to go . For it s n e w loca t ion Mos cow h a d be e n s e le cte d . It wa s s u ppos e d to m ove with a ll it s m a te ria l pos s e s s ion s , a ll it s books , a n d th e e n t ire s tu de n t body, to th e ce n t re of p rim ord ia l Ru s s ia . Wh ile th e s e t ra n s h ipm e n ts we n t on we re t ire d to th e cou n t ry for th e s u m m e r. We fou n d s h e lt e r a n d boa rd with th e le s s e e of a n e s ta te . On ce a ga in I wa s a b le to re a d a n d pa in t in pe a ce . In 1 9 1 2 , I h a d re ce ive d a s a g ift Ch a m be rla in 's Goe th e . To m e it s e e m e d th e be s t th in g Ch a m be rla in h a d e ve r writ t e n . I re a d th e e n t ire book to Hilda , wh o lis t e n e d pa t ie n t ly to m u ch th a t ca n n ot be g ra s pe d im m e d ia te ly.
Th a t fa ll s h e jo in e d h e r pa re n t s in S t . Pe te rs bu rg , a n d I we n t to Mos cow. Th u s m y h om e va n is h e d be h in d m e . Wa r a n d re volu t ion tos s e d pe op le a n d fa te s a bou t . In m y h e a rt re m a in e d th e love for th e h om e la n d wh ich live d on , u n con ce rn e d with h u m a n de s t in y.
In a ll h on e s ty I m u s t con fe s s th a t th e s ocia l qu e s t ion in Ru s s ia d id n ot be g in to in te re s t m e u n t il m u ch la te r . In th e be g in n in g I s im p ly s a w th e b ig city qu it e in n oce n t ly th rou gh th e e ye s of a you n g m a n - - n ote d it s pa la ce s a n d ga lle rie s , a n d wa s h a rd ly a wa re , in s p it e of 1 9 0 5 , of h ow fa r a dva n ce d th e in te rn a l cris is a lre a dy wa s . On ly th e ou tb re a k of th e wa r b rou gh t th e re a l s itu a t ion to m y a t t e n t ion . Th e re we re tu m u lt s s h ort ly be fore th e wa r, ove rtu rn e d t ro lle y ca rs a n d s t re e t b ra wls . Wh e th e r th e s e we re is o la te d in cide n t s or pa rt of a p la n n e d con s p ira cy, I ca n n ot s a y. Th e y s toppe d wh e n th e
Cza r m a de a n a ppe a l for ge n e ra l u n ity be fore a n im m e n s e crowd th a t s a n k on it s kn e e s in fron t of h is pa la ce a n d p ra ye d for Ru s s ia . From a ch ild le s s cou p le I h a d re n te d a room clos e to th e s u bu rbs wh e re s om e of m y fe llow s tu de n t s live d . It wa s a ra th e r s im p le a bode fa cin g a cou rt , bu t qu it e com forta b ly fu rn is h e d . Th e m a n worke d s om e wh e re in a s tore . Th e wom a n , a s is th e cu s tom in Ru s s ia , s e rve d m e t e a e ve ry m orn in g a n d e ve n in g . S in ce I h a d to h u s ba n d m y m e a n s - - Riga h a d cos t m ore th a n a n t icipa te d - - we a te d in n e r with a Ru s s ia n fa m ily. At a t a b le cove re d with o ilclo th in a room th a t a ls o s e rve d a s a be d room , we h a d s ou p a n d wh a te ve r e ls e h a ppe n e d to be a va ila b le . On ce e ve ry we e k, h owe ve r, we we n t to th e ce n t re of th e city a n d h a d a re a l d in n e r with pa s t r ie s s u ch a s on ly th e Ru s s ia n s ca n m a ke . S om e t im e s we we re a b le to bu y be e r - - two pe rce n t be e r. At t e n o 'clock e ve rybody wa s re a dy for be d . Occa s ion a lly we lis t e n e d to m u s ic a t th e S a voy, a h ote l of o ld - fa s h ion e d m a gn ifice n ce ; o th e rwis e we s a t a rou n d in ch e a p re s ta u ra n t s a lon g th e Tve rs ka ya . Re a l com ra de s h ip wa s , of cou rs e , ou t of th e qu e s t ion . On ly s m a ll g rou ps livin g clos e to e a ch o th e r, or m e e t in g a t s ch ool, got toge th e r re gu la rly. Th e Riga Te ch n ica l Colle ge wa s h ou s e d in s e ve ra l d iffe re n t bu ild in gs , s o th a t it wa s oft e n n e ce s s a ry to m a ke lon g t r ip s to ge t from on e le ctu re to th e o th e r. S om e of th e cla s s e s for d ra ft s m e n we re t e m pora rily h e ld in h a llwa ys , a n d th e s t re e tca rs we re a lwa ys crowde d . I pa rt icu la rly like to re m e m be r on e la rge d ra win g of th e Fre ibu rg Ca th e d ra l wh ich I cop ie d from a s m a ll orig in a l. All th e we a lth of th is e d ifice I t ra ce d lovin g ly with a h a rd pe n cil. We d id a g re a t de a l of d ra win g a n d pa in t in g from m ode ls . Th is wa s n ot e n ou gh for m e , s o I took a dd it ion a l p riva te le s s on s in port ra itu re . I fou n d th a t I wa s u n a b le to do a port ra it qu ickly, bu t th a t th e re s u lt s we re pa s s a b le on ly if I h a d t im e e n ou gh to con ce n t ra te . Wh ich s oon s a t is fie d m e . Th e m e rch a n t S h tch u kin wa s a Ma e ce n a s for m ode rn pa in t in g . He m u s t h a ve gon e to Pa ris re gu la rly, for h is villa , wh ich cou ld be fre e ly vis it e d , wa s fille d with e ve ry con ce iva b le p rodu ct of Fre n ch a rt : Pica s s o , Gu é rin , a n d e s pe cia lly He n ri Ma t is s e . Th e la t t e r h a d a n e n t ire room to h im s e lf. Ch ie fly s t ill- life s . Qu ite ligh t : wh ich , b lu e , p in k, with occa s ion a lly in te re s t in g colora t ion , s m ooth ly a n d a b ly pa in te d ; bu t a ltoge th e r, m e re s u rfa ce a n d a s t ra in in g for e ffe ct . Gre a t a rt cou ld n ot pos s ib ly be a ch ie ve d in th is wa y. Mos t ch a ra cte ris t ic, to m y m in d , wa s th e obviou s ly re volu t ion a ry m ood . Th ou gh th e y a ll s e we d s h ir t s for s o ld ie rs , th e y we re s u re th a t m os t of th e s e g ift s n e ve r re a ch e d th e r igh t a dd re s s , bu t we re d ive rte d a n d s old in s te a d . Th e y s wore , for e xa m ple , th a t m a rke rs th e y th e m s e lve s h a d s e we d in we re oft e n fou n d on th in gs th e y la t e r bou gh t in th e ope n m a rke t . Th e a dole s ce n t b ro th e r cla im e d to be a m e m be r of th e Ca de t s . In fa ct , la rge pa rt s of th e m u n icipa l in te llige n t s ia d id be lon g to th a t orga n is a t ion wh ich wa s we ll s u pporte d by th e p re s s . Un s a t is fa ctory th ou gh Gorki's Nigh t - lodg in g h a d on ce s e e m e d to m e , wh e n it wa s pe rform e d h e re it s h owe d u p h u m a n m is e ry a n d s u ffe rin g , in th e ve ry m ids t of wh ich th e re wa s a ga in a n d a ga in a ra y of re n e we d h ope , of be lie f. Th a t , too , is pa rt of life , m ore th a n m os t of u s th in k. My la n d lord occa s ion a lly in vit e d m e to t e a . With th e g re a t libe ra l Mos cow pa pe r, Ru s koye S lovo, a lwa ys be fore h im , h e in va ria b ly re fe rre d to th e gove rn m e n t a s th os e ru lin g s cou n dre ls . In o th e r words , a m on g th e lowe r m idd le cla s s e s , too , on e h e a rd ve ry ou t s poke n re fe re n ce s to a n in s t itu t ion wh ich , wh ile re s t in g on a g re a t t ra d it ion , h a d tu rn e d in to s om e th in g th a t e ve rybody h a d be gu n to fin d re pu ls ive . Ou ts ide of m y work, th e s u bu rb of S h e dn ya offe re d m e ye t a n oth e r s o la ce : Goe th e . B. h a d a be a u t ifu l e d it ion of h is colle cte d works . Now I p icke d u p volu m e a ft e r volu m e . On ce a ga in , Poe m a n d t ru th a n d Wilh e lm Me is te r; th e n th e s cie n t ific e s s a ys , a n d e s pe cia lly th e Fa rbe n le h re . From m a n y of h is works I cop ie d e xce rp t s in a n o ilclo th -cove re d m e m o-book wh ich I la t e r re re a d fre qu e n t ly with g re a t e n joym e n t . Th e n ca m e a lon g lis t of Ba lza c's n ove ls , s in ce I h a d d is cove re d th a t , in orde r p rope rly to a pp re cia te th is m a n , on e ca n n ot re ly on s in g le works , bu t s im p ly m u s t re a d th e e n t ire Com é d ie Hu m a in e to fe e l th e wh ole
im pa ct of h is a ccom plis h m e n t . Ba lza c wrote m u ch cla p t ra p ; h e fre qu e n t ly h a d to work for b re a d , a n d s o oft e n con cocte d m u ch wh ich h is own be t t e r ju dge m e n t wou ld h a rd ly h a ve pa s s e d . Bu t Ba lza c wa s a de m on ia ca l a rt is t e qu a lle d by fe w oth e r n ove lis t s . Th e n ca m e Tols toy a n d Dos toye vs ki. Th e le t t e rs by th e a u th or of Wa r a n d pe a ce g re a t ly d is a ppoin te d m e . Wa s th is th e s a m e m a n ? Ha d n ot a n e n t ire ly d iffe re n t on e r is e n from h is in n e rm os t core to da m n Eu rope 's a rt a n d cu ltu re , ye s , e ve n it s work? An d , with a l, we re n ot h is th e s e s a lwa ys con fin e d to th e s a m e n a rrow circle of con s ta n t ly re pe a te d a rgu m e n ts ? S ou l- s h a kin g , on th e o th e r h a n d , wa s th e Broth e rs Ka ra m a zov, th a t powe rfu l de s crip t ion of th e Ru s s ia n p rovin ce s , ye s , a n d in m a n y in s ta n ce s of th e Ru s s ia n s ou l it s e lf. Wh e re s h ou ld on e s e cu re a n in s igh t in to th e s ou l of a n oth e r pe op le if n ot from a g re a t a n a lys e r of s ou ls ? Th u s I re a d with pa rt icu la r in te re s t th e Dia ry of a writ e r , wh ich g ive s a p re cis e a n a lys is of Dos toye vs ki's own polit ica l a n d s ocia l op in ion s . S t . Pe te rs bu rg a n d it s Ba lka n policy of th e da y, Ru s s ia 's m is s ion in Eu rope , Bis m a rck's policie s , th e life of th e Ru s s ia n in te llige n t s ia a n d th e Ru s s ia n pe a s a n t s . All th is ga ve a good p ictu re of th e a t t itu de of Dos toye vs ki wh o, de s p it e h is on e - s ide dn e s s , wa s on e of th e g ia n t s of h is pe op le . S ide by s ide with a ll th is we n t m u ch e ls e , s om e of it a ccide n ta l, s om e of it s e a rch e d ou t , s o th a t I m igh t be pe rm it t e d to s a y th a t n e ve r be fore h a d I be e n a s im m e rs e d in work a n d re a d in g a s in S h e dn ya n e a r Mos cow in 1 9 1 6 -1 7 .
At th is t im e th e Ru s s ia n Re volu t ion occu rre d . If I a t t e m p te d to g ive h e re a de s crip t ion of it s ca u s e s a n d th e force s in volve d , I 'd ru n th e r is k of in clu d in g kn owle dge wh ich I a cqu ire d on ly m u ch la te r th rou gh th e m e m oirs of Ru s s ia n s a n d En g lis h m e n (Bu ch a n a n , h is da u gh te r , a n d S ir S a m u e l Hoa re ) . Wh a t I kn e w a t th e t im e wa s p rim a rily th a t th e Cza ris t re g im e , du e to th e m a n y fa ilu re s of th e Ru s s ia n t roops , be ca m e e ve r m ore is o la te d . Th e re we re ru m ou rs th a t Ru s s ia n s o ld ie rs we re force d to a t t a ck with s t icks in s te a d of gu n s in th e ir h a n ds , th a t in th e Ca rpa th ia n Mou n ta in s th e y h a d be e n s e n t boot s with pa pe r s o le s , a n d s im ila r th in gs . Ru s s ia n in du s t ry wa s u n a b le to m e e t th e re qu ire m e n ts of th e g re a t wa r; t ra ffic be ca m e s n a rle d ; ge n u in e s u pport on th e pa rt of th e pe op le wa s la ckin g , in s p it e of th e p rote s ta t ion s of e ve n th e libe ra l- re volu t ion a ry pa rty th a t th e y we re re a dy to figh t th e wa r to a victoriou s e n d . Am on g th os e figh t in g a ga in s t Cza ris m th e Ca de t s we re th e on e s wh o wa n te d to s t a y in th e wa r a lon gs ide th e ir En te n te a llie s be ca u s e th e y fe a re d th a t , in th e fa ce of th e ge n e ra l s itu a t ion , a s e pa ra te pe a ce for Ru s s ia wou ld de p rive th e Re volu t ion of m os t of it s im pe tu s . In h is g re a t win te r s pe e ch of 1 9 1 6 th e ir le a de r, Milyu kov, ope n ly a t t a cke d th e s in is t e r force s a t cou rt , m e a n in g Ra s pu t in a n d th e a dvoca te s of a s e pa ra te pe a ce with Ge rm a n y. He wa s a n s we re d s t iffly bu t s h re wd ly by th e Con s e rva t ive , Ma rkov, wh o p re d icte d th e m os t t e rr ib le con s e qu e n ce s for Ru s s ia if a ch a n ge in th e t ra d it ion a l re g im e occu rre d . Milyu kov's ba n n e d s pe e ch wa s s e cre t ly p rin te d a n d d is t r ibu te d th rou gh ou t Ru s s ia , th ou gh it m u s t be a dm it t e d th a t Ma rkov's s pe e ch a ccom pa n ie d it . I wa s a b le to look ove r both of th e m in E. 's h ou s e . Th e orga n is a t ion for th e ir d is t r ibu t ion wa s ba s e d on th e e xis t in g loca l re lie f orga n is a t ion s . Gove rn m e n t officia ls we re u n a b le to m a s te r u n a ide d th e p rob le m s pos e d by th e wa r, s o th e Cza ris t re g im e , willy-n illy, h a d to de pe n d u pon h e lp from th e cou n t ry a t la rge a n d from loca l a dm in is t ra t ion s . Now th is g re a t ch a rit a b le orga n is a t ion , th rou gh it s le a de rs , be ca m e th e s pe a rh e a d of th e de m ocra t ic- re volu t ion a ry m ove m e n t . Th e ir p re s ide n t , Prin ce Lvov, in du e cou rs e be ca m e th e h e a d of th e firs t re volu t ion a ry gove rn m e n t . Mos cow it s e lf u n de rs core d it s be llige re n t a t t itu de by os te n ta t iou s ly h on ou rin g th e Brit is h Am ba s s a dor wh o, if m e m ory s e rve s m e corre ct ly, a t th is occa s ion re ce ive d th e fre e dom of th e city. In con t ra s t to th e a ppa re n t va cilla t ion in
S t . Pe te rs bu rg , Mos cow th u s t r ie d to p rove it s e lf th e re a l ca p it a l, th e t ru e h e a rt of Ru s s ia . I d id n ot witn e s s th e firs t da ys of th e s u cce s s fu l Ma rch u p ris in g . No dou b t , lon g -s u pp re s s e d pu b lic op in ion boile d ove r. S t ra n ge rs e m bra ce d a n d con gra tu la te d e a ch o th e r. Th e n e w gove rn m e n t is s u e d a n a ppe a l for n a t ion -wide u n ity. Bu t it s oon be ca m e a ppa re n t th a t , th ou gh th e y a ll we re oppon e n t s of th e ove rtu rn e d re g im e , th e y we re fa r a pa rt in th e ir polit ica l a n d s ocia l de m a n ds . Th e p rovis ion a l gove rn m e n t de cla re d th a t a Na t ion a l As s e m bly wou ld m a ke th e de cis ion re ga rd in g th e fu tu re fa te of th e cou n t ry. Th e va riou s pa rt ie s we re g ive n a fre e h a n d with th e ir p ropa ga n da . An d e ve n n ow th e firs t n e ws pa pe rs of th e oppos it ion be ga n to pu t in a n a ppe a ra n ce . With s om e d is m a y I re a d th e Forwa rdn e ws pa pe r. Th e vitu pe ra t ion s th e y in du lge d in m a de a lm os t a n yth in g like ly to h a ppe n , s in ce n o con s ide ra t ion wh a te ve r wa s g ive n to Ru s s ia 's a ctu a l pos it ion . With a l, th is pa pe r wa s m e re ly th e voice of th e S ocia l De m ocra t s , in o th e r words , n ot ye t th a t of Com m u n is m wh ich , in du e t im e , in it s orga n Pra vda , de m a n de d a ll powe r for th e g ra du a lly de ve lop in g Worke rs ' a n d S old ie rs ' Cou n cils . Bu t a bove e ve ryth in g - - pe a ce ! Th is be ca m e th e s loga n for m illion s , m u ch s t ron ge r in it s a ppe a l th a n a ll th e s pe e ch e s a bou t t re a ty ob liga t ion s , wa r u n t il victory, a n d s o on . La te r on I a ccide n ta lly ove rh e a rd a con ve rs a t ion be twe e n two Ru s s ia n office rs in a ra ilwa y ca r on th is top ic. Th e on e s a id re s ign e d ly: Wh a t do you wa n t? A s old ie r th in ks p rim it ive ly: wh a t good doe s m y n e wly won fre e dom do m e if I ca n 't e n joy it ? S o - - h om e a s qu ickly a s pos s ib le a n d m a ke s u re th a t m y fre e dom is n ' t t a ke n a wa y a ga in . . . . .
At th is t im e I be ga n to work for m y d ip lom a in e a rn e s t . In Riga a h illy p lo t of la n d h a d be e n s e t a s ide for a cre m a tory. Th is I wa s to t a ke a s th e p ropos e d t e rra in u pon wh ich to ba s e m y de s ign . Th e t e ch n ica l p re re qu is it e s we re qu ickly e n ou gh e s ta b lis h e d , a n d I we n t to work. It tu rn e d in to a ce n t ra l h a ll, with Rom a n e s qu e va u lt s a n d a la rge colon n a de , a s we ll a s a n a d jo in in g g ra ve ya rd . S o fa r a s th e a ctu a l con s t ru ct ion a n d work we re con ce rn e d , th is p rob le m wa s n ot a pa rt icu la rly d ifficu lt on e . Bu t wh o, in th e s e da ys , wa s a b le to th in k of a re a lly g re a t t a s k! Th u s m y work p roce e de d u n t il I h e a rd th a t Hilda wa s ill. S h e we n t to th e Crim e a to re cu pe ra te , a n d wrote m e from th e re . Th e a ir of S t . Pe te rs bu rg h a d be gu n to h a ve it s e ffe ct , a n d th e g rowin g s ca rcity of food h a d don e th e re s t . I de cide d to in te rru p t m y s tu d ie s a n d re s u m e th e m a ga in in th e fa ll. At th e e n d of th e s e m e s te r I we n t to th e Crim e a m ys e lf. Th e wa y le d th rou gh th e Ukra in e . En d le s s fie ld s , t re m e n dou s p la in s . You fe lt th e wh ole im m e n s ity of th e Ea s te rn la n d in you r own body, s o to s pe a k, a s you t ra ve lle d in to th is in fin ity.
From S im e is I wa tch e d th e wh ole polit ica l a n d m ilit a ry tu rm oil with g re a t in te re s t . I t be ca m e e ve r cle a re r th a t Ke re n s ki wou ld be u n a b le to ke e p th e a rou s e d s p ir it s in ch e ck m u ch lon ge r. Th e de s ire to re tu rn h om e h a d t a ke n h old of th e Ru s s ia n s o ld ie r; e n t ire d ivis ion s fe ll a pa rt a n d d is a ppe a re d . Th e re we re re port s of de s pe ra te a t t e m p ts to form a ce n t re of re s is t a n ce m a de u p e n t ire ly of office rs . Ce rta in ly, de s pe ra te s a crifice s we re be in g m a de . Bu t in va in . In va in , too , we re Ke re n s ki's s pe e ch e s ; e ve n h is ch a rge th a t th e s e s o ld ie rs we re , a ft e r a ll, n ot th e ba n n e r ca rrie rs of fre e dom bu t m e re ly m u t in ou s s la ve s , fa ile d to m a ke a n im pre s s ion . Ca m e a re port th a t Ge rm a n t roops h a d la n de d on Ös e l. Th e n e ve n I be ga n to dou b t th a t I cou ld s t a y in th e Crim e a a n y lon ge r. I we n t to th e com m a n da n t to ge t a la is s e z-pa s s e r for Re va l. To jo in m y fa m ily, I to ld th e office r . He re p lie d : I 'd like to go m ys e lf! In S t . Pe te rs bu rg , polit ica l t e n s ion , fre qu e n t
d ifficu lty in s e cu rin g food . Th e b re a d con ta in in g a g re a t de a l of s t ra w. In Re va l we live d a t firs t with ou r Au n t Lyd ia (we h a d be e n lon g s in ce force d to s e ll ou r o ld h ou s e ) , la t e r in th e e va cu a te d fu rn is h e d a pa rtm e n t of a de pa rte d Ru s s ia n e n g in e e r. Hilda 's h e a lth g re w wors e , th e doctor d ia gn os e d tu be rcu los is . To be d im m e d ia te ly, or e ls e you ca n orde r a coffin ! Th is wa s t e rr ib le ; a n e w worry th a t wa s n e ve r to e n d . Hilda la y in be d a n d wa s s poile d . I re a d to h e r, ke p t on workin g for m y d ip lom a , pa in te d p ictu re s a ft e r s tu d ie s I h a d m a de in S h e dn ya , or e ls e I we n t ba ck to th e o ld cou rtya rds a n d a t t ics of Re va l a n d d re w s u b je ct s we ll kn own to m e of o ld . In Ru s s ia , com m u n is m wa s victoriou s ove r th e a t t e m p t to cre a te a de m ocra t ic re pu b lic. I wou ld be lyin g if I we re to s a y th a t I u n de rs tood th e im m e n s e con s e qu e n ce s of th is occu rre n ce . On th e con t ra ry, I wa s of th e op in ion th a t in th e lon g ru n th e com bin e d t roops of th e Ru s s ia n ge n e ra ls wou ld e ve n tu a lly be victoriou s ove r th e u n orga n is e d Bols h e vik re g im e n ts . Bu t wh a t wa s la ckin g wa s a le a de r, a s loga n for th e fu tu re ; for th e re tu rn of th os e wh o h a d be e n ove rth rown , n obody wa n te d to figh t . An d Holy Ru s s ia , for wh om s o m a n y in th e s ou th s t ill d id figh t , wa s a s ym bol, to be s u re , bu t on e th a t in th e s e da ys of re volu t ion a ry u ph e a va l n o lon ge r ca rrie d e n ou gh we igh t . In Re va l th e re wa s s t ill com pa ra t ive qu ie t , bu t e ve rywh e re s o ld ie rs ' cou n cils u n de r th e dom in a t ion of s a ilors . All e xit s from th e city ba rre d ; in o th e r cit ie s th e s a m e . I le a rn e d th a t a fr ie n d h a d m a n a ge d to ge t to Ös e l by boa t from Ha ps a l. I we n t to th e s a ilors ' h e a dqu a rte rs a n d a s ke d for a la is s e z-pa s s e r to Ha ps a l. I wa s re fu s e d ; e ve n th e rou b le fa ile d . Le t m e a dd h e re th a t I d id n ot pu t too m u ch e n e rgy in to th is a t t e m p t , for wh a t wa s I to do with m y wife ? Th e re wa s s t ill h ope , a ft e r a ll, t h a t th e Ge rm a n s wou ld m a rch in to Es ton ia . Bu t th e ye a r pa s s e d a n d n oth in g h a ppe n e d .
Bu t I fa ce d wh a t wa s for m e a de cis ive ch a n ge . Th e work for m y d ip lom a wa s fin is h e d . Wa s I to b re a k off a lm os t s e ve n ye a rs of s tu dy with ou t a fin a l e xa m in a t ion , or wa s I to u n de rta ke a t r ip to Bols h e vik Mos cow in th e ba re h ope th a t I m igh t be g ra n te d , in th e m idd le of a s e m e s te r , th e p rivile ge of pa s s in g m y s ta te e xa m ? I de cide d in fa vou r of th e la t t e r . Tra in s we re s t ill m ore or le s s ru n n in g on s ch e du le , a n d I a rr ive d s a fe ly in Mos cow. Ma n y p rofe s s ors a n d fe llow s tu de n t s from Riga we re m is s in g ; th e y h a d be e n a t h om e wh e n th e Ge rm a n s m a rch e d in . Ne ve rth e le s s cla s s e s s t ill m e t , p rofe s s ors from Mos cow h a vin g re p la ce d th os e from Riga . Th e y we re be n e vole n t : th e e xa m wa s pa s s e d . Dire ct ly a ft e rwa rds I h a d a ve ry cord ia l con ve rs a t ion with Profe s s or Kle in . He a s ke d m e qu it e s u dde n ly: Wou ldn 't you like to s t a y on in Mos cow a s m y a s s is t a n t? Un de r d iffe re n t circu m s ta n ce s s u ch a n offe r wou ld h a ve e n ra p tu re d a n y you n g a rch it e ct . To be ca lle d , fre s h from th e e xa m a n d on th e s a m e da y, by th e e xa m in e r h im s e lf a n d offe re d a pos it ion a s a rch it e ct for ce n t ra l Ru s s ia - - n oth in g cou ld h a ve be e n m ore a u s p iciou s for a ca re e r. Bu t I d idn 't h e s it a t e for a m om e n t . I th a n ke d h im ve ry m u ch , bu t I s im p ly h a d to re tu rn to Re va l. I le ft th e s a m e e ve n in g . Abou t a fortn igh t la t e r Ge rm a n t roops m a rch e d in . Be fore th e n Re va l h a d s e e n da n ge rou s da ys . Th e Re va l S ovie t p ropos e d to figh t th e Ge rm a n s . Fe a r th a t a rm e d ba n ds m igh t rob th e ir h ou s e s p rom pte d th e Ba lt s a n d Es ton ia n s to orga n is e a s e cre t h om e gu a rd . Eve ry h ou s e from th e n on wa s gu a rde d by it s m a le in h a b it a n t s , e a ch ca rryin g a gu n . Th u s I m e t a ga in m y old t e a ch e r La ipm a n n wh o live d in th e s a m e h ou s e with u s . Grown old , bu t s t ill t h e fie ry Es ton ia n n a t ion a l re volu t ion a ry. On th e e ve of th e occu pa t ion th e re wa s a ru m ou r th a t th e s a ilors we re com in g u p from th e h a rbou r. We s tood a rou n d on th e s t re e t in g rou ps . Bu t th e th re a t pa s s e d . On a cle a r , co ld win te r m orn in g Ge rm a n s old ie rs m a rch e d th rou gh th e s u bu rb pa s t Cza r Pe te r 's m on u m e n t . Th e y we re Ha n n ove ria n ch a s s e u rs with th e Gib ra lt a r s t r ipe on th e ir s le e ve s . On b icycle s . Wh e re ros e s s u dde n ly ca m e from wa s a r idd le ; in a n y
ca s e , th e Ge rm a n ch a s s e u rs we re s h owe re d with th e m a n d we lcom e d with t e a r- fille d e ye s a s s a viou rs of a city in d ire d is t re s s . I s h ook h a n ds with m a n y of th e m a n d a s ke d qu e s t ion s . Th e com m a n d in g ge n e ra l, von S e cke n dorff, re vie we d th e pa ra de . A n e w re g im e be ga n in o ld Re va l. Bu t I h a d on ly on e th ou gh t : if I h a d m a de th e re s olu t ion to go to Mos cow on ly twe n ty da ys la t e r th a n I d id , I wou ld h a ve be e n s tu ck in S ovie t Ru s s ia , wou ld h a ve be e n s u n k fore ve r . . . . .
Afte r a wh ile I we n t to th e com m a n da n t to a s k wh e th e r th e y wou ld a cce p t m e a s a volu n te e r. I wa s tu rn e d down - - a ft e r a ll, t h is wa s occu p ie d t e rr itory. Cou ld I g ive a n y re fe re n ce s in Ge rm a n y? No? In th a t ca s e it cou ldn 't be don e . Th u s m y h om e life we n t on a t it s o ld pa ce . I wa s re s t le s s . To be s u re , I d id m e e t s om e office rs a t th e h om e of a la dy wh o live d in th e s a m e h ou s e , a n d with th e m I wa s a b le to d is cu s s m a n y p rob le m s , bu t a ll th is cou ld n ot s a t is fy m e . Wh e n th e Ge rm a n s ch ools we re ope n e d I a pp lie d a t th re e of th e m for a pos it ion a s a rt t e a ch e r. As a n a rch it e ct I e n te re d on ly on e com pe t it ion . A fu rn itu re com pa n y, we ll kn own for it s s pe cia lit ie s , h a d s t a rt e d a p rize con te s t for a s e t of livin g room fu rn itu re . S in ce I h a d n oth in g to do a n ywa y I m a de two s ke tch e s a n d s u bm it t e d th e m , with th e re s u lt th a t n o firs t p rize bu t two s e con d p rize s we re g ive n , both of th e m to m e . Th e re wa s a ls o a n a rt e xh ib it ion to wh ich I con t ribu te d d ra win gs from old Re va l, a lm os t a ll of wh ich we re s o ld . Th u s I e a rn e d a lit t le m on e y, th e on e a n d on ly t im e th a t m y a rt is t ic a ct ivit ie s b rou gh t in s om e ca s h . In th e m e a n t im e m y s ick wife h a d s e cu re d pe rm is s ion to go to Ba de n we ile r for t re a tm e n ts . I t a u gh t ra th e r u n willin g you n gs te rs th e a rt of d ra win g a n d we n t to t e a ch e rs ' con fe re n ce s , wh ile in th e ou t s ide world th e Ge rm a n fa te took it s cou rs e with ou t ou r e ve n be in g a wa re of th e m os t de cis ive ch a n ge s .
Wh e n I m e n t ion e d s om e t im e a go th a t for on e of m y te a ch e rs , a s for s o m a n y Ba lt s , We im a r wa s wh a t Ath e n s h a d on ce be e n for We im a r, I m e re ly pa ra ph ra s e d th e p rim a rily cu ltu ra l fe e lin g with wh ich a ll of u s we re im bu e d . We h on ou re d o ld Pru s s ia a n d Bis m a rck's e d ifice , a n d wa tch e d th e r is e of th e Re ich ; bu t s in ce th e Ba lt s cou ld n ot a ct ive ly pa rt icipa te in it , we con ce n t ra te d la rge ly on th e p s ych olog ica l va lu e s of th e a rt s a n d s cie n ce s . Afte r a ll, t h e Re ich wa s th e b ir th p la ce of Ge rm a n cu ltu re in it s e n t ire ty, a n d looke d , a s e ve ryth in g g re a t doe s from a d is t a n ce , s t ill g re a te r in it s pe rs on a lit ie s a n d e ffe ct s . Now th e Re ich wa s e m broile d in th e m os t de s pe ra te ba t t le s a n d cris e s . I wa n te d to go th e re , ju s t th e n , a ft e r m y re je ct ion by th e a rm y, in orde r a t le a s t to s h a re Ge rm a n y's fa te ; I d id n ot wa n t to s t a n d a n y lon ge r be twe e n th e fron t s . Ca m e th e con d it ion s for a t ru ce th a t th re w m e in to de s pa ir . Ca m e th e re volu t ion , th e cra s h of a n o ld h ou s e , th e r is e of m os t s in is t e r figu re s . In th e a rm y of occu pa t ion lit t le of a ll th e s e ch a n ge s wa s ou twa rd ly n ot ice a b le . Ru m ou rs m a de th e rou n ds . It be ca m e e ve r m ore cle a r to u s th a t , a ll p ro te s ta t ion s to th e con t ra ry, th e Ge rm a n a rm y wa s ge t t in g re a dy to re tu rn h om e . I wa s s t ill u n de cide d a s to wh a t I s h ou ld do . An e m pt ie d s pa ce in d ica te d th e pos s ib le fou n da t ion of a n in de pe n de n t s t a t e of Es ton ia of u n p re d icta b le s h a pe , pos s ib le with th e S ovie t s , or e ls e a n im m e d ia te a t t a ck by th e Bols h e viks on Es ton ia . I d id n ot in te n d to ca rry on m y fu tu re life be twe e n th e fron t s , p roba b ly a lt e rn a te ly Es ton ia n a n d Ru s s ia n . I wa n te d to go to th e Re ich . Now n o h om e la n d wa s h old in g m e
a n y lon ge r, s in ce it wou ld s oon be in a lie n h a n ds a n ywa y. I d rove to th e com m a n da n t a n d be gge d th e office r of th e da y for a t ra ve l pe rm it to Ge rm a n y. He a s ke d m e wh e th e r I h a d e ve r worke d for th e Ge rm a n s a n d m igh t th e re fore e xpe ct t rou b le a ft e r th e Ge rm a n t roops le ft . I m e n t ion e d m y p rofe s s ion . It looks s a d in Ge rm a n y, too , h e re m a rke d , bu t h e d id is s u e th e pe rm it . Th e n h e s e n t for th e re p re s e n ta t ive of th e S old ie rs ' Cou n cil. Th e m a n ca m e , s tood a t a t t e n t ion , a g re e d with th e office r , a n d I wa s to ld th a t if I wa n te d to ge t a wa y I 'd h a ve to le a ve th a t s a m e e ve n in g with th e m ilit a ry t ra n s port from th is or th a t s t a t ion a t e le ve n o 'clock s h a rp . Th is wa s on Nove m be r 3 0 , 1 9 1 8 . On ce I h a d p ictu re d a t r ip in to Ge rm a n y s om e wh a t d iffe re n t ly - - a s a jou rn e y in to a g re a t cou n t ry fu ll of e n e rgy, fu ll of a m b it iou s , s t r ivin g m e n ; a cou n t ry of a rt a n d s cie n ce a n d th e will to live . Now I jou rn e ye d in to a b roke n life , in to th e m os t t e rr ib le con flict be twe e n pa rt ie s in th e fa ce of a cru e l polit ica l fa t e d icta te d from a b roa d . An d ye t , e xa ct ly a t th is h ou r th e re wa s s om e th in g I wa n te d to fin d . From a p ra ct ica l s t a n dpoin t I h a d pu t m y s ta ke on ze ro; bu t a t le a s t I h a d m a de a de cis ion in a t im e th a t wa s g rowin g e ve r m ore ch a ot ic. On ce a ga in th a t m ys te riou s s om e th in g ca lle d fre e will h a d e n te re d th e p ictu re . Wh a t if I h a dn 't ca s u a lly ove rh e a rd th e re m a rk of a colle a gu e a bou t th e s e t ra ve l pe rm it s ? If I h a d s a t a t a n oth e r t a b le ? Wou ld I s t ill h a ve gon e to th e Ge rm a n com m a n da n t? Th a t , of cou rs e , is d ifficu lt to s a y, e ve n th ou gh I h a d con s ide re d goin g to Ge rm a n y for a lon g t im e . An d , a ft e r a ll, o th e rs h a d h e a rd th e s e ide n t ica l words , too , with ou t be in g a ffe cte d by th e m in th e s a m e wa y. Th u s th e re a l de cis ion in th e m ids t of a ll kin ds of ca u s a t ive m e ch a n ics h a d to be m in e a lon e . Th e t ra in le ft Re va l. Be h in d m e Ru s s ia fe ll a wa y with a ll h e r m e m orie s , with a ll h e r u n p re d icta b le fu tu re ; be h in d m e m y s tu de n t da ys in Riga fe ll a wa y, a n d th e ca m a ra de rie of th e Pu lve rtu rm (powde r towe r) ; be h in d m e fe ll a wa y th e city of m y you th with h e r towe rs a n d o ld s t re e t s a n d a ll th e m e n with wh om I h a d on ce live d th e re . I le ft m y h om e la n d be h in d m e in orde r to ga in a fa th e rla n d for m ys e lf. I t took u s s e ve ra l da ys to re a ch Be rlin . S t ra n ge h ow e m pty m e m ory ca n be s om e t im e s , in s p it e of a ll a t t e m p ts to re m e m be r ce rt a in de ta ils . I ca n re ca ll n o s pe cific e p is ode of th e t r ip , n o con ve rs a t ion . Th e la n ds ca pe pa s s e d by s lowly, th e da ys we re g re y a n d cold , th e th ou gh ts clu n g to th e pa s t a n d we re bu s y with th e fu tu re . We m e re ly s a w to it th a t ou r s tove wa s p rovide d with coa l; e ve n th e o ld pa s tor d idn 't con s ide r it th e ft wh e n we re p le n is h e d ou r s u pp lie s occa s ion a lly from th e p ile s a lon g th e ra ilroa d s t a t ion . How we a te I don 't qu it e re m e m be r e ith e r. On ly th is m u ch I re m e m be r: th a t ou r e n t ra n ce in to Be rlin wa s s a d , th a t th e h ou s e s looke d twice a s g re y, a n d th a t a t th e e n t ra n ce to ou r h ote l re volu t ion a ry pa m ph le t s we re im m e d ia te ly p re s s e d in to ou r h a n ds . An d th e n I s t ill h a d t im e to e xpe rie n ce th e m os t m ovin g in te rlu de of th e s e da ys : th e re tu rn of th e Ge rm a n t roops a lon g Un te r de n Lin de n . I h a d lit t le d ifficu lty fin d in g room to s t a n d a t th e cros s in g of Frie d rich s t ra ß e a n d Un te r de n Lin de n . Th e y ca m e , s low a n d s e riou s . With froze n fe a tu re s th e s o ld ie rs s a t on th e ir gu n ca rria ge s . From a lm os t a ll th e ba lcon ie s a n d win dows wom e n a n d ch ild re n we re wa vin g wh ite h a n dke rch ie fs . A fe w a lm os t in a u d ib le s h ou t s of we lcom e - - a ll of th e m kn e w wh a t a n e n t ra n ce like th is m e a n t . At th a t m om e n t th e g re a t s orrow of th e Ge rm a n pe op le ca m e u pon m e . Th is is a p ictu re I h a ve n e ve r forgot t e n . La te r I h e a rd th a t a wh ile be fore Ebe rt a n d S ch e ide m a n n h a d t a lke d to th e s o ld ie rs on Pa ris e r Pla tz. We ba ck th e re cou ldn 't h e a r a n yth in g s in ce lou ds pe a ke rs we re n ot ye t in u s e a t th a t t im e . Ye a rs a ft e rwa rd we h e a rd th a t th e corps of Ge n e ra l Le qu is h a d be e n s t a n d in g re a dy n e a r Be rlin wa it in g for a n orde r to ove rth row th e n e w gove rn m e n t . Bu t th e orde r n e ve r ca m e . Nor wa s th a t a n a ccide n t - - th e re s im p ly wa s n 't a n ybody le ft wh o cou ld h a ve g ive n orde rs . Th u s I ca m e to th e Re ich . Orig in a lly a m a n com ple te ly de vote d to a rt , ph ilos oph y a n d h is tory, wh o n e ve r d re a m e d of ge t t in g m ixe d u p with polit ics . Bu t I h a d obs e rve d th e p re s e n t , a n d th a t too wou ld be h is tory s om e t im e . I h a d s e e n m a n y force s pu s h in g to th e fore , a n d in Ru s s ia h a d wa tch e d th e cou rs e
of a re volu t ion wh ich , in m y op in ion , re p re s e n te d a t e rr ib le da n ge r to Ge rm a n y if, on top of a ll th is t re m e n dou s s orrow, it e ve r h it th e de lica te s t ru ctu re of h e r in du s t ry, com m e rce , a n d popu la t ion . S o life pu lle d m e , a n d I fo llowe d . I s a w m ys e lf a m ids t th e in te rp la y of force s with a ll th e ir con fu s in g a s pe ct s . Th is wa s m y jou rn e y to Ge rm a n y in th e da rklin g Nove m be r of 1 9 1 8 .
Early history of the Party
I h a d b ro u g h t a lo n g m y g o o d p a in t b o x fro m Re v a l. I n m y b o a rd in g
h o u s e I n o w p a in te d fro m m e m o ry th e e n la rg e d s ke tc h e s I h a d m a d e a t
S h e d n y a . N o t w ith o u t s o m e n a ï v e té I th o u g h t th a t th e y m ig h t fin d fa v o u r in
s p it e o f th e w o rrie s o f th e d a y . I t o o k th e m to a b o o k- s h o p o n Od e o n s p la tz , b u t
th e y w e re re je c te d a ft e r a m e re c u rs o ry e x a m in a t io n : th e y h a d a ll th e y w a n te d
o f th a t s o rt o f s tu ff. W ith m y a rt ic le o n Fo rm a n d Fo rm in g in m y p o c ke t , I
fre q u e n t ly lo it e re d a ro u n d th e e n tra n c e to th e p u b lis h in g h o u s e Ca llw e y , e v e n
th o u g h I re a lly w a n te d to th in k it a ll o u t fo r m y s e lf b e fo re p u t t in g it u p fo r
d is c u s s io n a n d p e rm it t in g it t o b e ta lke d a b o u t to s h re d s . I n o rd e r to fa m ilia ris e
m y s e lf w ith th e g e n e ra l t re n d o f th o s e d a y s , I a t t e n d e d a m e e t in g o f
re v o lu t io n a ry a rt is t s h e ld a t th e Ge rm a n Th e a tre . On th e s ta g e , a ta b le fo r th e
c o m m it te e . Th e m a in s p e e c h w a s m a d e b y s o m e o n e c a lle d S tü c kg o ld , I n th in k .
He p ra is e d th e t im e s w h ic h , h e s a id , w e re e v e n th e n lib e ra t in g th e a rt s , a n d
g iv in g th e c re a t iv e a rt is t h is c h a n c e . Bu t , th e n , h a d n 't Mu n ic h a lw a y s b e e n th e
s p o t w h e re , a rt is t ic a lly s p e a kin g , a lm o s t a n y th in g w a s p e rm it t e d a n y w a y ? He re
th e Art N o u v e a u h a d b e e n b o rn , a s w e ll a s th e lit e ra ry c a b a re t , th e
S im p liz is s im u s , a n d W e d e kin d 's Th e s e v e n e x e c u t io n e rs lit e ra ry c a b a re t . Th o s e
w h o w e re m e e t in g h e re w e re o b v io u s ly th e a rt is t ic a lly s h o rt - c h a n g e d w h o
h o p e d to s e c u re fa m e a n d fo rtu n e b y rid in g a n e w w a v e . Du rin g th e s p e e c h
Ku rt Eis n e r a p p e a re d o n th e s ta g e , w a s g re e te d a s He rr Min is t e rp rä s id e n t ,
a n d to o k h is s e a t a t th e ta b le . Th a t 's th e o n ly t im e I s a w h im .
Ku rt Eis n e r
W ith s h a g g y g re y h a ir a n d b e a rd , h is p in c e - n e z a s ke w . W h a t h is re a l n a m e w a s
h a s n e v e r b e e n e s ta b lis h e d . He h a d b e e n a c o n trib u to r to th e
Fo rw a rd m a g a z in e . As m e m b e rs o f th e o p p o s it io n la t e r to ld th e s to ry , th e e n t ire
e d ito ria l s ta ff h a d g o n e in to c o n v u ls io n s w h e n th e y h e a rd th a t th is m a n , o f a ll
p e o p le , h a d b e c o m e Prim e Min is t e r o f Ba v a ria . N o w h e p ra is e d in te rn a t io n a l
Ma rx is m a n d th e g re a t p a trio t Cle m e n c e a u . Of th e o th e r s p e e c h e s I re m e m b e r
n o th in g ; th e y w e re o n th e s a m e s p iritu a l le v e l a s th e a b o v e . Afte rn o o n s I
u s u a lly to o k a w a lk th o u g h th e s t re e t s . On s u c h o c c a s io n s I s tu d ie d th e
a d v e rt is in g p illa rs to s e e w h a t w a s p la y in g a t th e v a rio u s th e a tre s a n d to ke e p
p o s te d o n o th e r e v e n t s . Th e n o n e d a y I u n e x p e c te d ly re a d : Da n c e s . Ed ith v o n
S c h re n c k . Mis s v o n S c h re n c k h a d w o rke d w ith m y w ife in S t . Pe te rs b u rg . Tru e ,
I h a d n e v e r m e t h e r p e rs o n a lly , b u t I w a n te d to s p e a k to h e r, a n y w a y , if fo r n o
o th e r re a s o n th a n to b e a b le to w rit e a b o u t it t o m y w ife , w h o h a p p e n e d to b e
in Aro s a a t th e t im e . I n th e c o u rs e o f o u r c o n v e rs a t io n , I t o ld Mis s v o n
S c h re n c k a b o u t m y t rip a n d a b o u t m y in te n t io n to w rit e s o m e th in g o n
Bo ls h e v is m a n d th e Je w is h q u e s t io n . S h e to ld m e s h e kn e w a n a u th o r w h o
s h a re d m y b e lie fs a n d w h o p u b lis h e d a m a g a z in e d e v o te d to th e d is c u s s io n o f
s u c h p ro b le m s : Die tric h Ec ka rt . Th e fo llo w in g d a y I c a lle d o n h im . Th is w a s th e
firs t fa t e fu l c o n ta c t I m a d e in Mu n ic h , Fro m b e h in d a d e s k c o v e re d w ith p a p e rs
ro s e a ta ll f ig u re . A s h a v e d h e a d , a h ig h , lin e d fo re h e a d , d a rk- rim m e d g la s s e s
s h ie ld in g b lu e e y e s . Th e n o s e s lig h t ly c u rv e d , s o m e w h a t to o s h o rt a n d fle s h y . A
fu ll m o u th , a b ro a d , ra th e r b ru ta l c h in . Afte r a b rie f s a rc a s t ic re m a rk a b o u t Mis s
v o n S c h re n c k , w h o m Ec ka rt h a d m e t a t th e s a n a to riu m o f h is b ro th e r- in - la w in
Th u rin g ia , h e lis t e n e d to m e a t t e n t iv e ly . Ye s , h e c o u ld u s e c o n trib u to rs like m e .
He re w a s th e firs t n u m b e r o f h is m a g a z in e , Au f Gu t De u t s c h , ( I n P la in
Ge rm a n ) . I g a v e h im a fe w a rt ic le s o n m y o b s e rv a t io n s in Ru s s ia . N e x t d a y
Ec ka rt c a lle d m e . He like d m y s tu ff a n d w a n te d m e to c o m e o v e r im m e d ia te ly .
He re c e iv e d m e v e ry c o rd ia lly , a n d to g e th e r w e w a lke d to th e re s ta u ra n t Alt
W ie n o n Ba y re rs tra ß e . On th e w a y w e ta lke d o f m a n y th in g s . I t o ld h im a b o u t
m y a rt is t ic in te re s t s , a n d s u d d e n ly v e e re d o ff in to a d is c u s s io n o f th e Go th ic
p e rio d . He s to p p e d , lis t e n e d c a re fu lly , a n d th e n b e g a n to s p e a k a b o u t h is o w n
p h ilo s o p h ic a l o p in io n s . Th u s th e firs t c o n ta c t w a s e s ta b lis h e d . Me re ly b e c a u s e
o f th e p e rs o n a l im p re s s io n I h a d m a d e , Ec ka rt a c c e p te d m e w h o le h e a rte d ly ,
in tro d u c e d m e to h is frie n d s , a n d o ffe re d m e , a s t ra n g e r in d ire n e e d , a n
o p p o rtu n ity to w o rk a n d , y e s , e v e n to liv e . Ec ka rt h a d a c h e q u e re d p a s t .
S tu d y in g m e d ic in e , re p o rt in g fo r th e Fe s t s p ie le a t Ba y re u th , g o in g h u n g ry in
Be rlin , w rit in g c o m e d ie s a n d d ra m a s w h ic h w e re a c tu a lly p e rfo rm e d . His lo v e
o f Pe e r Gy n t , a n d th e in a d e q u a c ie s o f e x is t in g in te rp re ta t io n s a n d t ra n s la t io n s ,
e n c o u ra g e d h im to d o a n e x c e lle n t p o e t ic t ra n s la t io n o f h is o w n w h ic h h a d
b e g u n to a p p e a r o n m a n y s ta g e s , b rin g in g in ro y a lt ie s th a t h e lp e d a lla y s o m e
o f h is e a rly fin a n c ia l w o rrie s . Ec ka rt s a w in Pe e r Gy n t n o t a N o rw e g ia n
a d v e n tu re r, b u t ra th e r a s y m b o l o f e a rth - b o u n d m a n a t t e m p t in g to s h e d h is
fe t t e rs . Ed u c a te d o n Go e th e a n d S c h o p e n h a u e r, Ec ka rt h a d e n te re d p u b lic life
a s a p o e t . He d id n o t s e e th e e n t ire c irc u m fe re n c e o f th e g re a t p ro b le m s , b u t h e
d id g ra s p c e rta in d e ta ils w ith a m a z in g p e rs p ic a c ity . Du rin g th e Firs t W o rld W a r
h e h a d o b s e rv e d d e v e lo p m e n ts , p a rt ic u la rly th e p ro fit e e rin g th a t a t e in to th e
v e ry s u b s ta n c e o f life , w ith n o p o w e r s t ro n g e n o u g h to c o n q u e r it o r e v e n to
d a m it u p . An d o n to p o f th is , a w o rld o f d iffe re n t p a rt ie s w h ic h , in th e fa c e o f
a n e v e r h a rs h e r fa te , t a lke d th e m s e lv e s e v e r fa rth e r a p a rt in s t e a d o f u n it in g in
a c lo s e d fro n t . Th u s h e d e c id e d to s p e a k u p fo r e v e ry th in g h e re c o g n is e d a s
t ru e re g a rd le s s o f p u b lic o p in io n a n d p a rty p la t fo rm s . On e n ig h t h e w o ke h is
w ife to t e ll h e r th a t h e w o u ld fo u n d a m a g a z in e : I 'll c a ll it Au f Gu t De u t s c h , h e
d e c la re d , a n d it w ill s p e a k o p e n ly a n d fra n kly . His firs t a rt ic le w a s e n t it le d Me n ,
a n d w a s a d d re s s e d to a ll w h o s e h o n e s t c o n v ic t io n s w e re s im ila r to h is . At h is
o w n e x p e n s e h e m a ile d o u t 2 5 ,0 0 0 c o p ie s , a n d w a it e d fo r a n e c h o . Th a t w a s a ll
h e w a n te d . Th e re w e re n 't m a n y re s p o n s e s , a s h e a d m it t e d in th e s e c o n d is s u e ,
b u t s o m e s y m p a th e t ic p e rs o n s , t o u c h e d b y h is fra n kn e s s , d id w rit e . Ev e n a
lit t le m o n e y to h e lp c o v e r p rin t in g c o s t s c a m e in .
From h om e I re ce ive d ra th e r d is qu ie t in g n e ws . In th e be g in n in g th e Bols h e vis t s h a d de cla re d th a t e ve ry on e of th e pe op le s of Ru s s ia wou ld h a ve th e r igh t to com ple te s e lf-de te rm in a t ion , in clu d in g th e r igh t of s e pa ra t ion . Th e Ba lt ic s t a t e s h a d be e n form e d . Th ou gh s t ill in s e cu re it s e lf, th e S ovie t Un ion n ow a t t e m p te d to a bs orb th e m . Th e pe op le fou gh t a ga in s t th a t ; th e Fin n s h a d s e n t s om e t roops to h e lp Es ton ia , a n d Ge rm a n y, too , h a d orga n is e d a Ba lt ic re g im e n t . Now th e qu e s t ion a ros e a s to wh e th e r I s h ou ld re tu rn . I wrote th e Ba lt ic Com m it te e in Be rlin de s crib in g m y s itu a t ion a n d m e n t ion in g th e fa ct th a t I h a d to t a ke ca re of a s ick wife . I re ce ive d a re p ly th a t I wou ld n ot be n e e de d .
In Mu n ich a com m it te e h a d be e n fou n de d to h e lp Ge rm a n e m ig ré s . Th u s I got a fre e room with a re t ire d a rm y doctor. He a n d h is wife h a rbou re d m e m os t a m ia b ly for s om e t im e , a n d I h a ve a lwa ys re m e m be re d th e m g ra te fu lly.
Ta kin g a lon g m y own s poon , I n ow we n t da ily to th e s ou p kit ch e n . On th e corn e r of Th e re s ie n s t ra ß e a n d a cros s s t re e t to Ka u ffin ge rs t ra ß e m a n y s te pch ild re n of fa te s a t qu ie t ly, s h ou lde r to s h ou lde r, e a t in g ca bba ge s ou p with du m plin gs . Th is h e lpe d s t re tch m y m e a n s , Occa s ion a lly Die t r ich Ecka rt pa id for m y a rt icle s , bu t n ot e n ou gh to s a fe gu a rd m e for a n y le n g th of t im e . Th a t wa s th e s itu a t ion s h ort ly a ft e r I m e t Ecka rt . At a bou t th e s a m e t im e a m a n a ppe a re d on ou r h orizon wh o la te r a cqu ire d s om e in flu e n ce , th e e n g in e e r, Got t fr ie d Fe de r. He m a in ta in e d th a t th e g re a t e con om ic cris e s we re e n t ire ly du e to wh a t h e t e rm e d in te re s t s la ve ry in to wh ich e ve ry n a t ion in th e world h a d g ra du a lly fa lle n be ca u s e of m ob ile loa n a n d fin a n ce ca p it a l. He m a de a cle a r d is t in ct ion be twe e n th a t a n d th e e a rth -bou n d in du s t r ia l ca p it a l wh os e p rote ct ion , h e s a id , wa s de fin it e ly on e of th e t a s ks of th e s t a te . How cou ld m on e y m u lt ip ly it s e lf? How cou ld ca p it a l in cre a s e with ou t workin g , m e re ly th rou gh th e e n d le s s a ccru in g of in te re s t s ? To s a ve , ye s , th a t wa s th e re s u lt of work. Bu t cou pon -clipp in g , n o! He n ce , g ra du a l re orga n is a t ion , a n d th e e ve n tu a l e n d of in te re s t s la ve ry a n d th e e n t ire s ys te m of in te re s t e con om y. In th e s e u n s e t t le d t im e s s u ch a n ide a in t r igu e d a g re a t m a n y pe op le . S om e of h is th e orie s we re in du b ita b ly corre ct , a n d in figh t in g u s u ry we h a d , a ft e r a ll, n o in te n t ion
of doin g a wa y with a n a t ion a l in du s t ry. Ecka rt took th e m u p with e n th u s ia s m a n d p rocla im e d th e ide a of gove rn m e n t con t ro l of th e e n t ire cre d it s ys te m , s a yin g if a n ybody p rote s te d th a t th is wou ld ca u s e th e colla ps e of th e e n t ire world , we ll, th e n le t th is world colla ps e . Fe de r h im s e lf s poke a t m a n y m e e t in gs of a n orga n is a t ion , fou n de d by h im to a bolis h in te re s t s la ve ry, a n d la te r m a de con ta ct with th e g rowin g Na t ion a l S ocia lis t Ge rm a n Worke rs ' Pa rty. Like m a n y oth e rs wh o con ce n t ra te on a m e re s ym ptom of th e to ta lity of e ve n t s , Fe de r 's de ve lopm e n t wa s ra th e r like th a t of a s e cta ria n wh o con s ide rs h im s e lf th e ve ry h u b of th in gs . In la t e r ye a rs h is u n fortu n a te con ce it got qu it e ou t of h a n d , in a s m u ch a s h e ca m e to be lie ve h is p rog ra m wa s th e ve ry core of Na t ion a l S ocia lis m . Th is con vict ion we n t h a n d in h a n d with a n u n p le a s a n t t e n de n cy to m a ke a good th in g ou t of it by n ot on ly a s kin g la rge fe e s for h is s pe e ch e s , bu t by in s is t in g u pon pa ym e n t in a dva n ce , s om e th in g wh ich th e e m ba t t le d a n d fre qu e n t ly b roke Na t ion a l S ocia lis t Ge rm a n Worke rs ' Pa rty con s ide re d , to s a y th e le a s t , s om e wh a t s t ra n ge , a n d wh ich g ra du a lly los t h im a ll s ym pa th y.
Bu t Fe de r 's ide a s tu rn e d ou t to be n ot e n t ire ly orig in a l wh e n s om e on e p rodu ce d a copy of Th e odor Frit s ch 's Ha m m e r, a m a ga zin e con ta in in g ve rba t im , a n d a s e a rly a s 1 9 1 7 , m u ch of wh a t Fe de r la t e r p rom u lga te d , with ou t both e rin g to m e n t ion h is s ou rce . In a n y ca s e , th e s e th ou gh ts we re s t im u la t in g e n ou gh to ca u s e th e e xa m in a t ion of qu it e a fe w oth e r th e orie s , e ve n th ou gh , in p ra ct is e , n o cle a r d iffe re n t ia t ion cou ld be m a de be twe e n th e va riou s ca p it a lis t ic s ys te m s . S t ill, t h e re we re t a n g ib le va lu e s in s e pa ra b ly bou n d u p with th e pe op le a n d th e s o il, a n d o th e rs th a t we re m u ch m ore m ob ile . Th a t gove rn m e n t s u pe rvis ion of th e la t t e r wa s n e ce s s a ry s e e m e d obviou s to m a n y of u s . Th e s e t a lks s pu rre d Ecka rt on to pu b lic a ct ion of h is own . He pu b lis h e d a le a fle t , To a ll worke rs , in wh ich h e ca lle d th e m to a rm s a ga in s t u s u ry, a n d wh ich h e s ign e d with h is fu ll n a m e a n d a dd re s s . He p rin te d qu it e a la rge e d it ion , a n d h ire d two t a xica bs from wh ich we s ca t t e re d th e m on th e s t re e t s of Mu n ich . S in ce m a n y s u ch pa m ph le t s we re p rin te d a n d d is t r ibu te d in th e s e da ys of re volu t ion a ry fe rm e n ta t ion , Ecka rt a t firs t h a d n o d ifficu lt ie s . In fa ct , wh e n h e wa s a bou t to be a rre s te d du rin g th e Rä te re pu b lik ( th e s h ort - live d Com m u n is t re g im e in Mu n ich ) , a n d p la ce d a m on g th e h os ta ge s , th is pa m ph le t m a y ve ry we ll h a ve s a ve d h is life , for h is own ja n itor a n d th e m e n wh o ca m e to a rre s t h im de cla re d with on e a ccord th a t th e a u th or of s u ch a le a fle t cou ld n ot pos s ib ly by a re a ct ion a ry. He we n t fre e .
On e da y I wa s com in g down th e s t a irs in Kü h n 's boa rd in g -h ou s e , ca rryin g S ch la g in we it 's h u ge tom e on In d ia u n de r m y a rm . S e ve ra l pe op le s u dde n ly ca m e ru s h in g in , s h rie kin g th a t Eis n e r h a d be e n m u rde re d . Th e y s a w m e on th e s t a irs , obviou s ly took m e for a re a ct ion a ry s tu de n t , a n d force d m e to fo llow th e m ba ck to m y lodg in gs . Th e re m y n e igh bou r, wh om on e of th e m kn e w, ope n e d th e door. Wh o wa s I? Wh y, s om e on e wh o qu ie t ly worke d for h im s e lf a ll da y. We ll, in th a t ca s e e ve ryth in g wa s a ll r igh t . Th e m e n le ft with ou t s e a rch in g m y room . If th e y h a d fou n d m y te m pora ry ide n t ifica t ion pa pe rs - - th e Ge rm a n t ra n s la t ion of a Ru s s ia n pa s s port - - th e y wou ld p roba b ly h a ve con s ide re d m e a Wh ite -Ru s s ia n im m ig ra n t , a n d wh a t m igh t h a ve h a ppe n e d to m e in th is h ou r of ge n e ra l e xcit e m e n t is n ot d ifficu lt to im a g in e . Du rin g th e a ft e rn oon a u tom ob ile s ca rryin g a rm e d m e n ru s h e d th rou gh th e s t re e t s . Re ve n ge for Eis n e r! Ma t te rs n ow be ga n to com e to a h e a d in Mu n ich , a ft e r th e firs t Com m u n is t ic
u pris in g h a d be e n qu e lle d in Be rlin a t Ch ris tm a s t im e . On e da y we in Mu n ich woke to fin d ou rs e lve s in th e m ids t of a Re d re pu b lic. Th e g re a t ra d ica l Ma rxis t u n de rta kin g th a t h a d be e n s u cce s s fu l in Ru s s ia wa s n ow to be re pe a te d h e re , n o m a t te r a t wh a t cos t . I t wa s a be a u t ifu l, cool da y. Eve rywh e re on th e s t re e t s of Mu n ich we re e n ra ge d g rou ps , a m on g th e m m e n wh o h a d n e ve r be fore be e n vis ib le in th e ce n t re of th e city. It wa s towa rd e ve n in g . I jo in e d in th e d is cu s s ion of a g rou p of m e n n e a r th e Ma rie n p la tz, de cla rin g th a t it wa s s h e e r in s a n ity to b rin g Bols h e vis m to Ge rm a n y. It s vict im s in Ru s s ia it s e lf we re a lre a dy n u m e rou s e n ou gh . Th e e xcit e m e n t a ll a rou n d m e wa s g rowin g , a n d s om e on e ca lle d for a pu b lic de m on s t ra t ion of p ro te s t . Th e n we fou n d ou rs e lve s in a win e re s ta u ra n t n e a r th e o ld City Ha ll, a s kin g for a p ie ce of ca rdboa rd . Lon g live th e Ge rm a n worke r! Down with Bols h e vis m ! wa s th e in s crip t ion . Did I writ e th a t? I don 't kn ow to th is da y. We le ft th e re s ta u ra n t . I to ld th e e xcit e d m e n th a t a ll th is wa s s e n s e le s s . Bu t th e y in s is t e d th a t I s im p ly h a d to s pe a k to a la rge r g rou p of pe op le . Th e Ma rie n s ä u le (p illa r of S a in t Ma ry) in fron t of th e City Ha ll is s u rrou n de d by a s ton e ba lu s t ra de . On th is love ly cle a r e ve n in g it wa s a ls o s u rrou n de d by a fe w th ou s a n d pe op le . An d s u dde n ly I fou n d m ys e lf a dd re s s in g th e m , t e llin g th e m a bou t m y obs e rva t ion s in Ru s s ia , a bou t th e in s a n ity of a dvoca t in g a d icta tors h ip for a Ge rm a n y a lre a dy in s u ch je opa rdy. S om e a pp la u de d ; o th e rwis e , qu ie t a t t e n t ion . I s t e ppe d off m y p la t form a n d fou n d a qu ie t s pot be low th e colon n a de s of th e City Ha ll. Ne xt to m e s tood a m a n wh o wa n te d to kn ow de ta ils . We ch a t t e d for a wh ile . From th e s ton e ba lu s t ra de a rou n d th e p illa r s om e on e e ls e wa s n ow s pe a kin g in fa vou r of th e s ocia l re volu t ion . S lowly I tu rn e d towa rd h om e . Th e m a n a s ke d m e wh e th e r h e m igh t a ccom pa n y m e . Ye s , wh y n ot? Bu t I be ga n to be s u s p iciou s . In a n y ca s e , I s a id goodbye in fron t of a h ou s e door n ot m y own , a n d wa ite d for a wh ile - - a t th a t t im e I wa s a lre a dy livin g on Ot t in ge rs t ra ß e - - be fore I a ctu a lly we n t h om e . Th e fo llowin g da y Mrs . Os a n n re porte d th a t s h e h a d h e a rd th a t s pe e ch e s a ga in s t th e Rä te re pu b lik h a d be e n m a de on Ma rie n p la tz th e da y be fore . I con fe s s e d . Du rin g th e n e xt fe w da ys I, wh o wa s com ple te ly u n kn own in Mu n ich , wa s re pe a te d ly s a lu te d on th e s t re e t s . In th e be g in n in g I fa ile d to u n de rs ta n d wh y, bu t th e n I re m e m be re d m y s pe e ch , a n d be ga n to fe e l s ligh t ly u n com forta b le . In th e m e a n t im e Ecka rt , too , h a d h a d s om e du b iou s a dve n tu re s , a n d s u gge s te d th a t we le a ve th e city for a wh ile . We d rove to Wolfra th s h a u s e n in th e Is a r va lle y. A fe w da ys la t e r I re tu rn e d to Mu n ich . From m y h ou s e , I h e a rd th e boom of ca n n on in th e n orth e rn s u bu rbs , a n d la te r witn e s s e d th e e n t ry of th e libe ra t in g t roops u n de r von Epp . A s h ort wh ile be fore , th e m u rde r of th e h os ta ge s , t e n or twe lve m e m be rs of th e Orga n is a t ion Th u le , h a d s h a ke n n ot on ly Mu n ich bu t a ll of Ge rm a n y.
Ch ie f of th e Mu n ich Rä te re pu b lik wa s Doctor Le vin é , wh o h a d be e n s e n t th e re from Ru s s ia . Be s ide h im wa s on e Doctor Le vie n .
Le vie n
Le vin é
Als o a Doctor W. Ad le r from Au s t ria , wh o wa s m ore of a ca fé Com m u n is t . An d in a dd it ion , Mü h s a m a n d Tolle r . Followin g th e e xa m ple s e t by Ru s s ia , Le vin é p la n n e d to u s e t e rror. Th e firs t vict im s we re s e le cte d from th e Orga n is a t ion Th u le , wh ich de vote d it s a t t e n t ion to e a rly Ge rm a n ic h is tory, a n d oppos e d Je wry with ou t , h owe ve r, be in g polit ica lly a ct ive . Am on g th os e m u rde re d we re th e s e cre ta ry of th e orga n is a t ion , wh o h e ld a s m a ll pos it ion in th e pos t office , a n d o th e rs - - a ll lit t le pe op le , n ot on e ca p it a lis t . Th is wa s th e firs t t im e in h is tory th a t h os ta ge s h a d be e n m u rde re d in Ge rm a n y; it s h owe d wh a t kin d of s p ir it dom in a te d th e oppos it ion . As wa s p rove n la te r , th is orig in a l t e rror wa s to h a ve be e n s u cce e de d con t in u ou s ly by m ore t e rror. Doctor Le vin é wa s a rre s te d a n d s h ot . Doctor Le vie n m a n a ge d to e s ca pe . I h a ppe n e d to be p re s e n t wh e n , a fe w da ys be fore von Epp 's e n t ra n ce , a s pe a ke r s t a n d in g on top of on e of th e lion s in fron t of th e Wit t e ls ba ch Pa la is de cla re d th a t it wa s s la n de r to cla im th a t Doctor Le vie n h a d a bs con de d with s to le n m on e y. Tolle r wa s e ve n tu a lly fou n d , bu t wa s pa rdon e d a ft e r h e s e rve d a s h ort t e rm in ja il. La te r h e wrote p la ys a n d wa s a con t ribu tor to th e Be rlin e r Ta ge b la t t . At th is t im e on e An ton Dre xle r , m e m be r of a Ge rm a n Worke rs ' Pa rty, com ple te ly u n kn own u p to th e n , ca lle d on Die t r ich Ecka rt . An d th is vis it m a rke d th e tu rn in g poin t in m y e n t ire life , from th a t of a p riva te in d ividu a l to th a t of a polit ica l e n t ity. I d id n ot m e e t Dre xle r on th e occa s ion of h is firs t ca ll on Ecka rt . I le a rn e d , h owe ve r, th a t h e to ld Ecka rt a Ge rm a n Worke rs ' Pa rty h a d be e n fou n de d in on e of Mu n ich 's s u bu rbs . It h a d be e n s t a rt e d be ca u s e of th e ge n e ra l g ra ft th a t we n t on du rin g th e wa r, be ca u s e pe op le we re d is s a t is fie d with o th e r worke rs ' orga n is a t ion s a n d we re lookin g for a n e n t ire ly n e w a pp roa ch , fa ce d a s th e y we re with th e g re a t n a t ion a l n e e d . His fe llow worke rs , Dre xle r s a id , h a d re a d ou r a rt icle s , a n d wa n te d Ecka rt to s pe a k to th e m s om e t im e . Dre xle r wa s n ot a n y too we ll a cqu a in te d with e con om ic p rob le m s , bu t h e wa s a m a n with a s im p le , d ire ct h e a rt . As a toolm a ke r fore m a n in on e of th e m a ch in e s h ops of th e Ge rm a n ra ilroa ds , h e h a d pe rs on a lly e xpe rie n ce d a g re a t m a n y of th e s orrows a n d ca re s of th e Ge rm a n workin gm a n , a n d u n de rs tood th a t a n y s olu t ion to th e p rob le m de pe n de d u pon th e u n ity of th e e n t ire pe op le . La te r h e de s cribe d h is ca re e r in a m ode s t lit t le book, My polit ica l a wa ke n in g . He d idn 't th in k ve ry m u ch of th e o ld pa rt ie s , n or d id th e Re ich s ta g s e e m to h old ou t m u ch h ope for s ocia l re b ir th . Eve ryth in g s e e m e d to be bogge d down . An d th os e wh o p re a ch e d re volt m e re ly colle cte d ba n ds of th e de s pa ir in g a rou n d th e m with ou t g ivin g a th ou gh t to th e on e n e s s of fa te . Wh a t to do? Dre xle r wa s ge n u in e ly worrie d . He wa s a t a ll m a n with a we ll-s h a pe d h e a d . From be h in d h is s pe cta cle s h is e ye s fre qu e n t ly looke d ou t in h on e s t de s pa ir . On e of th e m a n y, m a n y th ou s a n ds s e a rch in g for a wa y ou t of th e ch a os ,
th ou gh th e y oft e n s tood on oppos it e s ide s of th e ba rrica de s . Th e y we re workin gm e n wh o fe lt ch e a te d ; s o ld ie rs of th e Fre e Corps torn loos e from a ll th e o ld t ra d it ion s ; office rs wh o h a d los t th e ir s u p re m e com m a n de r; s tu de n t s de s irou s of a fu tu re , a n d s om e n a t ion a lis t ic writ e rs .
Afte r s om e t im e I h e a rd a bou t on e Adolf Hit le r wh o h a d jo in e d th e Ge rm a n Worke rs ' Pa rty a n d wa s m a kin g re m a rka b le s pe e ch e s . He , too , ca lle d on Ecka rt , a n d du rin g on e of th e s e vis it s I m e t h im . Th is m e e t in g ch a n ge d m y e n t ire pe rs on a l fa te a n d m e rge d it with th e fa te of th e Ge rm a n n a t ion a s a wh ole . Mu n ich it s e lf be ca m e th e foca l poin t of th e n e w polit ica l m ove m e n t le d by Hit le r .
Eve ryth in g th a t I h a d u p to th e n th ou gh t , s e e n , le a rn e d a n d don e , h a d , a ft e r a ll, be e n e goce n t ric. Pra ct is in g m y a rt h a d e n rich e d m e , a n d h a d s h a rpe n e d m y fa cu lty to d iffe re n t ia te be twe e n th e ge n u in e a n d th e im ita t ive . Th e s tu dy of h is tory a n d ph ilos oph y h a d b rou gh t a bou t a wide n in g of th e h orizon a n d , in s p it e of a ll ga ps , a n u n qu e n ch a b le de s ire for , a n d a pe rs is t e n t in n e r com pu ls ion towa rd , fru it ion . My ca re fre e you th h a d la id th e g rou n dwork for e xpe rie n ce s be yon d th e m e re ly s u b je ct ive ; th e com ra de s h ip of m y s tu de n t da ys h a d m a de it im pos s ib le for m e to s t a n d a pa rt a s a m e re th e oris t . On top of a ll th is ca m e th e in flu e n ce of th e va rie ga te d world a rou n d m e : th e n a t ion a l t e n s ion in m y h om e la n d , th e ge n e ros ity of S t . Pe te rs bu rg , th e qu ie tu de of ou r fore s t s a n d th e be a u ty of th e s e a , th e s t irr in g u p of g re a te r pos s ib ilit ie s by th e wa r, th e s t ra n ge n e s s of Mos cow, th e h u ge s pa ce in th e Ea s t . Th e n th e Ge rm a n occu pa t ion , th e colla ps e , th e jou rn e y in to th e Re ich , a n d th e t a t t e re d p ictu re of th e Ge rm a n pe op le . My m e e t in g with Ecka rt h a d a lre a dy con s t itu te d a n e m e rge n ce from th e n a rrow con fin e s of th e e xpe rie n cin g e go; bu t wh a te ve r I h a d s a id or writ t e n s o fa r h a d , a ft e r a ll, be e n don e with a n d for a s m a ll g rou p . On ly a s ligh t ly e n la rge d re a d in g circle h a d , s o to s pe a k, pa rt icipa te d . Tru e , m ore a n d m ore pe op le jo in e d Ecka rt , a n d in a ll like lih ood h e wou ld h a ve ke p t on colle ct in g a n e ve r g rowin g g rou p of fo llowe rs a rou n d h im s e lf. Bu t Ecka rt wa s e s s e n t ia lly a poe t , a con fe s s or ra th e r th a n th e s h a pe r of a polit ica l m ove m e n t . Be s ide s , th e re a lwa ys ca m e , a ft e r da ys fu ll of e n e rgy, th e s e pa u s e s du rin g wh ich h e re t re a te d in to h im s e lf, s im p ly re fu s in g to con s ide r ou twa rd occu rre n ce s im porta n t e n ou gh , wh ile h e wrote poe m s a bou t th e m os t be a u t ifu l a n d de lica te th in gs ( a s , for e xa m ple , Grü n e wa ld 's Alta r , ECCE DEVS ) . An d I wa s , a ft e r a ll, a s t ra n ge r in Ba va ria . Ecka rt h im s e lf h a d a cce p te d m e with ou t qu e s t ion , a s h a d h is fr ie n ds . Bu t I h a d in h ib it ion s . Tru e , I h a d com e to work s om e h ow for Ge rm a n y a n d cou ld n ot u n de rs ta n d h ow oth e rs da re d com e to th is la n d to e n ga ge in de s t ru ct ive a ct ivit ie s ; ye t e ve n th e n I fe lt th a t I s t ill d idn 't h a ve th e fu ll r igh t to s pe a k pu b licly. Be s ide s , I wa s n ot ye t a Ge rm a n cit ize n . S oon a ft e r m y a rriva l I h a d m a de a n a pp lica t ion to be a dm it t e d to cit ize n s h ip a n d pe rm it t e d to s t a y on in Mu n ich . A ge n t le m a n a t th e City Ha ll qu e s t ion e d m e . He wa s p rim a rily in te re s te d in kn owin g wh e th e r I wa s we a lth y. Wh e n I s a id n o , h e g re w n ot ice a b ly coole r a n d de cla re d th a t , a ft e r a ll, Mu n ich wa s crowde d a n d I cou ld re a lly live ju s t a s we ll s om e wh e re e ls e in Ba va ria . Th is s h ocke d m e pa rt icu la rly be ca u s e m y le a vin g Mu n ich wou ld h a ve de p rive d m e of a ll opportu n it ie s , a n d wou ld h a ve pu t th e Gove rn m e n t Lib ra ry be yon d m y re a ch . I to ld th e officia l th a t I h a d to work con s ta n t ly a t th e lib ra ry to fin is h a book for th e pu b lis h in g h ou s e of J. F. Le h m a n n . An d e ve n th ou gh h e d idn 't s e e m to like th a t n a m e m u ch , h e de cla re d th a t , u n de r th e
circu m s ta n ce s , h e d idn 't wa n t to in te rfe re with a n y ch a n ce s I m igh t h a ve . Bu t h e wa n te d s om e p roof. Now, I h a d a ctu a lly ca lle d on th e firm of J. F. Le h m a n n a n d h a d t a lke d to Mr. S ch wa rtz, a pa rtn e r. He h a d re a d a m a n u s crip t of m in e on Bols h e vis m , a n d h a d s poke n a bou t th e pos s ib ility of pu b lis h in g it in th e ir m a ga zin e , Ge rm a n y's Re n e wa l. Now h e wa s kin d e n ou gh to g ive m e a le t t e r con firm in g th e fa ct th a t I wa s workin g with th e ir h ou s e , a n d s o I wa s a llowe d to s t a y on in Mu n ich . On th is th in th re a d of pe rm is s ion by a n a lde rm a n h u n g m y e n t ire fa te a t th a t t im e . Howe ve r, I h a d n ot be com e a cit ize n , a fa ct wh ich h a m pe re d m e da ily in th e cou rs e of th e firs t fe w ye a rs . It wa s n 't u n t il 1 9 2 3 th a t m y a pp lica t ion , th a n ks to s om e fr ie n d ly in te rce s s ion , wa s fa vou ra b ly a cte d u pon . Up to th e n I cou ld e a s ily h a ve be e n de porte d a s a n u n de s ira b le a lie n . Th e fa ct th a t a Doctor Le vin é cou ld com e from S t . Pe te rs bu rg or Mos cow to t a ke ove r com m a n d of a Com m u n is t ic re volu t ion u ps e t m e m ore th a n it d id th e Ba va ria n pe op le . Bu t th is d id n ot le s s e n m y de s ire to work for th e Re ich in s p it e of m y own la ck of le ga l s t a tu s . Ne ve rth e le s s I re fu s e d to writ e u n de r a p s e u don ym , s om e th in g Ecka rt - - wh o h a d jokin g ly s u gge s te d th is ve ry th in g to m e a t on e t im e - - u n de rs tood pa rt icu la rly we ll, in a s m u ch a s h e h a d qu ote d S ch ope n h a u e r 's h a rs h words a bou t a n on ym ou s s cribb le rs m ore th a n on ce .
I m e t Hit le r a t Die t r ich Ecka rt 's . I wou ld be lyin g if I s a id I wa s ove rwh e lm e d by h im a n d forth with be ca m e h is u n con d it ion a l a dh e re n t , a s s o m a n y oth e rs cla im e d a ft e r h e a lre a dy h a d a n a m e a n d a ccom plis h m e n ts to h is cre d it . We h a d , a s I re m e m be r, a s h ort e n ou gh t a lk a bou t th e da n ge r of Bols h e vis m , a n d in th e cou rs e of ou r con ve rs a t ion h e re fe rre d to con d it ion s in a n cie n t Rom e . He cla im e d th a t , ju s t a s Ch ris t ia n ity h a d be e n victoriou s a t th a t t im e , Com m u n is m m igh t a ctu a lly h a ve a re a l ch a n ce n ow. Wh a t Hit le r m e a n t wa s th a t in h e a vily popu la te d livin g s pa ce s th e re a re in va ria b ly s o m a n y in d ividu a ls wh o a re d is con te n te d a n d d is in h e rit e d th a t a n a ll-e m bra cin g p re ce p t ca n e a s ily fin d fa vou r a m on g th e m . A ba s ic d iffe re n ce lie s in th e fa ct th a t th e Rom a n s th e m s e lve s g ra du a lly d im in is h e d in n u m be r, wh e re a s in Eu rope th e o ld popu la t ion , in s p it e of wa rs a n d pe s t ile n ce , re m a in e d m ore or le s s con s ta n t . Wh a t m a de th e s itu a t ion on th e con t in e n t da n ge rou s wa s th a t m os t pe op le s h a d be e n com ple te ly u p roote d by th e wa r, th e ir le a de rs h ip wa s va cilla t in g , a n d th e n u m be r of th e d is con te n te d , th e h u n gry, a n d th e de s pa ir in g h a d g rown t re m e n dou s ly. Hit le r s poke to s e ve ra l s m a ll ga th e rin gs of th e pa rty, wh ich wa s n ow n o lon ge r ca lle d th e Ge rm a n Worke rs ' Pa rty, bu t th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t Ge rm a n Worke rs ' Pa rty. Th is ch a n ge in d ica te d th e u n ion of a cle a n s e d n a t ion a lis m a n d a pu rifie d s ocia lis m . I h e a rd on e of th e s pe e ch e s a t th e in n Zu m De u ts ch e n Re ich on Da ch a u e r S t re e t . Abou t forty or fifty pe op le we re p re s e n t . Hit le r pos tu la te d th a t , ju s t a s be fore Lu th e r e ve ryon e h a d be e n d is s a t is fie d with th e o ld form s u n t il h is words s t ru ck fire , s o m illion s toda y fe lt th a t n e w th in kin g on a ll le ve ls wa s e s s e n t ia l. All we n e e de d wa s cou ra ge . He s poke we ll, a n d from h is h e a rt . I a g re e d with h im com ple te ly, fille d with joy to d is cove r th a t a cle ve r, im pa s s ion e d m a n of th e pe op le , a n e x- s old ie r , h a d th e cou ra ge to u n de rta ke s in g le -h a n de d s u ch a ba t t le for th e we a l of th e Ge rm a n n a t ion . Du rin g th e fo llowin g we e ks Hit le r s poke be fore g ra du a lly g rowin g a u d ie n ce s u n t il, on Fe b ru a ry 2 4 , 1 9 2 0 , h e form u la te d a n d re a d th e p rog ra m of th e pa rty in th e g re a t h a ll of th e Hofb rä u h a u s (Cou rt Bre we ry) . I d id n ot pa rt icipa te in th e p re pa ra t ion of th e p rog ra m , bu t I th in k th a t be s ide s Hit le r a n d Dre xle r , Fe de r wa s ca lle d u pon to h e lp s e t t le a du b iou s poin t . De m a n ds we re p rocla im e d wh ich , a ft e r s om e h e s it a t ion , p roba b ly m os t of u s wou ld h a ve a pp rove d . In s te a d of cla s s a n d p rofe s s ion a l in te re s t s , th e in te re s t s of th e e n t ire
produ ct ive popu la t ion we re p la ce d a t th e ce n te r of a ll th in kin g . Pe rh a ps on m ore m a tu re con s ide ra t ion s om e poin t s wou ld h a ve be e n form u la te d d iffe re n t ly; pe rh a ps th e s u cce s s ion of in d ividu a l pa ra g ra ph s wa s n ot a ltoge th e r m e m ora b le (Hit le r h im s e lf a dm it t e d a s m u ch a t a la t e r da te ) ; bu t in vie w of th e ge n e ra l s itu a t ion it wa s be s t to h a ve a t le a s t a s ke le ton to wh ich life m igh t clin g .
I t will re m a in fore ve rm ore n e ce s s a ry to s t a rt with a s ym bolic da y in Ge rm a n h is tory - - Nove m be r 9 , 1 9 1 8 . Th is da y m a rks th e colla ps e of th e Ge rm a n Em pire a n d th e fou n da t ion of th e Nove m be r Re pu b lic ba s e d on th e d icta te s of Ve rs a ille s . La rge s e ct ion s of th e popu la t ion con s ide re d th e a ct ion t a ke n on Nove m be r 9 a da gge r th ru s t in th e ba ck. Pe a ce n e got ia t ion s we re u n de r wa y, th e a rm is t ice con d it ion s h a d be e n a cce p te d , a n d it wa s n ow a qu e s t ion of ke e p in g Re ich a n d a rm y in ta ct . Nove m be r s a w Ge rm a n y de p rive d of h e r la s t im porta n t a s s e t , th e a rm y, a n d le ft com ple te ly de fe n ce le s s . Th is , a t th e t im e , wa s con s ide re d t re a s on . La te r , th is con ce p t wa s u n e xpe cte d ly con firm e d by Lloyd Ge orge wh e n h e vis it e d th e Fü h re r a ft e r th e la t t e r h a d t a ke n ove r. He de cla re d th a t th e En te n te , too , h a d be e n a t th e e n d of it s rope ; on ly a fe w m ore we e ks a n d it wou ld h a ve offe re d Ge rm a n y re a s on a b le pe a ce p ropos a ls . Th is wa s fo llowe d by th e los s of a ll co lon ie s , th e los s of Re ich t e rr itory, d is a rm a m e n t , re pa ra t ion s , a n d fin a lly th e in fla t ion th a t wipe d ou t Ge rm a n y's s a vin gs a n d workin g ca p it a l. Growin g h ope le s s n e s s g rippe d th e popu la t ion . Ce rta in s e pa ra t is t g rou ps croppe d u p in Ba va ria a n d th e Rh in e la n d . An d in re s pon s e to a ll th is ca m e th e e qu a lly de s pe ra te e n de a vou rs of a ct ivis t n a t ion a l orga n is a t ion s : th e Fre e Corps in th e Ba lt icu m , in S ile s ia , in Ba va ria a n d in th e Ru h r. Me a n wh ile , a ll th e o ld pa rt ie s be ga n to re a s s e rt th e m s e lve s , s t re n g th e n e d by two le ft -win g g rou ps of th e S ocia l De m ocra t s : th e In de pe n de n t S ocia lis t s a n d th e Com m u n is t s . Th e Ge rm a n Na t ion a lis t s re m a in e d m on a rch is t s in p rin cip le , bu t s t ill wa n te d to h a ve a h a n d in th e gove rn in g of th e n e w
s ta te . Th e Ge rm a n Pe op le 's Pa rty took a s im ila r s t a n d , on ly to e n te r a ft e r a wh ile in to clos e r con n e ct ion s with th e Re pu b lic. Th e De m ocra t ic Pa rty ide n t ifie d it s e lf with th e m . S o d id th e Ce n t ris t s , with s om e ph ilos oph ica l re s e rva t ion s . Ba rrin g a fe w in corrig ib le re a ct ion a rie s a n d a lie n polit icia n s , m illion s of h on e s t Ge rm a n s we re e ith e r t ie d in e xt rica b ly to th e m idd le cla s s e s , or to va riou s Ma rxis t g rou ps . Pa rty s t r ife be ga n , a n d con t in u e d u n a ba te d for ye a rs . I t d id n ot d is p la y a p ictu re of a cle a r will, n or on e of pos it ion a n d oppos it ion bu t - - if I m a y a n t icipa te th e de ve lopm e n ts of la t e r ye a rs - - a figh t of a ll a ga in s t a ll. In th e e n d th e pa rlia m e n ta ry s ys te m wa s re p re s e n te d by forty-n in e d iffe re n t pa rt ie s , e a ch on e t ryin g to p re s e n t it s own pa rt icu la r p rob le m a s th e m os t im porta n t of th e m a ll, irre s pe ct ive of wh e th e r it wa s con ce rn e d with re va lu a t ion , fa rm e rs ' in te re s t s , or re n t ce ilin gs .
Ge rm a n de ve lopm e n t wa s con d it ion e d by th e p rin ce ly s t a te s wh ich re m a in e d in e xis t e n ce e ve n a ft e r th e fou n d in g of th e Em pire , th u s p re s e rvin g cou rt t ra d it ion s a n d a ce rt a in u n ity of th e n ob ility, s om e th in g th a t u p to th e ve ry la s t ga ve m a n y of th e m os t im porta n t gove rn m e n t office s th e ir n ob le fa ce . At th e u n ive rs it ie s , m e m be rs h ip in ce rt a in Corps a n d Rin gs wa s a p re re qu is it e for th e s cion s of n ob ility a n d o th e rs com ple te ly s u bs e rvie n t to th e m , if th e y a s p ire d to a ca re e r in th e Au s wä rt ige Am t (Fore ign office ) , or in th e a rm y. Pru s s ia h e rs e lf wa s a cre a t ion of th e s o ld ie ry, a n d h e r m ilit a ry le a de rs h ip wa s re cru it e d e xclu s ive ly from fa m ilie s be lon g in g to th e ru ra l n ob ility wh o h a d on ce be e n s e t t le d th e re by g ra te fu l Pru s s ia n kin gs . Th e y a n d th e roya l h ou s e con s t itu te d a n e n t ity a n d , a s s u ch , re p re s e n te d ce rt a in e con om ic in te re s t s th a t oft e n we re oppos e d to th e n e w in du s t r ia l a ge . Th u s th e gu ida n ce of th e Re ich wa s m on opolis e d by ra th e r e xclu s ive g rou ps , e ve n th ou gh a fe w b re a ks in th e im pe n e t ra b le wa ll h a d be e n m a de . Th e own e rs of g re a t fortu n e s m a n oe u vre d be twe e n th e ca m ps . Th e y kow- towe d be fore th e m on a rch y, bu t wa n te d to ge t th e o ld fog ie s ou t of le a d in g pos it ion s in orde r to ope n th e roa d to world -e con om ic e n te rp ris e . In a n y ca s e , a dva n ce m e n t from th e b roa d , h e a lth y ra n ks of th e m a s s e s wa s e xt re m e ly d ifficu lt . Th wa rte d a m bit ion h a d d rive n m a n y m e m be rs of th e in te llige n t s ia in to th e a rm s of th e oppos it ion , e ve n th ou gh th a t oppos it ion by n o m e a n s re p re s e n te d wh a t th e y re a lly wa n te d . In vie w of a ll th e s e con t ra d ictory force s a n d de ve lopm e n ts , Adolf Hit le r , wh o h a d e n cou n te re d s u ch p rob le m s in Au s t ria , be fore s e rvin g for fou r a n d a h a lf ye a rs a s a s o ld ie r in th e Ge rm a n a rm y, n ot on ly re cogn is e d th e n e ce s s ity of n a t ion a l u n ity a bove e ve ryth in g e ls e , bu t wa s a ls o willin g to p re s s to th e h ilt th e de m a n d for s ocia l ju s t ice . Th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t Pa rty e n te re d th e ba t t le . Adolf Hit le r be ca m e it s le a de r. Th e poin t of de pa rtu re of h is wa y of th in kin g wa s th is : If s o m a n y h on e s t m e n s ta n d in e a ch of th e two oppos in g ca m ps , n o m a t te r h ow th e ir in d ividu a l p rog ra m s look, th e y m u s t be im pe lle d by de ce n t m ot ive s . Bu t if th e to ta lity of th e bou rge ois ie a n d th e to ta lity of th e p role ta ria t a re s u ch b it t e r e n e m ie s , th e re m u s t n e e ds be s p ir itu a l, polit ica l a n d s ocia l ca u s e s th a t p re ve n t u n de rs ta n d in g , to s a y n oth in g of co-ope ra t ion in re ga rd to a ll g re a t t a s ks con fron t in g th e Re ich . With ou t goin g in to e con om ic de ta ils , Na t ion a l S ocia lis m a ffirm e d th e de m a n d for ju s t ice for th e workin g cla s s e s . Bu t th e con vict ion th a t s ocia l ju s t ice cou ld be s e cu re d on ly with in th e n a t ion a l fra m e work be ca m e e ve r m ore firm . An d h e re ba s ic dogm a s ba rre d th e wa y, dogm a s wh ich h a d be e n t a u gh t on ly too we ll to a pe op le m ore oft e n th a n n ot in clin e d to p la ce ve ra city a bove p ra ct ica lity. Th e cla s s wa r wa s looke d u pon a s s om e th in g fa ctu a l, a n d Ma rxis m h a d n ot be e n a b le to offe r a n yth in g be yon d s t ill m ore cla s s wa r - - An e ye for a n e ye , a tooth for a tooth . It cou ld be a cce p te d a s a ctu a lity con d it ion e d by th e t im e s ; bu t to a cce p t it a s a p rin cip le of
n a t ion a l life wa s a n a th e m a to a n yon e for wh om th e Ge rm a n Re ich wa s both h om e a n d ide a - - a n yon e wh o kn e w of th e s a crifice s th a t h a d be e n m a de in th e in te re s t of th e g rowth , s h a pe a n d s p ir itu a l con te n t s of th e Re ich ; a n yon e , IN FINE, to wh om th e pe op le a ppe a re d a s a p s ych olog ica l-b io log ica l-h is torica l e n t ity. On top of a ll th is wa s th e pa cifis t - s pou te d p ropa ga n da - - wh ich d id n ot d is p la y a n y de s ira b le love of pe a ce , bu t in s is t e d in s te a d u pon th e r igh t to t re a s on - - a n ide a fre qu e n t ly e xp re s s e d in 1 9 1 8 a n d la te r ye a rs . Eve n tu a lly th e p rote s t a ga in s t p riva te own e rs h ip le d to re n e we d de m a n ds for gove rn m e n t own e rs h ip , a de m a n d wh ich cou ld n ot h e lp bu t m e e t with vio le n t oppos it ion , pa rt icu la rly a m on g pe a s a n t s to wh om in h e rit e d p rope rty wa s th e ve ry b re a th of life . Tru e , e ve n t s h a d a ppa re n t ly s m ooth e d ou t a g re a t m a n y p rob le m s ; la bou r u n ion s we re de vot in g th e ir a t t e n t ion to e s s e n t ia ls , bu t polit ico-ph ilos oph ica l d ifficu lt ie s ke p t cropp in g u p . It wa s Adolf Hit le r wh o de cla re d wa r a ga in s t a ll th is . In Au s t ria , with h e r va riou s pe op le s , h e h a d re a lis e d th a t n a t ion a lis m wa s s om e th in g th a t h a d to be de fe n de d e ve r a n e w; n ow h e s a w th a t it a ls o wou ld h a ve to be de fe n de d in th e Re ich e ve n th ou gh h e re it wa s a b ir th righ t . In th e S u de te n la n d a s m a ll Na t ion a l S ocia lis t pa rty wa s a lre a dy in e xis t e n ce - - ye t a n oth e r re a s on wh y h e s h ou ld fou n d h is own . Hit le r h a d com e to th e con clu s ion th a t a ju s t s ocia lis m h a d , PER S E, n oth in g to do with cla s s wa r a n d in te rn a t ion a lis m . To pe rpe tu a te cla s s wa r wa s wron g . It wou ld h a ve to be e lim in a te d . Th u s h e be ca m e a n oppon e n t of Ma rxis m in a ll of it s m a n ife s ta t ion s , a n d ch a ra cte ris e d it a s a ph ilos oph y of gove rn m e n t in im ica l to both th e s t a te a n d th e workin g cla s s . As fa r a s th e worke rs we re con ce rn e d it wa s , th e re fore , a qu e s t ion of re n ou n cin g th is doct r in e a s we ll a s th e ir oppos it ion to both th e fa rm e r a n d th e p rope rty own e r. Th e m idd le cla s s e s , too , h a d e ve ry re a s on to re vis e th e ir a t t itu de . Th e y h a d fa ile d to p rovide th e workin g cla s s e s in th e ir h ou r of d ire n e e d with le a de rs con ve rs a n t with th e ir re qu ire m e n ts a n d h a d le ft th e m to th e t e n de r m e rcy of in te rn a t ion a l p ropa ga n d is t s . Ge rm a n n a t ion a lis m , Hit le r be lie ve d , wa s h e m m e d in by th e n ob ility, wh ile a n e n t ire ly fa ls e con ce it s e pa ra te d th e m idd le cla s s e s from th e b roa d m a s s of th e p rodu ct ive popu la t ion . Th e bou rge ois ie wou ld h a ve to s h e d it s p re ju d ice s be fore it wou ld on ce a ga in be e n t it le d to le a de rs h ip . To e n d Ge rm a n y's fra t r icida l s t r ife h e p ropos e d to ga th e r toge th e r a ll a ct ive n a t ion a lis t s of e ve ry pa rty, a n d figh te rs for s ocia l ju s t ice from e ve ry ca m p , to form a n e w m ove m e n t .
From Ba va ria , a n d o th e r cou n t rie s a ls o , pe op le be gge d for a dd it ion a l in form a t ion . Now Hit le r be ga n to p ropa ga n d is e ou t s ide of Mu n ich , too: in Ros e n h e im , La n ds h u t , In gols ta d t . Eve rywh e re n e w ce lls we re form e d . He wa s n ot a t a ll like th e re p re s e n ta t ive s of o th e r pa rt ie s . Wh e re th e la t t e r a ppe a le d to th e in te re s t s of th e ir lis t e n e rs , wh o a ll be lon ge d to a ce rt a in de fin it e g rou p , by p rom is in g to p re s s th e ir in te re s t s be fore a ll o th e rs , Hit le r in va ria b ly s poke for th e a bs e n t on e s . In o th e r words , be fore a n a u d ie n ce of Re d worke rs h e s poke a bou t th e n e e d for a h e a lth y fa rm e rs ' cla s s , or h e de fe n de d th e Ge rm a n office rs . Fa cin g office rs h e crit icis e d th e a t t itu de of th e in te llige n t s ia wh ich h a d ign ore d th e workin gm a n a n d le ft h im to h is fa te . Th e t im e for s e lf- crit icis m h a d com e , h e wou ld s a y, a n d th e wa y from m a n to m a n h a d to be fou n d de s p it e a ll obs ta cle s . Th e n th e fa m ou s h u ge re d pos te rs be ga n to a ppe a r in Mu n ich , p la ca rds th a t n ot on ly a dve rt is e d m e e t in gs , bu t a ls o ca rrie d a fe w lin e s of t e xt in te n de d to a rou s e in te re s t a n d cu rios ity. S in ce th e s e pos te rs re qu ire d police pe rm it s , th e a t t itu de of Police Pre s ide n t Pö h n e r be ca m e im porta n t . Evide n t ly, h e s a id to h im s e lf th a t h e a n d h is police a lon e cou ld n ot ke e p Com m u n is m in ch e ck; a n d if ide a , will a n d re s is t a n ce a ros e from a m on g th e pe op le th e m s e lve s , it wa s to h is a dva n ta ge n ot to
in te rfe re . Th e m e m ory of April, 1 9 1 9 , wa s s t ill ve ry g re e n .
He re I wa n t to de vote a fe w words to a pe rs on wh o be ga n to be a ct ive a t a bou t th is t im e - - Ku rt Lü de cke . He h a d m on e y, fore ign m on e y, in fa ct , a n d p la ce d s om e of it a t th e d is pos a l of th e pa rty. He e ve n ou t fit t e d , a t h is own e xpe n s e , a t roop of th e S torm t roops . He im pre s s e d pe op le a s be in g s om e wh a t e xt ra va ga n t , wa s a lwa ys cla d in th e be s t cu s tom -m a de s u it s , a n d o th e rwis e we ll g room e d . I a lwa ys got a lon g we ll with h im , a n d be lie ve d in h is h on ou ra b le n e s s a n d good will. Bu t s om e on e , pe rh a ps th e police th e m s e lve s , wa rn e d Hit le r a ga in s t h im - - Lü de cke 's fore ign m on e y m igh t be of Fre n ch orig in . In vie w of th e ge n e ra l s itu a t ion , Hit le r h a d to be ca re fu l. Th e re fore , h e ba n ke d th e m on e y in th e p re s e n ce of witn e s s e s , to le a ve it u n tou ch e d u n t il th e s itu a t ion cou ld be cla rifie d . La te r on Lü de cke wa s a rre s te d . S e cre t e n t r ie s in h is pocke t d ia ry we re h e ld a ga in s t h im . He wa s a b le to p rove h is in n oce n ce a n d wa s fre e d . Bu t th e b re a th of s u s p icion h a d b ru s h e d h im ; h e fe lt it a n d wa s de p re s s e d . He d id , h owe ve r, pa rt icipa te in th e m a rch on Cobu rg . La te r h e re tu rn e d to Am e rica , wh e re h e m a rrie d .
Lü de cke wa s th e n doin g s om e ou t s ide work for m e a n d th e Folkis h Obs e rve r, a n d , a ft e r th e Ma ch tü be rn a h m e , h e re tu rn e d to th e Re ich to offe r h is s e rvice s . He wa s a ct ive in m y s ph e re of in te re s t a n d h a d u n de rta ke n th e t a s k of b rin g in g a bou t a n u n de rs ta n d in g be twe e n Am e rica a n d Ge rm a n y. Bu t th e n m is fortu n e h it h im a s e con d t im e . De n ou n ce d by a colla bora tor, h e wa s a rre s te d in th e Ch a n ce lle ry. Wh ile u n de r a rre s t h e wa s pe rm it t e d to vis it m e twice . Th e s e con d t im e I to ld h im th a t I e xpe cte d to s e e th e Fü h re r with in a fe w da ys , a n d wou ld th e n d is cu s s h is ca s e a n d t ry to b rin g a bou t a s o lu t ion . Lü de cke wa s e xt re m e ly de p re s s e d . A fe w da ys la t e r I h e a rd th a t h e h a d e s ca pe d , firs t to Pra gu e , a n d th e n to Am e rica . I a ctu a lly d id s e e th e Fü h re r a bou t th is , fe e lin g s om e wh a t gu ilty, a s if I m ys e lf h a d h e lpe d Lü de cke to e s ca pe , a n d to ld h im th a t I d idn 't th in k Lü de cke s h ou ld h a ve be e n t re a te d a s h e wa s . Th e Fü h re r e xp re s s e d h is re g re t s . He obviou s ly h a d kn own n oth in g a bou t th e a rre s t . Bu t th in gs cou ldn 't be ch a n ge d , n or wou ld Lü de cke , in a ll like lih ood , h a ve re tu rn e d . Th e work a ccom plis h e d by wom e n m e rit s s pe cia l m e n t ion . Th e y ca m e to u s le s s be ca u s e th e y a dm ire d s om e of th e poin t s in ou r p rog ra m th a n for s e n t im e n ta l re a s on s . Th e m a n wh o h a d da re d t a ke a s t a n d a ga in s t th e e n t ire we lt e r of pa rt ie s a rou n d u s h a d ca p tu re d th e ir fa n cy, a n d a s a s pe a ke r h e fa s cin a te d th e m . Qu ite a n u m be r of wom e n ca m e re gu la rly to ou r m e e t in gs in Mu n ich , a n d a lwa ys b rou gh t a lon g n e w on e s to a t t e n d th e n e xt . Th e y offe re d th e ir h e lp a n d m a de s a crifice s wh e re ve r th e y cou ld . Th e s a m e wa s t ru e in o th e r cit ie s . Th e re wa s a g re a t de a l of cou ra ge , will to s a crifice , a n d re a d in e s s to a ct , th a t fou n d e xp re s s ion in th e you n g m ove m e n t - - th e s e cre t of a ll fu tu re s u cce s s . Th e Folkis h Obs e rve r n ow a ppe a re d twice a we e k. Th e re we re h a rd ly a n y con t ribu tors . Fre qu e n t ly I wa s force d to fa ll ba ck on th e pe t ty polit ics of th e da y. In a n y ca s e , h e re wa s a m ou th p ie ce th a t cou ld be u s e d th rou gh ou t th e Re ich to p ropa ga te th e con t in u ity of ou r p rog ra m . Hit le r wa n te d a da ily, of cou rs e . An d h e re a we a lth y wom a n h e lpe d ou t . S h e own e d , if I a m n ot m is ta ke n , s h a re s in s om e Fin n is h pa pe r m ills , a n d of th e s e s h e ga ve th e pa rty a s u fficie n t n u m be r to m a ke it pos s ib le for u s to ru n th e r is k of ge t t in g ou t a da ily.
S in ce Ecka rt wa s s im p ly in ca pa b le of a n y s u s ta in e d e ffort , I h a d t a ke n ca re of a ll rou t in e work from th e ve ry be g in n in g , a n d re lie ve d h im of m os t of h is e d itoria l du t ie s . Wh e n th e p rob le m s of s t a rt in g ou r da ily be ca m e a cu te , Hit le r we n t s h opp in g with m e . I wa s to s e le ct a de s k. I p icke d on e with a ro ll top , s in ce m y u n t id in e s s m a de th is de s ira b le . Hit le r wa s a lm os t ch ild is h ly p le a s e d . An oth e r s t e p forwa rd ! It fille d h im with n e w e n te rp ris e .
Gra du a lly th e n e wly fou n de d orga n is a t ion in Mu n ich be ca m e we ll kn own . Vis itors a t t e n de d Hit le r 's m e e t in gs a n d t a lke d a bou t th e m ba ck h om e . Afte r h a vin g th ou gh t th in gs ove r, m a n y of th e m volu n te e re d a s h e lpe rs . Na t ion a lis t orga n is a t ion s a n d clu bs offe re d to jo in force s . Ma n y a m e m be r of th e Fre e Corps wa n te d to kn ow wh a t wa s goin g on in Mu n ich . Hit le r a n d Ecka rt , too , h a d in n u m e ra b le ca lle rs a n d h e ld h u n dre ds of con fe re n ce s . An d e ve n if I d id n ot pa rt icipa te in th e s e m e e t in gs , I n a tu ra lly m e t s om e of th e ca lle rs . From We s tph a lia a n d S a xon y ca m e it in e ra n t p roph e t s . On e of th e m , a poor de vil ca rryin g a h u ge kn a ps a ck, s a id : Ju s t g ive m e p ropa ga n da m a te ria l a n d e xp la in th in gs to m e . I ' ll re tu rn h om e im m e d ia te ly a n d s h a ll go from villa ge to villa ge to d is t r ibu te you r s tu ff. An oth e r on e p rodu ce d a filth y m a n u s crip t a n d s a id : If I cou ld m a ke th e s e th in gs com e t ru e , Ge rm a n y wou ld be s a ve d . Le t t e rs con ta in in g s u gge s t ion s , p rog ra m s , poe m s , a rr ive d con s ta n t ly in a n e n d le s s s t re a m . Th e y p roba b ly we re n 't ke p t . Occa s ion a lly a ll th is tu rn e d ou r office s in to a s ort of a s p ir itu a l tortu re ch a m be r - - a n d ye t , wh a t a we a lth of s u pp re s s e d love wa s h e re , th a t m e re ly cou ld n ot e xp re s s it s e lf! How m u ch n e e d a n d de s pa ir , a n xiou s to fin d s om e th in g to clin g to! Hit le r cou ld n ot go on with h is pu b lic m e e t in gs with ou t a figh t . Wh a t h e de m a n de d wa s n o m ore th a n a n e qu a l r igh t to th a t fre e dom of s pe e ch wh ich th e S ocia l De m ocra t s a n d Com m u n is t s cla im e d a s th e ir p re roga t ive . In re tu rn h e p rom is e d fre e dom of de ba te . In a n s we r, a t t e m p ts we re m a de to p re ve n t h im from s pe a kin g , a n d to b re a k u p m e e t in gs by force . In fu ria te d ga n gs a ppe a re d on th e s ce n e a rm e d with le a d p ipe s a n d b la ckja cks . Th e re we re b loody h e a ds on both s ide s . Hit le r be ga n to orga n is e h is Ha ll Prote ct ion . It s m e m be rs we re re cru it e d from th e S .A. , ou r de fe n ce orga n is a t ion . Polit ica l life in Ge rm a n y fou n d e xp re s s ion n ot on ly in pa rlia m e n ta ry s pe e ch e s , bu t pa rt icu la rly in th e fa ct th a t th e e xt re m e Ma rxis t s a rroga te d th e r igh t of h a vin g th e s t re e t s to th e m s e lve s , p re ve n t in g a n ybody e ls e from h old in g pu b lic m e e t in gs . Th e n e w s ta te wa s u n a b le to do a n yth in g e ffe ct ive to p rote ct th e p rocla im e d ge n e ra l fre e dom of s pe e ch . Th u s th e orga n is a t ion of th e S torm t roope rs , n ow a pa rt of e ve ry on e of ou r b ra n ch e s , re p re s e n te d n o m ore th a n a n a ct of s e lf-de fe n ce on ou r pa rt . Th e y we re t ra in e d by office rs from th e Briga de Eh rh a rd t . An d e ve n tu a lly He rm a n n Gö rin g offe re d h is s e rvice s to Adolf Hit le r . In th e be g in n in g fe w pe op le I kn e w ca lle d a t th e e d itoria l office s of th e Folkis h Obs e rve r. I m ys e lf con t ribu te d on ly a n occa s ion a l a rt icle . Wh e n m a t te rs d idn 't go a n y too we ll with Ecka rt , h e de cide d to d is con t in u e h is own m a ga zin e , t ra n s fe rre d h is s u bs cribe rs to th e Folkis h Obs e rve r, a n d be ca m e e d itor in ch ie f. I re t ire d to th e e d itoria l de pa rtm e n t loca te d in th e h ou s e of th e p rin te r , 3 9 S ch e llin gs t ra ß e , a n d re m a in e d th e re u n t il th e e n d of 1 9 3 2 . Du rin g th e s e ye a rs Hit le r h a d ga in e d m y re s pe ct a n d loya lty. I s a w in h im a m a n con t in u ou s ly wre s t lin g for th e s ou l of a pe op le . I witn e s s e d h is m a tu rin g , s a w h ow h e con s ta n t ly th ou gh t a n d b roode d , on ly to be re a dy s u dde n ly with a m a zin g ly a p t a n s we rs to wh a te ve r qu e s t ion s a ros e . Th u s , t im e a ft e r t im e , h e ga ve e vide n ce of s ou n d in s t in ct s a n d n a tu ra l cle ve rn e s s . Ecka rt s poke of h im with g rowin g ve n e ra t ion , a n d th a t m e a n t a g re a t de a l. Ecka rt h a d m a n a ge d to a cqu ire a
h ou s e , or ra th e r, pa rt of a h ou s e , in a s e t t le m e n t on Rich ilde n s t ra ß e in Nym ph e n bu rg . I fou n d a fu rn is h e d room n e a rby. Th e re Ecka rt a t t a in e d th e pe a ce h e n e e de d to be a b le to de vote h im s e lf to h is poe t ry. Pa cin g to a n d fro in h is s m a ll ga rde n , h e pon de re d ove r h is ide a s , a n d fre qu e n t ly e m ph a s is e d th e rh yth m of s om e n a s ce n t poe m by th ra s h in g a rou n d with h is h a n ds . Occa s ion a lly, wh e n I we n t to s e e h im in th e m orn in g , h e wou ld m e e t m e on th e s t a irs a n d re a d m e h is la t e s t e ffort r igh t th e n a n d th e re . Th e s e a re th e poe m s wh ich we re p rin te d in h is m a ga zin e in 1 9 2 0 . Or e ls e , Ecka rt m igh t ju s t h a ve com e a cros s a n oth e r be a u t ifu l pa s s a ge in h is be love d S ch ope n h a u e r, wh ich h e wou ld in s is t u pon re a d in g to m e on th e s pot . He wa s pa rt icu la rly im pre s s e d by wh a t S ch ope n h a u e r h a d to s a y a bou t th e Ge rm a n la n gu a ge . For th is , too , I owe Ecka rt m y th a n ks . Th e Ba lt s la ck a pe a s a n t cla s s th a t a ct s a s a pe rpe tu a l s p rin g of re ju ve n a t ion for th e la n gu a ge . Th e y writ e a lit e ra ry, s ligh t ly bookis h Ge rm a n , bu t u s e e n t ire ly too m a n y fore ign words . Ecka rt u n de rtook th e t a s k of cle a n in g u p m a n y of m y a rt icle s , a n d in doin g s o ga ve m e m a n y a n e xce lle n t s tylis t ic h in t - - th ou gh I d id occa s ion a lly p rote s t t im id ly wh e n h e a t t e m p te d to poin t u p on e of m y a rt icle s s om e wh a t too d ra m a t ica lly. Lu de n dorff, too , h a d com e to Mu n ich . On e of h is fo llowe rs h a d offe re d h im a h ou s e in Prin z-Lu dwigs -Hö h e on th e Is a r , a n d Lu de n dorff h a d a cce p te d . We h a d s e n t h im s om e of ou r p rin te d m a te ria l, a n d h e h a d a n s we re d with a fe w lin e s of a pp re cia t ion . His e n t ire life h a d be e n s pe n t in m ilit a ry s e rvice , a n d h e a cce p te d s t a te a n d ch u rch in th e ir e n t ire ty a s e s ta b lis h e d in s t itu t ion s with ou t fe e lin g ob lige d to con ce rn h im s e lf pa rt icu la rly with th e p rob le m s of th e da y. Th a t h e le ft to o th e rs . Howe ve r, th e wa r force d Ge n e ra l He a dqu a rte rs to pa y a t le a s t s om e a t t e n t ion to th e polit ics of th e Re ich . Th a t th e re s h ou ld be fre qu e n t cla s h e s be twe e n pe rs on a lit ie s a s d ive rge n t a s th os e of Lu de n dorff a n d Be th m a n n -Hollwe g wa s in e vit a b le . To Lu de n dorff it s e e m e d th a t n ot e n ou gh con s ide ra t ion wa s be in g g ive n a t h om e to th e de m a n ds of th e a rm y. Bu t in s p it e of e ve ryth in g , a ll pa rt ie s we re qu it e u n a n im ou s in th e ir con vict ion th a t Ge rm a n y h a d fou n d in Lu de n dorff a g re a t fie ld m a rs h a l a n d a m a n of u n t ir in g e n e rgy. Now h e wa s re t ire d , e m b it t e re d , s u b je ct to da ily a t t a cks by polit ica l pa rt ie s , a n d wa s fin is h in g th e writ in g of h is wa r m e m oirs . S om e h ow it wa s m a de pos s ib le for m e to ca ll on h im . He re ce ive d m e ve ry a m ia b ly. He pos s e s s e d a s t ra n ge ly h igh voice , s om e th in g h e h a d in com m on with Bis m a rck a n d Ch a rle m a gn e , a n d s poke ve ry ca lm ly a bou t ou r fa te . Noth in g of th e b it t e rn e s s a ga in s t Wilh e lm II a n d Hin de n bu rg , wh ich h e la t e r e xp re s s e d s o b ru s qu e ly, wa s n ot ice a b le a t th e t im e . He d idn 't s a y a s in g le word a bou t h is d is m is s a l. Now Lu de n dorff wa s ca tch in g u p with wh a t h e h a d n e g le cte d s o fa r: h e s tu d ie d th e h is tory of polit ics a n d d ip lom a cy. S u dde n ly th in gs th a t h e re tofore h a d s e e m e d u n e qu ivoca l a n d cle a r took on p rob le m a t ica l a s pe ct s . An d a s occa s ion a lly h a ppe n s to m e n wh o h a ve a s u cce s s fu l pa s t be h in d th e m , h e d id n ot look for illu m in a t ion from cle a r th in ke rs , bu t in s te a d ca m e u n de r th e in flu e n ce of a p rim a rily s e cta ria n crowd . Doctor Ma th ilde von Ke m m n itz - - wh o in p riva te con ve rs a t ion s p ra is e d th e Fie ld Ma rs h a l to th e s kie s - - m a de con ta ct with h im . For h e r th e h is tory of th e world wa s m e re ly a m a t te r of s e cre t con s p ira cie s . Th e p ra ct ice of ba s in g s ou n d ju dge m e n ts on officia l s ou rce s tu rn e d in to th e ve ry oppos it e , a n d Lu de n dorff's s h in in g n a m e a s a s o ld ie r wa s to s h ie ld m u ch th a t wa s m ore th a n m e re ly re g re t t a b le . On e da y we s u dde n ly h e a rd th a t a cou n te rre volu t ion le d by Ka pp h a d b roke n ou t in Be rlin . Ebe rt a n d h is gove rn m e n t we re s u ppos e d to h a ve fle d , Ge n e ra l von Lü t twitz wa s s a id to be in Be rlin . We wa ite d fe ve ris h ly to s e e wh a t wou ld h a ppe n in Ba va ria . To be g in with , th e in h a b it a n t s we re ca lle d to a rm s . An d , a s on ce be fore in Re va l, I h a d to go on n igh t pa t ro l du ty a rm e d with a n u n fa m ilia r r ifle . I wa s s t a t ion e d on th e Nym ph e n bu rg Ca n a l. Th e re I m e t a you n g com ra de by th e n a m e of Die b it s ch , a de s ce n da n t of th e Ge rm a n -born Ru s s ia n ge n e ra l wh o h a d on ce clos e d th e Con ve n t ion of Ta u rogge n . Hit le r a n d
Ecka rt h a d flown to Be rlin . Wh e n th e y a rrive d th e re a ft e r a t e rr ib le t r ip , th e wh ole u n de rta kin g h a d gon e on th e rocks . A ge n e ra l s t r ike h a d ch e ckm a te d Ka pp , wh o wa s a ls o th re a te n e d with fore ign in te rve n t ion . Ka pp p roba b ly cou ldn 't a n d wou ldn 't in s t itu te a d icta tors h ip by b ru te force . An d wh e n h e fou n d n o h e lp in th e p rovin ce s , h e ga ve u p a n d fle d to S we de n . Th is wa s th e fa m ou s Ka pp Pu t s ch , a n a t t e m p t to tu rn fa te a bou t , e xp lica b le on ly by th e fa ct th a t th in gs in Ge rm a n y we re in de s pe ra te s h a pe . Me a n wh ile ou r work in Mu n ich we n t on it s a ppoin te d wa y. S e ve ra l vö lkis ch e (n a t ion a lis t ic) orga n is a t ion s h a d a rra n ge d a s o-ca lle d Ge rm a n Da y in Cobu rg . Th e y h a d s e cu re d th e n e ce s s a ry pe rm is s ion on ly by p rom is in g th a t th e y wou ld m e e t in doors ; in o th e r words , th e re wa s a n in te rd ict a ga in s t n on -Ma rxis t orga n is a t ion s h old in g m e e t in gs in th e ope n . Hit le r wa s in vit e d . He a cce p te d , de cla rin g , h owe ve r, th a t th e s t re e t s of Ge rm a n y be lon ge d to a ll Ge rm a n s . He ch a rte re d a s pe cia l t ra in , a n d we we n t to Fra n con ia a ccom pa n ie d by a bou t 6 0 0 S torm Troope r m e n . Wh a t fo llowe d , Hit le r h a s de s cribe d in h is book. Th os e wh o we re wa it in g for u s with le a d p ipe s a n d n a il- s tu dde d , h e a vy s t icks , we re n ot s t ron g e n ou gh to b re a k u p ou r pa ra de . On th e con t ra ry, wh e n e ve r th e y a t t a cke d , th e y we re be a te n ba ck with ou t m e rcy. Hit le r h im s e lf le ft th e ra n ks s e ve ra l t im e s a n d u s e d h is s t ick. I h a d be e n s ligh t ly n a ï ve a n d d idn 't h a ve a s t ick, on ly a p is to l in m y pocke t , wh ich , u n de r th e circu m s ta n ce s , n a tu ra lly cou ldn 't be u s e d . Afte r a ll, we a cte d m e re ly in s e lf-de fe n ce . In a n y ca s e , in Cobu rg , for th e firs t t im e in ou r pa rty 's h is tory, we ca p tu re d th e s t re e t s , a s ym bolic a ct th a t m a de qu it e a n im pre s s ion on Ge rm a n y a s a wh ole . La te r we s a t u p th e re in th e fort re s s a n d looke d fa r ou t ove r th e la n d . In th e m e a n t im e I be ga n m a kin g m y firs t s pe e ch e s in a n d ou t s ide of Mu n ich . On ce I wa s a s ke d wh a t I th ou gh t of th e Je s u it s . I ga ve m y pe rs on a l op in ion , bu t a dde d th a t th is wa s h a rd ly a s u b je ct to be d is cu s s e d ju s t th e n . As it tu rn e d ou t , m y a t t itu de - - it h a ppe n e d in Ros e n h e im - - wa s obviou s ly corre ct . Two lis t e n e rs de m a n de d a lm os t im m e d ia te ly th a t re lig iou s qu e s t ion s be e lim in a te d from th e d is cu s s ion . Th is in cide n t s h owe d m e h ow s e n s it ive pe op le we re on th a t pa rt icu la r s u b je ct . La te r , wh e n e ve r I fe lt I h a d to s a y s om e th in g a bou t it , I a lwa ys s a id it by wa y of th e p rin te d word . I h a ve n e ve r t a lke d in pu b lic a bou t th e Je s u it s or th e Ca th olic Ch u rch PER S E, a bou t th e la t t e r 's m e ta ph ys ica l dogm a , n or th a t of th e Prote s ta n t s . Nor d id I e ve r s pe a k pu b licly a bou t m y p rin cipa l book, pu b lis h e d s om e ye a rs la t e r . As crit ica l a s I m igh t h a ve be e n of ce rt a in p re la te s wh o we re th e le a de rs of th e Ce n t ris t Pa rty, I p re fe rre d to le t s le e p in g dogs lie .
At a b ig Mu n ich h a n d icra ft e xh ib it ion a ca rve d cru cifix wa s on d is p la y a lon g with m a n y oth e r ob je ct s . I t wa s s o pa in fu lly d is tort e d , with s tu p id , popp in g e ye s , th a t we con s ide re d it b la s ph e m ou s . Hit le r re fe rre d to it in on e of h is s pe e ch e s , wh e re u pon th e a u th orit ie s ca m e to a s im ila r con clu s ion a n d h a d it with d ra wn . In o th e r words , th e you n g pa rty, in s p it e of it s fre e th in kin g , s tood re a dy, if n e ce s s a ry, to figh t a ll m ocke ry - - m os t oft e n orig in a t in g in Be rlin - - n ot on ly of n a t ion a l, bu t a ls o of re lig iou s s ym bols . Bu t th is willin gn e s s to work h a n d in h a n d with re lig iou s circle s , a t le a s t in s om e re s pe ct s , wa s s u m m a rily re je cte d by th e m , n ot on ly a t th a t t im e , bu t e ve n m ore e m ph a t ica lly la t e r on . Th is a u tom a t ica lly le d to a g rowin g re ta lia tory e n m ity on th e pa rt of m a n y of th e fo llowe rs of th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t Ge rm a n Worke rs ' Pa rty. To u s , h owe ve r, it s e e m e d a s if th e two ch u rch e s m is s e d a n im porta n t m om e n t in h is tory.
In Fe b ru a ry, 1 9 2 3 , I fin a lly h a d in m y pocke t officia l con firm a t ion th a t I h a d be e n g ra n te d Ge rm a n cit ize n s h ip . An d in s p it e of th e fa ct th a t th is , a ft e r a ll, wa s n o m ore th a n a form a lity, it ga ve m e th a t de fin it e fe e lin g of be lon g in g wh ich I h a d n ot h a d be fore . Du rin g th e la s t fe w m on th s , Ecka rt h a d n ot both e re d to com e to ou r e d itoria l de pa rtm e n t a t a ll. He fre qu e n t ly e n te rt a in e d gu e s t s from North e rn Ge rm a n y, a n d t a lke d ofte n a bou t a h u m orou s n ove l h e p la n n e d to writ e . Hit le r to ld m e on e da y th a t , s in ce I d id a ll of th e work, I m igh t a s we ll ge t cre d it for it . I ca lle d Ecka rt a n d to ld h im th a t I wa s n ow a fu ll- fle dge d Ge rm a n cit ize n , a n d th a t a ll ou r form e r ca u t ion wa s n ow s u pe rflu ou s . I th ou gh t h e h a d u n de rs tood m e , a n d a n n ou n ce d in th e Folkis h Obs e rve r th a t I h a d t a ke n ove r th e t it le of e d itor- in -ch ie f. Bu t wh e n I m e t Ecka rt s h ort ly th e re a ft e r , h e to ld m e th a t m u tu a l fr ie n ds h a d a s ke d h im wh e th e r we h a d h a d a fa llin g ou t , wh e th e r h e h a d g ive n u p h is job with ou t e ve n a word of e xp la n a t ion , a n d s o on . At firs t , h e s a id , h e h a dn 't th ou gh t m u ch a bou t it , bu t th e n h e be ga n to won de r wh e th e r I h a d a cte d qu it e de ce n t ly. Th is ga ve m e a n a s ty jo lt : to be a ccu s e d of in g ra t itu de by Ecka rt wa s t e rr ib le ! I to ld h im a s m u ch , a n d h e s e e m e d s a t is fie d ; bu t s om e re s e n tm e n t re m a in e d , a t le a s t with m e , e ve r a ft e r . To h a ve pu b lis h e d a n officia l a rt icle in a pp re cia t ion a ft e rwa rds wou ld h a ve m e re ly m a de th in gs wors e . In th e m e a n t im e m y wife h a d re tu rn e d from S witze rla n d , a n d wa s lookin g for a cu re in Ge rm a n y. We h a d a g re e d to s e pa ra te . S h e s a id th a t a t firs t s h e m igh t h a ve be e n a b le to h e lp m e a lit t le , bu t n ow I h a d fou n d m y wa y. S h e wa s s ick, s h e s a id , a n d p roba b ly wou ld h a ve to re ly on o th e r pe op le for th e re s t of h e r life . Th e d ivorce wa s g ra n te d in th e s p rin g of 1 9 2 3 . La te r s h e jo in e d h e r pa re n t s in Re va l, we n t to Fra n ce in a la s t a t t e m p t to fin d a cu re , a n d d ie d . In o th e r words , th e firs t Mrs . Ros e n be rg , wh o h a d h ope d to im bu e th e Ge rm a n Ba lt with a n a ll- e m bra cin g Eu rope a n cu ltu re , h a d a t la s t g ive n u p .
We we re a pp roa ch e d from m a n y s ide s with th e re qu e s t for fu rth e r e lu cida t ion of ou r p rog ra m . I wrote a b rie f ou t lin e a n d d is cu s s e d it with Hit le r . In doin g s o I re m e m be re d h ow im porta n t h e con s ide re d o ld -a ge pe n s ion s . A ca re fre e o ld a ge a ft e r a life of h on e s t to il s e e m e d to h im to be a m os t im porta n t s ocia l n e ce s s ity; th e ca s u a lt ie s of la bou r s h ou ld be con s ide re d n o le s s worth y th a n th e ca s u a lt ie s of wa r, a n d officia ls pe n s ion e d by th e gove rn m e n t . We s e n , Gru n ds ä tze u n d Zie le de r Na t ion a ls ozia lis t is ch e De u ts ch e Arbe it e r Pa rte i (Ch a ra cte r , p rin cip le s a n d goa ls of th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t Ge rm a n Worke rs ' Pa rty) ce rt a in ly wa s by n o m e a n s a m a tu re p ie ce of work; it h a d a ll th e e a rm a rks of both a you th fu l a u th or a n d a you th fu l m ove m e n t , bu t it wa s in a n y ca s e a n ou t lin e wh ich e a ch in d ividu a l cou ld e n la rge u pon a ccord in g to h is kn owle dge of, a n d e xpe rie n ce in , s pe cia l fie ld s . In Nove m be r, 1 9 2 3 , th e firs t s torm b roke . Mu n ich wa s r ife with p lo t t in g , a n d Hit le r h a d to m a ke s om e s ort of a de cis ion le s t h e be com e th e ob je ct of th e polit ics of o th e rs ra th e r th a n th e m a s te r of h is own a n d th e pa rty 's de s t in y. Th u s th e Octobe r da ys we re crowde d with e ve r m ore con fe re n ce s be twe e n th e Fü h re r a n d h is S torm Troope r Un te rfü h re r. Approxim a te ly a we e k be fore th e fa te fu l da y, Adolf Hit le r , Gö rin g , Rö h m , a n d I m e t a t th e a pa rtm e n t of Doctor von S ch e u bn e r-Rich te r . Na tu ra lly we d is cu s s e d th e com in g a ct ion , it s pos s ib ilit ie s , a n d it s ch a n ce s of s u cce s s . Th e ge n e ra l op in ion wa s th a t we s im p ly h a d to b rin g m a t te rs to a h e a d in s om e wa y. At th is occa s ion Rö h m la u gh in g ly to ld u s th a t wh ile h e wa s cle a n in g h is re volve r, it s u dde n ly e xp lode d a n d d rove a bu lle t in to h is bookca s e , h it t in g , of a ll books , Die S pu r de r Ju de n im Wa n de l de r Ze it e n (Th e t ra ce of th e Je ws in ch a n g in g t im e s ) . To a s u pe rs t it iou s m in d th is m a y h a ve s e e m e d in d ica t ive of s om e th in g or o th e r. Wh e n we s ta rt e d for th e Fe ldh e rrn h a lle , Pa rte ige n os s e [pa rty
m e m be r] Mü lle r s a id to m e : Don 't go a lon g , He rr Ros e n be rg ; th is is pu re s u icide . In a n h ou r like th a t , h owe ve r, on e n o lon ge r th ou gh t a bou t wh e th e r it wou ld be s u icide or n ot . I jo in e d th e s e con d row a n d we m a rch e d off, Hit le r in th e le a d .
Afte r Nove m be r 8 a n d 9 , I we n t ba ck to th e office of th e Folkis h Obs e rve r. Th e re I fou n d m y e d itoria l a s s is t a n t s , toge th e r with Ecka rt a n d Fe de r. Th e p re m is e s s t ill h a d n ot be e n s e a rch e d . An e lde rly la dy s u gge s te d th a t I t a ke s h e lt e r in h e r h ou s e , a n offe r wh ich I g ra te fu lly a cce p te d . Du rin g th e e n s u in g m on th s s h e m oth e re d m e in a m os t tou ch in g fa s h ion . Th e o th e rs , we h e a rd , h a d e ith e r be e n a rre s te d or h a d fle d to Au s t ria . Ea ch n igh t I rode to town , s t a n d in g on th e da rk ba ck p la t form of th e s t re e tca r , m y h a t de e p down ove r m y e ye s , to m e e t s om e of ou r com ra de s . S h ort ly be fore h is a rre s t , Hit le r h a d writ t e n m a n y b rie f n ote s . I re ce ive d th is pe n cille d m e s s a ge : De a r Ros e n be rg . From n ow on you will le a d th e m ove m e n t . I wa s ra th e r s u rp ris e d . Hit le r h a d n e ve r t a ke n m e in to h is con fide n ce a s fa r a s orga n is a t ion a l m a t te rs we re con ce rn e d , a n d n ow I wa s to a s s u m e con t ro l a t th is crit ica l m om e n t ! Th e pa rty wa s ou t la we d . An yon e wh o t r ie d to re vive it wou ld fa ce a h e a vy ja il s e n te n ce , a n d Ge rm a n s , m ore pa rt icu la rly Ba va ria n s , we re ce rt a in ly n ot th e s ort wh o g lorie d in con s p ira cie s . It s oon be ca m e a ppa re n t , in cide n ta lly, th a t a th orou gh ly orga n is e d pa rty in th e t ru e s e n s e of th e word h a d n e ve r re a lly e xis t e d , bu t a t be s t h a d con s is t e d of ce rt a in is o la te d g rou ps with a g rowin g n u m be r of a dh e re n t s . Ne ve rth e le s s , pu b lic op in ion wa s de fin it e ly in ou r fa vou r, s o m u ch s o th a t th e Ba va ria n gove rn m e n t de s is t e d from m a kin g m a s s a rre s t s , a ppa re n t ly s a t is fie d with t a kin g th e le a de rs in to cu s tody, a n d m a kin g on ly a cu rs ory s e a rch for th e re s t of u s . Eve n wh e n th e fou n da t ion of a Gros s de u t s ch e Volks ge m e in s ch a ft E.V. (Gre a te r Ge rm a n Pe op le 's Un ion , Re g is te re d Orga n is a t ion ) wa s a n n ou n ce d - - it wa s th e b ra in ch ild of on e of th e s e ct ion le a de rs of th e pa rty - - it re ce ive d th e n e ce s s a ry officia l s a n ct ion with ou t m u ch a do, p roba b ly be ca u s e it s e xis t e n ce wou ld fa cilit a t e officia l s u pe rvis ion , a n d a ls o h e lp d is pe rs e th e com pa ra t ive ly la rge n u m be r of pa rty m e m be rs . Th e ide a wa s s ou n d e n ou gh , s in ce m a n y ru m ou rs we re in circu la t ion con ce rn in g th e a ct ion s of s om e of ou r m e n wh o h a d e ith e r fle d a b roa d or we re u n de r a rre s t a n d th u s u n a b le to de fe n d th e m s e lve s . In m y re t re a t I h e a rd on ly fra gm e n ts of th is gos s ip . Wh e n e ve r I m e t pa rty m e m be rs I t r ie d to re a s s u re th e m , bu t h u m a n n a tu re be in g wh a t it is , it t ook s om e ta lkin g to ca lm th e m down . Th e pe t t in e s s of h u m a n n a tu re be ca m e ra th e r pa in fu lly a ppa re n t both th e n a n d in 1 9 2 4 - - th a t a n d th e la ck of a re s pon s ib le a t t itu de towa rd th e s e riou s tu rn of e ve n t s a s we ll a s towa rd th e you n g pa rty. Th os e wh o h a d fou n d s a n ctu a ry in Au s t r ia h e a rd a ll th is th rice e xa gge ra te d , a s is u s u a l a m on g e m ig ra n t s . I t wa s s u gge s te d th a t I cros s th e borde r to re a s s u re th e pe op le in S a lzbu rg . I a g re e d a n d we n t to Re ich e n h a ll wh e re I ca lle d on a de s ign a te d pe rs on . Th a t n igh t I cros s e d ove r in to Au s t ria . Th e wa y le d th rou gh a fore s t de e p in s n ow, th e n a cros s a va s t p la in . At a bou t 3 A.M. I re a ch e d S a lzbu rg . Th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t s in Au s t r ia we re n a tu ra lly ve ry m u ch u ps e t ove r th e th in gs th a t h a d h a ppe n e d in Mu n ich , bu t h a d ca re d for th e fu g it ive s in a m os t e xe m pla ry m a n n e r, a n d h a d e ve n colle cte d fu n ds to a id th os e in Mu n ich wh o h a d los t th e ir pos it ion s . I t a lke d to on e a ft e r th e o th e r of ou r com ra de s , t ryin g to g ive th e m re n e we d cou ra ge a n d to d is pe l a ll s e n s e le s s ru m ou rs . Th e n e xt da y He rr von Gra e fe a rr ive d in S a lzbu rg to d is cu s s fu tu re colla bora t ion . Gra e fe , toge th e r with s om e oth e r re p re s e n ta t ive s , h a d le ft th e Ge rm a n -Na t ion a l fa ct ion of th e Re ich s ta g , a n d h a d fou n de d th e De u ts ch -Vö lkis ch e Fre ih e it s Pa rte i (Ge rm a n Na t ion a lis t Libe rty Pa rty) . Th is pa rty e m bra ce d s om e of th e m ore ra d ica l bou rge ois e le m e n ts , bu t h a d lit t le in flu e n ce . Gra e fe h a d lon g s in ce be e n in
con ta ct with Hit le r , a n d on Nove m be r 9 , h e a ctu a lly a ccom pa n ie d u s to th e Fe ldh e rrn h a lle . Th e goa l of th is n orth e rn Ge rm a n g rou p wa s to t a ke ove r th e le a de rs h ip in th e n orth , a n d to ge t th e loca l Na t ion a l S ocia lis t s to jo in th e m . I wa s a s ke d to g ive m y pe rm is s ion to a m e rge r of th e p rovin cia l orga n is a t ion s . Th e con fe re n ce la s te d u n t il la t e a t n igh t . In orde r to b rin g a bou t a t le a s t a s e m bla n ce of u n ity, we we re willin g to m a ke ce rt a in con ce s s ion s - - a ll e xce p t on e . Th a t , I s u gge s te d , we d is cu s s th e fo llowin g da y, a n d we n t to be d . Th e n I h e a rd th a t m y s u ppos e d a g re e m e n t h a d a lre a dy be e n pu b licis e d th rou gh ou t th e Re ich . Na tu ra lly I p ro te s te d a ga in s t th is a t t e m p t to con fou n d m e with a fa it a ccom pli, a n d de n ie d th e ir cla im , m u ch to th e s a t is fa ct ion of ou r Na t ion a l S ocia lis t s , bu t th is u n de rs ta n da b ly le d to a wors e n in g of ou r re la t ion s with Gra e fe a n d h is fo llowe rs . In b roa d da yligh t I wa s con du cte d ba ck to th e Ge rm a n borde r wh e re I wa s obs e rve d by a n Au s t ria n re ve n u e m a n ; m y com pa n ion re tu rn e d h om e on s kis . At th e borde r con t ro l s t a t ion I e xp la in e d m a t te rs to th e officia l a n d be gge d h im to be re a s on a b le - - a ll I h a d don e wa s vis it a fe w frie n ds from Mu n ich . He a llowe d m e to go on , a n d s in ce n obody both e re d m e on th e Ba va ria n s ide I re a ch e d Mu n ich with ou t fu rth e r in cide n t . On e th in g ca lle d for a n a lm os t im m e d ia te de cis ion : we re we to pa rt icipa te in th e com in g e le ct ion s for th e La n d ta g (p rovin cia l gove rn in g body) a n d th e Re ich s ta g? My con s ide re d op in ion wa s th a t a n u n de rg rou n d pa rty wa s s h e e r foolis h n e s s , a n d th a t a n y h ope of re s u m in g th e a ct ivit ie s of th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t s re s te d s qu a re ly on pa rt icipa t ion . Bu t a ga in s t th is s tood th e fa ct th a t ou r ch a n ce s we re n 't a n y too good , a n d th a t we h a d n ot t r ie d a n d t ru e h u m a n m a te ria l, a n d ve ry lit t le m on e y a t ou r d is pos a l. S h ou ld we g ive u p a ltoge th e r th e p la n of bu ild in g u p a t ru e pe op le 's m ove m e n t u n t ra m m e lle d by th e pa rty s t r ife of th e Re ich s ta g? Du rin g ou r con fe re n ce s in Mu n ich , op in ion wa s qu it e u n ivoca lly for pa rt icipa t ion . Howe ve r, s om e of th e m ot ive s for com in g to th is de cis ion d is p le a s e d m e con s ide ra b ly. A fe w of th e pa rty le a de rs obviou s ly a lre a dy s a w th e m s e lve s a s re p re s e n ta t ive s , m a kin g la s t in g im pre s s ion s with th e s pe e ch e s th e y in te n de d to de live r, a n d s u n n in g th e m s e lve s in th e a n t icipa te d com fort s of pe rs on a l s e cu rity. Th rou gh h is a t torn e y th e qu e s t ion wa s pu t to Hit le r . He de cla re d h im s e lf vio le n t ly a ga in s t a n y pa rt icipa t ion in th e e le ct ion s . In du e cou rs e h e wrote m e a le t t e r e n u m e ra t in g a ll th e poin t s th a t s poke a ga in s t ou r e n te rin g pa rlia m e n t . I re p lie d th a t , e ve n th ou gh ce rt a in da n ge rs cou ld n ot be de n ie d , ou r pa rt icipa t ion in th e e le ct ion s wa s th e on ly pos s ib le wa y for u s to be com e a ct ive a ga in . To le a ve ou r a dh e re n t s with ou t a ct ion of a n y kin d wa s , in m y op in ion , th e wors t th in g we cou ld do . Th u s I fe lt th a t I h a d to s pe a k ou t for ou r pa rt icipa t ion , a n d be gge d Hit le r to m a ke m e pe rs on a lly re s pon s ib le for th is de cis ion . Re la te d orga n is a t ion s we re g rou pe d toge th e r u n de r th e n a m e De r Vö lkis ch e Block (Na t ion a lis t ic b loc) ; a n d in th e o th e r p rovin ce s u s u a lly u n de r th e n a m e Vö lkis ch -S ozia le r Block. Th e Gros s de u t s ch e Ze itu n g be ca m e ou r n e ws pa pe r, th a n ks p rim a rily to a we a lth y fa m ily th a t wa n te d to h e lp Hit le r du rin g h is t r ia l. All th e d is cu s s ion s con ce rn in g ca n d ida te s , a n d s o on , we re ra th e r pa in fu l for m e , s in ce th e y s o fre qu e n t ly b rou gh t to th e s u rfa ce th e a ll- too-h u m a n s ide of h u m a n ch a ra cte r . Hit le r h a d t a ke n ou r de cis ion in h is s t r ide , bu t n ow h e wa n te d m e to ru n for office . Th a t wa s on e th in g , h owe ve r, I re fu s e d to do u n de r a n y circu m s ta n ce s , a n d for th e fo llowin g re a s on : I d idn 't wa n t to r is k be in g a ccu s e d a t s om e fu tu re t im e of h a vin g be e n in fa vou r of ou r pa rt icipa t ion m e re ly be ca u s e I wa n te d to ge t in to th e Re ich s ta g m ys e lf. Me m be rs of th e Re ich s ta g we re e n t it le d to fre e t ra n s porta t ion on a ll ra ilroa ds , re ce ive d 5 0 0 to 6 0 0 m a rks pe r m on th , a n d e n joye d polit ica l im m u n ity, s o th a t th e y cou ld h a rd ly be b rou gh t be fore a cou rt be ca u s e of th e ir polit ica l s pe e ch e s . All th is wou ld h a ve g ive n a n y fu tu re a ccu s a t ion a s om e wh a t u n p le a s a n t u n de rton e . It s o h a ppe n e d th a t ju s t a t th is t im e I wa s vis it e d by a Na t ion a l S ocia lis t from a n Uppe r Ba va ria n city. He to ld m e h e e s te e m e d m e h igh ly, bu t th a t th e
m e n ta lity of th e Ba va ria n s wa s s u ch th a t on ly m e n kn own to th e m , n a t ive s of Ba va ria it s e lf, cou ld be s u gge s te d a s pos s ib le ca n d ida te s for th e La n d ta g a n d a s polit ica l le a de rs . Th e m a n wa s a bs olu te ly r igh t , bu t n e ve rth e le s s it h u rt m e . Afte r a ll, I wa s s t ill n ot de e p ly e n ou gh roote d , a n d th e re a lis a t ion of th is fa ct s t re n g th e n e d m y de cis ion n ot to a llow m y n a m e to a ppe a r on th e lis t s . I h ope d th a t Hit le r wou ld e ve n tu a lly u n de rs ta n d .
How to a rra n ge th e e le ct ion s , u n de r wh a t n a m e , with wh a t ca n d ida te s - - a ll th is h a d to be d is cu s s e d . Ou r corre s pon de n ce wa s ca m ou fla ge d by p rin t in g th e n a m e s of n on -e xis t e n t firm s on ou r e n ve lope s . At firs t I s ign e d a s S ch u lz, u n t il m y a s s is t a n t , wh o took ca re of m os t of th e rou t in e work, m a de u p th e n a m e Rolf Eidh a lt from th e le t t e rs of Adolf Hit le r 's n a m e , a n d th is wa s u s e d a s a s ign a tu re from th e n on .
h e m ood of Mu n ich h a d g ra du a lly be com e n orm a l a ga in . Th e Hit le r Tria l wa s a bou t to be g in . From a ll on e h e a rd , it wa s a ppa re n t th a t th e Ba va ria n gove rn m e n t h a d n o in te n t ion of be in g pa rt icu la rly s e ve re . Pa rt ly be ca u s e of Lu de n dorff's fa m e , bu t a ls o to a void cre a t in g a n y m a rtyrs in th e fa ce of th e in du b ita b le pu b lic s ym pa th y for th e a ccu s e d . On t r ia l with Hit le r we re Colon e l Krie be l, Police Pre s ide n t Pö h n e r, a n d Doctor We be r, th e le a de r of th e orga n is a t ion Obe rla n d - - a ll of th e m h igh ly e s te e m e d pe rs on a lit ie s . Th e t r ia l it s e lf re s u lt e d in a p ron ou n ce d victory for Hit le r . His s pe e ch m ove d e ve n h is e n e m ie s . Th e s e n te n ce of five ye a rs Fe s tu n g ( lit e ra lly, fort re s s ; h on ou ra b le in ca rce ra t ion ) , with th e re com m e n da t ion for pa role a ft e r a ye a r, wa s a m e re form a lity a ga in s t wh ich n o on e p rote s te d . In vie w of th e s e de ve lopm e n ts , I h a d s e t t le d down in th e city a ga in . Th e police in vit e d m e to a b rie f in form a l t a lk, bu t a ft e r th a t le ft m e a lon e . I wa s a b le to s e e Hit le r on Blu te n bu rge rs t ra ß e in Mu n ich wh ile we m a de ou r p re pa ra t ion s . He wa s n ow in a ccord with u s a s fa r a s ou r pa rt icipa t ion in th e e le ct ion s wa s con ce rn e d ; h e h a d a ls o h e a rd th a t ou r m e e t in gs we re we ll a t t e n de d . On ly th e e le ctora l orga n is a t ion , Vö lkis ch e r Block, b rou gh t forth s om e de ris ive re m a rks from h im . I to ld h im th a t u n de r th e n a m e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t Ge rm a n Worke rs ' Pa rty p re pa ra t ion s cou ld n ot h a ve be e n m a de in t im e . We s im p ly h a d to wa it u n t il we cou ld re orga n is e ou r pa rty on a le ga l ba s is . Lu de n dorff wa s a ll for th e fu s ion of th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t Ge rm a n Worke rs ' Pa rty with th e De u ts ch -Vö lkis ch e Fre ih e it s Pa rte i. Bu t m u ch a s I fa vou re d occa s ion a l co-ope ra t ion du rin g e le ct ion s , I wa s s t ron g ly oppos e d to s u ch a m e ch a n is t ic th e ory of a m a lga m a t ion . On ce we we n t toge th e r to vis it Hit le r a t La n ds be rg . Th e Fü h re r wa s of th e op in ion th a t th e re wou ld be le s s da n ge r of a figh t if th e fu s ion we re b rou gh t a bou t , bu t th a t a ll th is s h ou ld firs t be th orou gh ly d is cu s s e d . S a t is fie d , Lu de n dorff lis t e n e d on ly to th e firs t pa rt wh ile I took pa rt icu la r n ote of th e s e con d pa rt of th is s e n te n ce . Ou r e n t ire Re ich s ta g lis t of th ir ty- two or th ir ty- fou r n a m e s ca m e th rou gh victoriou s ly, a ra th e r re m a rka b le s u cce s s , u n dou b te d ly h a rkin g ba ck to Hit le r 's a t t itu de du rin g h is t r ia l. All th e re s t of wh a t we n t on in 1 9 2 4 u n de r th e ge n e ra l h e a d in g of d is cord in th e ra n ks of th e n a t ion a lis t s is s o u n im porta n t th a t it is s u pe rflu ou s to go in to de ta ils . On ly, a s fa r a s I a m con ce rn e d , I ou gh t to m a ke th is m u ch cle a r: in a d ifficu lt h ou r Hit le r h a d e n t ru s te d m e with th e le a de rs h ip of wh a t s p lin te rs re m a in e d of th e pa rty; bu t pa rty m e m be rs wh o h a ppe n e d to be m y a dve rs a rie s h a d a ls o be e n re ce ive d by h im a n d th e re u pon pos e d a s h is s pe cia l con fida n t s . S o I wrote Hit le r , a s kin g h im for th e s a ke of m y h on ou r to ca n ce l h is orde r,
a n d re com m e n de d in m y s te a d Gre gor S t ra s s e r . Th e re u pon Hit le r de cla re d pu b licly th a t n obody wa s e n t it le d to s pe a k for h im s in ce h e wa s pe rs on a lly u n a b le from h is p la ce of con fin e m e n t to s u rve y th e ge n e ra l s itu a t ion . Th e le a de rs h ip of Lu de n dorff-Gra e fe -S t ra s s e r e n s u e d . I h a d with d ra wn from th e a ctu a l le a de rs h ip of th e pa rty a n d h a d ke p t clos e con ta ct on ly with S t ra s s e r , wh om I kn e w to be both a ct ive a n d h on e s t . Th e Gros s de u t s ch e Ze itu n g h a d fo lde d in th e m e a n wh ile , bu t two oth e r pa pe rs h a d be e n fou n de d . For on e of th e m , th e Vö lkis ch e Kou rie r , I be ca m e a re gu la r con t ribu tor. Followin g th e s u gge s t ion of m y pu b lis h e r, I a ls o is s u e d th e We ltka m pf a s a m on th ly. Be s ide s th a t , I a ga in de vote d con s ide ra b le t im e to m y re s e a rch work a t th e S ta te Lib ra ry. Hit le r 's ye a r of in ca rce ra t ion h a d in th e m e a n t im e com e to a n e n d , th e p ropos e d pa role be ca m e e ffe ct ive , a n d h e wa s we lcom e d ba ck by a ll of u s with joy. He wa s s a t is fie d n ow with m y a rb it ra ry de cis ion re ga rd in g th e e le ct ion s , e ve n th ou gh h e h a d ce rt a in m e n ta l re s e rva t ion s con ce rn in g it s a ctu a l e xe cu t ion (with ou t e ve r m e n t ion in g th e m to a n yon e ) . In th e cou rs e of th e ye a r 1 9 2 4 , a fe w pa rty m e m be rs h a d con s ide re d it n e ce s s a ry to s u s pe ct m e of va riou s th in gs . Afte r ove rlookin g th is for s om e t im e , I e ve n tu a lly m a de a n officia l com pla in t . Hit le r a s ke d m e n ot to go th rou gh with it , h owe ve r, a n d p rom is e d to writ e m e a le t t e r wh ich , h e s a id , ou gh t to g ive m e g re a te r s a t is fa ct ion th a n a t r ia l. Nobody dou b te d m y in te g rity, h e s a id , a n d a ll th is wa s du e to n o m ore th a n th e ge n e ra l n e rvou s n e s s . In th e in te re s t of th e pa rty I a g re e d a n d , in t im e , re ce ive d th e p rom is e d le t t e r . On Fe b ru a ry 2 4 , 1 9 2 5 , th e pa rty wa s le ga lly orga n is e d a n e w. Hit le r a dd re s s e d a b ig crowd a n d a ga in ca lle d for u n ity. Ma n y wh o h a d on ce fou gh t e a ch o th e r b it t e rly, s h ook h a n ds . S in ce I loa th e d s u ch pu b lic ge s tu re s , I h a d s t a ye d a wa y. I h a ve a lwa ys don e wh a te ve r work s e e m e d n e ce s s a ry a t th e t im e , bu t h a ve a lwa ys s h u n n e d a n yth in g th a t s m a cke d of th e th e a t r ica l.
Die t r ich Ecka rt wa s gon e . He h a d be e n a rre s te d . Th e s u dde n colla ps e of th e pa rty a n d h is con fin e m e n t h a d a gg ra va te d a n o ld live r a ilm e n t . To p re ve n t h is dyin g in ja il th e gove rn m e n t s e t h im fre e . I h e a rd a bou t it - - th is wa s in th e m idd le of De ce m be r, 1 9 2 4 -- a n d ca lle d on h im la te on e n igh t a t th e h ou s e wh e re h e h a d fou n d s h e lt e r . He wa s t ire d a n d s h rive lle d , bu t h is kin d o ld s m ile re tu rn e d wh e n I offe re d words of e n cou ra ge m e n t . La te r h e re tu rn e d to h is be love d Be rch te s ga de n wh e re h e d ie d on De ce m be r 2 6 . Th e Folkis h Obs e rve r, ou r ce n t ra l orga n , a da ily, h a d e xa ct ly fou r e d itors , a fe w con t ribu tors , a n d p ra ct ica lly n o loca l re p re s e n ta t ive s a n ywh e re . It h a d to re ly on occa s ion a l con t ribu t ion s from re a de rs . Th is in e vit a b ly le d to m a n y ca re le s s words , com pla in t s , a n d , by wa y of a n occa s ion a l u n ju s t ifie d a ccu s a t ion , cou rt a ct ion s . As th e le ga lly re s pon s ib le e d itor , I fre qu e n t ly h a d to s h ou lde r th e b la m e . In va ria b ly th is m e a n t a fe w n e rve - s h a t t e rin g h ou rs in cou rt , s in ce I wa s h e ld re s pon s ib le for a rt icle s th a t I m ys e lf h a d n ot e ve n writ t e n . Us u a lly th e re we re fin e s wh ich , a s a m a t te r of p rin cip le , I h a d to pa y ou t of m y own pocke t , bu t wh ich a s a ru le we re re fu n de d to m e by th e pu b lis h e r. Twice I wa s s e n te n ce d to ja il for con te m pt of cou rt . A Na t ion a l S ocia lis t n e ws pa pe r h a d s t a rt e d p roce e d in gs a ga in s t s om e on e . S h ort ly be fore th e t r ia l th e e d itor t e le ph on e d th e p re s id in g ju dge to fin d ou t wh e th e r it wa s t ru e th a t h e h a d h a d s u ppe r with th e a t torn e y for th e oppos in g pa rty. Wh e re u pon th e n e ws pa pe r wa s con fis ca te d . Th e re port re a ch in g th e Folkis h Obs e rve r s a id , in pa rt , th a t th is s h a m e le s s ly wilfu l a ct wou ld ce rt a in ly fin d it s s e qu e l in cou rt . Th e s e qu e l for m e wa s fou r we e ks in ja il. Th is s e n te n ce , com bin e d with a n oth e r, s e n t m e to S ta de lh e im for s ix we e ks . I wa s a s s ign e d to th e ce ll wh ich h a d be e n occu p ie d s om e t im e be fore - - for lè s e m a je s té , I th in k - - by Lu dwig Th om a , a n d a ft e r th a t by Die t r ich Ecka rt . I t wa s a lit t le
la rge r th a n th e o th e rs , a n d boa s te d of h u ge opa qu e win dows . In o th e r words , it wa s on e re s e rve d for polit ica l m is cre a n t s . I wa s pe rm it t e d to writ e , a n d got n ove ls from th e ja il lib ra ry, s o th a t I m a n a ge d to pa s s th e t im e . Bu t th e m e m ory of th is s o lit a ry con fin e m e n t h a s a lwa ys be e n u n p le a s a n t .
Th a t th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t s ca m e to powe r le ga lly, th a t a g re a t re volu t ion ca m e a bou t with ou t civil wa r, ba rrica de s , gu illo t in e s , a n d s o on , wa s ou r p ride . Ce rta in ly, a fe w b loody loca l s kirm is h e s d id occu r wh e re e n e m ie s h a d live d s ide by s ide for ye a rs . I h e a rd a bou t s om e of th e s e cla s h e s with ou t ge t t in g de ta ils ; bu t th e y m u s t h a ve be e n in fin it e s im a l in com pa ris on to th e h u ge u ph e a va l. La te r on we h e a rd th a t th e form e r S ocia l De m ocra t ic p re s ide n t of th e Re ich s ta g h a d re s u m e d h is job a s a p rin te r with ou t be in g m ole s te d , th a t form e r S e cre ta ry of th e In te rior S e ve rin g wa s livin g qu ie t ly in Bie le fe ld a n d re ce ivin g h is s e cre ta ry 's pe n s ion . Th rou gh ou t a ll th e s e ye a rs I n e ve r h e a rd on e word of p ro te s t a ga in s t a ll th a t . On th e con t ra ry, on ly words of p ra is e for th e ge n e rou s a t t itu de of th e Fü h re r.
Hit le r ra re ly ca m e to m y e d itoria l office s ; h e t ra ve lle d th rou gh th e Re ich a g re a t de a l to m e e t im porta n t pe op le a n d to m a ke s pe e ch e s . Gra du a lly h e h a d s u rrou n de d h im s e lf with a s m a ll circle of com pa n ion s wh o we n t with h im on th e s e t r ip s , a n d to wh om h e h a d be com e a ccu s tom e d . On ce I a s ke d h im to t a ke m e a lon g , s in ce th e re wa s da n ge r of m y ge t t in g ou t of tou ch with polit ica l re a lity in th e re g ion s be yon d Ba va ria if I h a d to s pe n d a ll m y t im e be h in d m y de s k. He p rom is e d , bu t n e ve r a s ke d m e to go a lon g . We m a de on ly on e jou rn e y to Be rlin toge th e r, a ccom pa n ie d by Fra u Rit t e r , a g ra n dda u gh te r of Rich a rd Wa gn e r 's . I kn ow th a t h e ke p t m e a wa y in te n t ion a lly. He p roba b ly cou ldn 't forg ive m e for h a vin g de cide d a ga in s t h is e xp re s s e d will u pon ou r ba s ic cou rs e a ft e r Nove m be r, 1 9 2 3 , a lth ou gh h e la t e r a g re e d to ou r pa rt icipa t ion in th e e le ct ion s , pe rm it t e d h im s e lf to be p ra is e d for th e s e t a ct ics , a s s u ppos e d ly in ve n te d by h im s e lf, a n d e ve n cla im e d th e m a s s u ch . He a ls o kn e w th a t I h a d m y own ide a s a bou t th e in te r-pa rty s t r ife of 1 9 2 4 , pa rt icu la rly con ce rn in g Es s e r, S t re ich e r, Din te r , a n d Ha n fs tä n g l. La te r on h e h im s e lf wa s force d to e lim in a te Es s e r from a ll polit ica l a ct ivit ie s be ca u s e of h is obviou s la ck of a b ility, e n t ru s t in g h im in s te a d with th e m a n a ge m e n t of th e Ce n t ra l Bu re a u for Fore ign Tra ve l; h e h a d to kick ou t Din te r a n d g ive S t re ich e r a le a ve of a bs e n ce . Ha n fs tä n g l h e t re a te d s o s h a bb ily th a t h e p ra ct ica lly force d h im to go a b roa d - - s om e th in g wh ich e ve n I, wh o h a te d Ha n fs tä n g l, h a d to a dm it wa s u n worth y. A cle a n a n d cle a r- cu t de cis ion in 1 9 2 5 wou ld h a ve s a ve d u s a lo t of fu tu re t rou b le . Occa s ion a lly I t a lke d with Hit le r in th e re s ta u ra n t Viktoria , s in ce we both - - I on ly t e m pora rily - - live d n e a r th e Ma y Mon u m e n t . Bu t h e wa s s e ldom a t m y office , s o th a t , a s fa r a s th e t re a tm e n t of polit ica l th e m e s in th e Folkis h Obs e rve r wa s con ce rn e d , I h a d to re ly u pon m y own ju dge m e n t .
Spiritual foundation for a thousand-year Reich
At th e fo c a l p o in t o f a ll s p iritu a l- p s y c h o lo g ic a l d is c u s s io n s ta n d s
Ch ris t ia n ity , it s p e rs o n a g e s , it s re la t io n s h ip to th e p e o p le s a n d to th e p ro b le m s
o f o u r e p o c h . W a s m y a t t itu d e w ro n g , th e n , in th e fa c e o f e x is t in g re a lit ie s , in
th e fa c e o f th e d ig n ity in h e re n t in d u ra b le h is to ric fig u re s ? Or p o s s ib ly e v e n
h a rm fu l, p e rh a p s b e c a u s e e x is t in g s o c ia l t ie s re a lly s h o u ld b e p re s e rv e d in
th e s e d a y s o f g re a t fe rm e n ta t io n , in c o n tra s t to m y o w n p e rs is t e n t o p p o s it io n
to th e c h u rc h e s a n d Ch ris t ia n d o g m a ?
As in d ica te d in th e be g in n in g , a ce rt a in h e re t ica l a t t itu de g re w u p in m e qu it e e a rly, pa rt icu la rly du rin g th e con firm a t ion le s s on s . Bu t it re ce ive d it s s t ron ge s t im pe tu s , a s wa s th e ca s e with s o m a n y oth e rs , from Hou s ton S te wa rt Ch a m be rla in 's Gru n d la ge n de s 2 0 . Ja h rh u n de rt s (Fou n da t ion s of th e 2 0 th ce n tu ry) . Th e in te rm in a b le d is cu s s ion s con s ta n t ly ca rrie d on by Eu rope a n th in ke rs we re a s ign of in n e r t ru th fu ln e s s , th a t is , th e y we re e n ga ge d in by ge n u in e s e e ke rs of th e t ru th . Nor is it im porta n t wh e th e r th e s e pe op le m e re ly wa n te d to go ba ck to th e s im p le e va n ge lica l t e a ch in gs , or wh e th e r, a s s cie n t is t s , th e y de clin e d to a cce p t th e e n t ire e d ifice of dogm a . Wh a t is im porta n t a n d s ign ifica n t is th e ir a t t itu de a s s u ch , wh ich t ie s th e Alb ige n s ia n Cou n t de Foix to Lu th e r, Goe th e , a n d La ga rde . An d e ve n th ou gh Prote s ta n t be lie ve rs , toge th e r with th e Rom a n Ch u rch , h a ve don e th e ir be s t to b ru s h a s ide th e fo llowin g pa ra g ra ph s a s s u pe rficia l ra t ion a lis m , Cope rn icu s ' d is cove ry s t ill s pe lls th e e n d of th e cre e d . Th e th e olog ica l oppon e n t s of m y Myth h a ve a t t a cke d m e with a ll th e we a pon s of a n t iqu a te d d ia le ct ics . Th e y h a ve d is cove re d t e n s in g le e rrors ; I wou ld be m ore th a n h a ppy to a dm it o th e rs . Th e work wa s con ce ive d du rin g a bu s y t im e of polit ica l s t r ife with ou t th e a id of a com pre h e n s ive ca rd in de x. S o m e m ory m is le d m e in con n e ct ion with s om e h is torica l da te s ; a n d th e de s crip t ion of on e in cide n t or th e o th e r m a y a ls o pe rm it of a d iffe re n t in te rp re ta t ion th a n th e on e I ga ve . Be s ide s , I fre qu e n t ly u s e d d ra s t ic a d je ct ive s th a t s im p ly h a d to h u rt . In m y old a ge I h a lf in te n de d to re vis e m y Myth , e lim in a t in g e ve ryth in g t im e -con d it ion e d in orde r to s t re n g th e n it s ba s ic con ce p t . Bu t th e m ore I s e a rch m y h e a rt , th e le s s re a s on I ca n fin d for re t ra ct in g a n yth in g .
S in ce th e n th e p rob le m of Ch ris t ia n ity h a s in te re s te d m e . . . . . On a h ike I ca m e to th e Mon a s te ry Et t a l a n d looke d ove r it s ch u rch . Un de r th e cu pola I s a w a ll a rou n d m e , in g la s s s h owca s e s , s ke le ton s cla d in b roca de gown s . On th e s ku lls , b is h ops ' m it re s a n d a bbot s ' ca ps ; r in gs on th e bon y fin ge rs . I h a rd ly t ru s te d m y e ye s a n d a s ke d m ys e lf wh e th e r I wa s in Eu rope or s om e wh e re in Tibe t or Africa . A fe w da ys la t e r I looke d ove r th e ch u rch on th e Fra u e n in s e l (Wom a n 's Is la n d ) in th e Ch ie m s e e (Ch ie m La ke ) . Ju s t a s I pa s s e d a con fe s s ion a l, a b lon d pe a s a n t la d of a bou t twe n ty, a n d m ore th a n s ix fe e t t a ll, fe ll on h is kn e e s n e xt to m e a n d p rope lle d h im s e lf towa rd th e con fe s s ion a l th re e fe e t a wa y to s t a rt h is wh is pe rin g . An d th e n I a s ke d m ys e lf: Is th a t wh a t you h a ve tu rn e d a p rou d pe op le in to , th a t it n o lon ge r u n de rs ta n ds th e in d ign ity of s u ch a n a ct? Afte r I h a d le ft th e m on a s te ry ch u rch a t Et t a l, I s a t down a t a woode n t a b le in fron t of a n in n a cros s th e roa d . Ne xt to m e s a t a b ig , s t ron g pe a s a n t with h is lit t le s on
wh os e n os e h a rd ly re a ch e d a bove th e t a b le top . Th e pe a s a n t d ra n k h is m e a s u re of be e r, cu t off h u ge p ie ce s of s a u s a ge with h is pocke t kn ife , s tu ffe d s om e of th e m in to th e boy's m ou th , a n d a ls o ga ve h im a fe w s ip s of th e liqu id b re a d of Ba va ria . Th is powe rfu l, e a rth -bou n d figu re qu ie te d m e down a b it , bu t a ctu a lly b rou gh t h om e to m e wh a t la t e r be ca m e th e con te n t of m y re lig iou s -ph ilos oph ica l t re a t is e : th e fa te fu l in te rre la t ion be twe e n a n Orie n ta l cu lt of re ve la t ion , a n d th e Ge rm a n pe a s a n t ry. Two wa rs h a d b rou gh t th e m in to con ta ct - - th e firs t a t th e t im e of th e pe a s a n t 's g rowth , th e s e con d , wh e n h is o ld gods la y dyin g - - a n d both s ide s h a ve a t t e m p te d to cre a te a u n ion . Th e ch u rch e s s t irre d Ge rm a n ic in g re d ie n t s in to th e a cid of th e ir own te a ch in gs , bu t th e y p rove d in s olu b le - - h a rs h a s th e m e th ods th e y u s e d m igh t be .
I h a ve n e ve r u s e d polit ica l powe r to u n do m y a dve rs a rie s , th ou gh , a ft e r 1 9 3 3 , th e y m a de m e th e t a rge t of th e ir h a rs h e s t pole m ics . In m y works I pos tu la te d th a t I wa s a ga in s t a ll p ropa ga n da for le a vin g th e Ch u rch , s in ce Ch ris t ia n ity is e n n ob le d by th e be lie fs a n d th e de a th s of s o m a n y ge n e ra t ion s . Nobody ca n e xpe ct m ore to le ra n ce . Ba s ica lly, th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t m ove m e n t wa s ob lige d to be to le ra n t ; bu t e a ch s in g le in d ividu a l cou ld cla im for h im s e lf th e ide n t ica l fre e dom of con s cie n ce wh ich th e ch u rch e s a ppa re n t ly con s ide r th e ir e xclu s ive p rope rty. In 1 9 3 3 , Hit le r con clu de d th e con corda t with th e Va t ica n . Th ou gh pe rs on a lly n ot a pa rt icipa n t , I con s ide re d th is t re a ty com ple te ly ju s t ifie d . I a lwa ys d iffe re n t ia te d be twe e n s p ir itu a l ba t t le s a m on g in d ividu a ls or in s t itu t ion s a n d ch u rch e s , a n d th e a t t itu de d icta te d by re a s on s of s t a t e . I s tu d ie d th e t e xt of th e con corda t ca re fu lly a n d , be ca u s e of m y h e re t ic wa y of th in kin g , occa s ion a lly s h ook m y h e a d ; bu t e ve n tu a lly I ca m e to th e con clu s ion th a t th is wa s , a ft e r a ll, ju s t a s m u ch of a com prom is e a s th e fou r powe r pa ct wa s , a n d a s e ve ry fore ign polit ica l t re a ty a lwa ys will be . I m u s t con fe s s , h owe ve r, th a t I n e ve r both e re d to le a rn in de ta il if a n d wh e n th e Fü h re r b roke th is con corda t , be ca u s e I wa s a wa re of th e fa ct th a t , a ft e r th e in it ia l ove rwh e lm in g re volu t ion a ry s u rge h a d pa s s e d , b is h ops h a d be gu n a ra th e r re m a rka b le cou n te r-p ropa ga n da ca m pa ign a ga in s t th e ba s ic la ws of th e n e w Re ich by wa y of s e rm on s a s we ll a s Ep is copa l le t t e rs . Th a t th e y s ore ly m is s e d th e ir world ly a rm , th e Ce n t ris t Pa rty, wa s qu it e obviou s . Th u s I wa s n ot pa rt icu la rly in clin e d to be lie ve th a t th e Fü h re r h a d p la n n e d from th e ve ry be g in n in g to b re a k a n a g re e m e n t wh ich , a ft e r a ll, h a d be e n m a de qu it e cold -b loode d ly. Th e con corda t wa s p rim a rily in te n de d to h e lp b re a k th rou gh th e fore ign m ora l-polit ica l boycot t r in g , a n d it wou ld h a ve be e n pos it ive ly id io t ic to m a ke th is n e wly ga in e d s u cce s s illu s ion a ry by b re a kin g th e con corda t it s e lf, a n a ct wh ich m e re ly wou ld h a ve a dde d n e w oppon e n t s to th os e a lre a dy s o n u m e rou s . I a m u n a b le to g ive a n op in ion on th e be g in n in g of th e con t rove rs y. Fra n k, wh o is s it t in g n e xt to m e in th e p ris on e rs ' dock, is of th e op in ion th a t it wa s p roba b ly du e to ou r own n e g lige n ce , s in ce h e h im s e lf h a d gon e to Rom e for th is ve ry re a s on . In a ll like lih ood - - a s I a m force d to con clu de n ow - - it wa s h e re th a t He ydrich 's S ich e rh e it s polize i (S e cu rity Police ) in te rve n e d by fo llowin g u p Him m le r 's pe rs on a l in ve s t iga t ion s . How fa r He ydrich we n t I don 't kn ow; bu t th e s e Ep is copa l le t t e rs , fo llowin g h is torica l p re ce de n t , s e e m e d to m e n o m ore th a n a t t e m p ts on th e pa rt of a ch u rch n o lon ge r in powe r to s t a ge a com e ba ck in th e gu is e of pe rs e cu te d re lig ion . Be th a t a s it m a y, if Hit le r con clu de d th e con corda t for re a s on s of s t a t e , h e s im p ly h a d to ove rlook, for th e s a m e re a s on s , a t t a cks in le t t e rs , occa s ion a l s pe e ch e s by b is h ops , a n d s o on . I h a d ca re fu lly re fra in e d from in te rfe rin g with th e e xe cu t ion of th e con corda t , con s ciou s of th e fa ct th a t , a s looke d u pon from th e pe rs pe ct ive of h igh polit ica l e xpe d ie n cy, I wa s s om e wh a t of a bu rde n to th e m ove m e n t . Tru e , I h a d g ive n Hit le r th e m a n u s crip t of m y Myth be fore it we n t to
pre s s , h a d cle a rly ch a ra cte ris e d th e book in it s in t rodu ct ion a s a pe rs on a l con fe s s ion , a n d d id n ot h a ve it b rou gh t ou t by th e pu b lis h e r of th e pa rty, bu t ra th e r by a n a ffilia t e d h ou s e . Howe ve r, it d id h a ve th e e ffe ct of a bom bs h e ll on a h e re tofore com ple te ly s e cu re Ce n t ris t Pa rty. Th e Ce n t ris t s kn e w fu ll we ll th a t th e S ocia l De m ocra t s h a d to re ly on th e p re la te s to re m a in in office . Th e Ge rm a n Na t ion a lis t s , in tu rn , we re h op in g for a com in g re orga n is a t ion of a bou rge ois re g im e wh ich , a ga in , cou ld be a ccom plis h e d on ly with th e a id of th e Ce n t ris t s . Th u s both th e s e pa rt ie s we re ca re fu l n ot to pu b licis e e ith e r th e ir a th e is t ic or Prote s ta n t a t t itu de s . Th is a ppa re n t ly s e cu re ly ba la n ce d s itu a t ion wa s ru de ly s h a ke n by th e Myth , pa rt icu la rly s in ce I wa s n o lon ge r com ple te ly u n kn own ; a n d s u ch a n ope n de m a n d a s th is for th e r igh t to fre e ly e xp re s s a n op in ion a t va ria n ce with th e on e a cce p te d by th e Ch u rch wa s con s ide re d n oth in g s h ort of s a crile g iou s . No u s e goin g in to fu rth e r de ta ils ; a ll I wa n t to s a y h e re is th a t I u n de rs ta n d com ple te ly wh y th e Fü h re r d id n ot a dd m e to h is ca b in e t . He wa s r igh t , in s p it e of h is p rom is e th a t I wa s to jo in th e Au s wä rt ige Am t a s a n Un de r- s e cre ta ry of S ta te , a n d to wa it for de ve lopm e n ts from th e n on . In vie w of m y pos it ion I n e ve r re m in de d th e Fü h re r of h is p rom is e . Wh e n th e Myth wa s pu b lis h e d in Octobe r, 1 9 3 0 , it wa s g re e te d with e n th u s ia s t ic a pp la u s e on th e on e h a n d , a n d by e xt ra ord in a ry a t t a cks on th e o th e r. In Ca th olic re g ion s dou b t s a ros e e ve n in th e ra n ks of th e pa rty. I to ld e ve ryon e th a t fre e dom of th e s p ir it e m bra ce d n ot on ly th e Ca th olic a n d Prote s ta n t con fe s s ion s , bu t a ls o s u ch con fe s s ion s a s I h a d m a de , a n d poin te d ou t in th e pe rs on a l, a n d th u s n on -pa rty, a s pe ct s of th e book. Th e s itu a t ion wa s pa rt icu la rly d ifficu lt for s om e of th e Ca th olic cle rgym e n wh o we re in a ccord with qu it e a fe w of th e s ocia l de m a n ds of th e pa rty. Th is wa s e s pe cia lly t ru e for good o ld Abbot S ch a ch le itn e r. He ca lle d th e a t t e n t ion of s e ve ra l pa rty fu n ct ion a rie s to th e fa ct th a t , in h is op in ion , I wa s e n da n ge rin g ou r e n t ire m ove m e n t . Th e re u pon I wrote Hit le r a le t t e r a s kin g h im to ign ore m y pe rs on com ple te ly, a n d to d is m is s m e from th e s e rvice of th e pa rty if th is s e e m e d de s ira b le . He re p lie d - - if m e m ory s e rve s m e corre ct ly, on th e s a m e s h e e t of pa pe r - - th a t h e wou ldn 't th in k of it . Th u s th e book m a de it s wa y th rou gh e d it ion a ft e r e d it ion . By 1 9 4 4 , a m illion cop ie s h a d be e n d is t r ibu te d .
Ha n s S ch e m m wa s a t e a ch e r to ta lly u n de r th e s pe ll of Ba yre u th 's m u s ic, a n d pa rt icu la rly, a s I fou n d ou t in 1 9 2 4 , of Pa rs ifa l. In 1 9 3 3 , h e be ca m e Ba va ria n S e cre ta ry of Edu ca t ion , a n d s t a rt e d ou t on a con s ciou s ly Ch ris t ia n cou rs e . His o ld m ot to , Ou r polit ics a re Ge rm a n y, ou r re lig ion is Ch ris t , wa s h on ou ra b le ; bu t in it s officia l ton e h e we n t fa r be yon d th e to le ra n ce a g re e d u pon . Howe ve r, I do wa n t to e m ph a s is e h e re th a t I n e ve r qu a rre lle d with S ch e m m , th a t I n a tu ra lly g ra n te d h im h is fre e dom of con s cie n ce , ju s t a s I in s is t e d u pon th e r igh t to m y own , a n d re cogn is e d th a t th e n e w world we vis u a lis e d cou ld com e in to be in g on ly a ft e r a com ple te ch a n ge of h e a rt , s om e th in g th a t ce rt a in ly wa s n 't a m a t te r of ye a rs bu t of ge n e ra t ion s . Wh y th e Fü h re r pe rm it t e d th e He ydrich s to ch a n ge ou r cou rs e by b ru te force , u n t il p re s s u re a n d cou n te r-p re s s u re we re n o lon ge r d is t in gu is h a b le from e a ch o th e r, is a qu e s t ion wh ich on ly th e fu tu re m a y a n s we r. Tru e , th e re we re re a s on s a p le n ty for de fe n d in g ou r polit ica l a n d s p ir itu a l pos it ion s . I a m n ot e ve n th in kin g of th e Ce n t re 's pa rt icipa t ion in th e Nove m be r re volu t ion , n or of th e s e pa ra t is t a ct ivit ie s in du lge d in by th e h e a d of th e pa rty, Pre la te Doctor Ka a s . Actu a lly I wa s m u ch m ore u ps e t by s om e of th e ir pu b lic u t t e ra n ce s , s in ce th e s e ch a ra cte ris e d th e ve ry e s s e n ce of th e ir e n t ire a t t itu de . At th e Ca th olic Da y a t Con s ta n ce , in 1 9 2 3 , it wa s s a id : Na t ion a lis m is th e g re a te s t h e re s y of ou r t im e s , a s t a t e m e n t wh ich wa s la t e r fre qu e n t ly re pe a te d - - a t a t im e wh e n Polis h s u pe rn a t ion a lis m wa s d ire cte d in th e m os t viciou s fa s h ion a ga in s t Ge rm a n y - - p rim a rily by Ca th olic
prie s t s . An oth e r on e ca m e from Doctor Moe n iu s , th e e d itor of th e Ge n e ra l Re vie w, a n e ws pa pe r d is t r ibu te d in Ba va ria n s ch ools , wh o wrote in h is pa m ph le t , Pa ris , th e h e a rt of Fra n ce : Ca th olicis m will b re a k th e ba ckbon e of a ll Na t ion a lis m - - a de libe ra te lie , con s ide rin g Pola n d a n d S pa in . Wh a t be a rin g th is h a d on Ge rm a n y wa s m a de cle a r by h is d ictu m th a t th e Ca th olic s e gm e n t of th e popu la t ion wa s loca te d like a pole in th e fle s h of th e n a t ion , a n d wou ld m a ke th e form a t ion of a n a t ion a lis t ic s t a t e com ple te ly u n th in ka b le . In th is a tm os ph e re Abbot S ch a ch le itn e r wh o, in s p it e of h is com ple te Ca th olic in te g rity, wa s a Na t ion a l S ocia lis t Ga u le it e r (p rovin cia l le a de r) wa s forb idde n to p re a ch a n d re a d th e m a s s ; th e de ce a s e d Ca th olic Gm e in de r wa s de n ie d a re lig iou s bu ria l. In 1 9 3 3 , Ca rd in a l Fa u lh a be r ca n ce lle d th e in te rd ict a ga in s t S ch a ch le itn e r wh o, in th e m e a n t im e , h a d be com e a ve rit a b le foca l poin t of ve n e ra t ion a n d wh o, a ft e r re a d in g h is firs t m a s s , wa s s o le m n ly e s corte d h om e from h is ch u rch by S torm t roope r m e n . Th e Folkis h Obs e rve r pu b lis h e d h is p ictu re , a n d a ls o pu b lis h e d th e d ire ct ive s for Ba va ria n t e a ch e rs by S ch e m m to p re s e rve th e Ch ris t ia n s p ir it in th e ir t e a ch in gs .
Jos e ph Wa gn e r, Ga u le it e r of Boch u m , a n d h is fa m ily, we re a rde n t Ca th olics wh o vio le n t ly re je cte d m y op in ion s on re lig ion . Actu a lly, a s I le a rn e d , h e wa s a ll for re du cin g m y book to pu lp . For m y pa rt , I le ft Wa gn e r th orou gh ly a lon e , a n d h a d a bs olu te ly n o fe e lin g of s a t is fa ct ion wh e n , for re a s on s u n kn own to m e , h e wa s la t e r d is m is s e d from h is pos t u n de r circu m s ta n ce s wh ich p rove d th a t Hit le r wa s a lre a dy on a da n ge rou s roa d . Be fore s om e s ort of Re ich s le it e r (Re ich le a de rs ') or Ga u le it e r (p rovin cia l le a de rs ') con fe re n ce , h e re a d a le t t e r of Wa gn e r 's (or of h is wife 's ) in wh ich h e (or s h e ) forba de th e ir da u gh te r to m a rry a n S .S . -Le a de r be ca u s e h e wa s n 't a good e n ou gh Ca th olic. Hit le r de cla re d th a t , in s p it e of a ll h is to le ra n ce , h e wou ld n ot pe rm it s u ch in to le ra n ce . He d is m is s e d Wa gn e r from h is pos t , le a vin g to fu rth e r in ve s t iga t ion th e de cis ion a s to wh e th e r h e s h ou ld be pe rm it t e d to re m a in a m e m be r of th e pa rty. Th a t , to m e , s e e m e d a du b iou s p roce du re . Th e ou tcom e of th e in ve s t iga t ion , ca rrie d on by s ix Ga u le it e r , wa s s a id to h a ve be e n fa vou ra b le to Wa gn e r be ca u s e Him m le r h a d s u ppos e d ly m is in form e d th e Fü h re r. S o h a d Rö ve r. Le y, with h is e t e rn a l, wh in in g m ot to : Th e Fü h re r is a lwa ys r igh t , wa s re porte d to h a ve de cla re d th a t th e in ve s t iga t ion wa s d ra gg in g on too lon g a n ywa y, th a t th e le t t e r h a d be e n n o m ore th a n a s u b te rfu ge , th a t th e Fü h re r h a d th e r igh t to a ppoin t or d is m is s a s h e p le a s e d , a n d s o on . Rö ve r re fu s e d to con vict . Bu t th e e n t ire a ffa ir , th ou gh u n kn own to m e in de ta il, wa s a ltoge th e r u n p le a s a n t . Wa gn e r, I be lie ve , re m a in e d in th e pa rty a n d wa s a s s ign e d to s om e oth e r pos t .
On e m a n with wh om I wa s a lwa ys on com ra de ly t e rm s wa s th e Ga u le it e r of We s tph a lia -North , Doctor Alfre d Me ye r, ca p ta in du rin g th e Firs t World Wa r, p ris on e r of wa r in Fra n ce , la bou re r, a n d cle rk in h is n a t ive city. A Na t ion a l S ocia lis t s in ce 1 9 2 3 , h e wa s th e firs t Na t ion a l S ocia lis t a lde rm a n in h is We s tph a lia n h om e town . Not th e h e a vy-s e t , b roa d - s h ou lde re d type , bu t a m a n of m e d iu m h e igh t , s le n de r, da rk-h a ire d , with qu ie t b lu e e ye s be h in d g la s s e s . A ca u t iou s , th ou gh t fu l pe rs on wh o, a lth ou gh firm , n e ve r we n t to e xt re m e s , a n d wh o ce rt a in ly le d h is Ga u (p rovin ce ) e xe m pla rily. It wa s h is m is fortu n e th a t h is d is t r ict wa s a ls o th e h om e of on e of ou r b it t e re s t e n e m ie s , Bis h op Kle m e n s Au gu s t Cou n t von Ga le n . Cou n t va n Ga le n , th e fu tu re Ca rd in a l, wh o d ie d in 1 9 4 6 , s h ort ly a ft e r h e a s s u m e d th e office con fe rre d u pon h im in a pp re cia t ion of h is wa r a ga in s t u s , wa s on e of th os e s t ron g pe rs on a lit ie s wh os e ch oice of a n e ccle s ia s t ica l ca re e r
h a d be e n du e n ot on ly to t ra d it ion bu t a ls o to th e h ope th a t h e m igh t ru le s om e da y. In Mü n s te r e a ch s ton e re m in de d h im of on e of h is a n ce s tors wh o h a d g rou n d e ve ry da m n e d h e re t ic u n de r h is h e e l, a n d wh o wa s s u ch a g re a t wa rrior th a t e ve n Lou is XIV s poke of h im with re s pe ct . Th is Prin ce of th e Ch u rch wa s by n o m e a n s qu ie t a n d s ch ola rly, bu t e n ra ge d ove r th e fa ct th a t h e cou ld n o lon ge r com m a n d bod ie s a s we ll a s s ou ls . Followin g th e o ld t r ie d -a n d - t ru e m e th od , h e be ga n to com pla in a bou t pe rs e cu t ion . Ea ch t in y in cide n t of th e s e re volu t ion a ry t im e s wa s pu t u n de r a g la rin g s pot ligh t ; th a t a n e w ge n e ra t ion , fo llowin g th e d icta te s of it s own con s cie n ce , m igh t th in k a n d a ct d iffe re n t ly, wa s b la s ph e m y to h im . Com ple te ly with ou t a s e n s e of h u m ou r, h e fa ce d a n e w world with gn a s h in g t e e th . Wh e n I wa s a dve rt is e d in 1 9 3 5 a s on e of th e s pe a ke rs a t a Ga u con fe re n ce , h e wrote a le t t e r to th e p re s ide n t of th a t Ga u de m a n d in g th a t m y s pe e ch be forb idde n , s in ce it wou ld re s u lt in th e pe rs e cu t ion of Ch ris t ia n s . Th a t wa s in de e d a n im pu de n t ch a lle n ge , bu t a t le a s t it t h re w ligh t on h is re a l a t t itu de - - a n a t t itu de wh ich , if g ive n powe r, is u t t e rly u n willin g to h on ou r a n y o th e r op in ion bu t it s own , a n d in va ria b ly ca lls u pon th e world ly a rm of th e Ch u rch to a n n ih ila te h e re t ics , a th e is t s , a n d s o on . Th e Ch u rch , a ft e r a ll, is n ot s o com ple te ly in n oce n t of b la m e for wh a t h a s h a ppe n e d in Ge rm a n y. Un fortu n a te ly, th e Him m le r-He ydrich police a n s we re d th is ch a lle n ge , a s h a s be com e cle a r in th e m e a n t im e , in a m os t u n worth y m a n n e r.
On a t r ip to th e Bre ta gn e , I fe lt th e de s ire to go e ve n fa rth e r s ou th , to th e cou n t ry of th e Alb ige n s e s . Th e s t ru gg le s a n d fa te of th is h u ge s e ct of th e Ca th a rs h a d a lwa ys in te re s te d m e a n d , on clos e r a cqu a in ta n ce , m ove d m e de e p ly. A qu e e r m ove m e n t , com bin in g th e re lig iou s de s ire for fre e dom of will a n d ch a ra cte r wh ich wa s e s s e n t ia lly We s t Goth ic, with th e la t e Ira n ia n m ys t icis m th a t h a d re a ch e d Fra n ce by wa y of It a ly a ft e r th e cru s a de rs h a d com e in con ta ct with th e Orie n t . S in ce th e Ca th a rs , th a t is , th e pu re on e s , wa n te d to re m a in Ch ris t ia n s , th e y ch os e from a m on g th e va riou s e p is t le s th a t of Joh n . Aga in s t th e re lig ion of th e world ly powe r of th e Ch u rch of Pe te r th e y u ph e ld th e t e a ch in gs of th e Ba ra cle te , th e Me rcifu l S a viou r a n d God of Me rcy. Th e y re je cte d th e Old Te s ta m e n t , a voide d th e u s e of a n y a n d a ll Je wis h n a m e s - - a s ign ifica n t a t t itu de , d iffe re n t from th a t of th e la t e r Ca lvin is t s a n d Pu rit a n s wh o a ls o s e a rch e d for th e pu re t e a ch in gs - - a n d s h u n n e d e ve n th e n a m e of Ma ry. Th e cru cifix to th e m a ppe a re d a n u n worth y s ym bol s in ce , th e y cla im e d , n obody wou ld ve n e ra te th e rope with wh ich a h u m a n be in g , e ve n th ou gh h e be a m a rtyr, h a d be e n h a n ge d . Th e y de d ica te d th e m s e lve s to ch a rity a n d t a u gh t re lig iou s to le ra n ce , bu t d id e ve n tu a lly in t rodu ce a ce rt a in s ocia l orde r with va riou s re lig iou s ra n ks a n d de a con s , a n d th e s a vin g con s e cra t ion (CONS OLAMENTVM) by th e la yin g on of h a n ds .
Th e form e r m ilit a ry ch a p la in , Mü lle r , wa s a ppoin te d Re ich Bis h op . He h a d orig in a lly be e n a ch a p la in in th e n a vy, a n d h a d la te r jo in e d Ge n e ra l Blom be rg in Ea s t Pru s s ia wh e n th e la t t e r wa s m ilit a ry com m a n de r of th a t d is t r ict . Th is a ppoin tm e n t wa s , in a m a n n e r of s pe a kin g , a vote of con fide n ce for th e a rm y. To be s u re , it s oon be ca m e du b iou s wh e th e r or n ot h e wa s th e r igh t pe rs on for th e job . Lit t le kn own , pe rs on a lly, h e con s ide re d orth odox re lig iou s circle s th e oppos it ion , a n d wa s la t e r , with ou t a ctu a lly be in g de m ote d , t re a te d ra th e r s h a bb ily by Ch u rch S e cre ta ry Ke rrl. Fin a lly, th e Fü h re r h im s e lf de fin it e ly forba de a n y fu rth e r a t t e m p ts to h e lp th e Prote s ta n t s orga n is e , a n d s im p ly le t th in gs d rift . To b rin g a bou t a n y s ort of re lig iou s re form is on e th in g h e n e ve r
a t t e m p te d . He a lwa ys in s is t e d th a t polit ics a n d th e fou n d in g of re lig iou s orga n is a t ion s we re two e n t ire ly d iffe re n t th in gs . Be s ide s , h e a dde d , ou r m ove m e n t is too clos e ly ide n t ifie d with th e s m e ll of be e r a n d th e rowdyis m of t a ve rn b ra wls . Nor ca n a n yon e b re e d a re form e r by s pe e ch e s a n d a rt icle s . If on e e xis t s , h e will ce rt a in ly ca ll pu b lic a t t e n t ion to h im s e lf by g rowlin g a n d th u n de rin g .
At th a t t im e it wa s by n o m e a n s t ru e th a t th e We h rm a ch t wa s be in g s e du ce d s p ir itu a lly a n d re lig iou s ly by th e pa rty, s om e th in g th a t ca m e a bou t m u ch la te r (u n de r Him m le r a n d He ydrich ) , a n d a goa l towa rd wh ich Borm a n n , a s is obviou s toda y, a lwa ys s t e e re d . Th a n ks to in flu e n ce s a lre a dy m e n t ion e d , th e s itu a t ion wa s a ctu a lly ju s t th e re ve rs e . It wa s p rim a rily th e m a t te r of S u n da y ch u rch a t t e n da n ce th a t ca u s e d s u ch ba d b lood , a n d wh ich , h a n d le d a s it wa s , le ft a n u n p le a s a n t t a s t e in m y m ou th . Th os e wh o la te r com pla in e d , pe rh a ps with s om e ju s t ifica t ion , a bou t re lig iou s in to le ra n ce , con s ide re d it th e ir u n de n ia b le p re roga t ive to orde r s o ld ie rs to a t t e n d ch u rch e ve n th ou gh th e y we re n o lon ge r com m u n ica n t s . Th a t wa s con s ide re d pa rt of th e ir du t ie s a s s o ld ie rs . Be lie fs a t va ria n ce with th os e of th e two officia l con fe s s ion s we re n ot re cogn is e d , a n d a n yon e wh o p rote s te d a ga in s t th is a t t itu de in th e n a m e of th e ve ry re lig iou s fre e dom th a t h a d on ce be e n u ph e ld by th e Prote s ta n t s th e m s e lve s , wa s s u b je cte d to a ll kin ds of ch ica n e ry. S in ce m os t of th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t s we re n ot ch u rch m e m be rs , th e re a ct iva te d re a ct ion a ry office rs wh o, a s a m a t te r of fa ct , re a lly owe d th e ir p rom ot ion s e xclu s ive ly to th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t s , fou n d re ve n ge for th e ir form e r polit ica l de fe a t s by m e t in g ou t pa rt icu la rly h a rs h t re a tm e n t for ou r you n g m e n wh o h a d jo in e d th e We h rm a ch t s o e n th u s ia s t ica lly. Th is a t t itu de wa s pe rpe tu a te d e ve n du rin g th e 2 0 s by ope n ly s n u bb in g th e s e you n g m e n wh e n e ve r th e ir n a m e ca m e u p for p rom ot ion . I re ce ive d m a n y com pla in t s , a ll of wh ich I pa s s e d on to He s s . In du e t im e , a n d with g re a t d ifficu lty, we fin a lly e n force d a ru lin g th a t n obody wa s to be coe rce d in to a t t e n d in g ch u rch . In re ta lia t ion , we le a rn e d th e s o ld ie rs in qu e s t ion we re m a de to s cru b floors a n d pe rform oth e r u n p le a s a n t du t ie s . An d in s p it e of a n orde r forb idd in g th e s e good Ch ris t ia n s to pe rs is t in th e ir ch ica n e ry, we ke p t on ge t t in g com pla in t s . Th is wa s on e of th e ca u s e s of m a n y fu tu re con flict s , a s we ll a s th e s p rin gboa rd for Borm a n n 's cou n te roffe n s ive wh ich e ve n tu a lly de p rive d th e We h rm a ch t of a lm os t a ll r igh t to a n y s p ir itu a l s u pe rvis ion of it s m e m be rs , a n a t t itu de qu it e a s n a rrow-m in de d a s th a t of th e office rs th e m s e lve s . Th e on ly poin t of vie w com ple te ly in a ccord with Na t ion a l S ocia lis t th e orie s wou ld h a ve be e n th a t of a llowin g e ve ry in d ividu a l to s e e k a n d fin d re lig iou s con s ola t ion wh e re ve r h e ch os e . Nobody s h ou ld be force d to look for it a m on g th e e xis t in g con fe s s ion s . To u ph old h is own re lig iou s be lie fs is u p to th e in d ividu a l; n e ith e r polit ica l n or police powe r m u s t e ve r be u s e d for or a ga in s t a n y g ive n con vict ion . Adolf Hit le r a lwa ys s u pporte d th is d ictu m a n d , a s Fie ld Ma rs h a l Ke it e l to ld m e , re je cte d a ll of Borm a n n 's a t t e m p ts to in te rfe re . Th e con fe s s ion a l s t a ff of th e We h rm a ch t wa s to be ke p t in ta ct a t wh a te ve r s t re n g th wa s re qu ire d , a ru le th a t wa s obs e rve d to th e ve ry e n d .
An office r in wh om I re cogn is e d a n a t t itu de in a ccorda n ce with th e fin e s t Pru s s ia n t ra d it ion , a m a n I s a w qu it e fre qu e n t ly, wa s th e fu tu re Ge n e ra l Fie ld Ma rs h a l Ha n s von Klu ge . I h a d m e t h im du rin g s om e of m y vis it s to We s tph a lia . A m e d iu m -s ize d , e re ct m a n , with a h igh fore h e a d , s ligh t ly cu rve d n os e , co ld b lu e e ye s . Re s e rve d a n d ge n e ra lly s pa rin g of words , bu t e s pe cia lly s o with m e . I kn e w, of cou rs e , th a t I wa s n 't
h e ld in pa rt icu la rly h igh e s te e m by th e office rs ' corps ; in de e d , I cou ld h a rd ly e xpe ct a n yth in g e ls e from s u ch a re lig ion -con d it ion e d g rou p . My Myth h a d m e t with con s ide ra b le d is a pp rova l. I kn ow, for e xa m ple , th a t cop ie s of th e colle ct ive a t t a ck m a de a ga in s t m e by th e Rom a n Ch u rch ( it wa s e n t it le d S tu d ie s te ) h a d be e n s e n t by th e va riou s b is h op rics to a ll h igh e r m ilit a ry pos t s in a n e ffort to do a wa y with m e s cie n t ifica lly. Bu t I wa n t to m a ke it cle a r , on ce a n d for a ll, t h a t I n e ve r u s e d m y polit ica l pos it ion to p ros e cu te th os e th e olog ica l a dve rs a rie s of m in e .
At th e e n d of 1 9 3 9 , th e Fü h re r a cce p te d th e s u gge s t ion th a t h e g ive m e a d ire ct ive , a dd re s s e d to pa rty, s t a t e a n d We h rm a ch t , to b rin g a bou t a n d s e cu re a u n ifica t ion of Na t ion a l S ocia lis t ph ilos oph y.
Odd ch a ra cte rs h a d a t t a ch e d th e m s e lve s to ou r va riou s b ra n ch e s , a n d th e Re ich Min is t ry of Edu ca t ion va cilla t e d con s ide ra b ly. I wa n te d to b rin g a bou t a firm th ou gh n on - s e cta ria n a t t itu de . My a ppoin tm e n t h a d be e n a g re e d u pon . Th e n , s u dde n ly, th e Fü h re r to ld m e th a t Mu s s olin i wa n te d to com e in to th e wa r a ft e r a ll, a n d h a d a s ke d h im to do n oth in g a t th e m om e n t th a t m igh t a gg ra va te th e Ch u rch . My a s s u m in g office a t th is crit ica l t im e wou ld ca u s e a g re a t de a l of d is qu ie t . I a g re e d th a t u n de r th e circu m s ta n ce s m y a ppoin tm e n t wou ld n a tu ra lly h a ve to be pos tpon e d . Mu ch wou ld h a ve be e n d iffe re n t if Hit le r h a d a ls o u s e d th e s e re a s on s of s t a t e in con n e ct ion with o th e rs wh o m e rit e d s u ch t re a tm e n t m u ch m ore th a n I d id . Bu t s in ce h is fe e lin g for Gö bbe ls a n d Him m le r wa s s t ron ge r th a n it wa s for m e , th e s e two we re a b le to do th e m os t u n be lie va b le th in gs with ou t be in g re s t ra in e d . He re , in th is pu re ly h u m a n s oil, is th e root of Adolf Hit le r 's g re a t s in s of om is s ion wh ich re s u lt e d in s u ch gh a s t ly con s e qu e n ce s - - th a t in de fin a b le e le m e n t of in con s is t e n cy, m u dd le -h e a de dn e s s , n e g lige n ce a n d , in th e lon g ru n , in ju s t ice th a t s o fre qu e n t ly n u llifie d h is own con s ide ra t ion s , p la n s , a n d a ct ivit ie s .
Wh a t th e police d id wa s n a rrow-m in de d , s e cta ria n , occa s ion a lly in de ce n t . Howe ve r, s om e da y th e ch u rch e s th e m s e lve s will be e xa m in e d to de te rm in e wh e th e r th e ir own be h a viou r s in ce 1 9 1 8 h a s be e n in a ccorda n ce with wh a t a g re a t fa t e e xpe cte d of th e m . Now th a t Na t ion a l S ocia lis m lie s p ros t ra te , th e y h a ve a n e w opportu n ity to ga in re s pe ct a n d in flu e n ce th rou gh a ct ive Ch ris t ia n ch a rity, th u s be com in g a u n ifyin g force . Un t il th e n , a n y ph ilos oph ica l d is cu s s ion m u s t n e e ds be re le ga te d to th e ba ckg rou n d . No m a t te r wh a t th e re s pe ct ive s p ir itu a l pos it ion s m a y be , toda y, a ft e r th e colla ps e , th e t im e for a fin a l s h owdown be twe e n oppos in g ph ilos oph ie s h a s ce rt a in ly n ot ye t a rr ive d . In th e ir con de m n a t ion of a police re g im e , th e ch u rch e s ou gh t to be ca re fu l n ot to con de m n Him m le r on s u ch ge n e ra l ch a rge s a s th os e ou r e n e m ie s fe ll ba ck u pon . In vie w of th e ir own pa s t , ca u t ion s h ou ld be th e wa tch word . Gre a t ph ilos oph ica l ch a n ge s n e e d m a n y ge n e ra t ion s to tu rn th e m in to pu ls a t in g life . An d e ve n ou r p re s e n t a cre s of de a th will s om e da y b loom a ga in .
I h a ve e xp la in e d in m a n y s pe e ch e s th a t th e ve n e ra t ion of Ge rm a n ic b lood
doe s n ot im p ly con te m pt for o th e r ra ce s bu t , on th e con t ra ry, ra cia l re s pe ct . S in ce ra ce s , a s th e core of n a t ion s , a re cre a te d by n a tu re , th e ve ry re s pe ct for n a tu re it s e lf de m a n ds re s pe ct for s u ch cre a t ion s . Th e pu rpos e of th e la rge - s ca le de ve lopm e n t of pe op le s is th e ju rid ica l re cogn it ion of ra cia lly con d it ion e d fa m ilie s of pe op le in th e ir own h om e la n ds . S tyle , cu s tom s , la n gu a ge , a re th e m a n ife s ta t ion of d iffe re n t s ou ls a n d pe op le s ; a n d ju s t a s th e s e ca n n ot be m ixe d with ou t a re s u lt a n t de te riora t ion of th e ir pu rity, s o m e n , a s th e ir e m bod im e n t , a n d to wh om th e y be lon g orga n ica lly a n d s p ir itu a lly, ca n n ot in te rm in g le . Th e s e con ce p t s m e t with world -wide oppos it ion on th e pa rt of th os e wh o, pe rh a ps orig in a lly in flu e n ce d by th e ge n e rou s h u m a n ita ria n is m of th e 1 8 th ce n tu ry, s im p ly d id n ot h a ve th e cou ra ge to fa ce th e n e w d is cove rie s , or fe a re d th a t a n y corre ct ive m e a s u re m igh t a ffe ct th e ir e con om ic s t a tu s . Th e g re a t qu e s t ion s con ce rn in g th e fa te of th e both ce n tu ry cou ld n ot be d is cu s s e d ca lm ly a n d de libe ra te ly be ca u s e on e p rob le m ba rre d th e vie w - - th a t of Je wry.
I t m u s t be s a id th a t orde rs for th e m a s s a n n ih ila t ion of th e Je wis h pe op le s u ch a s Hit le r ga ve , h a d p re viou s ly n ot e ve n occu rre d to th e h a rs h e s t oppon e n t s of Je wry. Th e a ctu a lity of th is a n n ih ila t ion , h owe ve r, le n ds u n ca n n y ove rton e s to e ve ry word s poke n in a t im e of s t r ife a n d wa r, a n d ou r p ros e cu tors h a ve don e n oth in g m ore e n e rge t ica lly th a n to b rin g th e s e words in to a con s ciou s ca u s a t ive re la t ion s h ip with th e h a ppe n in gs a t Au s ch witz. Th e y cla im th a t th e En d lö s u n g ( fin a l s o lu t ion ) , a s s e cre t -police ja rgon h a d it , wa s th e p la n a n d will of a ll of u s , a n d th a t we a ll jo in t ly con s p ire d to com m it th e s e crim e s . Th e p ros e cu tors ca re n oth in g a bou t th e u n h is torica l a s pe ct s of s u ch pu re ly re t ros pe ct ive a ccu s a t ion s . All th e y wa n t a re th e vict im s de m a n de d by world op in ion . Be yon d th a t , a n y a n t i- Je wis h ge s tu re is ch a ra cte ris e d a s , if n ot crim in a l, a t le a s t a n in s t iga t ion to crim e . Appa re n t ly, th e n , n oth in g wa s re a l bu t th e m a s s killin gs a n d th e in de fe n s ib ly viciou s p ropa ga n da th a t le d to th e s e a n n ih ila t ion ca m ps .
Th e Je wis h qu e s t ion is a s o ld a s Je wry it s e lf, a n d a n t i-S e m it is m h a s a lwa ys be e n th e a n s we r wh e n e ve r Je ws h a ve a ppe a re d on th e s ce n e , from Ta citu s to Goe th e , S ch ope n h a u e r, Wa gn e r, a n d Dos toye vs ky. In th e Ge rm a n y of 1 9 1 1 , th e y h a d a ll r igh t s , a n d s a t in im porta n t pos it ion s . An t i-S e m it is m be ga n with wa r p rofit e e rin g ; it g re w with g rowin g u s u ry; a n d it be ca m e wide s p re a d a ft e r th e re volt of Nove m be r 9 , 1 9 1 8 . Th e ir be in g d iffe re n t wa s a dm it t e d by a ll Je ws . S old ie rs we re g re e te d u pon th e ir re tu rn by th e Je wis h p rofe s s or Gu m be l with th e de cla ra t ion th a t th e ir com ra de s h a d fa lle n on th e fie ld of d is h on ou r.
In a th e a t re fin a n ce d by a Je wis h m illion a ire , th e S ta h lh e lm (S te e l h e lm e t , a n a t ion a lis t ic orga n is a t ion ) wa s t ra m p le d u n de rfoot , wh ile a poe m with th e re fra in : Dre ck, we g da m it ! (Filth , a wa y with it !) wa s re cit e d .
Ju s t n ow th e e xp los ive n e ws a rrivin g from Pa le s t in e is ce rt a in ly n ot on ly s e n s a t ion a l bu t a ctu a lly p rovide s n e w h is torica l s ym bols . At th e e n d of th e 1 8 th ce n tu ry
Lon don h a d re p la ce d Pa ris a s th e ce n t re of Je wis h world polit ics . Gre a t Brit a in h a s a lwa ys be e n ge n e rou s in h e r a t t itu de towa rd We s te rn Je wry, e s pe cia lly s in ce th e da ys of Edwa rd VII. Du rin g th e Firs t World Wa r, it wa s in Lon don th a t Pa le s t in e wa s p rom is e d to th e Je ws . De s p it e th e p rote s t s of Lords Le a m in g ton , Is lin g ton , a n d S yde n h a m , Lon don pe rs is t e d in a n a t t itu de of e xt re m e le n ie n cy towa rd Je wis h de m a n ds . Th e Je wis h a ge n cy be ca m e th e S u p re m e cou n cil of We s te rn Je wry. It owe d it s e xis t e n ce to th e polit ica l in flu e n ce of th e Zion is t world orga n is a t ion u n de r Profe s s or Ch a im We izm a n n . S in ce libe ra l, orth odox, a n d m a n y oth e r Je ws re fu s e d to jo in th e Zion is t m ove m e n t , th is Je wis h a ge n cy wa s fou n de d s o th a t We izm a n n cou ld a ls o t a ke ove r, in a s ort of pe rs on a l u n ion , th e le a de rs h ip of th e n on -Zion is t s . On ce th e officia l e xe cu t ive wa s firm ly e n t re n ch e d in Lon don , th e con s p ira cy a ga in s t En g la n d 's pos it ion in th e Orie n t s t a rt e d . Toda y th e re a l ce n te r is p roba b ly in Ne w York. We izm a n n wa s oppos e d by a g rou p of ra d ica ls u n de r Vla d im ir Ja bot in s ky, th e s o-ca lle d re vis ion is t s , wh os e fo llowe rs we re a lm os t e xclu s ive ly re cru it e d from Ea s te rn Je wry. Th e y de m a n de d n ot m e re ly Pa le s t in e bu t a ls o Tra n s jorda n ia , a n d th e e xpu ls ion of a ll Ara bs from th is Le be n s ra u m ( livin g s pa ce ) wh ich h a d be e n a ba n don e d by th e Je ws m ore th a n two th ou s a n d ye a rs a go. Ja bot in s ky d ie d . S e ve ra l t e rror g rou ps we re form e d a n d con t in u ou s ly fe d by ille ga l im m ig ra n t s . Am on g oth e rs , th e s o-ca lle d S te rn g rou p wh os e m e m be rs , in 1 9 4 4 , m u rde re d th e Brit is h Un de r- s e cre ta ry for th e Ne a r Ea s t , Lord Moyn e , in Ca iro . Now th e y h a ve a ppa re n t ly b lown u p Brit is h h e a dqu a rte rs in Je ru s a le m .
In a s pe e ch h e m a de e a rly in 1 9 2 0 , in Je ru s a le m , We izm a n n de cla re d : We to ld th e a u th orit ie s in Lon don . we s h a ll be in Pa le s t in e wh e th e r you wa n t u s th e re or n ot . Bu t it wou ld be be t t e r for you to wa n t u s , o th e rwis e ou r con s t ru ct ive force will tu rn in to a de s t ru ct ive on e th a t will b rin g a bou t fe rm e n t in th e e n t ire world . At th e Con gre s s in Ka rls ba d , a b roke n Brit is h p rom is e m igh t p rove m ore cos t ly th a n th e u pke e p of a n a rm y in Pa le s t in e . An d on ye t a n oth e r occa s ion , th e Je wis h qu e s t ion wa s wa n de rin g like a s h a dow a cros s th e world a n d cou ld tu rn in to a t re m e n dou s force for it s con s t ru ct ion or de s t ru ct ion . Wh a t is h a ppe n in g in Pa le s t in e n ow is a m p le p roof of a fa ct th a t ca n n ot be ove rlooke d : th a t good will a n d ge n e ros ity towa rds p rove n h is torica l a rroga n ce ca n n o lon ge r do a n y good ; th a t e ve n th e Je ws ' be s t fr ie n ds a re a t t a cke d with bom bs to force th e m in to e n d le s s com plia n ce . Th e Brit is h Em pire , wh ich p la ce s u s on t r ia l, h a s h a d to do m u ch m ore th a n we d id in 1 9 3 3 .
To be s u re , th e vict im s of Au s ch witz, Ma ida n e k, a n d th e re s t , a re h e ld a ga in s t u s , a n d h a ve h e a vily in crim in a te d th e Ge rm a n n a t ion . Howe ve r, th e m illion s of m u rde rs , e xpu ls ion s , a n d de porta t ion s n ow ta kin g p la ce in Ge rm a n y u n de r th e ve ry e ye s of th e victoriou s Allie s , s pe a k ju s t a s force fu lly a ga in s t ou r a ccu s e rs . Th e Ch ris t ia n ch u rch e s corre ct ly cla im th a t th e y oppos e d th e a n t i- Je wis h la ws . Bu t h e re , too , it m u s t be a dm it t e d th a t m u ch of th a t wa s m e re ly pe t ty ch ica n e ry. Th e h a ppe n in gs on Nove m be r 9 , 1 9 3 8 , wh ich on ly re ce n t ly be ca m e kn own in th e ir e n t ire ty, we re u n worth y a n d in de ce n t . Th u s th e Ge rm a n pe op le ca m e to pa rt icipa te in a ct s th a t th e y h a d p re viou s ly crit icis e d in o th e rs ( th e lyn ch in g of Ne groe s ) . Toda y Ch ris t ia n ity cla im s th a t u n de r it s gu ida n ce s u ch a bom in a t ion s cou ld n ot h a ve t a ke n p la ce . Ma ybe s o , p rovid in g you re fu s e to look a t th e pa s t .
Th e wa r a ga in s t Je wry ca m e a bou t be ca u s e a n a lie n pe op le on Ge rm a n s oil a rroga te d th e polit ica l a n d s p ir itu a l le a de rs h ip of th e cou n t ry, a n d , be lie vin g it s e lf t r iu m ph a n t , fla u n te d it b ra ze n ly. Toda y, h owe ve r, th e m e re p rote s t a ga in s t s u ch a ph e n om e n on p la ce s a n yon e de m a n d in g a cle a n -cu t d iffe re n t ia t ion be twe e n th e s e oppos in g ca m ps u n de r s o m u ch s u s p icion th a t n obody da re s ra is e th e is s u e with ou t be in g a ccu s e d of p re pa rin g a n oth e r Au s ch witz. An d ye t , h is tory doe s n ot s t a n d s t ill. Th e force s of life a n d b lood e xis t a n d will be e ffe ct ive . Th e ve ry s t a te th a t toda y ch a rge s u s with crim e s a ga in s t h u m a n ity, th e Un ite d s t a te s of Am e rica , ou gh t to lis t e n with pa rt icu la r a t t e n t ive n e s s to th e th e orie s of ra ce a n d h e re d ity if it wis h e s to p re s e rve it s powe r. Fou rte e n m illion Ne groe s a n d m u la t tos , fou r to five m illion Je ws , th e Ja pa n e s e in th e we s t , a n d th e re s t , a re m ore th a n Am e rica ca n ca rry with ou t e n da n ge rin g th e h e rit a ge of h e r p ion e e rs . Bu t if th e p re s e n t ge n e ra t ion fa ils to do s om e th in g to e lu de th e fa te of s om e da y h a vin g twe n ty- five m illion Ne groe s a n d m u la t tos , t e n m illion Je ws a n d h a lf- Je ws in Am e rica , th e n a la t e r ge n e ra t ion will ce rt a in ly be h a rs h in it s ju dge m e n t . Th e Am e rica n s will h a ve to de cide wh e th e r th e y wa n t a wh ite Am e rica or wh e th e r th e y wa n t to m a ke th e ch oice of th e ir Pre s ide n t e ve r m ore a qu e s t ion of a dd it ion a l con ce s s ion s towa rd m u la t to is a t ion . In th e la t t e r ca s e , th e Un ite d s t a te s of Am e rica , in a fe w ce n tu rie s , will go th e wa y of Gre e ce a n d Rom e ; a n d th e Ca th olic Ch u rch , wh ich e ve n toda y h a s b la ck b is h ops , will be th e pa ce m a ke r. Th e da y will com e wh e n th e g ra n dch ild re n of th e p re s e n t ge n e ra t ion will be a s h a m e d of th e fa ct th a t we h a ve be e n a ccu s e d a s crim in a ls for h a vin g h a rbou re d a m os t n ob le th ou gh t , s im p ly be ca u s e of it s de te riora t ion in t im e s of wa r th rou gh u n worth y orde rs .
In d ia ca m e firs t , S ch rö de r, Bö th lin gk, S ch la g in we it , S ch a ck, a n d s o on . Eve ryth in g con ce rn in g it s ph ilos oph y a n d lit e ra tu re wa s du g u p . On ly th e n d id I be g in to com pre h e n d th e wh ole we a lth of th is cu ltu re , on ce s o g re a t : th e a ris tocra cy of it s th ou gh ts a n d th e be a u ty of it s poe t ry. I e xce rp te d m a n y volu m e s a n d ke p t th e e xce rp t s th rou gh a ll th e ye a rs . In 1 9 4 3 , wh e n m y h ou s e wa s bom be d , I fou n d a la s t h a lf- torn pa ge in th e ru bb le . I p icke d it u p a n d s tu ck it in to m y pocke t . Now th a t , too , is gon e . Wh e n e ve r I d re a m e d a bou t a p la ce of work for m y de clin in g ye a rs , I in va ria b ly con s ide re d th e u t ilis a t ion of In d ia 's wis dom , a n d a ctu a lly fou n de d in Mu n ich a re s e a rch office for In do-Ge rm a n ic h is tory. A p rom in e n t h is toria n h a d la id ou t a n a m bit iou s p la n , a n d a fou r-volu m e e d it ion of In d ie n u n d de r de u t s ch e Ge is t ( In d ia a n d th e Ge rm a n s p ir it ) wa s in p re pa ra t ion . Mu ch h a d be e n s t a rt e d ; bu t n ow e ve ryth in g h a s colla ps e d . Th e ba s ic th e m e u pon wh ich we bu ilt a ll ou r p la n s , h owe ve r, wa s a ph ilos oph y of a rt . In Re va l I h a d fin is h e d a n a rt icle be gu n a t S h e dn ya , on Form u n d Form u n g (Form a n d Form in g ) , to p rove a ce rt a in pola rity be twe e n Gre e k a n d Ge rm a n s tyle s . He re , a t a n g ib le , re s t ra in e d g re a tn e s s ; th e re , a con s ta n t in n e r re a d in e s s , a ct ivity, a n d m ot ion . Th e s e th ou gh ts h a d be e n born ou t of th e re je ct ion of th e cu rre n t cla s s ic ph ilos oph y of a e s th e t ic con te m pla t ion , a m e re pa s s ive con te m pla t ion or con ce p t ion of ide a s . To m e a ce rt a in wilfu l m ob ility s e e m e d th e ve ry core of a ll a r t a n d th u s a ls o it s goa l a n d pu rpos e . Now I h a d to de vote m ys e lf in a ll s e riou s n e s s to a s tu dy of a e s th e t ics . Ka n t 's Krit ik de r Urte ils kra ft (Crit iqu e of th e powe r of ju dge m e n t ) , S ch ille r 's ph ilos oph ica l works , a n d S ch ope n h a u e r 's d is s e rt a t ion s , a ll h a d to be s tu d ie d e xh a u s t ive ly. Th e la t t e r wa s pa rt icu la rly im porta n t in a s m u ch a s it wa s h e wh o h a d in t rodu ce d a n e n t ire ly n e w con ce p t of th e will, a lm os t d ia m e t rica lly oppos e d to wh a t , u n t il th e n , h a d be e n u n de rs tood by th a t word . Th is le d to th e writ in g of a le n g th y e s s a y wh ich , in a
s om e wh a t ch a n ge d form , wa s la t e r in corpora te d in to th e Myth u s . I h a d com e to re ga rd ou r e n t ire a e s th e t ics of a rt in s u ch a ligh t th a t I e xp la in e d th e ir fa ls e n e s s by th e fa ct th a t th e m a jority of pe op le we re n ot a rt is t s th e m s e lve s , a n d s im p ly a cce p te d th e pe rfe ct ion of a com ple te d Gre e k work of a rt a s th e ir crit e rion . Bu t a n yon e wh o cre a te s a work of a rt a n d , in doin g s o , fe e ls with in h im s e lf th e g low, th e e xcit e m e n t , th e re a lity of h is will, ca n n ot pos s ib ly de s ire th e s pe cta tor to e xpe rie n ce n oth in g m ore th a n pa s s ive con te m pla t ion . Th is on e ce n t ra l ide a le d to a ll m y s tu d ie s on a rt a n d , be yon d th a t , to th e in ve s t iga t ion of m a n y oth e r m ore ge n e ra l ph e n om e n a of life . Th a t th is pa rt icu la r fie ld of m y a ct ivit ie s wa s le a s t a pp re cia te d by th e ge n e ra l pu b lic d is a ppoin te d m e a g re a t de a l. I t wa s a lm os t e xclu s ive ly th e pole m ic-h is torica l pa rt of m y work th a t wa s re a d . Th e fa ct th a t I h a d a ls o e volve d a n e n t ire ly n e w ph ilos oph y of a rt oppos e d to cla s s ic a e s th e t icis m , a s we ll a s to s om e con te m pora ry th e orie s , wa s ra re ly d is cu s s e d . All th e pu b lic wa n te d to lis t e n to wa s a pole m ic polit icia n - - n e ve r a m a n wh o looke d u pon life from th e va n ta ge poin t of a rt - - th e a rt of th e e ye . S in ce Eu rope a da p te d it s e lf on ly g ra du a lly to a re lig ion th a t ca m e from a b roa d , a rt be ca m e th e roa d to Eu rope a n p ie ty. With ou t a rt , n e ith e r th e ch ron icle s of th e Bib le n or th e pa s s ion of Je s u s of Na za re th n or, pa rt icu la rly, a n y of th a t we lt e r of dogm a wou ld h a ve s u rvive d . If a ll th e con fe s s ors we re t a ke n on fa ce va lu e , a n d e ve ryth in g con t ribu te d to Ch ris t ia n ity by th e s ou ls of th e Eu rope a n pe op le s we re e lim in a te d , lit t le wou ld be le ft bu t th e s tory of a n ob le m a n wh o, on ce u pon a t im e , h a d be e n cru s h e d by th e m igh t of Pa le s t in ia n h a t re d . In th e ir wh in in g a ga in s t n a t ion a lis t ic a n d ra cia l p re ju d ice s , e ve n th e ze a lo t s live on th e a rt is t ic s ou l of th e s e pe op le s , on th e s ym bolic force of th e ir five s e n s e s th a t a ppe a re d s im u lta n e ou s ly with th e a ppe a ra n ce of th e ir b lood ; a n d th e y wou ld pe ris h if th e m u la t to is a t ion of th e world , a ide d a n d a be t t e d by Ch ris t ia n ity, we re to be com e a fa ct . Ne ve r will a Hot te n to t , be lie ve r th ou gh h e m a y be , bu ild ca th e d ra ls ; n e ve r will a Ne gro writ e a Fifth S ym ph on y, n or e ve n u n de rs ta n d it . An d it is a ctu a lly u n fa ir to e xpe ct it of th e m . Is re lig ion s e lf-a s s e rt ion or s e lf-n e ga t ion ? Got t s ch a lk a n d Ecke h a rt , Goe th e a n d La ga rde be lie ve d th e firs t to be t ru e , wh ile Pa u l a n d Ign a t iu s , Gre gor VII a n d Piu s IX ta u gh t th e s e con d . On ce u pon a t im e it wa s pos s ib le to h ou s e th e Roya l Ride r in th e Ca th e d ra l a t Ba m be rg ; bu t th e s p ir itu a l fla ge lla n t is m ra m pa n t s in ce th e Cou n cil of Tre n t h a s os t ra cis e d h im . Lu th e r wa s s t ill a b le to ca ll God a fort re s s ; bu t th e con fe s s ors of toda y h a ve fa lle n ba ck on th e s e n t im e n ta l re ve la t ion s of th e Ea s te rn Me d ite rra n e a n . Wh e th e r to s e e ou r in n e r s e lf ( th e p re cis e t ra n s la t ion of In d ia 's à tm a n ) a s a n im a ge of God or a s a s in fu l de p ra vity is a qu e s t ion th a t ca n n ot be a n s we re d by Ch ris t ia n dogm a .
I t wou ld h a ve be e n s e n t im e n ta l to h a ve e xpe cte d qu ick re cogn it ion a b roa d of th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t re volu t ion a n d it s s ocia l a im s . On th e con t ra ry, we we re p re pa re d for b it t e r crit icis m , bu t a ll th is wh ippe d -u p e n m ity wa s a n yth in g bu t n a tu ra l. Prim a rily, it wa s d ire cte d a ga in s t s om e th in g th a t s e riou s h is toria n s h a d e xh a u s t ive ly s tu d ie d for de ca de s - - ra cia l qu e s t ion s a n d ra cia l h is tory. At th is poin t I s h ou ld like to m a ke a s h a rp d iffe re n t ia t ion be twe e n s cie n t ific con clu s ion s a n d th e ir p ra ct ica l a pp lica t ion to polit ica l life , s in ce th e s e two a s pe ct s of th e p rob le m m u s t n e e ds be m e a s u re d by e n t ire ly d iffe re n t ya rds t icks . Fe w de n y th a t d iffe re n t ra ce s do e xis t . Bu t th is in it s e lf m e a n s th a t s om e th in g con s ta n t e xis t s , s om e th in g ch a ra cte ris t ic wh ich in d ica te s th a t a ce rt a in in d ividu a l be lon gs to a ce rt a in ra ce ; o th e rwis e it wou ld be a ltoge th e r im pos s ib le to s pe a k of ra cia l u n ity or of ra ce s a s s u ch . Th is , in tu rn , p re s u ppos e s th e e xis t e n ce of ce rt a in la ws of in h e rit a n ce , re ga rd le s s of h ow th e s e la ws m a y be form u la te d in de ta il. Howe ve r, u n de r clos e s cru t in y, th e d ivis ion in to ra ce s a ccord in g to th e colou r of s kin tu rn s ou t to
be qu it e th e cru de s t a n d m os t obviou s m e th od , s in ce th e re a re n ot ice a b ly in h e rit a b le ch a ra cte ris t ic ra cia l d iffe re n ce s a m on g pe op le of ide n t ica lly colou re d s kin s . Ba s ica lly, th e re cogn it ion of th e e xis t e n ce of a ra ce - - m e a n in g a type of m a n wh o h a s in h e rit e d a n d p re s e rve d ce rt a in de fin it e ch a ra cte ris t ics - - is n o m ore th a n th e re cogn it ion of a la w of n a tu re , a la w n ot m a de by m a n a n d , a t firs t on ly d im ly pe rce ive d , bu t la t e r pos it ive ly re cogn is e d , a n d fin a lly s cie n t ifica lly p rove n du rin g th e 1 9 th ce n tu ry. Toda y th e a ckn owle dge d e xis t e n ce of th is la w is ju s t a s com ple te ly in de pe n de n t of th e fa ct th a t it is re je cte d by s om e circle s a s wa s on ce th e ge n e ra l a cce p ta n ce of th e th e ory th a t th e e a rth tu rn s a rou n d th e s u n , d is com fort in g th ou gh th a t g re a t t ru th m a y h a ve be e n to s om e in s t itu t ion s a t th e t im e . Th e fin a l re cogn it ion of la wfu l occu rre n ce s in n a tu re , h owe ve r, is in it s e lf a we - in s p irin g . In s om e of m y s pe e ch e s I h a ve pu t it like th is : Th e re cogn it ion of ra ce a s a fa ct de m a n ds n ot ra cia l con te m pt bu t ra cia l re s pe ct . Un fortu n a te ly, th e clos e p roxim ity of two ra ce s a t a t im e wh e n th e ba s ic t ru th of th a t la w h a d ju s t be e n a cce p te d , m a de for com pa ris on s a n d d is pu te s . An d it wa s be ca u s e of th is th a t ce rt a in s e ct ion s of th e pe op le re je cte d n ot on ly com pa ris on s bu t a ls o th e t ru th it s e lf. Eve n th ou gh th e s tu dy of th e p rob le m is by n o m e a n s fin is h e d , it is a n e s ta b lis h e d fa ct th a t a ll th e pe op le s of Eu rope be lon g to on e or th e o th e r of th e five or s ix ba s ic ra cia l type s in d ige n ou s to th e Eu rope a n con t in e n t . Th e s e ba s ic type s a re re p re s e n te d in va ryin g s t re n g th , a n d th e p re pon de ra n ce of on e or th e o th e r le n ds a g ive n n a t ion th e ch a ra cte ris t ics of it s t e m pe ra m e n t , ide a ls of be a u ty, a n d s tyle of life . Th u s th e Me d ite rra n e a n type is dom in a n t in S pa in , th e Din a ric type a m on g th e S e rbs , th e Nord ic type a m on g th e Ge rm a n s a n d th e En g lis h . Ra ce s h a ve ba s ic t ra it s a n d pos s ib ilit ie s ; pe op le s , on th e o th e r h a n d , a re re a lit ie s re s u lt in g from polit ica l fa t e , la n gu a ge , a n d n a tu re . Th is m e a n s th a t n owh e re in ou r h is torica l life is a ra ce ide n t ica l with a pe op le . Th e a ct of be com in g a pe op le is a lon g , ra th e r m ys te riou s p roce s s in wh ich in n e r a t t itu de , ou twa rd p re s s u re a n d s p ir itu a l de s ire g ra du a lly be g in to form th e p ictu re of a u n ifie d cu ltu re . Th a t , too , is a la w of n a tu re , a n d a s s u ch worth y of ou r re s pe ct . Fe w h a ve e xp re s s e d th is a s be a u t ifu lly a s He rde r; bu t it wa s La ga rde wh o coin e d th is im m orta l ph ra s e : Pe op le s a re th e th ou gh ts of God . It wa s fa te d , n o dou b t , th a t pe op le s s h ou ld a lwa ys be we lde d toge th e r by com pe t it ion a n d ba t t le . Th e re is n o e xce p t ion to th a t ru le in th is world . In th e m ids t of ba t t le e a ch on e of th e s e pe op le s be ca m e con s ciou s of it s e lf, a n d wa s con fron te d with th a t ba s ic qu e s t ion of fa te , th e m e ta ph ys ics of re lig ion . It is n ot pa rt icu la rly s u rp ris in g th a t , a s fa r a s th e pe op le s of Eu rope a re con ce rn e d , m a n y in d ividu a l or colle ct ive in te rm e d ia ry s t a ge s ca n be e s ta b lis h e d . S in ce Eu rope a n pe op le s a re re la te d to e a ch o th e r, th e y h a ve oft e n be e n a s s im ila te d , like th e Hu gu e n ots in Pru s s ia , m a n y Als a t ia n s in Fra n ce , a n d o th e rs on th e e a s te rn borde rs of th e Re ich . Ne ve rth e le s s it is th e de s ire of a ll n a t ion s to p re s e rve wh a te ve r th e y h a ve m a de th e ir own - - th e ir m ode of life , th e form s of th e ir a rt a n d th e ir con ce p t ion of fa te - - to p re s e rve th e s e by m e a n s of con s ciou s t ra in in g , e du ca t ion , a n d livin g e xa m ple . Howe ve r, th e s e re m a rks h a ve le d m e fu rth e r a fie ld th a n I h a d in te n de d to go . Wh a t im pre s s e d m e m os t , con d it ion e d a s I wa s by a t ra in e d e ye a n d th e t e a ch in gs of m a n y th in ke rs , wa s th e s h a pe , or ra th e r th e s h a pe s , of life . Two th in gs h e lpe d ope n m y e ye s , m y d ra win g a n d th e s tu dy of In d ia n ph ilos oph y. In In d ia I wa s ce rt a in I cou ld s e e s h a pe from with in . Th e h ym n s of th e Rig -Ve da - - th e t im e s of Arya n e m ig ra t ion , th e à tm a n cu lt - - th e g re a t s p ir itu a l pa u s e for b re a th a ft e r th e m a n y ba t t le s with th e ou t s ide world . Th e m u lt ip licity of s ys te m s - - ou r be in g m a de u n ce rta in by th e in te rm in g lin g of ra ce s . Th e n m a n y im porta n t de ta ils - - th in ke rs , poe t s . Bu t d im in is h in g s ize a u tom a t ica lly ca u s e s a s h rin kin g of in n e r s h a pe . In o th e r words , th e pe op le pa rt icipa t in g in th is p roce s s we re n ot a lwa ys com ple m e n ta ry to e a ch o th e r, or a t le a s t ca pa b le of livin g h a rm on iou s ly s ide by s ide , bu t we re com ple te ly a n ta gon is t ic. Th e orga n ic life circle of
both th e Arya n Hin du s a n d th e n a t ive s h a d be e n b roke n . S in ce th e form e r we re in th e m in ority, th e ir s h a pe , th e ir b lood with a ve ry fe w e xce p t ion s - - wa s a bs orbe d ; bu t s in ce th e y h a d ru le d for a lon g t im e , th e ir th ou gh ts a n d th e ir cre a t ion s we re fre qu e n t ly t a ke n ove r, th ou gh n ot u n de rs tood , a n d , th e re fore , d is tort e d to th e poin t wh e re n ow th e y ofte n re p re s e n t th e ve ry oppos it e of wh a t th e y orig in a lly s tood for. Wh e n I took u p th is ch a in of th ou gh t , I kn e w lit t le a bou t m ode rn b io logy. My s ta rt in g poin t wa s m y own a rt is t ic e xpe rie n ce . I d idn 't re a d Gü n th e r 's books u n t il ye a rs la t e r . I t wa s h e , h owe ve r, wh o ga ve m e , a n d a ll of u s , n e w, s h a rpe r e ye s . Eve n in th e m u lt ip licity, th a t wa s th e Eu rope a n n orm , we cou ld n ow con s cie n t iou s ly s tu dy pe op le in th e ir va riou s in te rre la t ion s . Th is wa s a d is cove ry th a t cou ldn 't be ign ore d a n y lon ge r, irre s pe ct ive of wh a t con clu s ion s we m igh t a rr ive a t . If oppon e n t s of th e s e t ru th s we re con fron te d with s im ila r b io log ica l fa ct s pa ra lle le d in a n im a l b re e d in g , th e y wou ld in va ria b ly cou n te r with th e d is gu s te d cla im th a t , a ft e r a ll, h u m a n be in gs ce rt a in ly cou ld n ot be pu re -b re d like dogs or h ors e s , a n a n s we r wh ich is a com bin a t ion of t ru th a n d fa ls e h ood . To be g in with , n obody will de n y th a t a m on g dogs a n d h ors e s ce rt a in ra ce s a re fit on ly for ce rt a in t a s ks , th a t s om e cros s b re e ds tu rn ou t we ll wh ile o th e rs a re u n fit for a n y kin d of work. Bu t th is m e a n s th a t ou t s ide of th e pu re ly ph ys ica l e le m e n ts , s om e th in g e ls e p la ys a pa rt wh ich m a y s om e t im e s in te n s ify or com ple m e n t a ce rt a in ch a ra cte ris t ic t ra it , a n d a t o th e r t im e s m a r or e ve n de s t roy it . Th e con te m pt for a n im a ls is ba s e d on a pu re ly re lig iou s lim ita t ion ; th e s a m e g re a t la ws of n a tu re gove rn th e a n im a ls a s we ll a s p la n t s a n d m a n . It is pe rm is s ib le , h owe ve r, to cla im th a t th e a n im a l h a s s om e th in g a p la n t doe s n ot h a ve , wh ile m a n h a s ce rt a in fa cu lt ie s th a t re a ch fa r be yon d th os e of th e a n im a l. An d h e re lie s th e ju s t ifica t ion for th e a bove re je ct ion . It is , in de e d , im pos s ib le for p s ych olog ica l re a s on s to b re e d h u m a n be in gs a rt ificia lly for th e pu rpos e of lon g - te rm obs e rva t ion . Bu t , a n d th is is de cis ive , th e h is tory of th e pe op le s kn own to u s m u s t be looke d u pon a s th e g re a t e xpe rim e n t of life it s e lf, a n d to in te rp re t th a t re qu ire s n ot on ly th e s e rvice s of ph ilo log is t s bu t of m e n wh o h a ve a n e ye for th e s ym ptom a t ic, th a t is , for th e to ta lity of th e ou twa rd a n d in wa rd s h a pe s of a rt , re lig ion a n d life it s e lf. Th e s e we re a pp roxim a te ly th e poin t s of de pa rtu re from wh ich th e Myth Of Th e Twe n t ie th Ce n tu ry wa s writ t e n , a lth ou gh I h a d n ot p la n n e d it s o . In 1 9 1 7 , I be ga n to pu t ide a s down on pa pe r s im p ly to cla rify th is or th a t in m y own m in d . I con t in u e d m y s tu d ie s in Mu n ich for th e be n e fit of m y own e du ca t ion ; bu t a ll th e ba s ic th ou gh ts in wh a t I la t e r s a id or wrote go ba ck to th e s e ye a rs . On ly g ra du a lly d id th e book g row a rou n d a foca l poin t ; it s con te n t s a s we ll a s it s a rra n ge m e n t we re th e re s u lt of de ta ile d s tu dy. Th a t foca l poin t a rou n d wh ich it g re w, h owe ve r, wa s m y p re occu pa t ion with th e s h a pe s in a rt . Wh a t I a t t e m p te d to do wa s to s ke tch th e s e s h a pe s a n d va lu e s in bold , s im p le ou t lin e s , a n d to le a d on from th e re to th e in te rre la t ion s h ip be twe e n th e world of Eu rope a n d it s to ta l in h e rit a n ce . In th e th ird volu m e I ca m e to s om e con clu s ion s a n d m a de s om e s u gge s t ion s by a n a lys in g a n e ce s s a rily t im e -con d it ion e d cros s - s e ct ion of th e a ctu a l polit ica l s itu a t ion , fu lly a wa re of th e fa ct , h owe ve r, th a t a ll th is cou ld be of on ly t e m pora ry va lu e .
Pe t r ic Ch ris t ia n ity ru le d Rom e ; Pa u l's wa s Dom in a n t in Lu th e r; a n d Joh n 's , t ru ly re p re s e n ta t ive of ch a rity, le d a th ird - ra te e xis t e n ce , u s u a lly on ly a s a m e a n s of a s s u rin g th e con t in u e d ru le of th e o th e r two; a n d th is de s p it e th e ve ry re a l de vot ion of th os e in s u bord in a te pos it ion s wh o n u rs e d th e s ick a n d wou n de d (bu t a ls o th e in s a n e , th e a lcoh olics , a n d th e pa ra lyt ics ) . He re ph ilos oph ie s collide d in th e m os t om in ou s fa s h ion . Th e Re ich h a d to ra is e a bou t on e b illion m a rks pe r ye a r for th e ca re of
in cu ra b le s . Te n th ou s a n d h e a lth y wom e n ga ve th e ir live s to th e s e rvice of s u ch in cu ra b le s , e ith e r u n de r Rom a n Ca th olic d is cip lin e , be ca u s e of th re a te n in g u n e m ploym e n t , or in a s p ir it of s e lf- s a crifice . Wa s it h u m a n e to ke e p th e s e wre cks a live ? Th e t e n de n cy of th e e n t ire m ode rn world wa s to a n s we r No, wh ile th e Ch ris t ia n ch u rch e s re p lie d with a ve ry e m ph a t ic Ye s . Th e h u m a n s p ir it , t h e y m a in ta in e d , wa s a live e ve n in th e in s a n e , a n d th e will of God m u s t n e ve r be in te rfe re d with . Th e powe r of Ch ris t ia n ch a rity fou n d it s t ru e s t e xp re s s ion in ca rin g for th e s ick. Du rin g th e wa r, a s h a s be e n fou n d ou t re ce n t ly, th e Fü h re r took s u ch ra d ica l s t e ps th a t th e ou t s ide world d is re ga rde d a ll e xis t in g p s ych olog ica l ju s t ifica t ion a n d ch a ra cte ris e d th e e n t ire p roce du re a s m u rde r. Like s o m a n y oth e r u n fortu n a te th in gs th a t h a ppe n e d , th e s e a ct ion s h a d be e n ke p t a ca re fu lly gu a rde d s e cre t . I a n d , n o dou b t , m a n y oth e rs h a d h e a rd of a n orde r g ive n to Bou h le r to in t rodu ce e u th a n a s ia , bu t on ly u n de r th e s u pe rvis ion of m e d ica l orga n is a t ion s . Wh e th e r it wa s to be ca rrie d ou t a t th e d ire ct orde r of th e Fü h re r a n d with th e con s e n t of th e fa m ilie s in volve d , a n d to wh a t e xte n t it wou ld go - - a ll th is wa s e xce e d in g ly va gu e . Th e n we h e a rd a bou t cle rica l p ro te s t s be in g m a de in s e rm on s a n d e ccle s ia s t ica l le t t e rs . At th a t t im e ru m ou r h a d it th a t a ft e r th e in s a n e wou ld com e th e a ge d a n d th e wou n de d . Bu t I , a n d th os e wh o to ld m e , con s ide re d th is m e re ly m a le vole n t gos s ip . Th e n a ga in it wa s ru m ou re d th a t th e Fü h re r h a d ca n ce lle d th e s e orde rs . Toda y th e n u m be r of th os e e lim in a te d is pu t a t ove r 2 5 0 ,0 0 0 , a n d th e fa ls e in form a t ion Bou h le r 's coworke rs ga ve th e re s pe ct ive fa m ilie s , le n ds to th e e n t ire u n de rta kin g th a t t e rr ib le a s pe ct wh ich s o m a n y orde rs a n d occu rre n ce s of th e wa r da ys n ow s e e m to h a ve . Be fore th e ou tb re a k of th e wa r th is p rob le m wa s ope n ly d is cu s s e d in th e film Ich Kla ge An ! ( I a ccu s e !) . Both s ide s we re re p re s e n te d . If a gove rn m e n t h a d com e to th e con clu s ion th a t it wa s in th e in te re s t of h u m a n e n e s s a n d th e n a t ion 's fu tu re th a t e u th a n a s ia be re s orte d to in s om e ca s e s , th is s h ou ld h a ve be e n ope n ly d is cu s s e d with a ll it s p ros a n d con s . Afte r lis t e n in g to a ll a rgu m e n ts , a n d a ft e r fra n k d is cu s s ion s with th e fa m ilie s con ce rn e d , a la w pa s s e d ove r th e ob je ct ion s of th os e wh o oppos e d it a s a m a t te r of p rin cip le n e e d n ot h a ve ca u s e d th a t m is e ra b le a wa re n e s s of h a vin g be e n lie d to wh ich a ppa re n t ly re s u lt e d from th e m a n n e r in wh ich th e m e a s u re a ctu a lly wa s ca rrie d ou t . In m y Myth I ope n ly de m a n de d th a t m e d ica l s t e ps be t a ke n for th e p rote ct ion of pu b lic h e a lth . Now th is s ou n d , h u m a n e ide a h a s be e n fa ls ifie d a n d pollu te d to s u ch a n e xte n t th a t a n y d is cu s s ion of it is pu t s im p ly be yon d th e pa le by th e on e ph ra s e , 2 5 0 ,0 0 0 m u rde re d ! Howe ve r, th e p rob le m is th e re ju s t th e s a m e ; wh e n th e clou ds h a ve pa s s e d , life it s e lf will on ce a ga in con fron t th e pe op le a n d de m a n d a n a n s we r. An d th e n I s h a ll t a ke th e s a m e s ta n d a s be fore , n a m e ly, th a t it is h u m a n e to con s ign th e s ou lle s s h u s k of m a n to th e e a rth , a n d to p re ve n t th e con ge n it a lly s ick from pa s s in g on th e ir illn e s s to h a p le s s ch ild re n . Th is , h owe ve r, re qu ire s a bs olu te fra n kn e s s , ope n d is cu s s ion , a n d th e s p ir itu a l pa rt icipa t ion of th e e n t ire pe op le , a s we ll a s p re cis e le ga l p rovis ion s to p re ve n t a n y pos s ib le a bu s e . An d , m os t of a ll, t h e volu n ta ry con s e n t of th e fa m ily in volve d . If th e fa m ily s h ou ld fa il to a g re e , it s h ou ld be com pe lle d to p rovide th e n e ce s s a ry n u rs in g pe rs on n e l from a m on g it s own m e m be rs . Oth e rwis e re fu s a l wou ld be e n t ire ly too e a s y, a n d wou ld s im p ly bu rde n o th e rs with pa in fu l ob liga t ion s . An y m e a s u re of th is s ort wou ld b rin g a bou t h e a te d d is cu s s ion , bu t wou ld , by be in g ope n a n d a bove boa rd , p re ve n t th e on s e t of th a t ba d odou r wh ich n ow p re va ils . Th is is ye t a n oth e r in s ta n ce of a la w of life be in g d is tort e d a n d fa ls ifie d by th e m e th od of it s e xe cu t ion . Th e n e ce s s a ry crit icis m by a n e w orde r of d is ca rde d polit ica l form s s im ila r to th os e ye t p re va ilin g a m on g oth e r pe op le s , is in va ria b ly con s ide re d by th e la t t e r a s a pe rs on a l a t t a ck. S in ce it wa s im pos s ib le to m a ke th e m e n ta l re s e rva t ion th a t wh e n e ve r th e pa rlia m e n ta ry s ys te m wa s m e n t ion e d , it m e a n t Ge rm a n y's own pa rlia m e n ta ry s ys te m , m a n y pe op le a b roa d we re u n de r th e im pre s s ion th a t we we re a t t a ckin g th e ir in s t itu t ion s .
I t r ie d re pe a te d ly to p re ve n t th is bu t , it m u s t be con fe s s e d , n ot e ve n I a lwa ys re m e m be re d to m a ke th e a bove re s e rva t ion . Be fore fore ign a u d ie n ce s , h owe ve r, I m a de e ve ry e ffort to cla rify th e s itu a t ion . Prom pte d by s im ila r con s ide ra t ion s , Hit le r s a id a t on e t im e th a t h is goa l wa s re a lly a Ge rm a n ic de m ocra cy in con t ra s t to th e s p in e le s s in te rn a t ion a l on e th a t , in 1 9 1 8 , h a d t a ke n ove r th e h e lm in Ge rm a n y. S pe a kin g to re p re s e n ta t ive s of th e S ca n d in a via n cou n t rie s a n d Fin la n d a t a m e e t in g of th e Nord ic S ocie ty in Lü be ck, I s pe cifica lly poin te d ou t th e d iffe re n ce s in th e m e a n in g of ide n t ica l words , a n d cit e d Hit le r 's own s ta te m e n t a s a n e xa m ple . Be fore d ip lom a ts a n d re p re s e n ta t ive s of th e fore ign p re s s I a ls o t r ie d to p rove th a t m e re ph ilos oph ica l d iffe re n ce s m u s t n e ve r be pe rm it t e d to le a d to ope n con flict in th e fie ld of fore ign policy. I de cla re d m ys e lf oppos e d to th e u s e of th e t e rm Na t ion a l S ocia lis t by polit ica l pa rt ie s in fore ign cou n t rie s , e ve n th ou gh th e y m igh t h a ve s im ila r ob je ct ive s . It wa s im pos s ib le , I de cla re d , to ch a n ge th e n a m e of a wh ole h is torica l com ple x s u dde n ly a n d u n ila te ra lly. Th is m igh t re s u lt in n a t ion a l t e n s ion . Wh o, in th a t ca s e , wou ld de cide wh ich Na t ion a l S ocia lis m wa s th e r igh t on e a n d wh ich th e wron g? For th e s a m e re a s on I a ls o con s ide re d it a g ra ve m is ta ke for S ir Os wa ld Mos le y to ca ll h is pa rty Brit is h Fa s cis t . In a cou n t ry a s ju s t ifia b ly p rou d of h e r own t ra d it ion a s En g la n d , it wa s a g ra ve p s ych olog ica l e rror to u s e a n om e n cla tu re of fore ign orig in for a pa rty wh ich , in cide n ta lly, wa s ce rt a in ly n ot cu t to th e m e a s u re of Brit is h life ( for e xa m ple , in it s h ie ra rch ic- th e a t r ica l a s pe ct s ) . At th e s a m e t im e , s u ch a m ove m e n t th u s de p rive d it s e lf of a ll m ora l e lbow room in ca s e of a con flict with It a ly. Th is h a d a lre a dy be com e a ppa re n t du rin g th e It a lia n Eth iop ia n wa r, wh e n Gre a t Brit a in took a p ron ou n ce d ly a n t i- It a lia n s t a n d , p roba b ly with th e s u pport of th e m a jority of h e r pe op le . In th is e ve n t Mos le y's pa rty, e ve n th ou gh it s tood for Brit is h in te re s t s e xclu s ive ly - - s om e th in g th a t ca n be t a ke n for g ra n te d - - cou ld s ca rce ly go in to oppos it ion with ou t be com in g s u s pe ct of s om e s ort of con n e ct ion with Mu s s olin i's Fa s cis m . Th is in it s e lf d is cre d it e d th e pa rty from th e ve ry firs t , a n d ce rt a in ly lim ite d it s polit ica l fre e dom of a ct ion . For s im ila r re a s on s , a n y a ct ive a t t e m p t on Mos le y's pa rt to a id in b rin g in g a bou t a Ge rm a n -Brit is h ra pp roch e m e n t , s t ill ke e p in g on ly Brit is h in te re s t s in m in d , wou ld h a ve be e n bu rde n e d by th e s a m e polit ica l m ortga ge . Th a t 's wh y I a voide d a n y con ta ct with Mos le y a n d h is crowd du rin g m y two vis it s to Lon don in 1 9 3 1 a n d 1 9 3 3 , a n d wh y I n e ve r got to kn ow h im pe rs on a lly. Ne ve rth e le s s , th e fou n da t ion of pa rt ie s s im ila r to th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t s wa s o il on th e fire of th e e xis t in g p ropa ga n da a ga in s t u s , s in ce it wa s con s ide re d a n in d ica t ion th a t th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t s p ropos e d to ga in a footh old in a ll fore ign cou n t rie s , a n d th u s to in flu e n ce th e ir de ve lopm e n t from th e ou t s ide . In th e cou rs e of t im e th is ca u s e d on e m is u n de rs ta n d in g a ft e r a n oth e r, a lth ou gh th e s e m is u n de rs ta n d in gs we re m os t oft e n du e to th e m e n ta l a t t itu de of n on -Ge rm a n s . Th e va riou s de m ocra cie s con s ide re d th e m s e lve s ju s t ifie d in p ropa ga t in g th e ir p rin cip le s th rou gh ou t th e world , a n d for th is re a s on ca m e con s ciou s ly or u n con s ciou s ly to th e con clu s ion th a t Na t ion a l S ocia lis m , like Ma rxis m , p ropos e d to orga n is e b ra n ch e s a m on g fore ign pe op le s . Th is m is con ce p t ion cou ld n ot be e ra d ica te d , a n d wa s n u rs e d with s pe cia l ca re by th os e wh o we re oppos e d to a fr ie n ds h ip with th e Ge rm a n Re ich a n ywa y. Th a t a ll n a t ion s s h ou ld de fe n d th e m s e lve s a ga in s t n e w, u n p rove d ide a s , a n d re fu s e in pa rt icu la r to t a ke ove r in s t itu t ion s a lre a dy e xis t in g in o th e r s t a t e s , is n ot on ly th e ir r igh t bu t th e ir du ty. If s u ch t e ch n ica l or s ocia l in s t itu t ion s e ve n tu a lly p rove th e ir va lu e , th e y m a y s t ill, a ft e r th orou gh e xa m in a t ion , be t a ke n ove r in wh a te ve r form s e e m s m os t fit t in g for o th e r n a t ion s . In th is con n e ct ion I s h ou ld like to m e n t ion th a t I re ce ive d m a n y p ropos a ls for th e t ra n s la t ion of m y book in to fore ign la n gu a ge s . I tu rn e d th e m a ll down . On ly a Ja pa n e s e t ra n s la t ion wa s pu b lis h e d with ou t - - s o fa r a s I re m e m be r - - m y pe rm is s ion . Howe ve r, for Ja pa n th e con te n t s of m y Myth we re n o m ore th a n a s cie n t ific cu rios ity a n ywa y. In 1 9 4 2 , I wa s s e n t a Fre n ch t ra n s la t ion . Th ou gh I h a d it th orou gh ly
ch e cke d , I wa s s t ill h e s it a n t to a g re e to it s pu b lica t ion . An It a lia n t ra n s la t ion wou ld n o dou b t h a ve be e n s u b je ct to s h a rp a t t a cks by th e Ch u rch ; m y u n s cie n t ific a pp roa ch wou ld h a ve be e n p rove n , ju s t a s it wa s p rove n in Ge rm a n y, a n d n o p rom in e n t pe rs on a lity wou ld h a ve da re d com e to m y de fe n ce . It s pu b lica t ion cou ld on ly h a ve in s p ire d s cie n t ific, a n d pos s ib ly e ve n polit ica l, con t rove rs ie s in a lie n cu ltu ra l circle s wh ich , if th e y th e m s e lve s h a d p rodu ce d a s im ila r crit iqu e , wou ld h a ve don e s o for e n t ire ly d iffe re n t re a s on s . I h a ve a lwa ys con s ide re d th is a t t itu de of m in e a s both s p ir itu a lly a n d polit ica lly corre ct a s we ll a s ra th e r de ce n t , e s pe cia lly s in ce it wa s a t va ria n ce with a lit e ra ry va n ity th a t wou ld like to s e e a book t ra n s la te d in to a s m a n y la n gu a ge s a s pos s ib le . Pe rm is s ion wa s g ive n on ly for th e t ra n s la t ion of s om e of m y s pe e ch e s on m ore ge n e ra l s u b je ct s , bu t I n e ve r both e re d to fin d ou t wh e th e r th e y a ctu a lly we re t ra n s la te d or n ot .
Th e fa ct th a t ce rt a in m a la d ie s ca n be in h e rit e d is n ot de n ie d by a n ybody, n or doe s a n y s e riou s s ch ola r qu e s t ion th e in h e rit a b ility of ra cia l a t t r ibu te s . S in ce Me n de l's d is cove rie s h a ve be e n m a de twice ove r a ga in , qu it e in de pe n de n t ly of h is fin d in gs , on ly con s ciou s m e n da city cou ld pos s ib ly de n y th e a bove fa ct s . Bu t ju s t a s with Cope rn icu s a n d h is d is cove ry, Ch ris t ia n ity a n d o th e r t e a ch in gs n e e d a lon g t im e to im m u n is e th e ir a dh e re n t s . Firs t th e s ign ifica n ce of ra cia l ide a s a s a u n ity of body, s ou l, a n d s p ir it is de n ie d ; th e n it s a pp lica t ion to th in kin g a n d a ct in g is a t t a cke d a s ru n n in g cou n te r to Ch ris t ia n re ve la t ion , wh ile ze a lou s Je s u it b io log is t s a re bu s ily t ryin g to fin d a wa y to re m ove th e pois on from th is n e w da n ge r. Th e n u n p rove n cla im s a re d is cove re d , a ce rt a in p la u s ib ility in it s pu re ly ph ys io log ica l a s pe ct s is a dm it t e d , wh ile o th e r con clu s ion s a re re je cte d a s be in g th e s a m e old m a te ria lis t ic a rgu m e n ts . Fin a lly fa n a t icis m - - ye s , a m on g Je s u it s ! - - a n d e ve n a d is s olu t ion of n a t ion a l u n ity is fe a re d . In th e lon g ru n , it is h ope d , th is m u ta t ion will de s t roy th e e n t ire s cie n t ific s t ru ctu re - - a n d a g re a t d is cove ry is t a lke d to de a th , s o th a t a ft e r a h u n dre d ye a rs or s o , a ll da n ge r to th e b roa d m a s s e s of a dh e re n t s ( con fe s s ion a l ch u rch , Ca th olic be lie ve rs , cit ize n s of th e world , a n d th e re s t ) s e e m s e lim in a te d a n d , th a n ks to th e de te riora t ion of ch a ra cte r , th e h ypn ot is in g of s p ir it , a n d th e pa ra lys a t ion of in s t in ct , t ru th n o lon ge r is re cogn is a b le . Bu t a s cie n t ific d is cove ry s im p ly ca n n ot be ca n ce lle d ou t . Ju s t a s th e g re a t figu re s of n a t ion a l cu ltu re s we re a b le to p re s e rve Prote s ta n t fre e dom of con s cie n ce th rou gh re s e a rch , wh ile th e Re n a is s a n ce a n d h u m a n is m re m ove d it from th e in flu e n ce of r ig id con fe s s ion a l dogm a , s o th e 1 9 th ce n tu ry le d to m illion - fo ld d is s e n s ion a n d a ba s ic a th e is m . I h a d com e to th e con clu s ion th a t a re u n ifica t ion of th e s e m illion s wa s m ore th a n de s ira b le . Th e d is cove ry of th e s t re n g th of b lood in world h is tory, th a t is , th e re cogn it ion of fa te a s p re de s t in e d by body a n d s ou l, s e e m e d to m e a m os t a pp rop ria te a pp roa ch to th e con qu e s t of pu re ly m a te ria lis t ic, p s e u do-Da rwin is t ic Ma rxis m . En cou ra ge d by Hou s ton S te wa rt Ch a m be rla in , I fou n d in th e o ld Hin du ph ilos oph e rs , a s we ll a s in Gre e k s cu lp tu re , a pa ra lle lis m be twe e n ou te r de ca y a n d in n e r d is tort ion . Th is wa s th e re a l in s p ira t ion for th e Myth . Th e cu ltu ra l t ra ge dy of He lle n is m (a n d Rom a n is m ) h a s be e n de s cribe d ofte n e n ou gh . Ma n y ca u s e s h a ve be e n n ote d . Bu t ou t s ide of th e a ckn owle dge d ca u s e s ( t r iba l s t r ife , wa rs a m on g cit ie s , m ig ra t ion to th e colon ie s ) , th e re we re s t ill o th e rs : de fore s ta t ion a n d it s con s e qu e n ce s , th e d im in is h in g of a ra b le la n d , th e d rift to th e cit ie s a n d , m os t im porta n t of a ll, t h e in te rm in g lin g of th e Gre e ks with a lie n pe op le s from As ia Min or. Th is la w of life gove rn s a ll a ge s . Th e h a lf-b re e ds of Ma rs e ille s a n d Tou lon s p re a d th e s a m e s e e ds of d is e a s e a s th os e of Corin th a n d S a lon ika in da ys gon e by. Th e port qu a rte rs of Lon don a n d th e s lu m s of Ne w York both h a rbou r th e s a m e s in is t e r force s . Mu la t to is a t ion is on
th e ca rds for th e Un ite d S ta te s of Am e rica ; th e colon ie s a re a ju m ble of wh ite s , Ma la ya n s , Hin du s , Ch in e s e , a n d S ou th S e a t r ibe s .
In la t e r ye a rs He in rich Lö h s e , th e s on of Hols te in pe a s a n t s , to ld m e re pe a te d ly th a t it wa s from m e th a t h e h a d firs t h e a rd de ta ils a bou t Hit le r , h is s pe e ch e s , th e Fe ldh e rrn h a lle a n d ou r p rog ra m . Th e de cis ion h e m a de th a t da y a t We im a r wa s fin a l. S o h e we n t to ca ll on h is h a rd -h e a de d , m is t ru s t fu l pe a s a n t s wh o, like th os e in Olde n bu rg , we re con s ta n t ly u p in a rm s a ga in s t a n y n a m e th a t con ta in e d th e world S ocia lis t . I t took a lon g t im e to b re a k down th e ir re s is t a n ce , bu t h e d id fin a lly s u cce e d . Lö h s e wa s a m a n of n a tu ra l s h re wdn e s s a n d of u n u s u a lly s ou n d in s t in ct s . Un fortu n a te ly, h e wa s oft e n s tu bborn a bou t com ple te ly u n im porta n t th in gs . An d s in ce s tu bborn n e s s ca n s o e a s ily tu rn in to b it t e r e n m ity, it wa s fre qu e n t ly d ifficu lt to gu ide h im by m a il. Ju s t a n a ve ra ge m a n , with a ll h is good qu a lit ie s , bu t a ls o h is d ra wba cks . Du rin g ou r ba t t le I wa s fre qu e n t ly u p th e re . Wh e n th e Nord is ch e Ge s e lls ch a ft (Nord ic S ocie ty) h e ld it s ye a rly m e e t in gs in Lü be ck, a n d th is city wa s a s s ign e d to Lö h s e 's Ga u , clos e r coope ra t ion wa s in e vit a b le . Ou r jo in t la bou rs we re m a de e a s ie r by ou r m u tu a l e n th u s ia s m for a be t t e r u n de rs ta n d in g be twe e n th e Re ich a n d S ca n d in a via ( in clu d in g Fin la n d ) .
I t ga ve m e a g re a t de a l of s a t is fa ct ion to fos te r cu ltu ra l u n de rs ta n d in g be twe e n th e Re ich a n d S ca n d in a via (with Fin la n d ) . La te r on we in vit e d S ca n d in a via n s cie n t is t s a n d a rt is t s to Ge rm a n y. Th e m a ga zin e De r Norde n (Th e North ) ga ve th e Ge rm a n pu b lic re port s on occu rre n ce s in th e n orth e rn s t a te s , a n d a p re s s s yn d ica te con t ribu te d it s s h a re to th e im prove m e n t of e con om ic re la t ion s . Du rin g th e Nu re m be rg t r ia ls a ll th is wa s h e ld a ga in s t m e a s pa rt of a con s p ira cy.
Ma rt in Mu ts ch m a n n , th e Ga u le it e r of S a xon y, I h a d a lre a dy m e t in 1 9 2 3 , on ou r firs t Pa rty da y. Afte r lis t e n in g to m y s pe e ch , h e to ld m e th a t h e h a d im m e d ia te ly s a id to h im s e lf: Th is it m y m a n ! Wh e n h e m ove d to Dre s de n a ft e r th e Ma ch tü be rn a h m e , h is lon g -d ra wn -ou t wa r a ga in s t Be rlin , a ga in s t s u ch h yd roce ph a lic ch a ra cte rs a s S ch a ch t , be ga n in a ll s e riou s n e s s . Un fortu n a te ly h is rou gh m a n n e r of s pe a kin g , h is b lu s te rin g crit icis m s voice d a t Ga u le it e r m e e t in gs , ca u s e d th e Fü h re r to ru le ou t a ll pu b lic d is cu s s ion on s u ch occa s ion s . De vote d to th e Mu s e s on ly a s a m a t te r of du ty, Mu ts ch m a n n p re fe rre d to h u n t in h is woods . In th e h om e s of S a xon y's h u n t s m e n h e re a lly cou ld re la x a ft e r a s t re n u ou s we e k of work. He in s ta lle d t rou t h a tch e rie s , p ra ct is e d p is to l s h oot in g , a n d e n te rt a in e d fre qu e n t ly. I a lwa ys got a lon g with th is rou gh n e ck, a n d ou r com ra de s h ip la s te d to th e e n d . Of cou rs e , if we h a d be e n in con s ta n t clos e con ta ct , cla s h e s n o dou b t wou ld h a ve occu rre d . His m in is t e rs ce rt a in ly d idn 't h a ve a n e a s y t im e of it . He h a te d pe t ty in t r igu e s o m u ch th a t h e n e ve r m a de lon g -win de d a t t e m p ts a t con cilia t ion ; h e s im p ly th re w th e in t r iga n t s ou t of h is office . His Kre is le it e r (d is t r ict le a de rs ) we re a s m u ch in a we of h im a s officia ls h a d on ce be e n in a we of th e la t e la m e n te d Kin g Au gu s t th e S t ron g . Bu t like a ll th e s e h u s ky m e n h e h a d a s oft h e a rt , a n d cou ld be a good-n a tu re d , de vote d fr ie n d . Du rin g th e la s t fe w ye a rs h e fou n d a n e du ca t ion a l fie ld ve ry m u ch to h is own ta s te . He d is cove re d th a t in h u m orou s m a ga zin e s , ope re t t a s , a n d com e d ie s , S a xon ia n s a lwa ys ca m e off s e con d be s t . In vie w of
th e ir g re a t a ccom plis h m e n ts h e wa s h on e s t ly e n ra ge d by th a t . He con s ide re d it in a dm is s ib le to de p ict a n e n t ire t r ibe a s d im -wit t e d a n d id io t ic ju s t to a m u s e th e pu b lic. Th u s , h e forba de a n y pe rform a n ce s of th e Ra u b de r S a b in e rin n e n (Ra pe of th e S a b in e s ) in th e Kin gdom of S a xon y. Th e d ia le ct , fre qu e n t ly th e t a rge t of both good a n d ba d joke s , wa s n 't S a xon ia n a t a ll, h e cla im e d , bu t m e re ly a ba d h a b it of Le ipzig . In th e Vog t la n d , a n oth e r d is t r ict of S a xon y, for e xa m ple , th e y t a lke d qu ie t d iffe re n t ly. I th ou gh t h is p ron u n cia m e n to s ou n de d ra th e r like th a t ba d Le ipzig h a b it , bu t h e ld m y ton gu e . Th e re a re th in gs , a ft e r a ll, t h a t ca n h u rt e ve n th ou gh th e y m a y be fu n n y. La te r on Mu ts ch m a n n a ctu a lly s t a rt e d a s e rie s of cou rs e s in d ict ion to h e lp h is fe llow S a xon ia n s to ge t r id of th e ir d ia le ct . Wh e th e r h e wa s s u cce s s fu l or n ot , I a m u n a b le to s a y. Mu ts ch m a n n wa s on e of th e m os t e m b it t e re d e n e m ie s of Him m le r 's police re g im e . He ca rrie d on a s u s ta in e d fe u d with a ll of th e h igh e r S .S . a n d police officia ls . His s ou n d in s t in ct wa rn e d h im th a t th e re wa s g re a t da n ge r for both pa rty a n d s t a te in th is d ire ct ion . I cou n te d on h im a s a pa rtn e r in th e fu tu re ba t t le for pa rty re form s . How g re a t th e da n ge r re a lly wa s , h owe ve r, we be ga n to re a lis e on ly du rin g th e wa r; n ow we kn ow. An d ye t it wa s Him m le r, of a ll pe op le , wh om I on ce h e a rd qu ote th e d ictu m of Mü n s te r: Hon ou r is force e n ou gh . For h im it obviou s ly wa s n ot ! I wa s Mu ts ch m a n n 's gu e s t a t th e Grille n bu rg (Cricke t Ca s t le ) , th e h u n te r 's h om e n e a r Dre s de n , on th re e d iffe re n t occa s ion s , th e la s t be in g wh e n th e Re d t roops we re a lre a dy in S ile s ia . An d it wa s th e n th a t we m e t for th e la s t t im e in ou r live s . Wh e n we we re t a ke n from a ll corn e rs of Ge rm a n y to Mon dorf, we ke p t a s kin g e a ch o th e r a bou t th e fa te of th e o th e rs . Of Mu ts ch m a n n I h e a rd th a t h e h a d s t a ye d in h id in g a ft e r th e S ovie t s h a d m a rch e d in , bu t wa s la t e r be t ra ye d . Wh e n h e wa s ca p tu re d th e y tore off h is clo th e s a n d s tood h im u p n a ke d on th e ba s e of a m on u m e n t , wh e re h e wa s force d to re m a in a ll n igh t , s u rrou n de d by th e h owls of th e Com m u n is t s . Th e n Mu ts ch m a n n (wh o h a d a s e ve re h e a rt con d it ion ) s u ffe re d a s t roke a n d d ie d .
Doctor Alfre d Me ye r (Ga u le it e r of We s tph a lia -North ) like d good m a n n e rs a n d ce re m on ie s . Wh e n e ve r a n officia l vis itor ca m e to Mü n s te r , th e h e a ds of th e pa rty, s t a t e , a n d city cou n cil forga th e re d in th e ve n e ra b le g re a t h a ll of th e Ra th a u s (City Ha ll) . Th e re , a ft e r a pp rop ria te s pe e ch e s of we lcom e , a h u ge o ld gob le t wa s h a n de d a rou n d for a d rin k of we lcom e . La te r , wh e n in a n s we r to a pe rs on a l de cla ra t ion of wa r a ga in s t m e by Bis h op Ga le n , I wa s m a de a n h on ora ry cit ize n of Mü n s te r , th is wa s tu rn e d in to a pa rt icu la rly s o le m n a ffa ir . Th e officia l ce rt ifica te it s e lf wa s of th e fin e s t pa rch m e n t , e n ca s e d in a m a gn ifice n t le a th e r fo lde r with be a u t ifu lly wrou gh t m e ta l cla s ps . Me ye r e s te e m e d m e ve ry h igh ly, a lwa ys a dd re s s e d m e a s Re ich s le it e r , a n d con s ide re d h im s e lf a s h old in g n o m ore th a n a n in te rm e d ia ry pos it ion . His a bs olu te loya lty ga in e d h im in n u m e ra b le fr ie n ds . For th is re a s on h e wa s n ot con s ide re d a m on g th e powe r g ra bbe rs of th e pa rty to be a g re a t Ga u le it e r , a n d for th is s a m e re a s on h e wa s ce rt a in ly on e of th e be s t . I be lie ve th a t h e wa s pa rt icu la rly we ll e s t e e m e d in h is own We s tph a lia . Of a n e ve n in g , a ft e r a s pe e ch , we wou ld s it a rou n d in th e Ra t s ke lle r ( ce lla r re s ta u ra n t ) , a n d th e la n ky Obe rbü rge rm e is te r (Lord Ma yor) wou ld in va ria b ly a s s u re m e th a t Mü n s te r h a d on ly two h on ora ry cit ize n s : th e Fü h re r a n d m ys e lf. Or e ls e we we n t to s om e in n . To Pin ku s Mü lle r 's , for e xa m ple , wh e re we im b ibe d m igh t ily a t th e m a s s ive oa ke n t a b le s in h is s m oke - fille d room s . S om e t im e s Pin ku s h im s e lf wou ld g ive u s a rou s in g s on g be fit t in g th e occa s ion . Drin ke rs a n d ca rd p la ye rs ca n e n joy th e m s e lve s like ch ild re n , lis t e n in g to th e s a m e old joke s . Me ye r u s e d to p ra is e h is n a t ion a l d rin k, S te in h ä ge r, to th e b lu e s kie s . Not liqu or, h e cla im e d , bu t m e d icin e . An d occa s ion a lly th e o ld s tory wa s to ld
a ga in , a bou t th e s e rm on of th e pa s tor of S te in h a ge n wh o a n n ou n ce d th e de a th of a fe llow cit ize n with th e s e words : It h a s p le a s e d th e Lord to t a ke u n to h im s e lf ye t a n oth e r S t e in h ä g e r .
Bearers of power
Gre g o r S tra s s e r w a s a h u g e a n d p o w e rfu l m a n , fo rth rig h t , g ift e d w ith a ke e n
m in d , a n x io u s to g a in p re s t ig e , a n d a v e ry p o p u la r s p e a ke r. I n te lle c tu a lly , h is
y o u n g e r b ro th e r, Ot to S tra s s e r, h a s n o t b e e n w ith o u t in flu e n c e o n h im . Th e
la t t e r a ls o jo in e d th e p a rty . To g e th e r th e y fo u n d e d th e Ka m p f Ve rla g ( Ba t t le
Pu b lis h in g Ho u s e ) , a n d p u b lis h e d a n u m b e r o f w e e klie s in Be rlin . Th a t is w h e re
th e t ro u b le s ta rte d . Gö b b e ls , th e lo c a l Ga u le it e r, d e m a n d e d p o lit ic a l c o n tro l
o v e r a ll p u b lic a t io n s a p p e a rin g in h is d is t ric t ; S tra s s e r u n d e rs c o re d h is s u p e rio r
p o s it io n a s Re ic h s o rg a n is a t io n s le it e r ( Org a n is a t io n a l Le a d e r o f th e Re ic h ) .
Ru m o u rs m a d e th e ro u n d s th a t Gö b b e ls h a d to ld s o m e p e o p le th a t S tra s s e r's
m o th e r w a s Je w is h . I w ro te Hit le r, w h o h a p p e n e d to b e in Be rlin a t th e t im e ,
th a t s u c h u n d e rh a n d e d m e th o d s w e re in s u ffe ra b le , a n d th a t Gö b b e ls o u g h t to
b e d is m is s e d . Hit le r to ld m e la t e r th a t th e v a rio u s g e n t le m e n w o u ld s im p ly
h a v e to c o o p e ra te , a n d th a t h e , p e rs o n a lly , w o u ld s t ra ig h te n th in g s o u t . I n d u e
t im e a fo rm a l re c o n c ilia t io n c a m e a b o u t , b u t th e fe u d ke p t o n s m o u ld e rin g .
Ou tw a rd ly , S tra s s e r's p o w e r s e e m e d to g ro w g re a te r a n d g re a te r. He h a d b u ilt
u p h is le a d e rs h ip o f th e o rg a n is a t io n a l p ro g ra m to th e p o in t w h e re h e to o k c a re
o f a lm o s t a ll th e c u rre n t b u s in e s s fo r th e e n t ire p a rty . His o ffic e a t th e fo rm e r
Re ic h s a d le r w a s p ra c t ic a lly a n in d e p e n d e n t u n it .
Ot to S t ra s s e r ca m e ove r to u s from th e ca m p of th e S ocia l De m ocra t s , a ft e r h a vin g h a d clos e con ta ct s with it s le a de rs . I fe lt th a t h e wa s le s s in te re s te d in fo llowin g th e pa rty lin e of th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t Ge rm a n Worke rs ' Pa rty th a n in p ropa ga t in g ce rt a in u n d ige s te d ide a s of h is own . Wh e n h e to ld m e th a t h e con s ide re d a n e n t ire ly n e w e con om ic s t ru ctu re of pa ra m ou n t im porta n ce , I re p lie d th a t it wa s n 't s u fficie n t to writ e a n u m be r of a rt icle s ; wh a t h e s h ou ld do wa s writ e a we ll- rou n de d , ca re fu lly th ou gh t -ou t book to g ive pe op le a ch a n ce to s tu dy h is ide a s . Th is h e d id n ot do . Th e con flict ca m e in s p it e of th e fa ct th a t Hit le r d id h is u tm os t to h old S t ra s s e r . Toge th e r with s om e of h is fo llowe rs , h e s e ce de d from th e pa rty. His b roth e r Gre gor re m a in e d . I s t ill re m e m be r a d is cu s s ion I h a d with Hit le r a lit t le la t e r . Th a n k God , h e s a id , th a t Gre gor S t ra s s e r h a s re m a in e d t ru e , a g re a t th in g for a ll of u s . He wa s ge n u in e ly fon d of h im , e ve n a s Gre gor S t ra s s e r p rove d h is own b roth e rly love for Hit le r by con s olin g h im wh e n h is n ie ce d ie d a n d th e Fü h re r wa s con s ide rin g g ivin g u p h is e n t ire polit ica l ca re e r.
S t ra s s e r h a d be e n jo in e d by a n oth e r ra th e r ou t s t a n d in g pe rs on a lity, th e form e r Firs t Lie u te n a n t S ch u lz, wh o h a d a g re a t n u m be r of con ta ct s a m on g office rs a n d officia ls . In Be rlin , Cologn e , a n d s o on , h e in t rodu ce d S t ra s s e r to th e m . Th e s e pe op le fla t t e re d S t ra s s e r in th e h ope of e ve n tu a lly m a kin g h im th e le a de r of a m ore a cce p ta b le pa rty in ca s e of a ch a n ge in th e form of gove rn m e n t . An d th a t wa s wh e re S t ra s s e r 's t ra ge dy be ga n . He fe lt th a t h e wa s n 't con s u lt e d oft e n e n ou gh , th a t Gö rin g a n d Gö bbe ls we re pu s h e d to th e fore , a n d h e wa s by n o m e a n s con vin ce d of th e la t t e r 's a b ility - -
qu ite th e con t ra ry. Th u s h e took s t e ps be h in d th e Le a de r 's ba ck th a t we re s im p ly crim in a lly s tu p id . Ru m ou rs a bou t S t ra s s e r 's be t ra ya l be ga n to m a ke th e rou n ds . Bu t wh e n I h e a rd th e m , I fra n kly dou b te d th e m .
I ra n in to S t ra s s e r th a t fore n oon wh e n I a rr ive d in Hit le r 's a n te room a t th e Hote l Ka is e rh of. I s t a rt e d to g re e t h im , bu t h e m e re ly m a de a h ope le s s ge s tu re with h is h a n d a n d le ft th e room . I h e a rd th a t h e h a d ju s t re s ign e d from a ll of h is pos t s . Th a t wa s a h e a vy b low. I re m e m be re d th e m a n y s pe e ch e s wh ich h e h a d a lwa ys b rou gh t to a clos e with th e s e words : I fou gh t a s on e of Hit le r 's m e n , a n d a s on e of Hit le r 's m e n I wa n t s om e da y to go to m y g ra ve . Th a t wa s a ll ove r n ow. He p roba b ly la cke d th e cle a r vis ion n e ce s s a ry for a cle a n -cu t re be llion , qu it e a s ide from th e fa ct th a t h e u n dou b te d ly wa s de e p ly a t t a ch e d to ou r m ove m e n t . He le ft . Hit le r d idn 't t a ke a n y d is cip lin a ry m e a s u re s a ga in s t h im . Afte r th e Ma ch tü be rn a h m e , S t ra s s e r , by Hit le r 's d ire ct orde r, wa s n e ve r m ole s te d . On th e con t ra ry h e wa s a s s ign e d to a le a d in g pos it ion in th e ph a rm a ce u t ica l orga n is a t ion .
Du rin g th e Rö h m -Pu ts ch S t ra s s e r a n d S ch le ich e r we re kille d . We a ll th ou gh t th e y h a d be e n in volve d in s om e wa y, bu t th e police re m a in e d s ile n t . Th e Fü h re r m a de a rra n ge m e n ts for th e fin a n cia l s e cu rity of S t ra s s e r 's widow, a n e xt re m e ly p le a s a n t wom a n . In th e S e con d World Wa r both of S t ra s s e r 's s on s fe ll a s office rs a t th e fron t . Th is is th e s ort of t ra ge dy th a t is in e vit a b le in th e cou rs e of a re volu t ion . Wh e n e ve r I th in k of S t ra s s e r a s h e wa s in th os e da ys , I s e e be fore m y e ye s h is t a ll figu re a n d h is ligh t , kin d e ye s . I re m e m be r h is ge n e ros ity, a n d , occa s ion a lly, a ls o th a t a ppa re n t u n ce rta in ty wh ich e ve n tu a lly le d h im to h is doom . As th e Fü h re r to ld m e la te r , h e h a d in te n de d to m a ke S t ra s s e r h is S e cre ta ry of th e In te rior . In th a t ca s e , m a n y th in gs m igh t h a ve t a ke n a d iffe re n t tu rn .
A pe rm a n e n t la t e n t t e n s ion e xis t e d be twe e n m e a n d Doctor Robe rt Le y, th e le a de r of th e Re ich orga n is a t ion , a n d la te r th e ch ie f of th e Ge rm a n La bou r Fron t . Not be ca u s e of a n y fe e lin g of e n m ity, bu t in s p it e of a t t e m p ts on both s ide s to b rin g a bou t a m ore com ra de ly re la t ion s h ip . Th e re wa s s om e th in g be twe e n u s wh ich I s h a ll re fra in from e xa m in in g m ore clos e ly, s om e th in g th a t t im e a n d a ga in le d to e xp los ion s a n d h a rs h words . S u ch t e n s ion ca n be ra th e r de s ira b le , th e ore t ica lly, a s a s ort of t e s t a n d in du ce m e n t to s e lf- e xa m in a t ion . Le y ca m e from th e Rh in e la n d , h a d be e n s h ot down a s a n a via tor du rin g World Wa r I, a n d h a d s pe n t two ye a rs in Fre n ch ca p t ivity. Ca p t iva te d by Hit le r , h e h a d be com e a ct ive in Cologn e . At firs t Ga u le it e r , th e n t ra n s fe rre d to s e rve u n de r S t ra s s e r , la t e r h is s u cce s s or. Le y h a d a s t ron g ly cre a t ive t a le n t , a n d h is s u gge s t ion s , in n ova t ion s a n d u n de rta kin gs we re n u m e rou s . In lookin g ba ck on wh a t h e a ccom plis h e d , wh a t h e s t a rt e d , wh a t h e p rom is e d , it is a p ity, in de e d , th a t a ll th is wa s la t e r t a ke n ove r by le s s s kilfu l h a n ds , a dde d to , m od ifie d , a n d fin a lly torn to p ie ce s in orde r to m a ke room for a n o ld , ou tm ode d we lte r of ide a s a n d orga n is a t ion s . Eve ryth in g th a t wa s con ce rn e d with pa id va ca t ion s , th e office of Re is e n a n d Wa n de rn (Tra ve llin g a n d Hikin g ) , th e m ode rn is a t ion of in du s t r ia l bu ild in gs , th e p rovid in g of cu ltu ra l goods , a n d s o on , re p re s e n te d th e be g in n in g of s ocia l th e ory be in g t ra n s la te d in to p ra ct ice . Bu t
Le y p la ce d two obs ta cle s in h is own pa th : orga n is a t ion a l s ch e m a t is a t ion a n d g iga n tom a n ia . On e of th e firs t e n t r ie s in m y n ote book for 1 9 1 7 re a ds : Mode ra t ion is on e of th e m os t im porta n t ru le s in a rt ; a n y th e ory ca rrie d ou t to th e b it t e r e n d m u s t le a d to a bs u rd ity. Th is th ou gh t , in s p ire d by Goe th e , s e e m s to m e a ba s ic la w of life . I ca n n ot cla im th a t I m ys e lf h a ve a lwa ys obe ye d it ; bu t s u bcon s ciou s ly th is d ictu m ce rta in ly h a s h a d a n e ffe ct on a ll of m y a ct ivit ie s . Le y, on th e o th e r h a n d , s ch e m a t ica lly ca rrie d th e a dm it t e d ly n e ce s s a ry d is cip lin e of th e m ove m e n t to e xt re m e s . His s pe e ch e s on th e g lory of th e e n t ire orga n is a t ion , from th e le a de r of a m e re ce ll u p to th e Fü h re r h im s e lf, we re fre qu e n t ly borin g in th e ir fa tu ity; bu t it wa s obviou s th a t s u ch ge n e ra lis a t ion s we re in e vit a b le a t th is poin t a n d wou ld g ra du a lly be e lim in a te d . Du rin g th e t r ia l a t Nu re m be rg th e polit ica l gu ida n ce of pe op le a n d Re ich wa s e xp la in e d , on th e ba s is of Le y's le dge rs , in s u ch in t r ica te de ta il th a t n e ith e r I n or a n y of th e o th e rs , I a m s u re , e ve r h e a rd th e like of it . If Le y h a d be e n t a ke n s e riou s ly, a ll fu tu re polit ica l le a de rs of th e Re ich wou ld h a ve h a d to ru n th e e n t ire ga m u t of h is orga n is a t ion . Th is wa s a s ch e m a t ic a bs t ra ct ion th a t wou ld h a ve be e n im pos s ib le to pu t in to p ra ct ice , a n d in du e t im e a s u fficie n t n u m be r of pe op le from with in th e pa rty it s e lf wou ld h a ve p rote s te d a ga in s t it . In th e e du ca t ion a l fie ld I h a d m ore th a n on e cla s h with h im . At firs t h e h a d a s ke d m e to t a ke ove r th e d ire ct ion of th e s p ir itu a l e du ca t ion of th e pa rty m e m be rs , a n d th e Fü h re r h a d th e re u pon m a de m e h is de le ga te in s u ch m a t te rs , bu t u n fortu n a te ly I h a d n e g le cte d to a s k for p re cis e d ire ct ive s . Howe ve r, a ft e r Le y con s ide re d h im s e lf qu it e s a fe in h is office , cla s h e s be twe e n h is ch ie f t ra in in g ce n te r a n d m y own office we re fre qu e n t . I a cce p te d th e Ga u in s t ru ctors a s m y own Ga u de le ga te s , bu t wh e n th e y a da p te d th e ir a ct ivit ie s to m y ide a s , Le y be ga n to p rote s t forth with a ga in s t th is b re a ch of d is cip lin e . A ba s ic con t rove rs y, re corde d in ou r e xch a n ge of le t t e rs , a ros e in con n e ct ion with h is Orde n s bu rge n . It wa s a com ple te ly s ou n d ide a to p re pa re fu tu re le a de rs of th e m ove m e n t m os t th orou gh ly, to t e a ch th e m h is tory, polit ics , a n d cu ltu re , a s we ll a s to t ra in th e m ph ys ica lly a n d m ora lly. All th is , h owe ve r, wa s to be don e in a s t r ict ly m ilit a ry fa s h ion , a n d th e n u m be r of boys to be t ra in e d wa s s o la rge th a t in d ividu a l s u cce s s s e e m e d ou t of th e qu e s t ion . I wrote Le y a n d wa rn e d h im n ot to bu ild Orde n s bu rge n for a s m a n y a s a th ou s a n d Orde n s ju n ke r. He wa s offe n de d . I wrote h im th a t , a ccord in g to e xpe rie n ce , s u ch la rge n u m be rs d id n ot a s s u re s u cce s s , bu t on th e con t ra ry, fre qu e n t ly th e ve ry oppos it e . He wa s d is p le a s e d by th is crit icis m of h is p la n s , a n d de cla re d th e pa rty n e e de d t ra in e d you n gs te rs in e xa ct p roport ion to th e ca pa city of fou r la rge Orde n s bu rge n . Be s ide s , th e Fü h re r h a d a lre a dy con cu rre d . Wh a t with e ve r n e w a dd it ion s , th e s e ca s t le s g re w qu it e ou t of bou n ds . Profe s s or Klotz bu ilt Krö s s in s e e a n d Voge ls a n g . Th e Pom e ra n ia n Bu rg wa s a clu s te r of low h ou s e s be a u t ifu lly g rou pe d a rou n d a la rge ope n ca m pu s , bu t th e d in in g h a ll a s we ll a s th e le ctu re h a ll la cke d a rch it e ctu ra l g ra ce . A m e m oria l for th e m a rtyrs of th e m ove m e n t h a d a colon n a de with a s t ra w roof; it wa s ope n on two s ide s , a n d e n clos e d a la wn . Th is wa s u t t e rly im pos s ib le ; a s t ra w roof m igh t be pu t on livin g qu a rte rs , bu t ce rt a in ly n ot on a m on u m e n ta l bu ild in g ! Le y wa s qu it e h e a rtb roke n wh e n Hit le r m a de a re m a rk a bou t a n As h a n t i villa ge . Th e re u pon : re con s t ru ct ion . S om e h ow th e fou r m a s s ive corn e r towe rs of ca s t le s bu ilt by th e kn igh t ly orde rs in m e d ie va l da ys h a d ca p t iva te d Profe s s or Klotz's fa n cy. S o Krö s s in s e e wa s torn down a n d re bu ilt . Am on g oth e r a rch it e ctu ra l odd it ie s wh ich re s u lt e d , in th e e n la rge d d in in g h a ll it a ppe a re d th a t on e win g h a d a d iffe re n t roof from th e o th e rs . S im ila r e n e rgy wa s de vote d by Le y to th e con s t ru ct ion of h is Kra ft du rch Fre u de va ca t ion flo t illa . An e xce lle n t ide a to s h ow Ge rm a n worke rs a t a m in im u m of e xpe n s e wh a t o th e r cou n t rie s we re like , a n d th u s to s t re n g th e n th e ir love for th e ir h om e la n d ; to a cqu a in t th e m with d iffe re n t s ocia l con d it ion s , a n d to im pre s s th e m with th e fa ct th a t m ore wa s don e for th e m a t h om e th a n for worke rs e ls e wh e re ; to g ive th e m a fe e lin g for th e ope n s e a a n d
th e be a u ty of th e world in Norwa y's fjords . Th is Le y d id a ccom plis h . He cou ld re a lly be p rou d of h is s h ip s . It wa s th e s ocia l ide a be h in d th e m th a t a rou s e d th e ire of ce rt a in circle s - - th e fa ct th a t Na t ion a l S ocia lis m fu lfille d ce rt a in d re a m s wh ich a b roa d h a d for de ca de s re m a in e d n o m ore th a n e m pty p rom is e s , a n d wh ich h a d to be oppos e d be ca u s e th e y m igh t cu t in to d ivide n ds . In Ge rm a n y th e re wa s fre qu e n t crit icis m of th e Volks wa ge n , a n d th e bu ild in g of a g iga n t ic fa ctory, n e a r Fa lle rs le be n , for it s con s t ru ct ion . Th e ore t ica lly, de cla re d th e Fü h re r, th e a u tom ob ile , wh ich wa s fre qu e n t ly con s ide re d a ba rrie r be twe e n th e va riou s cla s s e s , wa s to be com e in s te a d a b ridge be twe e n th e m ; in o th e r words , it wa s to cos t n o m ore th a n a m otorcycle , a n d wa s to be la rge e n ou gh for fou r or five pe rs on s . Th e Volks wa ge n tu rn e d ou t to be fa s t , s o lid , a n d con ve n ie n t . I t wa s crit icis e d by b io log is t s a n d s t a t is t icia n s wh o cla im e d th a t e a ch Volks wa ge n m e a n t on e ch ild le s s . Th is s e e m e d p la u s ib le e n ou gh . Th e Volks wa ge n de fin it e ly d id s t a n d in th e wa y of a t t e m p ts to a s s u re a la rge a n d h e a lth y n e w ge n e ra t ion . Th e Fü h re r h im s e lf p roba b ly re a lis e d th is . Bu t I s h a ll le a ve th e qu e s t ion ope n a s to wh e th e r h e m a y n ot h a ve con s ide re d too ra p id a g rowth in popu la t ion da n ge rou s in vie w of th e lim ite d a va ila b le Le be n s ra u m . Th e n Le y be ga n to bu ild s pa s for h is office , Re is e n a n d Wa n de rn . S ou n d e n ou gh , if th e ide a of re la xa t ion a n d s olitu de wou ld h a ve be e n ke p t in m in d . Bu t Le y we n t com ple te ly h a ywire wh e n h e be ga n con s t ru ct in g - - on th e is la n d of Rü ge n , of a ll p la ce s ! - - a S pa for Twe n ty Th ou s a n d . Gie s s le r com pla in e d b it t e rly wh e n , in m y con s te rn a t ion , I qu e s t ion e d h im . I to ld h im th a t in a t t e m p t in g to g ive worke rs a n d e m ploye e s a s h ort re s p it e from th e p re s s u re of th e city, Le y wa s n ow d rivin g th e m in to a s t ill wors e cru s h of pe op le . On Rü ge n , n o le s s , wh e re th is n ois y h orde of twe n ty th ou s a n d wou ld s p ill ove r in to a ll th e o th e r s pa s . Gie s s le r poin te d ou t th e t e ch n ica l im pos s ib ilit ie s . Th e n e w s pa , h e s a id , wou ld a ctu a lly h a ve to pu t u p it s own s la u gh te rh ou s e . S in ce wa te r wa s n 't a va ila b le in s u fficie n t qu a n t it ie s on th e is la n d it s e lf, a h u ge p ipe lin e to th e m a in la n d wou ld a ls o h a ve to be la id , a n d s o on . Bu t Le y ke p t on p rou d ly pu b lis h in g p ictu re s of th e va s t h a lls , th e da n ce pa vilion , a n d s o on . He re a s ou n d s ocia l ide a be ca m e u t t e r n on s e n s e in re a lity. S om e th in g wa s be gu n wh ich h a d to tu rn in to th e ve ry oppos it e of wh a t m igh t h a ve re s u lt e d from s ou n d p la n n in g . S im ila r in s a n ity gove rn e d Le y's a ct ivit ie s a s a n in te rm e d ia ry for th e a rt s . Orig in a lly I h a d in corpora te d in to ou r Na t ion a l S ocia lis t Cu ltu ra l Com m u n ity s u bg rou ps for con ce rt a n d th e a t re a t t e n da n ce . Th os e in te re s te d in th e th e a t re we re th u s e n a b le d to a t t e n d pe rform a n ce s of ca re fu lly s e le cte d p la ys a t low cos t . In m a n y cit ie s th is , in it s e lf, a ctu a lly im prove d th e qu a lity of th e p la ys pe rform e d , a n d h e lpe d im prove pu b lic t a s t e a ls o . In th e be g in n in g Le y a dm ire d th is p la n a n d tu rn e d s om e of h is fu n ds ove r to u s to m a ke it a va ila b le to h is Kra ft du rch Fre u de m ove m e n t . Th e n , h e s u dde n ly de m a n de d th e in corpora t ion of a ll th e s e g rou ps in to h is own orga n is a t ion . Afte r m a n y a rgu m e n ts , th e Fü h re r fin a lly a rr ive d a t th e S olom on ic de cis ion th a t , s in ce Le y h a d a lwa ys s u pe rvis e d orga n is a t ion a l p la n s , wh e re a s I wa s in fu ll ch a rge of a ll d ire ct ive s , it wou ld be n o m ore th a n fa ir for Le y to t a ke ove r th e orga n is a t ion of a ll th e a t re goe rs . An d s u dde n ly, a ra th e r s m ooth ly ru n n in g m a ch in e , in th e s e rvice of e du ca t ion a n d im prove m e n t , tu rn e d in to on e th a t wa s m e re ly ou t to b re a k re cords . At e ve ry a n n u a l m e e t in g of th e Kra ft du rch Fre u de , Le y a ppe a re d with n e w re cord -b re a kin g figu re s on pe rform a n ce s a n d a t t e n da n ce . No dou b t , m u ch be a u ty wa s th u s m a de a va ila b le to m a n y wh o h a d p re viou s ly n ot be e n a b le to e n joy it , bu t a t th e s a m e t im e a rt is t ic va lu e s we re ba n d ie d a bou t like s o m u ch m a s s -p rodu ce d con fe ct ion e ry. I re m e m be r Kra ft du rch Fre u de we e k-e n ds , wh e n th e Nin th S ym ph on y wa s p la ye d in th e m orn in g , a m u s e u m wa s vis it e d du rin g th e a ft e rn oon , a n d Tris t a n wa s pe rform e d a t n igh t . At th e s a m e t im e Kra ft du rch Fre u de took ove r a n u m be r of m u s ica l com e dy a n d e ve n va u de ville th e a t re s , qu it e with ou t rh ym e or re a s on . In s te a d of a s s is t in g e n te rp ris in g , g ift e d in d ividu a ls , Kra ft du rch Fre u de tu rn e d in to a cu ltu ra l t ru s t
with pa id officia ls , a n d s oon be ga n to e xh ib it a ll th os e u n p le a s a n t s ide t ra it s th a t a ccom pa n y th e a s s ign m e n t of pos t s a n d pa rt s - - a ll th is goin g on in th e office of a n orga n is a t ion th a t ca lle d it s e lf Na t ion a l S ocia lis t ic a n d wa s h e a de d by a Re ich s le it e r! Th e ch ie f of th e d ivis ion for s e riou s a rt (Holza p fe l) h a d be e n t a ke n ove r from ou r orig in a l Na t ion a l S ocia lis t Cu ltu ra l Com m u n ity. He fre qu e n t ly ca m e to m e in u t t e r de s pe ra t ion . Bu t in s te a d of lis t e n in g to m e , Le y s ide d with Gö bbe ls , wh o wa s on ly too g la d to h a ve h im on h is s ide . Th e s e a re a fe w in cide n t s th a t ch a ra cte ris e Doctor Le y. Le t u s a dd to a ll th is s om e s a m ple s from h is s pe e ch e s th a t fre qu e n t ly m a de h im a ppe a r a bs olu te ly r id icu lou s . He d idn 't m in d p rocla im in g , in on e a n d th e s a m e s pe e ch , th e ve ry oppos it e of wh a t h e h a d ju s t s a id , a n d a ll of it in r in g in g ton e s of con vict ion a n d a t th e top of h is lu n gs . At s u ch m om e n ts , h e com ple te ly los t con t ro l ove r h im s e lf a n d we n t m e rrily s a ilin g on a lon g th e irre p re s s ib le s t re a m of h is own ora tory. Th os e wh o kn e w h im we ll re a lis e d th a t h e m u s t h a ve ju s t h e a rd th e Fü h re r m a ke s om e re m a rks on th e th e m e u n de r d is cu s s ion , wh ich Le y n ow p roce e de d to e n la rge u pon a n d d is tort to th e poin t of com ple te a bs u rd ity. At th e e n d of Ma y, 1 9 4 5 , Le y jo in e d u s in Mon dorf. He h a d be e n a rre s te d in th e Alp in e fa s tn e s s of th e Wilde r Ka is e r . He wa s a s va cilla t in g in h is m oods a s e ve r. Now, h owe ve r, th is wa s ra th e r u n de rs ta n da b le . As a ll of u s d id a t Nu re m be rg , h e , too , got ca u gh t in th e m ill- ra ce of cros s -e xa m in a t ion . His re corde d e cs ta t ic s pe e ch e s we re con s ide re d obviou s ly crim in a l. At th e be g in n in g of Nove m be r, 1 9 4 5 , we le a rn e d th rou gh a com m u n iqu é th a t Doctor Le y h a d d ie d u n de r circu m s ta n ce s th a t m a de s u icide p roba b le . He h a d h a n ge d h im s e lf!
My com ra de s h ip with Ka rl Ka u fm a n n , th e Ga u le it e r of Ha m bu rg , wa s m ore or le s s a qu e s t ion of d is t a n ce . He h a d s tu d ie d m y books th orou gh ly a n d h a d re pe a te d ly in vit e d m e to com e to Ha m bu rg . At n igh t , with in th e circle of h is clos e s t coworke rs , th e s t a te of th e pa rty wa s fre qu e n t ly d is cu s s e d . In va ria b ly, on e m a n s tood a t th e ve ry ce n te r of th e ge n e ra l d is a pp rova l, to a void u s in g a s t ron ge r t e rm : Doctor Gö bbe ls . Ka rl Ka u fm a n n wa s a s m u ch a n e n e m y of th is va in a n d th e a t r ica l va rle t a s m ys e lf; a n d h e kn e w m a n y de ta ils wh ich s t re n g th e n e d m e in m y a t t itu de bu t wh ich , u n fortu n a te ly, m a de n o im pre s s ion on Hit le r . Du rin g th e Pa rty Da y of 1 9 3 7 , I , a s th e firs t a m on g th e livin g , re ce ive d th e n e w Na t ion a l Prize for Art s a n d S cie n ce s . In wa rd ly s e e th in g bu t ou twa rd ly com ple te ly m a s te r of h im s e lf, Gö bbe ls h a d to m a ke th e a n n ou n ce m e n t th a t b rou gh t a bou t a p ro lon ge d s t a m p in g of fe e t in a pp rova l.
Wh e n I th in k ove r th e h u m a n re la t ion s h ip a m on g th os e wh o ga th e re d in Be rlin a ft e r 1 9 3 3 , it s e e m s ra th e r s t ra n ge th a t I wa s re a lly fa m ilia r , or h a d pe rs on a l con ta ct s , with s o fe w of th e m , e ve n th ou gh m a n y of th e m live d clos e by in Da h le m . Th os e wh o e ve n tu a lly offe re d th e ir s e rvice s - - a lbe it with s om e wh a t s ou r m ie n s - - to th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t re volu t ion , d id n ot t a ke th e pa in s , a t le a s t a s fa r a s I wa s con ce rn e d , to t ry to e s ta b lis h a pe rs on a l re la t ion s h ip . It is n ot e a s y for m e to t a lk a bou t Doctor Jos e ph Gö bbe ls . From a pu re ly h u m a n poin t of vie w, h is dyin g in Be rlin , toge th e r with h is wife a n d five ch ild re n , t a ke s th e s t in g ou t of m u ch th a t is pa s t . Ne ve rth e le s s , h is a ct ivit ie s from 1 9 2 5 u n t il th e colla ps e re m a in s om e th in g in th e de ve lopm e n t of th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t re volu t ion th a t m u s t be s tu d ie d from a h is torica l poin t of vie w. An d th a t , wh e th e r ope n or s e cre t , th e y we re of t re m e n dou s im porta n ce , I kn ow ve ry we ll with ou t be in g cogn is a n t of de ta ils . He wa s th e Me ph is to of ou r on ce s o s t ra igh t forwa rd
m ove m e n t . Afte r th e re orga n is a t ion of th e Folkis h Obs e rve r in 1 9 2 5 , a pa rty m e m be r from th e Rh in e la n d ca lle d on m e . He to ld m e th a t h e kn e w of a n in te llige n t , m ode s t writ e r wh o ce rt a in ly wou ld like to be com e a con t ribu tor. I wrote to th e a dd re s s h e ga ve m e . S oon th e re a ft e r I got a n a rt icle by Doctor Jos e ph Gö bbe ls in th e form of a n ope n le t t e r a dd re s s e d to Cou n t Re ve n t low (or s om e on e e ls e ) . I th ou gh t it ra th e r vivid a n d pu b lis h e d it . Th e n a s e con d , a n d s im ila r , con t ribu t ion a rrive d . A lit t le th e a t r ica l, I to ld m ys e lf; bu t it , t oo , wa s pu b lis h e d . Add it ion a l a rt icle s (with pos s ib ly on e e xce p t ion ) I d id n ot p rin t . Th e y s e e m e d to m e too a rt ificia l a n d la ckin g in s pon ta n e ity. S om e t im e la te r Gö bbe ls ca m e to Mu n ich a n d s poke a t th e Bü rge rb rä u . Hit le r a n d I we re p re s e n t . Gö bbe ls 's a ppe a ra n ce is too we ll kn own to re qu ire m y de s crip t ion . At th e t im e I a cce p te d h im with ou t re s e rve . He s poke im pre s s ive ly, with a con s ciou s ly poin te d th e a t r ica lity, e la bora t in g on s om e of Hit le r 's ide a s , pa rt icu la rly th e a lwa ys e ffe ct ive th e ory th a t wh e n a pe op le wa s d ivide d , with 5 0 pe rce n t on th e s ide of th e m idd le cla s s e s a n d th e o th e r 5 0 pe rce n t on th e s ide of th e p role ta ria t , it wa s n o lon ge r ca pa b le of a n oth e r g re a t jo in t e ffort be ca u s e of th is d ivis ion of s t re n g th . To ch a n ge th is s t a t e of a ffa irs a n d cre a te a u n ifie d fron t wa s th e t a s k of th e n e w m ove m e n t . Hit le r a n d I looke d a t e a ch o th e r a n d n odde d . I wa s qu it e willin g to forge t a n y in s t in ct ive a ve rs ion I m igh t h a ve fe lt . Th e re volu t ion s e t h im a fire . S tü rt z a n d o th e rs to ld m e h ow th e y a ll wa n te d to re - e n a ct , s o to s pe a k, ce rt a in pa ra lle l ro le s th a t h a d on ce be e n p la ye d in th e Fre n ch Re volu t ion . To be com e im porta n t by jo in in g th e oppos it ion wa s in Gö bbe ls 's m in d , too , wh e n h e ca m e to th e fore with a rt icle s a n d s pe e ch e s . Con s ide rin g h is ch a ra cte r a n d th e de p th of h is s ocia l th in kin g , I ca m e to th e con clu s ion th a t th e re wa s n o obs ta cle th a t wou ld h a ve p re ve n te d Gö bbe ls from jo in in g th e Com m u n is t s . Bu t s om e h ow a n d s om e wh e re with in h im s e lf - - th is m u ch I a m willin g to a dm it u n re s e rve d ly - - h e , too , love d Ge rm a n y. Th a t 's wh y h e tu rn e d to Hit le r . Th is wa s th e good th a t e xis t e d e ve n in Gö bbe ls , a n d th a t ga ve to a ll h is a ct ivit ie s th e m a gn e t ic powe r of th e ge n u in e . Afte r a lon g pe riod of s pe e ch m a kin g , Gö bbe ls wa s fin a lly a ppoin te d Ga u le it e r of Be rlin . Bu t h e h a d h a rd ly a s s u m e d h is n e w pos t wh e n s om e th in g s h owe d it s e lf wh ich re a lly wa s th e qu in te s s e n ce of a ll h is s pe e ch e s a n d a ct s : th e con t in u ou s pu s h in g of h is own pe rs on in to th e lim e ligh t by wh a te ve r m e a n s h e h a d a t h is d is pos a l. To be g in with , h is pu b licity office a n n ou n ce d th a t Hit le r h a d s e n t h is be s t m a n to th e Re ich ca p it a l. Th e n it s e n t ou t a n a ccou n t of Gö bbe ls 's vis it to S a n s S ou ci, a n d of h ow h e , a m a n s m a ll of figu re , h a d wa lke d u p th e s t e ps to th e ca s t le wh e re on ce u pon a t im e a n oth e r m a n wh o a ls o h a d be e n s m a ll of figu re (Fre de rick th e Gre a t ) h a d live d . Th is a lre a dy s e e m e d to s u gge s t th e p re s e n ce of th a t s ickly e goce n t ric t ra it wh ich I, com ple te ly u n p re ju d ice d th ou gh I wa s a t firs t , cou ld n ot h e lp bu t n ot ice , a n d wh ich I la t e r t r ie d a ga in a n d a ga in to fa th om . Th e s u m to ta l of e ve ryth in g Gö bbe ls s a id a n d wrote is d ra s t ica lly con de n s e d in a qu ip wh ich Wilh e lm Ku be s u s e d in h is re vie w of Gö bbe ls 's book, Vom Ka is e rh of zu r Re ich s ka n zle i: I Abou t Mys e lf! Afte r Gö bbe ls h a d be e n a ct ive in Be rlin for s om e t im e , I s u dde n ly re ce ive d a com pla in t from h im a bou t th e Folkis h Obs e rve r. It h a d p rin te d , h e cla im e d , th e a n n ou n ce m e n t of a da n ce to be g ive n a t s om e re s ta u ra n t by th e Mu n ich s e ct ion of th e pa rty. Be rlin 's S torm Troope r m e n , Gö bbe ls wrote , we re h orrifie d by s u ch fr ippe ry in th e s e s e riou s t im e s . I a s ke d h im to ke e p h is ch ild is h re m a rks to h im s e lf. As I le a rn e d la te r , Gö bbe ls wa s a t th a t t im e p la yin g th e ro le of a n a s ce t ic. He d idn 't s m oke , wore a da rk b lou s e in th e Ru s s ia n m a n n e r, a n d s poke in ch a ra cte r . His p ropa ga n da a ga in s t th e s ys te m p roba b ly im pre s s e d th e world ly in h a b it a n t s of th e Re ich ca p it a l. Th e a cid ity of h is s pe e ch e s n o dou b t we n t h a lfwa y to m e e t Be rlin 's a cid wit . In Gö bbe ls 's n e ws pa pe r, De r An griff (Th e At ta ck) , a g ift e d ca rica tu ris t (Mjö ln ir) , by con s ta n t a n d im pre s s ive re pe t it ion , e s t a b lis h e d th e p roto type of ou r Je wis h a n d Ma rxis t a dve rs a rie s . As fa r a s pu re e n e rgy wa s con ce rn e d , Gö bbe ls d id p rove h im s e lf e xt ra ord in a rily a ct ive a n d
e n te rp ris in g . Nor d id h e la ck cou ra ge , a n d wou ld p roba b ly h a ve a cte d b ra ve ly e n ou gh du rin g th e con s ta n t a t t a cks th e S torm Troope rs h a d to figh t off. Du rin g a con t rove rs y with S t ra s s e r h e h a d de s cribe d S t ra s s e r 's m oth e r in a wa y th a t wa s h igh ly in s u lt in g . Dis gu s te d , I wrote Hit le r , wh o h a ppe n e d to be in Be rlin , th a t s u ch u n de rh a n de d m e th ods we re s im p ly in s u ffe ra b le . S ch wa rz, too , wa s of th e op in ion th a t s u ch a m a n ou gh t to be re ca lle d from h is pos t in Be rlin . Upon h is re tu rn , Hit le r to ld m e th a t th e ge n t le m e n s im p ly wou ld h a ve to le a rn to ge t a lon g ! Gö bbe ls th e n pu b lis h e d a re voca t ion . In th e e n d it wa s n ot h e , bu t S t ra s s e r , wh o fe ll. In th e m e a n t im e th e S te n n e s -Pu t s ch occu rre d in Be rlin . Accord in g to a ll I le a rn e d la te r , Gö bbe ls wa s n ot com ple te ly in n oce n t in th is a t t e m p t to wre s t th e le a de rs h ip from Hit le r . S om e th in gs h e wa s s u ppos e d to h a ve s a id , s u ch a s h is re m a rk th a t h e wou ldn 't th in k of a lwa ys p la yin g s e con d fidd le , we re n o dou b t a u th e n t ic. For a wh ile th e on ly e n t ire ly re lia b le pa rty g rou p in Be rlin wa s th e office of th e Folkis h Obs e rve r u n de r S ch icke da n z. Th e re Hit le r h e ld s e ve ra l con fe re n ce s a n d ve ry qu ickly re ga in e d th e h e a rt of th e Be rlin pa rty wh ich , a ft e r a ll, h a d m e re ly be e n t a ke n by s u rp ris e . Gö bbe ls 's oa th of a lle g ia n ce a t th e Circu s Kron e in Mu n ich m a de a du b iou s im pre s s ion , in s p it e of it s s m ooth n e s s . Wh e n Hit le r , a t th e occa s ion of th e Rö h m re volt , took Gö bbe ls a lon g with h im to Wie s s e e , th e pa rty u n de rs tood th is to m e a n th a t Hit le r h a d wa n te d to s h ow h im AD OCVLOS h ow h e p ropos e d to h a n d le re ca lcit ra n t s . (At th a t t im e S te n n e s wa s a lre a dy a m ilit a ry in s t ru ctor for Ch ia n g Ka i- s h e k. ) In 1 9 3 3 , it a ppe a re d th a t th e o th e rs h a d p re pa re d th e m s e lve s we ll for e ve n tu a l jobs in ca s e of a Ma ch tü be rn a h m e . Gö bbe ls th e n m a rrie d th e be a u t ifu l a n d s ym pa th e t ic Ma gda Qu a n d t , a n d s e t u p a n a t t ra ct ive h om e in h e r a pa rtm e n t . Hit le r wa s a witn e s s a t th e we dd in g . He love d to vis it Gö bbe ls 's h om e on th e Re ich s ka n zle ip la tz, s om e th in g qu it e u n de rs ta n da b le for a ba ch e lor. Th is pu re ly pe rs on a l re la t ion s h ip , la t e r in te n s ifie d by th e m a n y ch ild re n wh o we re con s ta n t ly be in g ph otog ra ph e d with Hit le r , con s t itu te d th e t ie th a t ca u s e d Hit le r to s t ick to h im , in s p it e of th e fa ct th a t Gö bbe ls h a d be e n on h is polit ica l de a th be d n o le s s th a n th re e t im e s . Th e s ort of a pe rs on Gö bbe ls re a lly wa s m u s t h a ve be e n kn own to th e Fü h re r. Bu t h e re m e m be re d form e r da ys , a n d p it ie d th e cripp le wh om h e fe lt h e h a d to p rote ct . Hit le r kn e w ve ry we ll, of cou rs e , th a t I u n de rs tood a rt a n d cu ltu re m u ch m ore de e p ly th a n Gö bbe ls , wh o cou ld h a rd ly look be yon d th e m e re s u rfa ce . In s p it e of th is h e le ft th e le a de rs h ip in a fie ld th a t h e love d pa s s ion a te ly in th e h a n ds of th is m a n be ca u s e , a s I re a lis e d a t m a n y fu tu re occa s ion s , Gö bbe ls wa s a b le to g ive Hit le r th e kin d of s e t t in g I s h ou ld n e ve r h a ve be e n a b le to con t rive . Gö bbe ls took be a u t ifu l a n d g ift e d a rt is t s a n d g re a t a ct re s s e s to th e Fü h re r. He to ld h im s torie s a bou t life a m on g a rt is t s . He fe d th e th e a t r ica l e le m e n t in h is n a tu re with gorge ou s ly m ou n te d p rodu ct s of th e ligh te r Mu s e s , th u s p rovid in g th a t re la xa t ion wh ich th e Fü h re r, u n de r th e con s ta n t p re s s u re of fore ign policy a n d e con om ic p rob le m s , s im p ly h a d to h a ve . Wh e n e ve r th e Fü h re r h a ppe n e d to be in Be rlin , Gö bbe ls a lwa ys h a d lu n ch with h im . Wh e n I a t e with th e Fü h re r, on ce e ve ry th re e or fou r we e ks , h e u s u a lly s a t a rou n d with u s , too . He in va ria b ly h a d a n e w s tory to t e ll, or m a de s om e lit t le m a le vole n t re m a rk a bou t th is or th a t pe rs on . Th is wa s h is a pp rove d m e th od of e n te rt a in in g th e Fü h re r, a n d of s lowly bu ild in g u p in h im a n a ve rs ion towa rd ce rt a in pe op le . Occa s ion a lly h e wa s a ctu a lly qu it e a m u s in g . He a ls o p la ye d th e ro le of a n a rt e n th u s ia s t ra th e r e ffe ct ive ly wh e n e ve r Hit le r s poke a bou t s om e th in g ou t s t a n d in g ly be a u t ifu l in th e fie ld of th e n e w s cu lp tu re , a n d s h re wd ly e n la rge d u pon wh a te ve r s a rca s t ic re m a rks th e Fü h re r m igh t m a ke in con n e ct ion with s om e e ve n t . At n igh t Hit le r fre qu e n t ly in vit e d on e or a n oth e r pe rs on for a lon g t a lk be fore th e fire p la ce . Gö bbe ls , Le y, a n d a fe w oth e rs we re fa vou rit e s , ou t s ide of th e u s u a l g rou p a t t a b le . I ca n 't s pe a k with a u th ority be ca u s e I wa s n e ve r in vit e d . Th is wa s n o dou b t th e t im e wh e n e m ot ion h e ld s wa y, a n d m os t of th e pa s s ion a te de cis ion s m a de m u s t h a ve be e n born du rin g th e s e h ou rs . Gö bbe ls ke p t a d ia ry on h is t a lks with th e
Fü h re r, in te n d in g , n o dou b t , to ca p it a lis e on th e m s om e da y by pu b lis h in g s om e filt e re d e xt ra ct s from it . S in ce h e h a d p rove d in Vom Ka is e rh of zu r Re ich s ka n zle i h is com ple te in a b ility to e ith e r u n de rs ta n d or de s cribe th e e s s e n t ia l a n d th e con cre te , h ow th e s e d ia ry e n t r ie s of th e Le a de r 's op in ion s m u s t h a ve looke d , a lon g with th e con s ta n t ly u n de rs core d in t im a te re la t ion s h ip be twe e n ou r Doctor a n d Hit le r! Gö bbe ls m a n a ge d to s e e to it fa ir ly s oon th a t Da rré h a d to g ive u p h is a pa rtm e n t in th e ga rde n of h is m in is t ry on Wilh e lm s t ra ß e u n de r d ire ct orde rs from th e Fü h re r. Th e h ou s e wa s torn down a n d a n e w on e bu ilt for Gö bbe ls . I t p roba b ly wa s n ice ly fit t e d ou t . I wa s n e ve r in s ide . Th u s Gö bbe ls h a d h is office oppos it e th e Re ich s ka n zle i, h is s e rvice qu a rte rs on Wilh e lm s t ra ß e , a n d h is h om e on S ch wa n e n we rde r wh e re , I h e a rd , th e Fü h re r h im s e lf h a d a p riva te room . Th e ch ild re n con gra tu la te d th e Fü h re r in h is n a m e , a n d e ve ry da y Gö bbe ls wa s a gu e s t a t lu n ch . . . . . With a th ou s a n d t e n ta cle s d id h e th u s a t t a ch h im s e lf to th e s t ron g on e wh o wa s n o lon ge r a b le to fre e h im s e lf with ou t s e lf- in crim in a t ion .
Th e t e n de n cy of th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t m ove m e n t to pu t a n e ve r m ore e m ph a t ic a cce n t on h e a lth , on ra cia l-h yg ie n ic con s ide ra t ion s , a n d ra cia l qu e s t ion s a s a wh ole , m u s t h a ve m a de Gö bbe ls 's pos it ion e ve r m ore d ifficu lt . I be lie ve , h owe ve r, th a t e ve ryon e wa s re a dy to m a ke con ce s s ion s in th is pa rt icu la r ca s e a n d to a ckn owle dge Gö bbe ls 's a ccom plis h m e n ts , th e m ore s o s in ce h e e n joye d Hit le r 's pe rm a n e n t p ro te ct ion . Fa r from a pp re cia t in g th is , Gö bbe ls cou n te re d with th e in cre a s in g ly m ore e m ph a t ic u t ilis a t ion of h is pe rs on a l powe r ove r th e film in du s t ry, th e ra d io , a n d th e p re s s , th e u s e of wh ich h e g ra n te d or de n ie d o th e rs , e n t ire ly a ccord in g to h is own s ym pa th y or a n t ipa th y for th e m . At th e Le a de r 's t a b le I n e ve r h e a rd Gö bbe ls s a y a s in g le de ce n t word a bou t a n yon e ; bu t h e wa s in va ria b ly volu b le in s u pport of crit icis m wh e n e ve r it m igh t be e xp re s s e d . Gö bbe ls h a d be e n g ive n e ve ry a s s u ra n ce th a t a n e n t ire ly n e w m in is t ry wou ld be cre a te d for h im a t s om e fu tu re da te . An d h e got it t oo , e ve n tu a lly, in a form th a t wa s u ps e t t in g n ot on ly to m e bu t to m a n y oth e rs s e riou s ly in te re s te d in cu ltu re a n d a rt : a com bin a t ion of polit ica l p ropa ga n da a n d a rt ! I u n de rs tood we ll e n ou gh th a t a rt in th e h a n ds of th e a ve ra ge s ch oolte a ch e r cou ld e a s ily de s ce n d in to m e d iocrity. Bu t e s s e n t ia lly a rt wa s a n d is , in a ll it s fin e r m a n ife s ta t ion s , a pe rs on a l con fe s s ion of fa ith , a n d n e ve r s om e th in g t a ct ica l or polit ica l. Th e e n a b lin g docu m e n t s ign e d by Hit le r m a de Gö bbe ls th e e xe cu t ive h e a d of th e e n t ire Ge rm a n n e ws s e rvice a n d of pu b lic e n ligh te n m e n t . I n e ve r con ce a le d th e fa ct th a t I con s ide re d th is in n ova t ion wron g , a n d con s ide re d it dou b ly wron g to p la ce th is m os t im porta n t in s t ru m e n t in th e h a n ds of a m a n like Gö bbe ls . Th e ye a rly con fe re n ce s of h is s o-ca lle d Ch a m be r of Cu ltu re I n e ve r both e re d to a t t e n d . In th e cou rs e of th e s e ye a rs , Doctor Gö bbe ls h a d n ot on e orig in a l or cre a t ive word to s a y a bou t a rt , bu t m ou th e d in n u m e ra b le t r it e ph ra s e s a bou t la u re l wre a th s on a rt is t s ' h e a ds , a n d s m ooth ly de live re d , th ou gh on ly h a lf-u n de rs tood , re h a s h e s of wh a t th e Fü h re r h a d s a id . Ne ith e r in th is n or in a n y o th e r fie ld wa s Gö bbe ls a b le to s e e a n y p rob le m con cre te ly or to p re s e n t it p la s t ica lly. Wh e n Ba ldu r von S ch ira ch p rote s te d a ga in s t th is ch a ra cte ris a t ion of m in e by cla im in g th a t Gö bbe ls wa s n e ve rth e le s s a writ e r , I a n s we re d : No, m e re ly a s cribb le r . Wh om d id th is m a n s u pport a s a rt is t s in th e Re ich ca p it a l? Ha n n s He in z Ewe rs a n d Arn old Bron n e n , both p ron ou n ce d ly m orb id pe rs on a lit ie s . Wh e n , be twe e n 1 9 3 2 a n d 1 9 3 3 , Ewe rs s t a rt e d work on a n ove l a bou t Hors t We s s e l, I p ro te s te d a ga in s t it t o th e Fü h re r, wh o h a rd ly kn e w Ewe rs . In re p ly to m y de m a n d th a t a h a lf- ro t t e d pe rs on like Ewe rs s h ou ld ke e p h is h a n ds off Hors t We s s e l, h e s a id th a t s u ch a book m igh t m a ke n e w frie n ds for th e pa rty. Gö bbe ls h a d p roba b ly to ld h im s om e n on s e n s e a bou t Ewe rs ' g re a t in flu e n ce in a rt is t ic
circle s . La te r , wh e n Gö bbe ls wa s we lcom e d by th e n e w Ch a m be r of Cu ltu re , Ewe rs wa s p re s e n t to ce le b ra te th e e ve n t in th e n a m e of th e cre a t ive a rt is t s . Th e n h e d is a ppe a re d from th e s u rfa ce . Bron n e n is th e a u th or of s om e e vil s odom it ic s ce n e s , is h a lf- Je wis h , a n d a m os t du b iou s ch a ra cte r . (VIDE: H. Ha rtn e r 's Erot ik u n d Ra s s e ) (Erot icis m a n d Ra ce ) . For a wh ile Gö bbe ls ke p t h im on a s th e m a n a ge r of t e le vis ion , bu t e ve n th e re h e p rove d to be im pos s ib le , a n d fin a lly h e d is a ppe a re d a ls o . On ce Gö bbe ls h a d be com e p ropa ga n da ch ie f, th e pu b lic wa s re gu la rly p rovide d with p ictu re s of h im a t ca re fu lly m e a s u re d in te rva ls : Gö bbe ls with th e Fü h re r in fron t of th e fire p la ce on Obe rs a lzbe rg , a t th e Ch ris tm a s m a rke t a ccom pa n ie d by h is da u gh te r , a t h is de s k h old in g im porta n t con fe re n ce s , m a kin g s pe e ch e s in Be rlin , Cologn e , Ha m bu rg , a n d s o on . His s pe e ch e s a lwa ys h a d to be re porte d a t g re a t le n g th a n d h a d to be com m e n te d on in a ccorda n ce with cu e s wh ich h e p rovide d . Eve ry u n im porta n t m e a s u re of th e s ort th a t is pa rt of th e rou t in e of a n y de pa rtm e n t wa s p re s e n te d to th e pu b lic a s a n ou t s t a n d in g s t a te s m a n - like a ct ion . Th e g re a t works of th e N.S .V. (W.H.W.) , e xclu s ive ly th e cre a t ion of von Hilge n fe ld t , we re d is cu s s e d by Gö bbe ls a t th e S port s pa la s t . Hilge n fe ld t wa s m e re ly pe rm it t e d to p ropos e th e He il to th e Fü h re r. IN FINE, it wa s a pa in fu l s pe cta cle , a n d com ple te ly la ckin g in d ign ity. I h a d fe a re d th e s e de ve lopm e n ts , th ou gh I h a dn 't fore s e e n th a t th e y wou ld be qu it e s o d is gu s t in g a s a ll th is . In m y Myth I h a d s ym bolica lly ca lle d th e pa rty a Ge rm a n Orde r, a n d h a d s t a te d th a t , e ve n th ou gh in th e be g in n in g of a n e w cre a t ion Lu th e ra n figu re s wou ld n e ce s s a rily be in th e m a jority, Bis m a rck's s ys te m wou ld e ve n tu a lly h a ve to be re p la ce d in th e in te re s t of ou r fu tu re by th e Moltke s ys te m . In o th e r words , th e con ce n t ra t ion of a ll fu n ct ion s in th e h a n ds of on e m a n a n d th e a ccom pa n yin g u n a voida b le s u pp re s s ion of a ll o th e rs wou ld h a ve to be re p la ce d by a s ys te m e n cou ra g in g th e p rin cip le of du t ifu l oppos it ion , a s in th e da ys of Moltke , wh e n e ve n th e Ch ie f of th e Ge n e ra l S ta ff wa s re qu e s te d to de pos it in writ in g wh a te ve r ob je ct ion s h e m igh t h a ve to h is s u p re m e com m a n de r. I s a id fu rth e r - - a n d th is wa s d ire cte d a ga in s t Gö bbe ls a s e ve n th e on ly h a lf- in form e d Na t ion a l S ocia lis t m u s t h a ve kn own - - th a t a t th e ce n te r of th e Orde r th e re m u s t be a bs olu te in te g rity, a de m a n d be fore wh ich e ve ryth in g e ls e , in clu d in g p ropa ga n d is t ic con s ide ra t ion s , wou ld h a ve to g ive wa y. Un fortu n a te ly th is wa s n 't th e ca s e . Form e rly n obody kn e w a n yth in g a bou t p ropa ga n da : n ow it wa s ove rdon e a n d cre d it e d with e n t ire ly too g re a t a powe r in s h a p in g pu b lic op in ion . Pe rh a ps it wou ld h a ve a ccom plis h e d m a n y th in gs in th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t s t a t e if it h a d be e n cle ve r a n d good . In s p it e of a ll a ppa re n t s u pport g ive n Gö bbe ls by th e Fü h re r, a g rowin g , h e a lth y a t t itu de of p ro te s t wa s a live in th e pa rty, a n d fou n d e xp re s s ion in two de m on s t ra t ion s th a t we re n ot on ly u n com m on ly cle a r in th e ir m e a n in g bu t , in vie w of th e u s u a lly e xce lle n t pa rty d is cip lin e , a lm os t u n h e a rd of. Th e y occu rre d du rin g m e e t in gs of th e a pp roxim a te ly 7 0 0 Kre is le it e r , wh o we re in m ore con s ta n t a n d im m e d ia te con ta ct with th e popu la t ion th a n th e Ga u le it e r . On on e occa s ion Gö bbe ls wa n te d to p la y th e ro le of th e a ll-kn owin g a n d d idn 't m a ke a s pe e ch , bu t s u gge s te d th a t qu e s t ion s be a s ke d in s te a d . In g ivin g a n s we rs h e wa s e ith e r s u pe rficia l or , wh e n h e wa s u n a b le to g ive th e de s ire d in form a t ion , h e t r ie d to ge t a wa y with a rroga n ce . Th e m e e t in g re s pon de d with in te rru p t ion s , s h u fflin g of fe e t , a n d wh is t lin g . Gö bbe ls fin a lly h a d to g ive u p . On e pa rty m e m be r wrote h im s u gge s t in g th a t , s in ce h e m u s t n e ce s s a rily kn ow wh a t th e pa rty th ou gh t of h im , h e s h ou ld re s ign . Mu ts ch m a n n to ld m e th a t th rou gh ou t th e e n t ire cou n t ry it wa s con s ta n t ly n e ce s s a ry to re pa ir th e da m a ge Gö bbe ls h a d ca u s e d . Bü rcke l de cla re d th a t n o p ropa ga n da m in is t ry a t a ll wou ld be p re fe ra b le to th e e xis t in g on e . Afte r qu it e a n in te rva l, a n oth e r m e e t in g of th e Kre is le it e r wa s h e ld a t S on th ofe n , a n d a ll e xp re s s ion s of d is a pp rova l we re forb idde n by a n orde r from on h igh . Gö bbe ls t r ie d to re ga in los t g rou n d by m a kin g a le n g th y s pe e ch . Abou t t e n h a n ds a pp la u de d . Th is t im e h e le ft th e h a ll ba th e d in cold s we a t , bu t a ll th is
m e re ly s pu rre d h im on to e ve r n e w a t t e m p ts a t ke e p in g h im s e lf in th e lim e ligh t . A pa rt icu la rly s h ockin g e xa m ple of th is s ickly de s ire , a n d th e fa ilu re to u n de rs ta n d th e a lm os t u n ive rs a l a ve rs ion towa rd s u ch m is u s e of pu b lic fu n ds , wa s a fa m ily film p rodu ce d du rin g th e wa r. I d idn 't s e e it , bu t m y pe rs on a l a s s is t a n t , Doctor Kö ppe n , a ctu a lly b lu s h e d wh e n h e m a de h is re port on it . Th e fa m ily Gö bbe ls a t S ch wa n e n we rde r; h e e l- clickin g s e rva n t s ; th e roya l ch ild re n s u rrou n de d by in n u m e ra b le s ilk cu s h ion s a n d toys ; r ide s on ch a rm in g lit t le don ke ys , a n d s o on . Th e o ld s ocia l e n vy h a d la rge ly d is a ppe a re d in Ge rm a n y, a n d n obody be g ru dge d a le a d in g pe rs on a lity a pp rop ria te s e rvice a n d livin g qu a rte rs . Bu t th is a t t e m p t to fo is t s u ch a rroga n ce u pon th e pu b lic p rove d th a t th e m a n h a d g ra du a lly los t a ll s e n s e of t a ct a n d de ce n cy. Kö ppe n to ld m e th a t th e s h owin g of th e film h a d a ctu a lly b rou gh t forth lou d p rote s t s . He h im s e lf h a d le ft th e th e a t re e n ra ge d a n d a s h a m e d . Afte r a wh ile th e film wa s s u ppos e d ly with d ra wn .
An y ju s t e va lu a t ion of h is torica l de ve lopm e n ts m u s t n e e ds m a ke a d iffe re n t ia t ion be twe e n words s poke n a n d a ct s pe rform e d du rin g t im e s of s t r ife a n d wa r, a n d gove rn m e n ta l m e a s u re s ca rrie d ou t la t e r by a victoriou s re g im e . Hu m a n pa s s ion be in g wh a t it is , s u ch a n e va lu a t ion will a ls o t a ke in to con s ide ra t ion ce rt a in in e vit a b le re volu t ion a ry a ft e r- e ffe ct s . Th u s , it wa s in du b ita b ly a s ign of s t a t e s m a n s h ip wh e n Hit le r d id n ot cry for re ve n ge a n d re s ort to th e gu illo t in e , bu t in s te a d t r ie d to s t e e r h is re volu t ion in to th e cou rs e of a n e w, s t a b le gove rn m e n t . A re a lly com pre h e n s ive a ccou n t , th a t on ly th e m ore or le s s d is t a n t fu tu re will be a b le to p rovide , will e s t a b lis h h ow m u ch th e a ct ivit ie s of th e e m ig ra n t s wh o fou n d s u pport e ve rywh e re a b roa d h a d to do with a ch a n ge in th is a t t itu de of th e Le a de r 's . I t will a ls o e s ta b lis h th e pa rt p la ye d by ce rt a in d is a ppoin te d e le m e n ts in th e cou n t ry it s e lf, a n d by o th e rs wh o e xe rte d con s ta n t e m ot ion a l p re s s u re wh ich fre qu e n t ly cros s e d u p ca u t iou s a n d s h re wd con ce p t s . Accord in g to e ve ryth in g I h a ve be e n a b le to fin d ou t , it wa s a lwa ys Gö bbe ls wh o u rge d Hit le r on to ra d ica l a ct ion s by cla im in g th e y we re ge n u in e ly re volu t ion a ry, pos s ib ly be ca u s e h e wa n te d to p re ve n t Na t ion a l S ocia lis m from be com in g m idd le cla s s . Th u s Gö bbe ls s tood be h in d a ll th os e pa in fu l e xce s s e s like th e bu rn in g of th e books , th e da y of boycot t , a n d pa rt icu la rly th e a n t i- Je wis h a ct ion of Nove m be r 9 a n d 1 0 , 1 9 3 8 . In ca pa b le of a n y s ou n d ju dge m e n t in con n e ct ion with th e ge n e ra l cu ltu ra l de ca y, h e s im p ly we n t ou t in s e a rch of s om e th e a t r ica l e ffe ct , a n d s t a ge d th is book bu rn in g u n de r p re s s u re of florid s pe e ch e s a n d film s . On Nove m be r 1 0 , 1 9 3 8 , wh e n I d rove th rou gh th e s t re e t s of Be rlin , I s a w m a n y b roke n win dows a n d a bu rn e d -ou t s yn a gogu e . At m y office I a ire d m y fe e lin gs a bou t s u ch u n worth y e xce s s e s , a n d le a rn e d th a t Gö bbe ls h a d in it ia t e d th e m . Gö rin g h a d be e n a ga in s t th e m . At firs t I th ou gh t th is a ct ion h a d be e n lim ite d to th e Ga u Be rlin , bu t th e n I le a rn e d th a t s im ila r in cide n t s h a d t a ke n p la ce e ls e wh e re , too . Th e ir to ta l e xte n t I le a rn e d on ly h e re a t Nu re m be rg . It wa s a lwa ys Gö bbe ls , p lu s a fe w le s s e r ligh t s , wh o th re w h is we igh t on th e s ide of e m ot ion a l e ru p t ion s . Ye t , h e wa s n 't a t a ll ge n u in e ly e m ot ion a l h im s e lf. He t re a te d h is a s s is t a n t s qu it e cold ly, a n d I s u ppos e h e con s ide re d th a t pa rt icu la rly s t a te s m a n like . He wa s ve ry ch a n ge a b le . I h a ve h e a rd m a n y s a y th a t th e y con s ide re d h im in te llige n t , bu t h a ve n e ve r m e t on e wh o re ve re d , or e ve n e s te e m e d h im .
Tim e a n d a ga in I fe lt a n in n e r re vu ls ion a ga in s t Gö bbe ls 's cou rs e , s in ce I re cogn is e d in it n o s e n s ib le a pp roa ch to wh a t wa s n e ce s s a ry a n d good . On ce , I fra n kly
e xp re s s e d th is op in ion to th e Fü h re r, a n d to ld h im th a t o th e rs fe lt a s I d id . Th is re s u lt e d in n o m ore th a n a n e m ba rra s s e d s ile n ce a rou n d th e t a b le a n d Hit le r 's re dou b le d in te re s t in h is ve ge ta ria n m e a l. For a lon g t im e , for in s ta n ce , e ve n du rin g th e wa r, th e fa ls e d is p la ys th a t crowde d s h ow win dows in de pa rtm e n t s tore s we re de fe n de d . Am on g p rop rie tors a n d e m ploye e s a like th is ca u s e d a de p lora b le u n willin gn e s s to g ive s e rvice , s in ce a ll th e s e be a u t ifu l it e m s e xis t e d on ly in th e d is p la y win dows . Or e ls e p ropa ga n da in s is t e d u pon ca llin g s kim m e d m ilk n ot by th e n a m e th a t in d ica te d it s a ctu a l con s is t e n cy, bu t by s om e n a m e e s pe cia lly in ve n te d for th e pu rpos e - - a s u b je ct for r id icu le in e ve ry da iry s tore . Th e s e we re e xcre s ce n ce s of a b ra in wh ich woe fu lly u n de re s t im a te d th e s ou n d a n d de ce n t in s t in ct s of th e Ge rm a n pe op le . I cou ld n ot h e lp ca llin g th e m Le va n t in e . Du rin g th e wa r, Gö bbe ls a lwa ys wrote th e le a d in g a rt icle for th e b ig we e kly Da s Re ich ( a t 4 ,0 0 0 m a rks pe r a rt icle !) wh ich wa s a ls o re a d twice ove r a ll b roa dca s t in g s t a t ion s . Obviou s ly, a n a ccom plis h m e n t th a t ca n n ot a lwa ys be m e a s u re d by s t r ict crit icis m . Bu t wh e n e ve r I ove rca m e m y a ve rs ion a n d re a d on e of th e s e a rt icle s ou t of a s e n s e of du ty, I in va ria b ly fou n d th e pole m ic a ga in s t ou r e n e m ie s s o form le s s a n d ch e a p th a t twice I s e n t Gö rin g le t t e rs of p ro te s t . I to ld h im th a t , a ft e r a ll, it wa s h is du ty a s ch a irm a n of th e m in is t e ria l cou n cil to s e e to it th a t th e Ge rm a n m in is t e r of p ropa ga n da d id n ot p ictu re h im s e lf a s a cu r wh o in te n de d to clin g to Ch u rch ill's coa t - t a ils , a s h e ch os e to e xp re s s it . Gö rin g to ld m e la te r th a t h e h a d s h own th e Fü h re r m y le t t e r , a n d th a t Hit le r h a d re p lie d , Ros e n be rg is a bs olu te ly r igh t ; wh a t Gö bbe ls wrote wa s m os t ly twa dd le . Bu t n oth in g wa s don e a bou t it . I h a ve t r ie d h a rd to do Gö bbe ls ju s t ice . He wa s born with a clu b foot , a n d th u s a u tom a t ica lly e lim in a te d from a ll boys ' ga m e s , from a ll th e ir you th fu l joys . He wa s force d to witn e s s , a t firs t with pa in a n d la te r with e n vy, h ow th e y a ll g re w in to h e a lth y m a n h ood . As a s tu de n t in He ide lbe rg h e h a d to s e e h ow th e o th e rs we n t on th e ir r ide s , h ow th e y flir t e d with th e g ir ls . An d a ll h is e n e rg ie s h a d to com e in to focu s on on e a m bit ion : to p rove to th e s e h e a lth y, ga y, s t ra igh t on e s th a t h e , too , cou ld a ccom plis h th in gs ! In h is wa r p ropa ga n da h e h a d in s is t e d th a t h e wou ld re m a in in h is Ga u . By th e e n d of April h is pos it ion h a d be com e u n te n a b le in e ve ry re s pe ct . De e p down be low, a n d de s p it e a ll a t t e m p ts a t s e lf-de ce p t ion , h e kn e w fu ll we ll th a t h e owe d th a t pos it ion e n t ire ly to th e Fü h re r, a n d th a t with ou t h im h e d idn 't da re ve n tu re a n ywh e re in th e cou n t ry. Th u s , h e e ve n tu a lly d re w th e in e vit a b le con s e qu e n ce . It is a h u m a n t ra ge dy, ju s t th e s a m e , to go to on e 's de a th toge th e r with on e 's own ch ild re n . Bu t th is is on e th in g for wh ich I, too , h a d p re pa re d wh e n I wa s orde re d la t e on th e n igh t of April 2 0 , 1 9 4 5 , to go n orth . It is a ls o a t ra ge dy to be force d to fa ce you r a ccu s e rs da y a ft e r da y for a fu ll ye a r a n d to be a ccu s e d , in s te a d of Gö bbe ls a n d o th e rs , of th in gs for wh ich th e y we re p rim a rily re s pon s ib le .
I h a dn 't in te n de d to offe n d Me ph is toph e le s wh e n I ca lle d Gö bbe ls Hit le r 's Me ph is to , for h e n e ve r g re w to th a t s ize . Actu a lly, h e wa s on ly on e of m a n y. Afte r a wh ile th e re we re th re e : Jos e ph Gö bbe ls , He in rich Him m le r, a n d Ma rt in Borm a n n .
Mu ts ch m a n n wa s on e of th e m os t e m b it t e re d e n e m ie s of Him m le r 's police re g im e , wh ich e ve n th e n wa s be g in n in g to a ppe a r. He ca rrie d on a s u s ta in e d fe u d with a ll of th e h igh e r S .S . a n d police officia ls . His s ou n d in s t in ct wa rn e d h im th a t th e re wa s a g re a t da n ge r for both pa rty a n d s t a te in th is d ire ct ion .
On Nove m be r 9 , 1 9 2 3 , He in rich Him m le r a ppe a re d in th e re t in u e of S t ra s s e r , a n d wa s la t e r re m e m be re d a s th e s t a n da rd be a re r of th e s o-ca lle d Re ich s krie gs fla gge (Re ich Wa r Fla g ) a t th e Mu n ich Wa r Min is t ry. Th e n h e be ca m e Gö bbe ls 's p ropa ga n da re p re s e n ta t ive , a n d la te r took ove r th e S .S . Th is re qu ire d th e s e rvice s of b ra ve a n d ca u t iou s m e n , for th e t a s k of gu a rd in g a n d p rote ct in g ou r s pe a ke rs . Accom pa n yin g th e m wh e re ve r th e y m igh t go wa s ce rt a in ly n ot a pos t for m ilks ops in th os e da ys . For th is re a s on n obody cou ld pos s ib ly con s ide r Him m le r 's con n e ct ion with th e S .S . da n ge rou s , n ot e ve n wh e n h e s t re n g th e n e d th e d is cip lin e , n or e ve n wh e n h e took ove r th e police force s of th e va riou s p rovin ce s , a n d th e n of th e Re ich it s e lf. Him m le r ca m e from a n e xt re m e ly re lig iou s t e a ch e r 's fa m ily. He e s ca pe d th is in flu e n ce a n d be ca m e a n oppon e n t of a ll polit ica l Ca th olicis m a n d of Rom a n p rie s t s in ge n e ra l. He wa s a pe a s a n t ; we m e t on th e va riou s Pe a s a n t Da ys a t Gos la r . Ou rs we re pa ra lle l ide a s ; in fa ct , Him m le r a lwa ys u n de rs core d h is a n t icle rica l a t t itu de a s be in g ve ry s im ila r to m y own . We a ls o s h a re d ou r in te re s t in h is torica l re s e a rch . Eve n in m y e a rly da ys I h a d a m on g m y coworke rs Profe s s or Re in e rth Tü b in ge n wh o, in 1 9 3 2 , in th e N.S .M. (Na t ion a l S ozia lis t is ch e Mit t e ilu n ge n , Na t ion a l S ocia lis t In form a t ion ) I s u gge s te d th e fou n d in g of a Re ich In s t itu te for Ea rly Ge rm a n ic His tory. From 1 9 3 3 on , h e worke d toge th e r with Kos s in a s , wh os e pu p il h e wa s , for th e re a lis a t ion of th is p la n . La te r Him m le r fou n de d h is s o-ca lle d Ah n e n -Erbe (An ce s tor in h e rit a n ce ) , a n in s t itu te for re s e a rch , s u bs id is e d by h im . I wou ld h a ve h a d n o ob je ct ion to th e s e s cie n t ific in te re s t s a s s u ch ; bu t h ow h e we n t a bou t it , in th e cou rs e of th e ye a rs , ve ry s oon ga ve m e a n in s igh t in to th e de p th s of h is ch a ra cte r . A ce rt a in Doctor Te u d t h a d don e s om e im porta n t work in con n e ct ion with th e h is tory of th e s o-ca lle d Exte rn s te in e (Exte rn a l S ton e s ) , a n d h a d fou n de d a n orga n is a t ion for th is pu rpos e . Him m le r wa s in te re s te d . Th rou gh d ire ct p re s s u re , by-pa s s in g th e Ga u le it e r , Te u d t wa s in du ce d to in corpora te h is orga n is a t ion in to th e Ah n e n -Erbe . Th u s , h e wa s e lim in a te d . He tu rn e d ove r h is m a te ria l a n d be ca m e h on ora ry p re s ide n t of h is form e r orga n is a t ion , bu t wa s n o lon ge r pe rm it t e d to s u pe rvis e th e in ve s t iga t ion s , s in ce Him m le r 's own h is toria n s h e ld d iffe re n t op in ion s th a n h e . I h e a rd of th is a ffa ir in in s ta lm e n ts . It p rove d th a t Him m le r u s e d th e S .S . , orig in a lly fou n de d for e n t ire ly d iffe re n t pu rpos e s , th e police force n ow be h in d th e S .S . , a n d th e t ra n s form e d s cie n t ific re s e a rch orga n is a t ion , for pu re ly pe rs on a l e n ds . Th is wa s a ccom pa n ie d by th e n om in a t ion of a ve ry la rge n u m be r of s o-ca lle d Eh re n fü h re r (Hon ora ry Le a de rs ) . Rö h m h a d s t a rt e d th is cu s tom in th e S torm Troope rs , Him m le r con t in u e d it in th e S .S . , in orde r to t ie u p officia ls , s cie n t is t s , writ e rs , a n d s o on , wh o h a d n oth in g to do with th e pa rty n or e ve n with Na t ion a l S ocia lis m a s s u ch , to m a ke th e m de pe n de n t on h im , a n d to force th e m e ve n tu a lly in to th e s e rvice of th e S .S . in con n e ct ion with m a t te rs th a t a ctu a lly h a d n oth in g to do with th e re a l t a s ks of th e S .S . Re pe a te d ly I ca lle d Him m le r to a ccou n t . He re p lie d th a t s in ce , a s I m u s t kn ow, th e police wa s p rim a rily con ce rn e d with th e da rke r s ide of life , h e wa s t ryin g to a wa ke n th e in te re s t of h is s u bord in a te s in s cie n t ific m a t te rs . He d idn 't wa n t to in te rfe re with m y work, bu t be gge d m e to u n de rs ta n d h is s ide of th e p rob le m , too . I a n s we re d th a t I wa s g la d to h e a r of h is s cie n t ific in te re s t , bu t con s ide re d it u n s e e m ly for h im to u s e h is orga n is a t ion for pu rpos e s a lie n to th e t a s ks for wh ich it h a d be e n cre a te d , a n d th a t h is S .S . wa s s im p ly n ot s cie n t ifica lly com pe te n t . Du rin g th os e ye a rs Him m le r ca m e twice to m y h ou s e to d is cu s s th e s e th in gs . Th e Re s e a rch Orga n is a t ion h a d , in th e m e a n t im e , be com e a s u bd ivis ion of th e S .S . , a n d it s ch ie f, a m b it iou s Profe s s or Wü s t , wa s pa rt icu la rly a ct ive in S .S . m a t te rs . Him m le r to ld m e h e wou ld a s k Wü s t to ca ll on m e to cle a r u p a n y pos s ib le m is u n de rs ta n d in g . Howe ve r, th e s e con fe re n ce s le d p re cis e ly n owh e re . Doctor Wü s t n e ve r ca lle d on m e , n or d id Him m le r
g ive u p h is a t t e m p ts to b rin g s cie n t is t s u n de r h is d is cip lin e by pu t t in g th e m in to u n iform s . Afte r th e An s ch lu s s of Au s t r ia , th e Ah n e n -Erbe took ove r a g re a t n u m be r of m a ga zin e s of th e m os t d ive rge n t con te n t . Th e y we re t a ke n ove r e xa ct ly a s Doctor Te u d t 's orga n is a t ion h a d be e n . Du rin g th e wa r, a n d m ore e s pe cia lly a ft e r He ydrich we n t to Pra gu e , p la n s for th e fou n d in g of a n S .S . u n ive rs ity we re a n n ou n ce d . Pra gu e wa s to be com e th e s e a t of th a t u n ive rs ity. For S tu t tga rt I h a d p la n n e d a S ch ool of Biology a n d Ra cia l His tory a s a b ra n ch of th e fu tu re g re a t Na t ion a l Un ive rs ity. It s t a s k a t firs t wa s to be th e com pila t ion of a t e xtbook for th e s e s tu d ie s , a n d la te r to ke e p it u p to da te . For th is pu rpos e I h a d in te n t ion a lly s e le cte d a s ou th e rn Ge rm a n city be ca u s e th e word Nord ic, a s u s e d by s om e s pe a ke rs , h a d a cqu ire d a ce rt a in ge og ra ph ica l con n ota t ion . An d th is h a d occa s ion a lly le d to wh a t Nie tzs ch e on ce ca lle d Ra s s e n t im e n ts (Ra ce n tm e n t - - s t ron g fe e lin gs p ro or con on ra cia l g rou n ds ) , th ou gh s u ch s e n t im e n t wa s com ple te ly u n ju s t ifie d a n d u n ju s t ifia b le . In th e firs t p la ce , a lth ou gh m a n y de cis ive vir tu e s a re in th e ke e p in g of th e Nord ic ra ce , qu it e a s m a n y oth e rs a re ch a ra cte ris t ic of o th e r ra cia l g rou ps wh o, toge th e r, m a ke u p th e fa m ily of Eu rope a n pe op le s . Be s ide s th a t , th e Nord ic ra ce e xte n ds de e p down s ou th in to Lom ba rdy, a n d is a u n ifyin g a ge n t for a ll Ge rm a n ic t r ibe s . An d fin a lly, n a t ion a l h is tory s im p ly m u s t n ot be p roje cte d from th e va n ta ge poin t of in d ividu a l h a b it . Th u s , on e of th e ch ie f ob je ct ive s of th e p la n n e d S tu t tga rt in s t itu te wa s to cou n te ra ct s u ch da n ge rs . Him m le r wa s ve ry we ll a wa re of th e fa ct th a t Hit le r h a d de s ign a te d th is fu tu re h igh s ch ool to be th e h e a dqu a rte rs for t e a ch in g a n d re s e a rch , a n d th a t it wa s n ot s o m u ch a m a t te r of com ra de ly loya lty, a s it wa s h is du ty, to com m u n ica te with m e . He d id th e e xa ct oppos it e . I cou ld n ot in te rp re t th is a t t itu de in a n y o th e r wa y th a n a s in d ica t in g Him m le r 's in te n t ion of s u b ju ga t in g th e re s pe ct ive s cie n t is t s to th e will of th e S .S . e ve n be fore th e n a t ion a l u n ive rs ity wa s a ctu a lly e s ta b lis h e d , a n d th u s , in d ire ct ly, b rin g in g e ve n m e u n de r h is con t ro l by m a kin g ou r h igh s ch ool, in a m a n n e r of s pe a kin g , a n S .S . in s t itu te . In fu rth e r pu rs u a n ce of h is p la n s Him m le r th e n fou n de d th e Nord la n d Ve rla g (North la n d Pu b lis h in g Hou s e ) wh ich is s u e d n ove ls , books on th e Je wis h qu e s t ion , a n d s o on . He wou ld n ot pe rm it s cie n t is t s n ot u n de r h is in flu e n ce to work in th e lib ra rie s h e con t ro lle d , a n d on ce a ga in pu t th e police to work on re s e a rch . Th is obviou s ly con s t itu te d a g re a t s p ir itu a l m e n a ce , a n d m y re la t ion s h ip with Him m le r be ca m e e ve r m ore p re ca riou s . In du e cou rs e I be ca m e qu it e ou t s poke n a bou t th is a n d s a id m ore th a n on ce : It is pos s ib le to le a ve th e Ca th olic Ch u rch t e n t im e s ove r a n d ye t re m a in a Je s u it . Officia lly I wa s con ce rn e d on ly with th e Edu ca t ion a l Office of th e S .S . Th is office e d it e d th e s o-ca lle d S .S . bookle t s , a ga in s t wh ich lit t le cou ld be s a id . Th e y we re qu it e de ce n t ly don e , g ivin g e xa m ple s of th e du t ifu l pe rform a n ce of a s s ign e d t a s ks t a ke n from both th e pa s t a n d th e p re s e n t . Th e s a yin gs of g re a t m e n rou n de d ou t th e ir con te n t s m os t e ffe ct ive ly. Th e s a m e op in ion h olds good for m a n y oth e r pu b lica t ion s of th e Nord la n d Ve rla g . In th e be g in n in g m a n y e xce lle n t m e n jo in e d th e S .S . , u n dou b te d ly a n im a te d by th e ir will to s e rve th e pe op le a n d th e Re ich . As a n e w orga n is a t ion , th e police re a lis e d th e n e ce s s ity of h a n d lin g th e pu b lic with polit e n e s s a n d de ce n cy. Th e Prote ct ive Police wa s to be a fr ie n d a n d h e lpe r to th e pe op le . Th e ru bbe r t ru n ch e on , a n in s t ru m e n t we a ll h a d com e to h a te s in ce ou r da ys of ba t t le , wa s don e a wa y with . An d th is , toge th e r with m a n y oth e r th in gs , wa s ce rt a in ly in d ica t ive of a pos it ive will a n d of p s ych olog ica l u n de rs ta n d in g .
Lu tze , s t a ff ch ie f of th e S torm Troope rs , wa s a ls o wa tch in g He in rich Him m le r e xpa n d h is in flu e n ce , n ot s o m u ch by m e a n s of pos it ive a ccom plis h m e n ts a s by s ly p re s s u re m a de pos s ib le by e xe cu t ive powe r e n t ru s te d to h im by th e s t a te . I t m a y be
th a t Lu tze la cke d th e g ift of fin d in g n e w ta s ks for th e s ligh te d S torm Troope rs th a t re a lly wou ld h a ve g ive n it a n e w le a s e on life ; bu t , h is torica lly s pe a kin g , it is a ls o pos s ib le th a t th e S torm Troope rs wa s s o e xclu s ive ly ide n t ifie d with ou r ba t t le for powe r th a t it wou ld h a ve t a ke n a lon g t im e be fore s u ch n e w ta s ks cou ld h a ve be e n fou n d for it . Ma n y Obe rg ru ppe n fü h re r (Ch ie f Grou p Le a de rs ) com pla in e d to Lu tze . Th e s port s in s ign ia of th e S torm Troope rs s e e m e d in a de qu a te , n or d id th e p la n s for a la rge Ge rm a n s port s com pe t it ion to be h e ld du rin g th e Pa rty Da y a t Nu re m be rg s a t is fy th e m . Th u s th e S torm Troope rs los t a n u m be r of it s o ld le a de rs to th e fore ign d ip lom a t ic s e rvice , a n d o th e rs to th e S .S . Him m le r cou n te re d Lu tze 's a ve rs ion , wh ich h e con s ide re d a pu re ly pe rs on a l p re ju d ice , by s t a t in g th a t it wa s h e wh o h a d s u gge s te d Lu tze a s ch ie f of s t a ff to s u cce e d Rö h m . Th e Fü h re r, h e cla im e d , h a d a ls o offe re d h im th e le a de rs h ip of th e S torm Troope rs , bu t h e h a dn 't wa n te d to fa ll h e ir to th e le a de rs h ip of a n orga n is a t ion th a t o th e rs h a d le d du rin g ba t t le . Now Lu tze s h owe d h is g ra t itu de by m a kin g th e s e u n ju s t a ccu s a t ion s . La te r on , s e cu re in h is pe rs on a l victory, Him m le r de clin e d e ve n to s e e Lu tze . Howe ve r, th is a n ta gon is m wa s by n o m e a n s pe rs on a l bu t , ra th e r, a m a t te r of p rin cip le . How ju s t ifie d it wa s , n ow be com e s a ppa re n t a t Nu re m be rg . Wh e n we d is cu s s e d th is m a t te r , Lu tze to ld m e th a t e ve ry you n g s ta te n e e de d a h a rs h police e xe cu t ive wh ich occa s ion a lly h a d to u s e m e th ods ru n n in g cou n te r to a cce p te d m ora lity, qu it e with ou t re ga rd to pa rty a ffilia t ion s . Th u s , it wa s ba d for th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t m ove m e n t th a t a pa rty orga n is a t ion s h ou ld be s o in t im a te ly t ie d th rou gh a pe rs on a l u n ion with th e s e cre t s e rvice , th e s t a te police , a n d th e re s t , a n d th a t a m a n like Him m le r s h ou ld d ra w th e s e t ie s e ve n t igh te r . Th is wa s n e ce s s a rily h a rm fu l to th e pa rty 's re pu ta t ion a m on g th e pe op le , wh o be ga n to ide n t ify ce rt a in n e ce s s a ry s t e ps t a ke n by th e s t a te with th e pa rty a n d it s polit ica l ide n t ity. In a dd it ion , Lu tze s a id , in s ta n ce s of vile corru p t ion in S .S . le a de rs h ip a s we ll a s in de fe n s ib le ch ica n e ry on th e pa rt of th e police h a d occu rre d . Ju s t th e n - - a n d th is wa s a lre a dy du rin g th e wa r - - h e cou ldn 't both e r th e Fü h re r with s u ch th in gs . Bu t la t e r on h e wou ld s u bm it a ll h is m a te ria l to th e Fü h re r toge th e r with a n e ith e r-or. Bu t e ve n n ob le Viktor Lu tze cou ldn 't pos s ib ly gu e s s a t th a t t im e wh a t Him m le r a n d He ydrich we re re a lly u p to .
Th a t th e police ke p t h a b itu a l crim in a ls in ja il a n d s a w to it th a t s om e of ou r wors t e n e m ie s la n de d in con ce n t ra t ion ca m ps wa s n o m ore th a n n a tu ra l. Th e re cords of th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t Ge rm a n Worke rs ' Pa rty s h owe d th a t ove r 3 0 0 in d ividu a ls h a d be e n m u rde re d a n d m ore th a n 4 0 ,0 0 0 wou n de d by Com m u n is t a ct s of t e rror, wh ile h u n dre ds of th ou s a n ds h a d be e n d rive n ou t of th e ir jobs a n d h om e s . An y re volu t ion is a ccom pa n ie d by e xp los ive a ct ion s . Th a t a fe w pa lt ry th ou s a n ds we re im pris on e d wa s con s ide re d n o m ore th a n r igh t , a n d occa s ion a l e xce s s e s we re looke d u pon a s u n a voida b le is o la te d in cide n t s . I t wa s a n n ou n ce d th a t a m on g th e 8 0 0 Com m u n is t Pa rty fu n ct ion a rie s t a ke n in to cu s tody, th e a ve ra ge of p re viou s p ris on s e n te n ce s a m ou n te d to fou r ye a rs . Be s ide s th a t , on Ja n u a ry 3 0 a n d 3 1 , a S torm Troope r le a de r (Ma ikows ki) a n d a police m a n h a d be e n m u rde re d in Be rlin . In o th e r cit ie s , too , m u rde rs occu rre d th rou gh ou t th e e n t ire ye a r. Ta kin g de cis ive s t e ps s e e m e d n o m ore th a n a d icta te of s e lf-p re s e rva t ion , a n d n e ce s s a ry to p re ve n t a ct s of pe rs on a l re ve n ge . Lis t e n in g to a Re ich s ta g s pe e ch con ce rn in g th e s e m a t te rs , I le a rn e d th a t a m on g th os e s h ot we re qu it e a n u m be r of S .S . m e n wh o h a d m a lt re a te d p ris on e rs . Th is cou ld on ly be con s ide re d p roof of th e fa ct th a t th e e n t ire s e cu rity pe rs on n e l wa s e xpe cte d to m a in ta in a n a t t itu de of a bs olu te ju s t ice . At rocity s torie s in th e fore ign p re s s , t e llin g a bou t s u ppos e d m a s s m u rde rs com m it te d by u s , we re fu lly re porte d to ou r pe op le , s in ce we kn e w fu ll we ll with
wh a t s e lf- con t ro l ou r a dve rs a rie s in th e fou rte e n -ye a r-o ld ba t t le h a d a ctu a lly be e n t re a te d . Th is is on e of th e re a s on s wh y s u ch s torie s we re n ot be lie ve d by ou r pe op le e ve n la te r on , wh e n th in gs be ga n to h a ppe n th a t a re s o h orrib ly ide n t ifie d toda y a s a ct s of He in rich Him m le r a n d s om e of h is m e ga lom a n ia ca l s u b - le a de rs .
In th e Min is t ry of th e Ea s t I wa s con t in u ou s ly a wa re of Him m le r 's a n d He ydrich 's polit ica l oppos it ion . Ove r m y p rote s t s th e Ge s ta po wa s m a de a n in de pe n de n t u n it . All t ie s with m y office we re com ple te ly s e ve re d , a n d orde rs we re e xe cu te d of wh ich I le a rn e d on ly h e re a t Nu re m be rg . Th a t th is wa s pa rt of a s ys te m a t ic ca m pa ign to u n de rm in e th e th e ore t icia n Ros e n be rg be ca m e e ve r m ore a ppa re n t , e ve n th ou gh I, be in g s t ill ca u gh t u p in m y old n ot ion s a bou t com ra de s h ip , d id n ot be g in to re a lis e to wh a t e xte n t th is u n s cru pu lou s s ch e m in g h a d gon e . For wh e n e ve r I s poke to Him m le r h e wa s a m ia b ility pe rs on ifie d , a n d a cte d a s if h e e s te e m e d m y op in ion s m os t h igh ly. Eve n h is lia is on office r , S .S . Gru ppe n fü h re r Be rge r, n ot on ly p rote s te d h is pe rs on a l a dm ira t ion for m e ( e ve n toda y I be lie ve th a t it wa s ge n u in e ) , bu t a ls o h is willin gn e s s to com e to a n u n de rs ta n d in g , e xp re s s in g qu it e fre e ly h is a ve rs ion to He ydrich 's m e th ods . On ce , h owe ve r, wh a t m igh t a lm os t be ca lle d a vis ion , h a d a de fin it e ly e e rie e ffe ct on m e . Be rge r h a d in vit e d m e a n d S ch icke da n z to h a ve a g la s s of win e a t h is s e rvice qu a rte rs . From wh e re I s a t I s a w a n e n la rge d ph otog ra ph of Him m le r h a n g in g on th e wa ll of th e a d jo in in g room . I cou ldn 't ke e p m y e ye s off it . An d th e n it occu rre d to m e th a t I h a d n e ve r h a d th e opportu n ity to look Him m le r s t ra igh t in th e e ye s . His we re a lwa ys con ce a le d by h is p in ce -n e z. Now, from th e ph otog ra ph , th e y s t a re d a t m e u n b lin kin g ly, a n d wh a t I th ou gh t I s a w in th e m wa s m a lice . Ne xt da y I t a lke d to S ch icke da n z a bou t it . An d th e n , in m a kin g a m e n ta l ch e ck on h is kn own a ct ivit ie s , we s u dde n ly kn e w wh a t h is re a l ob je ct ive wa s : by m e a n s of h is police powe r, by t e rror a n d p rom is e , h e wa n te d to s e cu re pos it ion a ft e r pos it ion a n d , a n ch ore d in a ll b ra n ch e s of th e s e rvice , by h ook or by crook, be com e Hit le r 's s u cce s s or. Wh e th e r it m igh t be pu b lis h in g h ou s e s , a rt in s t itu te s , m e d ica l jou rn a ls , popu la r qu izze s , th e m a n u fa ctu re of porce la in , con ce n t ra t ion ca m ps , th e p la n t in g of Kog-S a gys ru bbe r root s , or th e s t re n g th e n in g of th e S .S . - - a ll th is wa s m e re ly, a s I la t e r pu t it , a colle ct in g of poin t s to p re ve n t o th e rs from doin g th e ir du ty, a n d e ve n tu a lly to t a ke ove r th e ir pos t s . No lon ge r wa s th e S .S . a g rou p of th e fit t e s t ; it h a d lon g s in ce be com e a colle ct ion of th e a m b it iou s , a t t ra cte d from a ll p rofe s s ion s by th e ir h ope to ga in th rou gh powe r, pos it ion s o th e rwis e u n a va ila b le to th e m . Wh e th e r a m a n like Ha rm ja n z , in th e fie ld of fo lklore , re ce ive d th e t it le of p rofe s s or, or Profe s s or Wü s t wa s g ive n a fre e h a n d in th e e lim in a t ion of u n de s ira b le s cie n t is t s , s e rve d on ly on e pu rpos e , ju s t a s d id th e fu tu re e n m ity d is p la ye d towa rd Lu tze , towa rd m e , a n d towa rd m a n y ge n e ra ls wh o d id th e ir be s t to p re ve n t Him m le r from ga in in g u n du e in flu e n ce ove r th e a rm y. With ou t kn owin g p re cis e de ta ils , I be ga n to fe e l qu it e u n e a s y a bou t th e s e de ve lopm e n ts . Wh e n , in 1 9 4 2 , I h a d a n opportu n ity to s pe a k to th e Fü h re r a lon e - - it wa s th e la s t t im e ! - - I to ld h im Him m le r h a d s o m a n y t a s ks th a t it wa s qu it e im pos s ib le for h im to do th e m a ll ju s t ice ; s om e th in g th a t cou ld ca u s e ba d b lood , a s wa s p rove n in th e re s e t t le m e n t of th e Wa rth e la n d (Polis h t e rr itory a lon g th e Wa rth e Rive r) . Th e Fü h re r u n de rs tood m e a ll r igh t , bu t h e m e re ly a n s we re d b rie fly th a t , s o fa r , Him m le r h a d a lwa ys m a n a ge d to t a ke ca re of th in gs . Un de r th e p re te xt of figh t in g for Ge rm a n ic va lu e s , Him m le r h a d in t rodu ce d a com ple te ly u n -Ge rm a n ic t ra it in to th e S .S . , a n d h a d de file d it s n ob le n a m e . He h a d be e n g ive n th e t a s k of s e cu rin g th e in te rior of th e Re ich . Bu t h is a ct ivit ie s cou ldn 't h e lp bu t g ive r is e to d is gu s t with th e gove rn m e n t a n d it s le a de rs ; a t firs t , a m on g ou r e n e m ie s a b roa d , s om e th in g th a t wa s to be e xpe cte d
a n ywa y; th e n a m on g th os e on ly h a lf won ove r to ou r ca u s e ; a n d fin a lly, a m on g u s wh o h a te d to s e e a g re a t ca u s e d is h on ou re d . Un fortu n a te ly, th e com in g of th e wa r p re ve n te d th e m a kin g of a n y ch a n ge a n d , in fa ct , in cre a s e d th e m igh t of th is m a n to a n e xte n t th a t , e ve n in 1 9 3 9 , n obody cou ld pos s ib ly h a ve fore s e e n . At th e s a m e t im e Hit le r , th e Ch ie f of S ta te , wa s com ple te ly s u rrou n de d by a n e ws s e rvice th a t d rove h is will, a lre a dy m is d ire cte d , off in th e d ire ct ion of world h is torica l de m on icis m , th e re s u lt of wh ich wa s th e los s of a th ou s a n d -ye a r-o ld ba t t le for th e Ge rm a n Re ich . Wh a t h e bu ilt u p with th e on e h a n d a n d th e a id of m illion s of th e m os t fa ith fu l m e n , h e tore down with th e o th e r!
In a t t e m p t in g to vis u a lis e th e typ ica l in Him m le r, to fin d s om e th in g th a t wa s con s ta n t in th e fre qu e n t ly con t ra d ictory e xp re s s ion of h is a ct ivit ie s , I re cogn is e in h im th e s e cta ria n com e in to powe r. Th a t Him m le r wa s ju s t th a t in th e fie ld of s cie n ce , I h a d kn own for a lon g t im e ; for it wa s in th is fie ld th a t I co llide d with h im m os t oft e n . Bu t th a t it wa s pa rt of h is ve ry s e lf, I m u s t con fe s s , d id n ot occu r to m e u n t il h e re in Nu re m be rg wh e re I re a d h is s pe e ch e s a bou t th e S la vs , th e a s ocia ls , a n d th e re s t . I h a d fou n d h is s cie n t ific s e cta ria n is m s om e t im e s u n com forta b le , occa s ion a lly d is tu rb in g , bu t I wa s con vin ce d th a t it s e ffe ct s wou ld s oon be a th in g of th e pa s t . Wh e n I s a w wh a t qu e e r pe op le we re a m on g Him m le r 's p ro te ge s , I re m e m be re d th e cra ckpot s wh o, be twe e n 1 9 2 0 a n d 1 9 2 3 , h a d a ppe a re d on th e s ce n e in Mu n ich , on ly to d is a ppe a r a ga in ; I re ca lle d th e s t ra n ge s p ir it - ra pp in g Ch ris t ia n ity of Din te r 's th a t is com ple te ly forgot t e n by n ow, a n d th e re s t . S t ra n ge figu re s do , in de e d , com e a n d go in th e g re a t e xpe rim e n ta l h a ll of h is tory. I con s ide re d it on e of m y ta s ks to s e e to it th a t th e fa ce of th e m ove m e n t re m a in e d u n b le m is h e d by s u ch e xcre s ce n ce s .
Th a t Him m le r 's s e cta ria n is m wa s a t ra it of ch a ra cte r th a t m a de h im ove rdo e ve ryth in g a n d , com bin e d with h is lim it le s s e got is m , m a de h im forge t a ll re ga rd for com ra de s , h on ou r, Ge rm a n y . . . . . is it pu n is h a b le n e g lige n ce n ot to h a ve re a lis e d th is in 1 9 3 3 ? Th e con ve rs e qu e s t ion is obviou s : How cou ld a n yon e be lie ve Him m le r ca pa b le of th e s e p rove n cru e lt ie s ? Wh a t r igh t h a d a n y on e of u s to a ccu s e h im of s u ch th in gs ? Didn 't we a ll h a ve ou r we a kn e s s e s ? Wa s n 't I force d to t e ll m ys e lf th a t we , too , we re oft e n b ia s e d , th ou gh on ce ou r b ia s wa s re cogn is e d we d id ou r be s t to e lim in a te it ? Cou ld th e pa rt icipa n t s in th e Fre n ch Na t ion a l As s e m bly pos s ib ly fore s e e th a t on e m a n a m on g th e m , Robe s p ie rre , wou ld s om e da y be h e a d th e m a n d im m e rs e th e m in a t re m e n dou s ba th of b lood? No! His torica l de ve lopm e n ts ca n n ot be p re ju dge d ; a n d m u ch will re m a in fore ve r in de ciph e ra b le . Eve n tu a lly, d is con te n t ove r Him m le r 's police re g im e h a d m a n ife s te d it s e lf in a lm os t a ll d is t r ict s . Th e pa rty it s e lf a lwa ys took a firm s ta n d a ga in s t th e S .S . a s a n Orde r, irre s pe ct ive of a ce rt a in com ra de ly re lu cta n ce to t re s pa s s , wh ich wa s in e vit a b le a m on g th e s e rvice s a n d wh ich , in cide n ta lly, wa s la rge ly du e to s om e u n de rs ta n d in g S .S . le a de rs wh o d id th e ir le ve l be s t to ke e p u p th e o ld wa rm pe rs on a l re la t ion s h ips . It wa s too la t e . Th e s e cta ria n h a d ga in e d victory ove r th e ide a . It will t a ke a lon g t im e be fore th e ide a ca n r is e a ga in , pu rge d , from th e ru bb le of th e Re ich . Th e pa la ce of Ph ilip II of S pa in , with it s lu xu riou s h a lls , con ta in e d a ls o a s m a ll octa gon a l room . Th e re , on ce a we e k, th e kin g 's p riva te s e cre ta ry re porte d e ve ryth in g of im porta n ce to h is m on a rch - - or a t a n y ra te , e ve ryth in g th a t s e e m e d im porta n t to h im . Th e n Ph ilip m a de th e de cis ion s th a t we re is s u e d to th e n a t ion in th e form of roya l e d ict s . S o in flu e n t ia l wa s th e p riva te s e cre ta ry th a t th is s ort of polit ica l con t ro l h a s be e n kn own
e ve r s in ce a s a ca m a rilla , th e S pa n is h word for a lit t le room . Th a t wa s th e poin t th e gove rn m e n t of th e Re ich h a d re a ch e d . An ope n -h e a rte d m a n h a d tu rn e d in to a m is a n th rop ic s u p re m e com m a n de r, s u lkin g in th e bu n ke r of h is h e a dqu a rte rs , a n d h a d be gu n to re ly m ore a n d m ore on th e a dvice of a ve ry fe w in t im a te s . It wa s p re cis e ly th e s e a dvis e rs wh o we re le a s t qu a lifie d to g ive a dvice a n d cou n s e l du rin g th os e fa te fu l ye a rs .
Not e ve n th e wilde s t fa n ta s t cou ld h a ve fore to ld Ma rt in Borm a n n 's ca re e r. In Mu n ich I h a d h a rd ly e ve r h e a rd h is n a m e . Ma rrie d to th e da u gh te r of Wa lte r Bu ch , th e s o-ca lle d S u pre m e Cou rt Ju dge of th e pa rty, h e wa s in ch a rge of we lfa re fu n ds a t th e Brown Hou s e . Th is wa s a m os t u n im porta n t job . In 1 9 3 3 , we a ll re a d with a s ton is h m e n t : Ma rt in Borm a n n a ppoin te d S ta ff Le a de r to th e Re p re s e n ta t ive of th e Fü h re r, a n d Re ic h s le it e r . Th a t is h ow I ca m e in con ta ct with h im . Wh e n e ve r I vis it e d He s s , h e u s u a lly wa s p re s e n t ; la t e r on , a lwa ys . On ce in a wh ile h e wrote m e con ce rn in g pa rty m a t te rs . I h e a rd th a t h e wa s vu lga r in h is de a lin gs with h is s u bord in a te s a n d th e pu b lic. Wh e n I h a d d in n e r with th e Fü h re r, Borm a n n a n d Gö bbe ls we re u s u a lly th e re . He s s h a d obviou s ly got on th e Le a de r 's n e rve s , a n d s o Borm a n n took ca re of re qu e s t s a n d a s s ign m e n ts . He re is wh e re h e be ga n to m a ke h im s e lf in d is pe n s a b le . If, du rin g ou r d in n e r con ve rs a t ion , s om e in cide n t wa s m e n t ion e d , Borm a n n wou ld pu ll ou t h is n ote book a n d m a ke a n e n t ry. Or e ls e , if th e Fü h re r e xp re s s e d d is p le a s u re ove r s om e re m a rk, s om e m e a s u re , s om e film , Borm a n n wou ld m a ke a n ote . If s om e th in g s e e m e d u n cle a r, Borm a n n wou ld ge t u p , le a ve th e room , bu t re tu rn a lm os t im m e d ia te ly - - a ft e r h a vin g g ive n orde rs to h is office s t a ff to in ve s t iga te forth with , a n d to t e le ph on e , wire , or writ e . Th e n it m igh t h a ppe n th a t be fore d in n e r wa s ove r Borm a n n h a d a n e xp la n a t ion a t h a n d . Th e s e we re ce rt a in ly qu a lifica t ion s a n y le a d in g pe rs on a lity n e e ds , a n d n oth in g ca n be s a id a ga in s t s u ch p rom pt re port in g , p rovide d it is ob je ct ive a n d pe rs on a lly d is in te re s te d . Bu t th a t , of cou rs e , is th e ide a l, a n d e ve ryon e wou ld h a ve be e n willin g to a llow Borm a n n th a t a ll- too-h u m a n m e a s u re of a m b it ion . Nor we re th in gs re a lly ba d a s lon g a s He s s wa s s t ill a rou n d . Bu t wh e n He s s fle w to En g la n d , th e Fü h re r d id n ot a ppoin t a n e w pe rs on a l re p re s e n ta t ive , bu t a s s ign e d Borm a n n a s h e re tofore to th e n e w Re ich Office . Th e ore t ica lly, Borm a n n wa s n o m ore th a n be fore , bu t s in ce h e n ow took orde rs d ire ct ly from Hit le r , wh os e in s t ru ct ion s h e pa s s e d on to th e pa rty, h e wa s in e ffe ct m ore in flu e n t ia l th a n He s s h a d e ve r be e n . For e a ch of Borm a n n 's le t t e rs h a d to be a cce p te d a s h a vin g be e n writ t e n a t le a s t with th e Le a de r 's kn owle dge . Un de r th e p re te xt th a t th e Fü h re r wa s a ga in goin g to t a ke th e le a de rs h ip of th e pa rty in to h is own h a n ds , Borm a n n got on e powe r of a t torn e y a ft e r th e o th e r. He a lon e wa s to h a n d le ch u rch p rob le m s for th e pa rty. He took ove r from Doctor Le y th e p rocu re m e n t of pe rs on n e l for th e h igh pa rty le a de rs . From th e n on Ga u le it e r a n d th e ir a s s is t a n t s we re s e le cte d by Borm a n n , a h in t to a ll to m a in ta in fr ie n d ly re la t ion s with h im . Wh e n e ve r th e re we re d iffe re n ce s of op in ion a m on g th e Re ich s le it e r , h e wa s th e a rb it e r . Th e S u pre m e Cou rt of th e pa rty wa s in s t ru cte d to s u bm it a ll of it s de cis ion s to Hit le r , th a t is , to Borm a n n . Th is , in re ve rs e , a ls o m e a n t th a t a n y s t e ps th a t s e e m e d im porta n t to Borm a n n h a d to be t a ke n . Me e t in gs of th e Re ich s le it e r a s we ll a s th e Ga u le it e r we re ca lle d by Borm a n n , wh o a ls o p re s ide d ove r th e m . On th e s e occa s ion s h e h a d to s a y a fe w words of th a n ks to th e s pe a ke rs , a lwa ys h e s it a n t s t a m m e rin gs in d ica t in g th a t h e wa s in n o wa y th e e qu a l of h is pos it ion . Wh e n e ve r I t a lke d to h im pe rs on a lly, n o coh e re n t s t a t e m e n t e ve r pa s s e d h is lip s . Wh e n I to ld h im th a t h is Ope n le t t e r on Ch ris t ia n ity la cke d th e p rope r form a n d s h ou ldn 't h a ve be e n is s u e d a s a pa rty s t a te m e n t in a n y ca s e , h e wa s ve ry e m ba rra s s e d . Wh ich d idn 't
de te r h im from s e n d in g ou t o th e r form le s s docu m e n ts in to th e world . He p re fe rre d to e va de m a kin g cle a r- cu t de cis ion s , a n d u s u a lly wrote e n t ire ly d iffe re n t op in ion s from th os e a cce p te d with ou t p ro te s t in con ve rs a t ion . Eve rybody a g re e d th a t h e wa s a n u n be lie va b ly e n e rge t ic a n d t ire le s s worke r. He wa s a lwa ys with th e Fü h re r, m a de n ote s of e ve ryth in g , d icta te d , ke p t volu m in ou s re cords - - a lwa ys in a m u ch vu lga ris e d form - - ca rrie d on con s ta n t t e le ph on e con ve rs a t ion s with th e va riou s Ga u le it e r , a n d ofte n h a u le d h is coworke rs in Be rlin a n d Mu n ich ou t of th e ir be ds in th e m idd le of th e n igh t to ch e ck s om e th in g in th e file s . I t h a ppe n e d e ve r m ore fre qu e n t ly th a t Borm a n n is s u e d polit ica l orde rs th a t s h ou ld h a ve com e from th e Ch ie f of th e Re ich Office . Th u s a n e w t it le wa s fou n d for h im : S e cre ta ry to th e Fü h re r. On le t t e rh e a ds with th is im prin t h e n ow cou ld is s u e orde rs in e ve ry d ire ct ion a n d to a n y office . With Him m le r, Borm a n n m a de a clos e a llia n ce . Borm a n n wa s vit a lly in te re s te d in h a vin g Him m le r 's re port s jibe with h is own a n d , of cou rs e , s o wa s Him m le r. Both we re e qu a lly de te rm in e d n ot to le t a n yon e b re a k in to th e clos e d circle a rou n d Hit le r , to fru s t ra te th e a m bit ion of a ll o th e r Re ich s le it e r a n d m in is t e rs , a n d to le t th e fu tu re t a ke ca re of th e re s t . S lowly I got wis e to th e ir ga m e , a ga m e a ga in s t wh ich I in s t in ct ive ly re be lle d . Pe op le I h a d e n ga ge d we re a t t a cke d in re port s . On Borm a n n s u ch S ich e rh e it s d ie n s t re port s h a d th e e ffe ct of s u b lim e re ve la t ion s . He re qu e s te d m e to d is m is s s om e of m y e m ploye e s . Bu t h e h a d lit t le lu ck with m e , e ve n th ou gh h e in d ica te d th a t officia l orde rs for th e s e d is m is s a ls wou ld ce rt a in ly be forth com in g if h e s h owe d th e re port s to Hit le r . I to ld h im th a t I wou ldn 't d re a m of d is m is s in g pe op le with ou t a n in ve s t iga t ion . An d th e re s u lt of th e s e in ve s t iga t ion s we re oft e n s o de va s ta t in g for h is s p ie s th a t e ve n Borm a n n de e m e d it wis e to wa it for be t t e r opportu n it ie s in th e fu tu re . On ce I re ce ive d a docu m e n t th a t ga ve e vide n ce of th e ch e a pe s t kin d of collu s ion . In p re pa ra t ion for th e pos s ib le in s ta lla t ion of a civilia n a dm in is t ra t ion in th e d is t r ict s e a s t of Wh ite Ru th e n ia , s t e ps h a d be e n t a ke n by a s u b -orga n is a t ion n a m e d Au fba u s ta b R (Re con s t ru ct ion S ta ff Ru s s ia ) . Ce rta in m e n we re be in g con s ide re d for ke y pos it ion s . On e of th e s e h a d re ce ive d a le t t e r con ta in in g ge n e ra l d ire ct ive s th a t s om e h ow fe ll in to th e h a n ds of th e S .S . In con n e ct ion with th is a n S .S . le a de r th e n wrote a le t t e r to S .S . -Obe rg ru ppe n fü h re r Be rge r, wh o s h owe d it to m e for m y pe rs on a l in form a t ion . Th e le t t e r de p lore d th e in cide n t a s in d ica t in g a da n ge rou s ly n e g le ct fu l a t t itu de towa rd s t a te s e cre t s , a n d con clu de d with th e a dm on it ion th a t Be rge r re port it in de ta il to Borm a n n wh o, in tu rn , wou ld re port to Hit le r , s e e in g to it th a t I wa s ke p t in th e da rk a bou t th e wh ole m a t te r to p re ve n t m y s qu a rin g th e in cide n t with th e Fü h re r. In o th e r words , we h a d a lre a dy s u n k in to s u ch fou l de p th s , a n d we re ca u gh t a m on g s u ch re pu ls ive cre e pe rs , th a t it s e e m e d a lm os t im pos s ib le to e xt r ica te on e 's s e lf. Wh e n th e wa r n e ce s s it a t e d th e con s olida t ion of va riou s office s , n e ws pa pe rs , a n d m a ga zin e s , Borm a n n wa s g ive n th e n e ce s s a ry powe rs to do th e job . I de cla re d m y willin gn e s s to e con om is e a s m u ch a s pos s ib le , p rovide d th a t th e s a m e wa s don e e ls e wh e re , a n d th a t m y work wa s n 't t a ke n ove r by o th e rs . I re a lis e d th a t Borm a n n n ow s a w a n opportu n ity to e ffe ct h is lon g -h ope d - for pa rty re form . His a im wa s obviou s ly to ga in re cogn it ion for on ly on e s in g le Re ich s le it e r - - h im s e lf - - a n d to s u bord in a te a ll th e o th e rs a s m e re de pa rtm e n t ch ie fs u n de r h is orde rs . Na tu ra lly, th is cou ld n ot be don e ove rn igh t . Eve n Borm a n n cou ld h a rd ly e xpe ct s ile n t a g re e m e n t on m y pa rt , n or on th e pa rt of Gö bbe ls a n d o th e rs . Bu t it cou ld be a rra n ge d s o th a t , in ca s e on e of th e Re ich s le it e r d ie d or re s ign e d , h is s u cce s s or wou ld n o lon ge r h a ve th e s a m e ra n k. Th u s a ft e r Lu tze 's de a th h is s u cce s s or d id n ot be com e Re ich s le it e r , n or d id th e n e w Re ich s ju ge n dfü h re r (Re ich You th Le a de r) Axm a n n . Th is wa s th e d ire ct ion in wh ich th e pa rty wa s to be re orga n is e d , in o th e r words , th e ve ry oppos it e to wh a t we h a d fou gh t for . Borm a n n n e ve r form u la te d or de fe n de d a n ide a of h is own . He wa s n o le a de r of m e n . He wa s a n office le a de r. No on e in th e pa rty or a m on g th e pe op le kn e w h im .
Nobody cou ld ide n t ify h is n a m e with a con ce p t , a n ide a , a n a ccom plis h m e n t , a pe rs on a lity. Of cou rs e , s u ch m e n a re a ls o n e ce s s a ry a s cogs in th e m a ch in e ry of a g re a t m ove m e n t . In s p it e of m y d is gu s t ove r th e wh ole ge n e ra l t re n d , I a lwa ys in s is t e d th a t it wa s re a lly t ra g ic. Borm a n n , too , cou ld h a ve be e n u s e fu l; h e h a d com m on s e n s e , a n d n o dou b t a ls o a n in s t in ct for p ra ct ica l m e a s u re s . In th e p rope r s pot h e cou ld e ve n h a ve don e s om e re a l good . If th e h e a d of th e s t a te is a t on e a n d th e s a m e t im e Ch ie f of th e Pa rty, of th e Re ich Office , a n d a ls o com m a n de r in ch ie f of th e We h rm a ch t , h e s im p ly ca n 't lis t e n to a s m a n y d iffe re n t pe op le a s h e m igh t h a ve be fore . He 's got to h a ve a fe w a s s is t a n t s , qu ick- th in kin g office worke rs . If Borm a n n h a d a cce p te d th is pos t a s a n in te rm e d ia ry, h e wou ld h a ve be e n re wa rde d with willin g h e lpe rs a n d ge n e ra l e s t e e m . His n a m e wou ld la t e r h a ve be e n s poke n with re ve re n ce . As it wa s , m a n y Ga u le it e r we re u n de r ob liga t ion to h im for h is h e lp , bu t h is u lt im a te goa l h a d to tu rn th e m in to oppon e n t s , e xa ct ly a s it h a d m e . I s poke qu it e ope n ly a bou t a ll th is to Borm a n n 's ch ie f of s t a ff wh e n h e ca lle d on m e . Actu a lly Borm a n n re t re a te d s ligh t ly, bu t I wa s s t ill worrie d a bou t th e fu tu re de ve lopm e n t of ou r ide a a n d of th e Re ich it s e lf. At th a t t im e m y old com ra de , Arn o S ch icke da n z, d roppe d in qu it e re gu la rly. Occa s ion a lly h e s a w th in gs m u ch m ore cle a rly th a n I m ys e lf re a lly wa n te d to s e e th e m . S in ce 1 9 4 3 , h e h a d on ly on e e p ith e t for Borm a n n a n d h is crowd : Me ga lom a n ia ca l Pos e m u cke l. At pa rty m e e t in gs I h a d fre qu e n t ly s poke n a bou t s im ila r th in gs ; a bou t n a rrow-m in de dn e s s a n d p rovin cia lis m , a n u n fortu n a te in h e rit a n ce of th e Th irty Ye a rs ' Wa r wh ich we s im p ly h a d to ou tg row. Th e n , a s a m ore s pe cific crit icis m , I wrote a n e d itoria l for th e Folkis h Obs e rve r d ire cte d a ga in s t p ra ct it ion e rs with ou t ide a s , a n d s u gge s t in g th a t we th in k p rob le m s th rou gh , s om e th in g wh ich wou ld n e ce s s it a t e a g re a t de a l of e du ca t ion a l work. At th e pa rty ce n t ra l, th e a rt icle wa s qu it e corre ct ly in te rp re te d . Bu t a ll it a ccom plis h e d wa s th a t it cla rifie d th e s itu a t ion with ou t a n yon e be in g a b le to do a n yth in g a bou t it . Not du rin g th e wa r, a n ywa y. Th e s itu a t ion s im p ly crie d ou t for re form , bu t in e xa ct ly th e oppos it e d ire ct ion from th a t a dvoca te d by Gö bbe ls , Borm a n n , a n d Him m le r. Th e re cogn it ion of th is de m a n d of th e fu tu re b rou gh t m e in to clos e r con ta ct with th e le a de rs of th e Re ich 's you th . Th e Hit le r Ju ge n d (Hit le r You th m ove m e n t ) , too , h a d be e n gu ilty of ce rt a in e xce s s e s : th e idola t ry of you th , th e e xa gge ra te d p ride in th e ir cou ra ge ou s a ct ion s , a n d s o on , h a d be got te n m a n y g ra n d ios e h ope s , e ve n on th e pa rt of S ch ira ch . Bu t th e you n ge s t on e s we re n o dou b t ju s t ifie d in th e ir con vict ion th a t th e s t r ict d is cip lin e e s s e n t ia l du rin g re volu t ion a ry t im e s s h ou ld n ow be s om e wh a t re la xe d . It wa s im pos s ib le to s t a n d con s ta n t ly a t a t t e n t ion . Th e s e p rob le m s , a n d pa rt icu la rly th e qu it e a ppa re n t t ra n s form a t ion of th e pa rty in to a d icta tors h ip of th e a n te room , we re wide ly d is cu s s e d . My coworke rs , m os t of wh om h a d com e from th e Hit le r You th , th u s con s p ire d , s o to s pe a k, for fu tu re re form s . I de cla re d th a t I , t oo , wou ld on ce a ga in be com e a re volu t ion a ry in m y wa n in g ye a rs if th a t wou ld h e lp p re s e rve wh a t we h a d fou gh t for . If I h a d s t ill be e n you n g , I u n dou b te d ly wou ld h a ve le ft th e pa rty. My in n e r voice h a d g ive n m e s u fficie n t wa rn in g , ju s t a s it h a d wa rn e d m e in th e pa s t . Arou n d th e m idd le of April, 1 9 4 5 , Re ich s ju ge n dfü h re r Axm a n n ca lle d on m e a t m y h om e . He s t ill s poke h ope fu lly a bou t a pos s ib le la s t s t a n d in th e m ou n ta in s . I re m a in e d s ile n t . Th e n h e a s ke d m e wh e th e r I th ou gh t th a t th e ide a it s e lf h a d be e n wron g , or wh e th e r it s t ra n s la t ion in to re a lity h a d s om e h ow gon e a wry - - th e s a m e qu e s t ion s m illion s we re a s kin g . I to ld h im th a t a g re a t ide a h a d be e n m is u s e d by s m a ll m e n . Him m le r wa s th e e vil s ym bol of th a t . Axm a n n re p lie d th a t , a ft e r a ll, t h e you th of toda y wou ld h a ve to s h ou lde r th e bu rde n of th e e n t ire fu tu re . You th a ckn owle dge d th e g re a t th in gs a ccom plis h e d by th e ge n e ra t ion of World Wa r I, bu t cou ld re a lly be lie ve in on ly a fe w of th e m . Th e y h ope d I 'd s t a n d by a n d g ive th e m cou n s e l. I wa s de e p ly m ove d , u n de rs ta n d in g fu ll we ll th e s orrow of a ge n e ra t ion th a t ce rt a in ly h a dn 't kn own a ga y ch ildh ood , th a t h a d s t a re d de a th in th e e ye
a th ou s a n d t im e s , a n d th a t n ow fa ce d a da rk fa te . I h a ve th ou gh t oft e n of th a t h ou r I s pe n t with Axm a n n . In th e s p rin g of 1 9 4 6 , we re a d th a t h e a n d a fe w of h is a s s is t a n t s h a d be e n a rre s te d be ca u s e , u n de r cove r of th e ir s u ppos e d s cie n t ific re s e a rch , th e y h a d a t t e m p te d to bu ild u p a n e w orga n is a t ion .
I t h a d be com e com ple te ly im pos s ib le to s e e th e Fü h re r. Eve ry a t t e m p t to do s o wa s th wa rte d by Borm a n n , u n de r th e p re te xt th a t Hit le r wa s too bu s y with wa r p rob le m s . Th e Ga u le it e r re ce ive d th e orde r: Victory or De a th . Th e n igh t a ft e r th e Fü h re r h a d t a ke n h is own life , witn e s s Ke m ka , to ld th is cou rt , Borm a n n wa s s e e n a t Frie d rich s t ra ß e S ta t ion . Ge rm a n a rm ou re d ca rs d rove by, Borm a n n wa lkin g be s ide on e , Ke m ka a bou t fou r m e te rs fa rth e r ba ck. S u dde n ly th e re wa s a n e xp los ion . Th e a rm ou re d ca rs b le w u p , fla m e s s h ot u p to th e s ky a n d , a s h e fe ll, Ke m ka s a w Borm a n n 's body s a il th rou gh th e a ir . Th a t wa s a ll h e kn e w. Th e r idd le of Borm a n n 's de a th h a s s t ill n ot be e n de fin it e ly s o lve d .
Adolf Hitler, man and myth
W h a t Hit le r d id , w h a t Hit le r o rd e re d , h o w h e b u rd e n e d th e m o s t h o n o u ra b le
m e n , h o w h e d ra g g e d in to th e d u s t th e id e a ls o f a m o v e m e n t c re a te d b y h im s e lf,
a ll th is is o f s u c h g h a s t ly m a g n itu d e th a t n o e v e ry d a y a d je c t iv e is a d e q u a te to
d e s c rib e it . No r d o I h a v e th e rig h t to p a s s h is to ric a l ju d g e m e n t . All I p ro p o s e to
d o is t o p u t d o w n o n p a p e r s o m e p a rt o f w h a t I th o u g h t a b o u t h im in th e s e
m a n y y e a rs , a n d to m e n t io n a fe w c h a ra c te ris t ic d e ta ils th a t h a v e c lu n g to m y
m e m o ry .
I m u s t s a y th a t it wa s a bs olu te ly u n ca n n y h ow s im ila r ou r op in ion s fre qu e n t ly we re . On ce , a ft e r I h a d writ t e n a n a rt icle on th e p rob le m s of a lcoh ol for th e Folkis h Obs e rve r, a n d wa s ju s t re a d in g th e ga lle y p roofs , Hit le r ca lle d on m e a t th e e d itoria l office . He h a d with h im a n a rt icle on th e p rob le m s of a lcoh ol wh ich h e wa n te d m e to pu b lis h in th e n e a r fu tu re . With a la u gh I s h owe d h im m in e . Th e n we re a d e a ch o th e r 's a rt icle s a n d fou n d th a t , s t a rt in g from d iffe re n t p re m is e s , we h a d re a ch e d ide n t ica l con clu s ion s . Wh e n I to ld h im th a t I n a tu ra lly wou ld kill m y own a rt icle , Hit le r s a id , u n de r n o circu m s ta n ce s ; it wa s e xce lle n t , a n d it wou ld be a good th in g if both of th e m we re pu b lis h e d . Th u s th e Folkis h Obs e rve r pu b lis h e d th e two a rt icle s in th e s a m e is s u e . Hit le r in s is t e d th a t m os t of th e im porta n t s pe e ch e s to be m a de a t pa rty con ve n t ion s be s u bm it t e d to h im . On ce , wh e n I pe rs on a lly h a n de d h im on e of m in e , h e re a d it im m e d ia te ly a n d s a id : Th is is a s m u ch like m in e a s if we h a d com pa re d n ote s be fore h a n d . I m igh t de s cribe th e g ra du a lly de ve lop in g pe rs on a l re la t ion s h ip s om e wh a t like th is : h e e s te e m e d m e h igh ly, bu t h e d id n ot love m e . Th a t PER S E wa s n ot pa rt icu la rly s u rp ris in g . For on e wh o ca m e from th e Gu lf of Both n ia b rou gh t a lon g a n e n t ire ly d iffe re n t t e m pe ra m e n t th a n on e from Bra u n a u on th e In n . Wh a t wa s s u rp ris in g , on th e con t ra ry, wa s ou r m ira cu lou s ly s im ila r ju dge m e n t re ga rd in g th e ba s ic t ra it s of s o m a n y p rob le m s . On m a n y s ou th e rn Ge rm a n s I s im p ly h a d th e e ffe ct of a we t b la n ke t , a n d be h in d m a n y com ple te ly irre le va n t re m a rks of m in e th e y fre qu e n t ly s e n s e d iron y. Hit le r fe lt m ore a t h om e in th e com pa n y of Es s e r, Am a n n , Gö bbe ls , Hoffm a n n , a n d s o on , a n d h a d th e d is con ce rt in g fe e lin g th a t I wa s th e re m ore or le s s a s a n obs e rve r. La te r on th is wa s de fin it e ly th e ca s e , a ft e r I h a d re cogn is e d th e pe t t in e s s of th e crowd s u rrou n d in g h im , a n d th e ir con s ta n t a n xie ty to a da p t e ve ry on e of th e ir re m a rks to h is m oods . S om e t im e s Gö bbe ls a ctu a lly flir t e d with a n occa s ion a l con t ra d ict ion , on ly to be pe rs u a de d a ft e r a wh ile to e xp re s s h is e n th u s ia s t ic a g re e m e n t .
S in ce 1 9 2 0 , I h a d a t t e n de d m os t of Hit le r 's m e e t in gs . From th e ve ry firs t I kn e w th e re wa s a ve ry firm s p ir itu a l fou n da t ion , bu t I a ls o s a w a g rowin g m a tu rity in th e t re a tm e n t of th e m a n y p rob le m s , for th e d is cu s s ion of wh ich h e ca lle d th e pe op le to th e la rge circu s bu ild in g on th e Ma rs fe ld (Ma rs Fie ld ) in Mu n ich , or for de ba te s to on e of th e h a lls of th e Ca fé Ne u m e ie r. I n ot ice d th a t Hit le r de fin it e ly ke p t a u cou ra n t with con te m pora ry polit ica l lit e ra tu re , with e ve ryth in g th a t h a d to do with th e Tre a ty of Ve rs a ille s , with th e ou tb re a k of World Wa r I, or with re a rm a m e n t in th e va riou s cou n t rie s . S t ra n ge ly e n ou gh , h e n e ve r s tu d ie d th e va riou s Ma rxis t th e orie s , th ou gh h e t a lke d oft e n a bou t s om e of th e ir ba s ic p rin cip le s , de p ict in g th e ir e ffe ct s on polit ica l
e ve n t s . In h is ba t t le a ga in s t th is world of Ma rxis m , h e ce rt a in ly u t ilis e d a ll th e tools of pa s s ion , p ropa ga n da a n d iron y, bu t n e ve r pe rm it t e d h im s e lf to be s ide - t ra cke d , pa rt icu la rly in m e e t in gs in te n de d to a t t ra ct th e workin g cla s s e s . Wh e n th e S ocia l De m ocra t s a n d th e Com m u n is t s we re lookin g for n e w p rob le m s to s o lve , th e y s tu m ble d ove r wh a t th e y ch os e to ca ll Fü rs te n -En te ign u n g ( th e d is pos s e s s ion of th e p rin ce s ) . Mos t of th e Ge rm a n p rovin ce s a n d p rin cipa lit ie s h a d a lre a dy a rrive d a t s om e a g re e m e n t with th e ir de pos e d p rin ce ly h ou s e s , bu t in vie w of it s dom e s t ic a n d fore ign polit ica l d ile m m a s , Ma rxis m wa s con s ta n t ly on th e lookou t for n e w wa ys to p rove it s s ocia l t e n de n cie s . In con t ra s t to m e n like He rm a n n Es s e r, Hit le r n e ve r pe rm it t e d h im s e lf to be ca u gh t u p in s u ch de m a gogu e ry. He de cla re d th a t a s lon g a s p riva te p rope rty wa s re cogn is e d a s on e of th e fou n da t ion s of n a t ion a l life , h e wou ld n ot yie ld , irre s pe ct ive of h ow good or h ow ba d th e ru le rs of th e va riou s s t a te s h a d be e n . Th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t Ge rm a n Worke rs ' Pa rty a dop te d th is poin t of vie w, n ot with ou t poin t in g ou t a t th e s a m e t im e th a t , s t ra n ge a s it m igh t s e e m , Ma rxis m in te n de d to le a ve u n m ole s te d th e m illion s of wa r p rofit e e rs a n d e xch a n ge ba n d it s . In du e t im e a popu la r re fe re n du m fin a lly re je cte d th e Ma rxis t ca tch word . La te r , wh e n Hit le r ra n a ga in s t Hin de n bu rg for Re ich s p rä s ide n t , it wa s de fin it e ly de cide d n ot to a t t a ck Hin de n bu rg pe rs on a lly. S o m u ch of th e g re a t Ge rm a n h is tory is ide n t ifie d with h im , Hit le r s a id to m e , th a t we m u s t n ot u n de r a n y circu m s ta n ce s da m a ge h is re pu ta t ion . Th e e le ct ion p ropa ga n da wa s to be ba s e d on th e cla im th a t th e t im e s ca lle d for a m a n of th e you n ge r ge n e ra t ion wh o wa s s t ill in th e m ids t of th e figh t , a n d h a d a t t ra cte d fo llowe rs by m e a n s of h is polit ica l a ct ivit ie s . In o th e r words , e ve n in th is ca s e wh ich con ce rn e d h im pe rs on a lly, Hit le r a dh e re d s t r ict ly to h is p rin cip le s , a n d s h u n n e d a ll t a ct ica l t e m p ta t ion s . Th is de ce n t a t t itu de , wh ich h e d is p la ye d t im e a ft e r t im e , wa s wh a t im bu e d m e with e ve r n e w re s pe ct for Hit le r , e ve n th ou gh I m igh t t a ke e xce p t ion to o th e r t e n de n cie s of h is , or a t le a s t con s ide r th e m odd . Es pe cia lly wh e n th e y occu rre d in th e fie ld of fore ign policy. Hit le r ve ry s obe rly con ce de d th a t a los t World Wa r h a d ce rt a in h a rs h bu t in e vit a b le con s e qu e n ce s . He e m ph a t ica lly re pu d ia te d th e de m a n ds for th e o ld fron t ie rs of 1 9 1 4 , cla im in g th a t a ch a n ge d world p re s u ppos e d ch a n ge d m e th ods . In con n e ct ion with th e re je ct ion by th e Allie s of a ll cla im s for t re a ty re vis ion , h e de cla re d th a t de m a n ds cou ld be m a de on ly by a s t ron g u n ifie d Ge rm a n gove rn m e n t , s om e th in g th e Nove m be r S ta te de fin it e ly wa s n ot . Bu t e ve n th e n th e s e de m a n ds wou ld h a ve to be ba s e d on th e s obe r qu e s t ion of wh ich cou n t rie s , in th e ir own in te re s t s , wou ld be a ga in s t th e de s t ru ct ion of th e h e a rt of Eu rope . His a n s we r: It a ly a n d En g la n d . If th is a n s we r we re r igh t , h e con clu de d , it wa s n e ce s s a ry to g ive u p ce rt a in th in gs wh ich m igh t p re ve n t th e s e cou n t rie s from a rrivin g a t a n u n de rs ta n d in g with Ge rm a n y. On th e on e h a n d , th is m e a n t g ivin g u p a ll cla im s to s ou th e rn Tyrol, on th e o th e r, th e a ba n don m e n t of th e colon ia l policy, a n d p la cin g th e de m a n d for th e re tu rn of on e or th e o th e r of Ge rm a n y's form e r colon ie s on th e ba s is of a fr ie n d ly a g re e m e n t with Gre a t Brit a in . Hit le r h a d th e cou ra ge to p rocla im th is in th e fa ce of s t ron g m idd le -cla s s , n a t ion a lis t ic oppos it ion . In s p it e of ou r love for th e Tyrolia n s , th e ir fa t e h a d to be s u bord in a te d to th e in te re s t s of th e o th e r s e ve n ty m illion Ge rm a n s . Th u s Hit le r by n o m e a n s ch os e th e wa y of le a s t re s is t a n ce bu t , on th e con t ra ry, de libe ra te ly cou rte d a ll s ort s of oppos it ion to h is a ct ivit ie s on be h a lf of p rin cip le s h e h a d re cogn is e d a s corre ct . On th e o th e r h a n d , h owe ve r, h is o th e r s e lf h a m pe re d h im con s ide ra b ly. His be s t in te n t ion s we re fre qu e n t ly th wa rte d by th e in je ct ion of pu re ly pe rs on a l th in gs - - m a t te rs of e m ot ion . In 1 9 2 3 , wh e n I t a lke d with m y fu tu re wife a bou t Hit le r a n d h is m a s cu lin e force , I in a dve rte n t ly a dde d s om e th in g of wh ich s h e la t e r re m in de d m e qu it e fre qu e n t ly: th e on ly th in g th a t ba ffle d m e s om e wh a t wa s Hit le r 's re ce d in g fore h e a d , wh ich ga ve h im a n u n s te a dy a ppe a ra n ce . S ide by s ide with cle a r u n de rs ta n d in g a n d a t ru ly g re a t pe rs is t e n cy, s om e th in g p re cip it a n t , volca n ic, e xp los ive , u n ba la n ce d , oft e n ca m e to th e
s u rfa ce - - a t ra it wh ich , I obs e rve d , h e oft e n ca rrie d a s a d is tu rb in g e le m e n t in to ou r ba t t le . Bu t s in ce Hit le r in va ria b ly m a n a ge d to ove rcom e with re dou b le d e n e rgy wh a te ve r cris is h a d be e n con ju re d u p by th is e le m e n t , I fin a lly be ga n to dou b t m y own ju dge m e n t , a n d ca m e to th e con clu s ion th a t h e wa s , a ft e r a ll, t h e wis e r in pe rm it t in g th e e xis t in g force s to ru n th e ir cou rs e . Toda y, h owe ve r, I a m in clin e d to be lie ve th a t it wa s th is s ide of h is m u lt ifa ce te d pe rs on a lity th a t m a de pos s ib le th e a dve n t of pe op le like Gö bbe ls , Him m le r, a n d Borm a n n , a n d a ll th e d ire con s e qu e n ce s of th e ir com in g to powe r.
All th os e in wh om I re cogn is e d th e t e ll- t a le s ym ptom s of th e g re a t illn e s s of Na t ion a l S ocia lis m cou ld h a ve be e n u s e fu l in s u bord in a te pos t s . S om e wh e re in th e m idd le , u n de r th e u n e qu ivoca l orde rs of a fa r- s e e in g le a de r wh o wou ld in s ta n t ly s t a m p ou t d is loya lty a t th e firs t s ign , th e y wou ld e ith e r h a ve be e n p re ve n te d from g ivin g fre e re ign to th e ir ba s e in s t in ct s , or th e y wou ld h a ve be e n b roke n . It wou ld s e e m th a t , con s ide rin g Adolf Hit le r 's a u th ority, th is cou ld e a s ily h a ve be e n don e . Bu t it wa s h e wh o pe rm it t e d th is m is u s e of powe r a n d s a w in e ve ry crit icis m of h is fu n ct ion a rie s a crit icis m of h is own pe rs on . Th e y cou ld n ot with s ta n d th e t e m p ta t ion s of powe r. Hit le r los t h is s t e a dy h a n d . An d for th is re a s on a ll qu e s t ion s a s ke d m u s t a lwa ys a n d in va ria b ly le a d ba ck to h im .
Ge rm a n office rs fou n d th e m s e lve s in a ra th e r t ra g ic pos it ion : form e rly u n polit ica l, th ou gh n a tu ra lly p ro-Ka is e r; th e n , a ft e r th e firs t e dd ie s of th e Nove m be r re volu t ion , s a fe ly e s ta b lis h e d on th e s u p ra -polit ica l is la n d of th e Re ich s we h r; a n d s in ce 1 9 3 3 , livin g in a n e w s ta te . Ma n y oth e rs , ou t s ide th e s m a ll We h rm a ch t , took u p a ll kin ds of bou rge ois p rofe s s ion s , th e ir h e a rt s fu ll of o ld t ra d it ion s , h a t in g th e Nove m be r re pu b lic, bu t a t th e s a m e t im e fille d with d is t ru s t for Na t ion a l S ocia lis m a n d th e n on -bou rge ois m e th ods u s e d in it s polit ica l ba t t le s . We Ba lt s ce rt a in ly a ll re ve re d th e o ld Pru s s ia n s t a te , th ou gh ou r wa y of life wa s com ple te ly u n -Pru s s ia n . Th e S ca n d in a via n a dm ixtu re h a d g ive n u s le s s r ig id form s a n d a m ore ge n e rou s wa y of th in kin g th a n th os e p rodu ce d by wa r-h a rde n e d Pru s s ia n s t a te e th ics . Bu t I , a s we ll a s m a n y oth e rs , s a w Pru s s ia a s th e h e ir to th e o ld kn igh t ly orde rs , a n d fo llowe d it s h is tory from Fe h rbe llin to S e da n with ge n u in e con ce rn a n d p re ju d ice a ga in s t a ll of Bra n de n bu rg 's e n e m ie s . From m y e a rlie s t you th Fre de rick II h a d a lwa ys s e e m e d to m e a h a lf- le ge n da ry figu re , a n d I re a d a n d re -re a d th e h is tory of th e Wa rs of Libe ra t ion . Th e cris is th a t ca m e a ft e r 1 8 7 1 wa s s om e th in g I u n de rs tood we ll, s in ce I h a d s tu d ie d it s lit e ra tu re du rin g m y s tu de n t da ys . Alm os t th e e n t ire o ld corps of office rs d ie d on th e ba t t le fie ld s of th e Firs t World Wa r, bu t a n e w on e g re w u p du rin g th e la t t e r pa rt of th a t wa r. Th e com ra de s h ip t ra n s ce n d in g a ll cla s s e s a n d pa rt ie s ce rt a in ly wa s a g re a t e xpe rie n ce . It ga ve b ir th to Fron t S ocia lis m . An d to ch a n ge th is in to Na t ion a l S ocia lis m wa s th e t a s k th e s o ld ie r , orde rly, a n d corpora l, Adolf Hit le r , h a d s e t for h im s e lf. His torica l t ru th re qu ire s th e a dm is s ion th a t a t a t im e wh e n e pa u le t s we re be in g r ippe d off th e s h ou lde rs of Ge rm a n office rs , wh e n on e Ca p ta in Be rth old wa s lit e ra lly torn to p ie ce s by a m ob , a n d wh e n th e p re s s pou re d wa ve s of h a t re d down u pon th e ir h e a ds , it wa s Hit le r wh o in pu b lic m e e t in gs a lwa ys s tood u p for th os e office rs a n d th e ir h on ou r. I a t t e n de d th e s e m e e t in gs a n d th e le ctu re s a t th e Mu n ich Hofb rä u wh e re h e s poke in de fe n ce of h is torica l ju s t ice , ju s t a s h e d id with ou t fa il in Re d cit ie s . Th u s Fre e Corps office rs wh o h a d fou gh t in S ile s ia a n d th e Ba lt ic s t a t e s , a s we ll a s Ba va ria n office rs d is gu s te d with th e n e w re pu b lic a n d h op in g for a n e w tu rn of fa te , got in tou ch with Hit le r . Arou n d th e m g re w u p va riou s n a t ion a lis t orga n is a t ion s like Obe rla n d ,
Re ich s fla gge , a n d th e re s t .
Th u s , u n t il 1 9 3 3 , I h a d ve ry lit t le con ta ct with office rs , a n d cou ld obs e rve th e va riou s u n de rcu rre n t s in th e Re ich s we h r on ly from a d is t a n ce . Hit le r fo llowe d a n a bs olu te ly s t ra igh t cou rs e by re fra in in g from in te rla rd in g th e Re ich s we h r with Na t ion a l S ocia lis t ce lls , a n d by ke e p in g it a wa y from polit ica l s t r ife . He m e t icu lou s ly ke p t th e oa th s worn a t Le ipzig , s om e th in g th a t la t e r le d to a vio le n t d is pu te with th e Ch ie f of S ta ff of th e S torm Troope rs , Ca p ta in von Pfe ffe r (wh o re s ign e d a ft e r th e S te n n e s re volt ) . As a form e r s o ld ie r , Hit le r kn e w th a t a n a rm y is worth le s s if oppos in g polit ica l g rou ps with in it wre s t le da ily for th e s ou l of e ve ry m a n . Hit le r to ld m e th e Com m a n de r in Ch ie f of th e Arm y, Ge n e ra l Fre ih e rr von Ha m m e rs te in , on ce s a id to h im : He rr Hit le r , if you com e to powe r le ga lly, I 'm s a t is fie d . If n ot , I ' ll s h oot . Th e e p ilogu e we n t like th is : Afte r h is re s ign a t ion in 1 9 3 1 , Pfe ffe r , m u ch to Hit le r 's s a t is fa ct ion , h a d be h a ve d ve ry loya lly. In 1 9 3 3 h e wa s g ive n a pos t in He s s 's office , a n d a ls o re tu rn e d to th e Re ich Office . It h a ppe n e d th a t Hit le r wa s con fe rrin g with a fe w ge n e ra ls , a n d th a t Pfe ffe r wa s p re s e n t . S u dde n ly Pfe ffe r re m a rke d th a t h e h a d h a d qu it e a fe w p re viou s con fe re n ce s with Re ich s we h r office rs . Hit le r got re d in th e fa ce . Be fore th e Le ipzig t r ia l h e h a d a s ke d Pfe ffe r s e ve ra l t im e s wh e th e r h e h a d live d u p to h is orde rs , a qu e s t ion Pfe ffe r h a d a lwa ys a n s we re d with a ca te gorica l ye s . Wh e n Hit le r a s ke d h im in d is gu s t wh y h e h a dn 't to ld h im th e t ru th be fore , Pfe ffe r re p lie d th a t h e h a dn 't wa n te d to m a ke h im fe e l u n e a s y. Th is in cide n t e n ra ge d Hit le r s o m u ch th a t firs t h e forba de Pfe ffe r e ve r to e n te r h is h ou s e a ga in , a n d la te r e xpe lle d h im from th e pa rty. He fe lt h im s e lf d is a vowe d in fron t of th os e office rs , a n d be t ra ye d in a m a t te r th a t h a d in volve d h is oa th a n d th e e n t ire fa te of th e m ove m e n t . He won de re d wh a t wou ld h a ve h a ppe n e d if on e of th e office rs with wh om Pfe ffe r de a lt h a d s poke n u p .
Wh e n e ve r I th in k ba ck to Hit le r 's la t e r t a lks to ge n e ra ls on h is policy a n d h is pu b lic s pe e ch e s , I a m con fron te d with a p s ych olog ica l r idd le . I ca n e xp la in th in gs to m ys e lf on ly by a s s u m in g th a t , u p to th e e n d of 1 9 3 7 , h e worke d for a n u n de rs ta n d in g with th e We s te rn powe rs , a lwa ys with th e h ope th a t h is g ra n d ios e p la n s for a n a llia n ce m igh t ye t com e to pa s s . Th e n , a ppa re n t ly, h e los t h ope a n d , de s p it e th e con clu s ion of th e Mu n ich Pa ct , pa s s ion ove rru le d com m on s e n s e . Fa te ra n it s in e xora b le a n d t e rr ib le cou rs e .
An e n t ire ly d iffe re n t type wa s Ca p ta in Ern s t Rö h m , you n g , re volu t ion a ry, a gg re s s ive , a ct ive , wh o h a d jo in e d Hit le r ve ry e a rly a n d pa rt icipa te d in ou r a ct ion of Nove m be r 9 , 1 9 2 3 . He a lwa ys t re a te d m e with th e u tm os t a m ia b ility, th ou gh h e wa s s om e wh a t re s e rve d towa rd m e , a civilia n , wh o wa s s t ill a s t ra n ge r in Ba va ria . He is s a id to h a ve be e n ve ry m u s ica l, a n d to h a ve be e n ve ry clos e to h is m oth e r. Afte r th e Hit le r Pu t s ch h e we n t to Bolivia to re orga n is e th e a rm y, a n d u pon h is re tu rn took ove r th e le a de rs h ip of th e S torm Troope rs .
Th e re we re th e we ll-kn own s torie s a bou t h is pe rve rs ion . It wa s s a id th a t h e
h a d a cqu ire d th e h a b it in S ou th Am e rica . Ca p ta in Rö h m wa s a ch a n ge d m a n . Odd fr ie n ds a ppe a re d on th e s ce n e , pe op le like Ha n n s He in z Ewe rs , wh o fe lt ob lige d to ca ll on m e , too . La te r on , in Be rlin , Ewe rs to ld e ve rybody th a t h e h a d be e n we ll re ce ive d in Mu n ich by e ve ryon e bu t m e . To m e h e wa s a s u n a cce p ta b le a s we re h is works . In 1 9 3 2 , be fore m y t r ip to Rom e , I ca lle d on Hit le r to a s k h im wh e th e r h e d id n ot wis h to e lim in a te Rö h m , s in ce it s e e m e d im pos s ib le to h old h im . Hit le r h im s e lf wa s ve ry u n h a ppy a bou t th e wh ole th in g , bu t cou ldn 't b rin g h im s e lf to d is m is s Rö h m . In Be rlin I t r ie d to a void Rö h m wh e n e ve r I cou ld , e ve n th ou gh ou r office s we re clos e toge th e r. I n ot ice d th a t th e S torm Troope r le a de rs u n de r h is in flu e n ce fre qu e n t ly be h a ve d ra th e r a rroga n t ly. Th e wa y th e y ru s h e d a rou n d in th e ir a u tom ob ile s s e e m e d pa rt icu la rly obn oxiou s . Th is re ckle s s a t t itu de in a la rge city p rove d th a t it wa s con te m pt for o th e rs , ra th e r th a n m e re th ou gh t le s s n e s s , th a t wa s a t th e root of th e ir be h a viou r. I t a lke d to He s s a bou t th is , h op in g th a t h e wou ld a s k th e e n t ire pa rty to be a lit t le m ore ca re fu l in th is re s pe ct . I t wa s a bou t a fortn igh t be fore th e fa te fu l Ju n e 3 0 , 1 9 3 4 . I wa s s t ill livin g on Tie rga rte n s t ra ß e , a n d wa s a ccu s tom e d to wa lk to m y office on Ma rga re te n s t ra ß e by wa y of th e S ta n da rte n s t ra ß e . I n ot ice d from th e corn e r of m y e ye th a t Rö h m h a d ju s t pu lle d u p , bu t I d id n ot s top . He ca lle d : He rr Ros e n be rg , wh y a re you a void in g m e ? Wh y don 't you jo in m e in a cu p of coffe e ? S o I wa lke d ove r to h is bu ild in g . He took m e in to th e s t a b le wh e re h e ke p t h is r id in g h ors e s , pa t t e d on e of th e m on th e n e ck a n d s a id s a d ly: An im a ls a re be t t e r th a n m e n . . . . . His office wa s ve ry e le ga n t ; th e b re a kfa s t p re pa re d with a ll th e n ice t ie s of a gou rm e t . Th e office of th e Ch ie f of S ta ff of ou r S torm Troope rs ! We d is cu s s e d va riou s a s pe ct s of th e fore ign s itu a t ion . La te r on , it be ca m e obviou s th a t Rö h m wa n te d to pu m p m e to fin d ou t wh e th e r I kn e w a n yth in g a bou t h is a ct ivit ie s . Afte r Rö h m 's de a th th e Fü h re r to ld m e th a t h e h a d h a te d m e pa rt icu la rly.
Na tu ra lly I a cce p te d a s in e vit a b le m u ch of wh a t th e re volu t ion b rou gh t in it s wa ke , bu t n e ve r d id I fa il to g ive voice to m y fe a rs a n d crit ica l op in ion s wh e n e ve r I con fe rre d with Hit le r . S t ill u n a wa re of on e of th e t ra it s of h is ch a ra cte r , I s a w h im a s a m a n wh o n e e de d to be to ld s u ch th in gs . In 1 9 3 2 , th e a t t a cks on Rö h m be ca m e e ve r m ore om in ou s , a n d Hit le r h im s e lf s poke with d is t a s te of Rö h m 's n otoriou s pe rve rs ion . Wh ile d is cu s s in g a s pe e ch I p la n n e d to m a ke be fore th e Eu rope a n Con gre s s to be h e ld in Rom e , I took a dva n ta ge of th e opportu n ity to t e ll Hit le r th a t s u ch a m a n cou ld n ot pos s ib ly re m a in a t th e h e a d of th e S torm Troope rs . Hit le r re m in de d m e of Rö h m 's form e r a ccom plis h m e n ts a n d a s ke d wh e th e r I kn e w of s om e on e wh o, u n de r th e circu m s ta n ce s , cou ld t a ke ove r th e le a de rs h ip of th e S torm Troope rs . Now, ju s t a s it wa s u n de rs ta n da b le th a t Hit le r d id n ot wa n t to force a n yon e in to th e ca m p of th e oppos it ion be fore h e h im s e lf h a d ca p tu re d th e e xe cu t ive powe r of th e s t a te , s o it wa s com ple te ly n on -u n de rs ta n da b le to m e th a t Hit le r n ot on ly le ft Rö h m in h is im m e a s u ra b ly s t re n g th e n e d pos it ion a ft e r th e Ma ch tü be rn a h m e , bu t e ve n h a d Hin de n bu rg a ppoin t h im Re ich s m in is te r; a n d th a t h e h im s e lf is s u e d a p rocla m a t ion s t a t in g th a t th e Ch ie f of S ta ff of th e S torm Troope r wou ld a u tom a t ica lly be Re ich s m in is te r ( like He s s , a s th e pe rs on a l re p re s e n ta t ive of th e Fü h re r) . Th u s Hit le r s ile n ce d th e oppos it ion to Rö h m - - e xce p t for Rö ve r wh o wa rn e d Rö h m th a t if h e e ve r da re d com e to Olde n bu rg h e wou ld h a ve h im a rre s te d by th e police - - a n d pe rm it t e d h im to s t ru t a rou n d in th e m os t obn oxiou s fa s h ion , pos in g a s on e of th e g re a t m e n of th e re volu t ion , a n d s u rrou n de d by th e s im ila rly in clin e d s ycoph a n t s wh o a lwa ys colle cte d a rou n d h im . Nor d id Hit le r e ra d ica te th e pe s t ile n ce of th e s e h om os e xu a ls la t e r on . In s e e m in g to do s o , h e m e re ly s u pp re s s e d a polit ica l re volt by m e n wh o wa n te d to t a ke ove r th e le a de rs h ip of th e Re ich s we h r. Fu lly con s ciou s of Rö h m 's u n n a tu ra l
in clin a t ion s , h e h a d n e ve rth e le s s g ive n h im h is a ppoin tm e n t . In h is Re ich s ta g s pe e ch a ga in s t th e s e ct , h e re a lly dodge d th e is s u e , s in ce it wa s h e wh o h a d p la ce d m e m be rs of th is s e ct " a t th e h e a d of th e S torm Troope rs , th e m e m be rs of wh ich gn a s h e d th e ir t e e th bu t h a d to obe y Hit le r 's orde rs . La te r on Hit le r to ld m e th a t Rö h m h a te d m e fe rve n t ly, a n d a dde d th a t h e h a d n e ve r in vit e d Rö h m to a p riva te d in n e r. He s e e m e d offe n de d wh e n I re m a in e d s ile n t ; h e re a lis e d th a t to m e th is ju s t d idn 't s e e m e n ou gh . Th e wh ole a ffa ir ga ve e vide n ce of a p s ych olog ica l p rob le m , a n a t t itu de wh ich in it s e n d re s u lt s a n d it s e ffe ct on o th e r pe rs on s de cis ive ly in flu e n ce d Ge rm a n y's fa te . Did Hit le r , by in cre a s in g Rö h m 's powe r, in te n d to t e m p t h im in to t a kin g ille ga l s t e ps s o th a t h e cou ld th e n com ple te ly e lim in a te h im ? Wa s it a de b t of g ra t itu de h e wa s pa yin g th e o ld Ca p ta in Rö h m of 1 9 2 3 ? Or wa s it m e re ly a m a t te r of le t t in g th in gs s lide , th a t t e n de n cy to a void m a kin g pe rs on a l de cis ion s wh ich wa s be com in g e ve r m ore a ppa re n t? To a n s we r th e s e qu e s t ion s , on e wou ld h a ve to be cogn is a n t of th e e n t ire de ve lopm e n t of th is Rö h m com ple x. Hit le r 's Re ich s ta g s pe e ch doe s n 't g ive e n ou gh in form a t ion , s in ce it is obviou s ly a re con s t ru ct ion in re t ros pe ct to s h ow th in gs in th e ligh t in wh ich Hit le r wa n te d th e m to be s e e n . Bu t wh e n I com pa re Hit le r 's a t t itu de in th e Rö h m ca s e to th a t h e m a in ta in e d in o th e r, s im ila r on e s be fore a n d a ft e r th e Ma ch tü be rn a h m e , I be com e m ore a n d m ore con vin ce d th a t it wa s s om e fa ta l s h yn e s s th a t m a de h im in ca pa b le of d iffe re n t ia t in g cle a rly be twe e n gu ilt a n d in n oce n ce , r igh t a n d wron g , to re ct ify th e s itu a t ion on ce a n d for a ll a n d go on from th e re . In 1 9 2 4 , wh e n th e re a lly de s p ica b le a t t a cks we re m a de on m e by Es s e r a n d h is ilk, Hit le r a voide d m a kin g a n y in ve s t iga t ion a n d re fu s e d to pa s s ju dge m e n t . Both of you , h e s a id , pu t you rs e lve s a t m y d is pos a l a t a t im e wh e n th is n o lon ge r re qu ire d th e m a kin g of s a crifice s , a n d for th is re a s on you m u s t n ow bu ry you r pe rs on a l fe u ds a n d s t a rt a fre s h . Wh e n th e con flict be twe e n S t ra s s e r a n d Gö bbe ls ca m e , Hit le r a ga in in s is t e d u pon a com prom is e a n d a re con cilia t ion . He s h u n n e d in ve s t iga t ion s th a t wou ld h a ve cla rifie d m a t te rs , s o th a t in e ffe ct th e d is h on ou ra b le a t t a cke r re m a in e d th e e qu a l of th e a t t a cke d , a s d id Es s e r with m e , a n d Gö bbe ls with S t ra s s e r . Th u s it wa s a lwa ys th e on e a t t a cke d wh o h a d to be ge n e rou s e n ou gh to re fra in from ca u s in g Hit le r fu rth e r t rou b le , a n d wh o h a d to m a ke s a crifice s . I wa s to be m a de a wa re of th is fa ct on ce m ore , a n d in it s m os t b it t e r con s e qu e n ce s , by th e ca s e of Koch . On ly in th is in s ta n ce , th e con t rove rs y, d is tort e d by th e Fü h re r in to a n oth e r pe rs on a l con flict , a ctu a lly h a d a be a rin g on th e fa te of th e e n t ire Re ich .
By t e m pe ra m e n t I h a ve a lwa ys be e n in fa vou r of t a kin g p re ve n t ive m e a s u re s . Bu t in a ll ju s t ice , I m u s t a dm it th a t th e re we re we igh ty re a s on s for re ta in in g e ve n com ple te ly u n de s ira b le e le m e n ts in th e pa rty, a t le a s t u n t il th e Ma ch tü be rn a h m e , in s te a d of p rovokin g , by th e ir e xpu ls ion , th e form a t ion of a n e w n a t ion a lis t oppos it ion . Th e Ot to S t ra s s e r in cide n t wa s wa rn in g e n ou gh , a n d u n dou b te d ly h a d a n in cre a s in g ly s t ron g in flu e n ce on th e t a ct icia n , Hit le r . If in th e be g in n in g h e wa s u n de rs ta n da b ly ca u t iou s , if la t e r h e re a lis e d th a t e ve n ra th e r u n de s ira b le force s cou ld n ot be fore ve r n e g le cte d , th e re is n o dou b t th a t in a ft e r ye a rs Hit le r de libe ra te ly a llowe d a n ta gon is t ic g rou ps to e xis t with in th e pa rty, s o th a t h e cou ld p la y u m pire a n d Fü h re r. I th ou gh t I h a d obs e rve d th a t t e n de n cy e ve n on a m u ch e a rlie r occa s ion . As a lre a dy re porte d , I h a d be e n g ive n th e t a s k of re a s s e m blin g th e s ca t t e re d m e m be rs of th e pa rty a ft e r th e fa ilu re of Nove m be r, 1 9 2 3 . An d e ve n th ou gh Hit le r la t e r a g re e d with m y m e th ods , h e s t ill re ce ive d lou d -m ou th e d wis e a cre s like Es s e r a n d S t re ich e r wh o p ra te d a bou t th e be t ra ya l of th e Hit le r s p ir it , a n d wh o we re pa th olog ica lly in ca pa b le of u n de rs ta n d in g or ju dg in g th e s itu a t ion . Th a t is wh y I wrote Hit le r a t La n ds be rg th a t m y h on ou r wou ld n ot pe rm it m e to t a ke
th e s e th in gs lyin g down , a n d a s ke d h im to re lie ve m e of m y m is s ion . At th a t t im e I h a d th e u n ca n n y fe e lin g th a t Hit le r ra th e r like d th e ide a of in t ra -pa rty b icke rin g . He con s ide re d h im s e lf th e re a l le a de r of ou r n a t ion a l a wa ke n in g , a n d p roba b ly th ou gh t h is pos it ion wou ld be e a s ie r to m a in ta in if h e e n cou n te re d , u pon h is re tu rn , n ot a clos e ly kn it orga n is a t ion , bu t a lo t of a n ta gon is t ic g rou ps . For in th e firs t ca s e h e m igh t h a ve h a d to fa ce a s t ru gg le to re ga in h is o ld in flu e n ce ; wh ile in th e s e con d , h e wou ld a ppe a r on th e s ce n e a s a s a viou r to th e s qu a bb lin g , d is in te g ra t in g pa rty. At th e t im e th e s e ide a s s e e m e d a lm os t b la s ph e m ou s to m e , bu t s u bcon s ciou s ly I kn e w e ve n th e n th e y we re corre ct . In a n y ca s e , I d id n ot wis h to re m a in a ca u s e of s u ch b icke rin g , a n d s t e ppe d ou t . An d for th is re a s on I a ls o s t a ye d a wa y from th e th e a t r ica l re con cilia t ion fe s t ivit ie s of Fe b ru a ry 2 4 , 1 9 2 5 .
Wh e n th e wa r ca m e h e wa n te d to be a n office r , a s h e h a d be e n in World Wa r I, bu t wa s re je cte d . S om e th in g e ls e , h owe ve r, p rovide d a n a bs olu te t ra g ic s e qu e l to th e Rö h m Pu ts ch . Alth ou gh Lu tze wa s on th e be s t of t e rm s with th e le a de rs h ip of th e a rm y, th e re a ct iva te d o ld colon e ls a n d ge n e ra ls oft e n we re polit ica l oppon e n t s , u lt ra -re a ct ion a ry, a n d fre qu e n t ly ide n t ifie d with th e form e r S ta h lh e lm (S te e l He lm e t ) orga n is a t ion . Th u s it ca m e a bou t th a t S torm Troope r le a de rs wh o du rin g th e Firs t World Wa r h a d be e n on ly ca p ta in s , bu t wh o n ow le d t e n s of th ou s a n ds of m e n , we re t a ke n ove r by th e a rm y with ou t p rom ot ion in ra n k. In s u ch in fe rior pos it ion s th e y fe ll, t h e vict im s of a n e w Re ich for wh ich th e y, too , h a d s t ru gg le d a rde n t ly.
As Re ich Ch a n ce llor Hit le r t re a te d th e We h rm a ch t with th e u tm os t con s ide ra t ion . Not on ly be ca u s e it wa s d ire ct ly u n de r Hin de n bu rg , bu t p rim a rily be ca u s e h e re a lis e d th a t h e re we re a ll t e ch n ica l p re re qu is it e s for pos s ib le fu tu re re in force m e n ts . Th e S torm Troope rs wa s n ot a n a rm e d force bu t a n in s t ru m e n t of polit ica l p ro te ct ion , a n d it wa s to re m a in ju s t th a t . Th is wa s a g re a t d is a ppoin tm e n t to m a n y S torm Troope r le a de rs , a d is a ppoin tm e n t th a t p re viou s ly h a d le d to th e Rö h m re volt . Th e ir s u b ju ga t ion , toge th e r with th e re s u lt a n t ch a n ge d a t t itu de of th e S torm Troope rs , wa s m e a n t to re a s s u re th e o ld a rm y office rs , m a n y of wh om , in du e t im e , ga ve a lle g ia n ce to th e ir n e w com m a n de r in ch ie f, Adolf Hit le r . Firs t of a ll Hit le r s e t ou t to ca p tu re th e h e a rt s of Blom be rg a n d Hin de n bu rg . He ofte n in vit e d Blom be rg to th e Obe rs a lzbe rg ; Blom be rg in tu rn d is p la ye d a n h on e s t ve n e ra t ion , s om e th in g th a t wa s n ot d is p rove n e ve n by la te r de ve lopm e n ts . As for th e a ge d Fie ld Ma rs h a l, th e s o le m n a ct of s t a t e a t th e tom b of Fre de rick th e Gre a t , in th e Pot s da m ga rris on ch u rch , de e p ly m ove d h im . Th e n a n d th e re h e m u s t h a ve fou n d in th e you n g re volu t ion a con firm a t ion of th e va lu e s h e h im s e lf h a d u n s e lfis h ly u ph e ld a ll h is life . Th e re la t ion s h ip be twe e n Hit le r a n d Hin de n bu rg im prove d con s ide ra b ly. Hit le r vis it e d th e Fie ld Ma rs h a l on h is Ne u de ck e s ta te in Ea s t Pru s s ia . Th e re th e two of th e m we n t r id in g in a dog -ca rt . Th e offe n s ive s t ipu la t ion th a t th e n e w Re ich Ch a n ce llor m u s t n ot m a ke h is officia l re port s u n le s s von Pa pe n , th e Vice Ch a n ce llor , we re p re s e n t , wa s re voke d by Hin de n bu rg h im s e lf. I wa s u n de r th e im pre s s ion th a t Hit le r h a d a fe e lin g of t ru e re ve re n ce for Hin de n bu rg . Wh a te ve r p rom is e s h e ga ve h im h e ke p t : Doctor Me is s n e r re m a in e d Ch ie f of th e Pre s id ia l Office , a n d Fra n z S e ld te , Min is t e r for La bou r. Wh e n Hin de n bu rg d ie d I wrote th e m e m oria l a rt icle for th e Folkis h Obs e rve r, a n d d in e d with Hit le r . He s poke m os t s o le m n ly a bou t th e de ce a s e d a n d a dde d : You r m e m oria l a rt icle is ve ry good , th e be s t of a ll of th e m . In te rm e n t took p la ce in th e Ta n n e n be rg Mon u m e n t . I re m e m be r it vivid ly. Eve rybody of a n y im porta n ce a t a ll in Ge rm a n y wa s
pre s e n t . Old t ra d it ion a n d th e you n g re volu t ion s a t s ide by s ide , m e d ita t in g on th e ca re e r of th e de a d Fie ld Ma rs h a l wh ich h a d le d from Kö n igg rä tz to th e crown in g of th e Em pe ror a t Ve rs a ille s , wh ich h a d ca rrie d h im to th e ve ry p in n a cle of fa m e , bu t h a d a ls o m a de h im a witn e s s to th e colla ps e of th e Re ich . Th is wa s th e m a n wh o h a d be e n re ca lle d from re t ire m e n t , wh e n th e fou n de rs of th e We im a r Re pu b lic we re n o lon ge r a b le to con t ro l th e ir own cre a t ion , to h e lp m a ke a s u cce s s , in a s t r ict ly le ga l wa y, of th e Ge rm a n re volu t ion . Th e Prote s ta n t a rm y b is h op s poke firs t . S e e in g be fore h im th a t h u ge ga th e rin g , h e s h ou ld h a ve be e n in s p ire d to s pe a k with a ll h is s p ir itu a l s t re n g th in m e m ory of a g re a t pa s t . Bu t h is s pe e ch wa s du ll a n d with ou t life , p ra ct ica lly n oth in g bu t a s u cce s s ion of qu ota t ion s from th e Old Te s ta m e n t , s o th a t in th e e n d th e wh ole th in g wa s le s s a Ge rm a n a dd re s s th a n a wre tch e d s t a m m e rin g . Th e Lu th e ra n Ch u rch los t a g re a t de a l of re s pe ct th a t da y. Hit le r s poke s im p ly, form a lly, obviou s ly with re ve re n ce . An d wh e n h e fin is h e d with th e words : De a d Fie ld Ma rs h a l, e n te r n ow in to Va lh a lla ! th e s e words la cke d com ple te ly th e m u s t in e s s th a t ca n m a ke s u ch ph ra s e s pos it ive ly u n be a ra b le . Hin de n bu rg wa s de ce n t ly bu rie d , n ot by th e re p re s e n ta t ive s of h is own t ra d it ion bu t by th e m a ke r of a re volu t ion on ce s o a lie n to h im . Th e re la t ion s h ip be twe e n Hit le r a n d Hin de n bu rg u n dou b te d ly wa s p roof of g re a t t a ct fu ln e s s on th e pa rt of Hit le r ra th e r th a n a n yth in g e ls e . It s h owe d u p a s ide of Hit le r 's ch a ra cte r th a t cou ld be e xt re m e ly de lica te wh e n e ve r h e fe lt t ru e re s pe ct for s om e on e . Bu t th is re ce de d m ore a n d m ore in to th e ba ckg rou n d du rin g th e ye a rs of d is a ppoin tm e n t .
Th is d is a ppoin tm e n t h a d it s orig in n ot on ly in th e re je ct ion of h is fore ign policie s , bu t m ore oft e n th a n n ot in th e form e r corps of office rs . Th e b loody s u pp re s s ion of th e Rö h m re volt h a d s h own th e We h rm a ch t th a t th e n e w ch a n ce llor re cogn is e d it a s th e on ly le g it im a te a rm e d force , a n d re je cte d u n con d it ion a lly a n y u s u rpa t ion of it s fu n ct ion s by th e n on -m ilit a ry. Th e re wa s a ls o s om e th in g e ls e th a t I re m e m be r m os t vivid ly from a con ve rs a t ion I h a d with Adm ira l Wa gn e r a t Mon dorf in Lu xe m bou rg . Th e a dm ira l h a d s u ffe re d a h a e m orrh a ge in h is a n kle a n d h a d to s t a y in be d for s om e t im e . Th u s we la y s ide by s ide on ou r fie ld cot s , wh e n h e s a id th a t Ma y 1 , 1 9 3 3 wa s on e of h is m os t m ovin g m e m orie s . Up to th e n viciou s a t t a cks h a d be e n m a de on office rs wh e n e ve r th e y a llowe d th e m s e lve s to be s e e n by th e Re d m a rch e rs on Ma y 1 . Th e n s u dde n ly: m a rch in g worke rs ' co lu m n s a ga in , bu t from a ll s ide s fr ie n d ly words , com ra de ly h a ils . Th is to h im h a d be e n p roof s u p re m e th a t th e ge n e ra l a t t itu de h a d be e n ch a n ge d from with in , a n d th a t th e cla s s wa r h a d be e n b rou gh t to a n e n d . Bu t th e re we re o th e rs too . Th e re we re th e on e s wh o, to be s u re , h a d be e n b it t e r towa rd th e We im a r Re pu b lic: e x-office rs wh o worke d a s t ra ve llin g s a le s m e n , ba n k cle rks wh o s t ill in s is t e d u pon s u lle n ly lookin g ba ck ra th e r th a n a h e a d . All th e y s a w wa s th e pa s t , wh e n ra n k a n d u n iform com m a n de d re s pe ct , a n d firm ly e s ta b lis h e d t ra d it ion s h a d a n a n s we r to e ve ry qu e s t ion . Ma n y of th e s e we re s t a ff m e m be rs of th e Re ich s we h r, a ve ry la rge n u m be r of th e m we re in th e S ta h lh e lm , or h a d re t ire d to th e ir e s t a te s . Afte r th e We h rh oh e it ( r igh t to be a r a rm s ) of Ge rm a n y h a d be e n re -e s ta b lis h e d , th e s e form e r office rs we re a ga in ca lle d in for pe riod ica l t ra in in g . Ma n y of th e m we re re a ct iva te d a n d qu ickly a dva n ce d in ra n k. An d du rin g th is p roce s s of fillin g ou t th e office r corps , m a n y of th e s e a lwa ys -ye s te rda y pe op le la n de d in im porta n t pos it ion s . Th u s th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t Re ich took th ou s a n ds from h u m dru m office s a n d s tore s a n d pu t th e m ba ck in to th e ir o ld p rofe s s ion , a n d th e Ge rm a n office r , cu rs e d a n d s pa t u pon for fou rte e n lon g ye a rs , wa s on ce a ga in u p fron t a n d h on ou re d . Ce rta in ly th e re we re m a n y a m on g th e m wh o we re a wa re of th is a n d we re h on e s t ly a pp re cia t ive , bu t on ly ve ry fe w of th e m s e e m e d to com e to wh a t s h ou ld h a ve
be e n th e obviou s con clu s ion . Th e y g la d ly a cce p te d g ift s , bu t th e y fa ile d to s e e th a t th e s e g ift s we re bou gh t a n d pa id for by cou ra ge a n d by a n e w form of s t a t e . In s te a d , th e y t r ie d to re in t rodu ce th e s a m e old s p ir itu a l a n d d is cip lin a ry m e th ods th a t h a d be e n a ba n don e d in 1 9 1 8 , con de s ce n d in g to a cce p t from Na t ion a l S ocia lis m wh a te ve r con form e d to th e s e o ld t ra d it ion s , bu t figh t in g b it t e rly a ga in s t e ve ryth in g be lon g in g to th e ch a n ge d n e w world . No pa rty polit ics for th e m ! Th is form e rly ju s t ifia b le ph ra s e be ca m e a con ve n ie n t e xcu s e . Blom be rg , wh o h on e s t ly t r ie d to b ridge th e a bys s , wa s fre qu e n t ly th e ob je ct of s u ch s a rca s t ic re m a rks a s Hit le rju n ge Qu e x! (Hit le r Boy Qu e x, a n e a rly Na t ion a l S ocia lis t p ropa ga n da film ) .
At a m e e t in g of h igh office rs in Be rlin , Blom be rg s u gge s te d th a t s om e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t s a dd re s s th e m on pa rty a ct ivit ie s . I m a de s e ve ra l s u ch a dd re s s e s , bu t a lwa ys re fra in e d from a n y m e n t ion of re lig iou s m a t te rs . Afte r on e of th e s e m e e t in gs Blom be rg s a id : He rr Re ic h s le it e r , you s a id th e o th e r da y th a t Ch ris t ia n ity wa s e n n ob le d by th e ve ry fa ct th a t s o m a n y Ge rm a n s be lie ve d in it . Th a n k you ve ry m u ch for th is th ou gh t . I th in k it is m os t fe licitou s . In 1 9 4 3 , wh e n I wa s a t th e Fü h re rh a u p tqu a rt ie r (F.H.Q. , h e a dqu a rte rs of th e Fü h re r) I a t e a lon e with Hit le r , th ou gh Borm a n n d roppe d in la t e r . Gre a t b it t e rn e s s towa rd th e office r corps wa s qu it e a ppa re n t . I t wa s d ifficu lt to d is cu s s a n yth in g with th e office rs e xce p t m ilit a ry a ffa irs , a n d th e y th ou gh t on ly of th e ir own a dva n ce m e n t , a n d s o on . I wa s u n a b le to ch e ck th e ve ra city of th e s e cla im s , bu t in m y e s t im a t ion it wa s s u fficie n t if th e s e ge n t le m e n u n de rs tood th e ir t ra de . In a ll ju s t ice on e cou ld n ot e xpe ct th e m to h a ve th e a ll- e m bra cin g u n de rs ta n d in g of a Moltke ! On ce th e m ot to wa s , With God for Kin g a n d Fa th e rla n d , - - a m ot to for wh ich s old ie rs h a d lon g fou gh t a n d d ie d . For Ka is e r a n d Re ich s a id th e s a m e th in g in a n e w a n d p rou de r form . Bu t n obody h a d da re d in ve n t th e s loga n , For Re ich Pre s ide n t a n d Re pu b lic. Nor cou ld e ve n th e towe rin g figu re of Hin de n bu rg m a ke a n yon e forge t th e fa ct th a t th e re pu b lic h a d n ot be e n born a s th e re s u lt of a n a t ion a l m ove m e n t , bu t h a d m e re ly be e n th e ou tcom e of Nove m be r 9 , 1 9 1 8 . In 1 9 3 3 , a n oth e r m ot to , For Fü h re r a n d Re ich , be ca m e s om e wh a t m ore popu la r . Bu t it wou ld h a ve t a ke n m a n y lon g ye a rs to g ive it re a l in n e r s t re n g th . An d h e re , I th in k, a g ra ve p s ych olog ica l m is ta ke wa s m a de . Eve n th ou gh Hit le r h a d to be a dd re s s e d by pa rty m e m be rs a s Me in Fü h re r - - s om e th in g th a t I h a d n ot a cce p te d with ou t re lu cta n ce , th e in t rodu ct ion of th is form u la in to th e pa rla n ce of th e We h rm a ch t wa s , to s a y th e le a s t , p re cip itou s . In it s e a rly u s e th is a dd re s s in d ica te d a n e xt re m e ly pe rs on a l a n d in t im a te re la t ion s h ip wh ich wa s to be e xpe cte d a m on g fe llow figh te rs , bu t ce rt a in ly d id n ot e xis t be twe e n Hit le r a n d h igh -ra n kin g office rs of th e a rm y. S u ch a form of a dd re s s wou ld h a ve p re s u ppos e d a r ipe o ld a ge for th e Fü h re r, a n d cou ld h a ve be com e u n ive rs a lly a cce p te d on ly a ft e r fu tu re ge n e ra t ion s , d ive s te d of p s ych olog ica l re s e rva t ion s towa rd th e gu a rd ia n of th e s t a te 's
h igh e s t office , h a d be com e a ccu s tom e d to it by lon g u s a ge . Hit le r wa n te d s om e th in g qu ickly th a t cou ld , by it s ve ry n a tu re , r ipe n on ly s lowly. On top of th is ca m e th e Ge rm a n g re e t in g . At firs t it wa s re qu ire d by th e Fü h re r on ly wh e n officia l re port s we re m a de ; bu t a ft e r fou r a n d on e -h a lf ye a rs of wa r it s u s e be ca m e ge n e ra l a n d m a n da tory. A foolis h m is ta ke , in de e d , s in ce th e je rkin g u p of on e 's r igh t a rm on a crowde d s t re e t h a d a s im p ly r id icu lou s e ffe ct . Th e cu s tom a ry m ilit a ry s a lu te wou ld h a ve be e n m u ch m ore a pp rop ria te . An d fin a lly, th e u n ive rs a l u s e of He il Hit le r!. At on e t im e it h a d be e n th e ba t t le cry of a re volu t ion . For pa rty ra llie s a n d la rge de m on s t ra t ion s it m igh t h a ve be e n re ta in e d . Bu t th e orde r to m a ke it e xclu s ive a n d u n ive rs a l ch e a pe n e d it s in t r in s ic va lu e . Ne g le ct in g to u s e it ga ve fa n a t ics a ch a n ce to m a ke s a rca s t ic re m a rks ; a n d it ce rt a in ly fa ile d to cre a te th a t fe e lin g of be in g a pa rt of a wh ole wh ich th e Min is t ry of th e In te rior n o dou b t h a d e xpe cte d wh e n it is s u e d th e orde r for it s u s e . With in th e office r corps th is form of s a lu te in volvin g th e n a m e of a s t ill livin g you n g ch a n ce llor m os t ce rt a in ly m e t with vio le n t a n ta gon is m . On e of th e m a n y e xa m ple s of wh a t a llowa n ce s m u s t be m a de for p s ych olog ica l con s ide ra t ion s , e ve n in t im e s of ra d ica l ch a n ge . With a l, Hit le r h a d n ot re a lly in te n de d to is s u e s u ch a n orde r. On th a t fa t e fu l Ja n u a ry 3 0 , 1 9 3 3 , wh e n h e re tu rn e d to th e Hote l Ka is e rh of a ft e r h is officia l in s ta lla t ion a s ch a n ce llor , a n u m be r of h is o ld colla bora tors we re a s s e m ble d in h is room , I a m on g th e m . Hit le r g re e te d u s ve ry s o le m n ly a n d s a id : Ge n t le m e n , n ow I th in k I h a ve be e n ju s t ifie d , a n d a dde d th a t h e d id n ot wa n t u s to a dd re s s h im h e n ce forth by h is t it le bu t , a s be fore , by h is n a m e . In th e lon g ru n th is wa s im pos s ib le , of cou rs e , ju s t a s a ll th a t fo llowe d wa s s o com ple te ly s u pe rflu ou s .
Du rin g ou r da ys of ba t t le Hit le r on ce s a id to m e : To bu ild u p a re a l a rm y re qu ire s a t le a s t a ce n tu ry. Wh a t h e m e a n t wa s th a t m ilit a ry s loga n s ca n tu rn in to de e p -roote d t ra d it ion s on ly in th e cou rs e of s e ve ra l ge n e ra t ion s ; th a t m ilit a ry ru le s , com m a n ds , in t ra - s e rvice re la t ion s h ips , a n d m ilit a ry form s , m u s t be com e pa rt of th e fle s h a n d b lood to gu a ra n te e th e s m ooth fu n ct ion in g of a la rge m ilit a ry body u n de r a ll con d it ion s a n d in it s m os t m in u te de ta ils . Bu t th is ve ry m a n la te r ca m e to be lie ve h e cou ld ove rta ke fa te in on ly a fe w ye a rs .
In Ja kob Bu rckh a rd t 's works I fou n d a qu ota t ion from Pla ton a ccord in g to wh ich it s u lt im a te down fa ll is a lre a dy a ppa re n t in th e r is e of a n y Th e a t rokra t ie ( th e a t rocra cy) . Th is is p re cis e ly wh a t is du p lica te d in th e m is u s e of Na t ion a l S ocia lis t ph ilos oph y. It wa s th e p re re qu is it e for it s de ge n e ra t ion a t a t im e wh e n th a t th e a t rocra t ic e le m e n t , toge th e r with th e s e cre t police , be ga n to con s t itu te th e re t in u e of th a t m a n wh o p la n n e d s o wis e ly a n d wide ly, wh o s poke a n d de s ign e d s o cle a rly, on ly fin a lly to pe rm it th e a rt is t ic s ide of h is ch a ra cte r to ove rwh e lm h im in a pa roxys m of s e lf- in toxica t ion . In dom e s t ic polit ics th is cou ld be ove rcom e ; bu t in th e fie ld of fore ign polit ics it le d to th e e n d of th e Re ich . Adolf Hit le r wa s oft e n ca re fu l e n ou gh a bou t we igh in g polit ica l ch a n ce s a n d , wh e n polit ics de m a n de d it , fre qu e n t ly forba de e xp re s s ion of th e m os t ju s t ifia b le e m ot ion s . Bu t h e a ls o le a rn e d th a t a m ove m e n t m u s t be s t ron g ly e m ot ion a l if it is to s u rvive p rolon ge d ba t t le s , a n d th a t it is th e h e a rt a n d fa ith of th e pe op le th a t h e lp th e m s u rvive pe rs e cu t ion a n d de fe a t e ve n a t a t im e wh e n com m on s e n s e t e lls th e m to g ive u p . He got h is s t re n g th from pole s s o wide a pa rt th a t , figu ra t ive ly s pe a kin g , h e fre qu e n t ly s e e m e d to be torn in two. Th os e s pe e ch e s of h is th a t h a ve be com e kn own on ly re ce n t ly a re th e e xp los ion s of a m a n wh o n o lon ge r s e riou s ly both e rs to s e e k cou n s e l from a n yon e , bu t s t ill be lie ve s h e is lis t e n in g to h is in n e r voice ; th e y a re s o liloqu ie s , in pa rt
s t ill log ica l, in pa rt m e re ly e xt ra va ga n t . An d - - a ga in th is t e rr ib le th in g - - e ve n in th e fie ld of fore ign polit ics , th a t th e a t r ica l, th a t p ropa ga n d is t ic e le m e n t . Be s ide s m u s ic a n d th e th e a t re , Hit le r de vote d h im s e lf from h is ve ry firs t da ys in office to th e e n t ire fie ld of a rt . In Mu n ich I h a d s e e n s om e a rch it e cton ic de s ign s don e by h im . As wa s to be e xpe cte d , th e y we re le s s s kille d in th e t re a tm e n t of form th a n th e d ra win gs a n d a qu a re lle s da t in g ba ck to th e Firs t World Wa r wh ich I s a w e ith e r in th e orig in a l or in la t e r re p rodu ct ion . Th e y s h owe d a n a tu ra l g ift , a fe e lin g for th e e s s e n t ia l, a n d a p ron ou n ce d p ictoria l t a le n t . As s oon a s th e Fü h re r wa s in Mu n ich , h e s a t down with Profe s s or Troos t wh o, in 1 9 3 2 , h a d re bu ilt a n d fu rn is h e d th e Brown Hou s e . To re p la ce th e bu rn e d -down Gla s pa la s t (Gla s s Pa la ce ) , Hit le r wa n te d to g ive Mu n ich a n e w Hou s e of Art , a n d for th is pu rpos e h e s t a rt e d a n e n dowm e n t fu n d ; a n d s o th e y p la n n e d a n d d re a m e d , wh ile th e work on pa rty bu ild in gs con t in u e d a pa ce . Du rin g a vis it with Troos t we d is cu s s e d a s u b je ct th a t wa s s om e wh a t e m ba rra s s in g to both of u s . Alon g with h is g re a t u n de rs ta n d in g for th e re qu ire m e n ts of m ode rn a rch it e ctu re , Hit le r h a d , a s fa r a s pa in t in g wa s con ce rn e d , s t r ict ly lowe r m idd le cla s s t a s t e th a t fre qu e n t ly d id n ot go be yon d ge n re . He wa s d is gu s te d with th e t re n d th a t t r ie d to h ide a la ck of a rt is t ic a b ility u n de r a p le th ora of pa in t a n d a rroga n t b ru s h s t roke s or , wors e , s u cce e de d in pa lm in g off a com ple te la ck of a b ility a s a n e w s tyle by m e a n s of e xp re s s ion is t ic d is tort ion s . Hit le r de cla re d th a t th e a rt of pa in t in g wou ld h a ve to be g in a t th e be g in n in g a ga in , with s kilfu l de s ign , s tu d ie s of form , a n d h on e s t a rt is a n s h ip , if it e ve r h ope d to re ga in it s h e a lth . Th u s it wou ld h a ve to go th rou gh a pe riod of m e d iocrity, wou ld h a ve to e xclu de p rob le m a t ica l ou t s ide rs from a ll g re a t n a t ion a l e xh ib it ion s , a n d pe rm it n o e xpe rim e n t in g . Hit le r a ls o be lie ve d th a t th e m u ch crit icis e d 1 9 th ce n tu ry h a d a ctu a lly p rodu ce d a g re a t n u m be r of works of a rt a n d th a t , in a n y ca s e , 1 9 th -ce n tu ry pa in te rs we re ce rt a in ly m ore s kilfu l th a n th e pe op le wh o in th e la s t fe w de ca de s h a d be com e de s t roye rs of a ll form . For th is re a s on h e s e t a bou t with a n e ve r g rowin g pa s s ion to a cqu ire 1 9 th -ce n tu ry pa in t in gs , wh ich h e in te n de d to a s s e m ble s om e da y in a ga lle ry in th e City of Lin z, wh ich wa s to be com ple te ly re bu ilt . Hit le r 's a ve rs ion to th e a rt is t ic de ve lopm e n t of th e 2 0 th ce n tu ry a s a wh ole u n dou b te d ly m a de h im on e - s ide d a n d u n ju s t . Cle a n a rt is a n s h ip s oon be ca m e th e on e a n d on ly m e a s u rin g s t ick for a ll a n n u a l a rt e xh ib it ion s , s o th a t th e y e ve n tu a lly got m u dd le d in lowe r m idd le cla s s ba n a lity. An in te n s ive h u n t wa s s t a rt e d for works by S p it zwe g a n d a ls o for a n yth in g by th e Grü tzn e rs , wh o we re p la ce d on a lm os t th e s a m e h igh le ve l a s Ke lle r , Ra a be , a n d Bu s ch . To be s u re , a s a bon m ot by Ra a be h a s it , t h e Ge rm a n s p ir it doe s d ra w a th ird of it s powe r from Ph ilis t in is m , bu t it is n ' t a b s olu te ly e s s e n t ia l to s e a rch ou t th e a rt of on ly th is th ird ! Th a t th e Fü h re r bou gh t s e ve ra l la rge pa in t in gs by Zä pe r is s t ill u n de rs ta n da b le ; bu t th a t a m a n like Zie g le r s h ou ld be com e Pre s ide n t of th e Ch a m be r of Art , a n d a p rofe s s or to boot , is a du b iou s om e n . Zie g le r wa s a t a le n te d a n d a m ia b le m a n wh o h a d be e n h e lpe d a lon g with a n a s s ign m e n t to pa in t fre s coe s in s om e p riva te h ou s e . Bu t h is s e le ct ion for s u ch a n im porta n t pos it ion wa s e vide n ce of Hit le r 's lim ita t ion s . Zie g le r 's la boriou s p ictu re s p rove th a t h e cou ld n e ith e r d ra w n or pa in t , a n d wa s re a lly n o m ore th a n a n a ca de m ic be g in n e r. To s e e a la rge pa in t in g of h is h a n g in th e Fü h re rh a u s wa s pos it ive ly pa in fu l. Th e p ictu re d is a ppe a re d , a s I fou n d ou t on ly re ce n t ly, wh e n Zie g le r wa s a rre s te d .
Howe ve r, a s is th e ca s e with s o m a n y wh o h a ve a cqu ire d u n lim ite d powe r, Hit le r 's g re a t love wa s for a rch it e ctu re . In 1 9 1 7 , I h a d writ t e n in m y n ote book th a t it cou ld oft e n be obs e rve d th a t s om e on e wh o wa s a re volu t ion a ry in on e form of a rt wa s a con s e rva t ive in a n oth e r. If wh a t Troos t to ld m e on e da y wa s t ru e , th a t Hit le r h a d s toppe d in th e fie ld of pa in t in g a t th e ye a r 1 8 9 0 , th e n h e ce rt a in ly s h owe d a re m a rka b le u n de rs ta n d in g for a rch it e ctu re . In Gre e k a rch it e ctu re h e s a w th e e m bod im e n t of th e a rt of th e Nord ic ra ce , s om e th in g th a t le d to m a n y crit ica l re m a rks a bou t th e Goth ic. He a ls o p rofe s s e d to re cogn is e ce rt a in e ch oe s of Gre e k a rch it e ctu re in th e m os t m ode rn t re n ds , with ou t be in g b lin d to m ode rn im prove m e n ts . Th e pa rty bu ild in gs in Mu n ich we re on ly a be g in n in g : Corre ct ly de s ign e d , n ot g rop in g u p in to s pa ce , s im p le in th e ir h orizon ta l lin e s , e ffe ct ive in th e two da rk con t ra s t s of e a g le a n d ba lcon y ra ilin g . A m is ta ke , on th e o th e r h a n d , we re th e two t e m p le s with th e ir s a rcoph a g i; ope n a bove , lops ide d in con s t ru ct ion (wh ich S ch u ltze -Na u m be rg cou ld ju s t ifia b ly crit icis e a s m e re a pp lie d a rt ) . Be s ide s , a s I to ld Hit le r: a t th e Fe ldh e rrn h a lle s ixte e n m e n h a d fa lle n , n ot two t im e s e igh t . Th e a t t e m p t a t s ym m e t ry h a d m os t ce rt a in ly don e h a rm to th e wh ole de s ign . Bu t in m y op in ion th a t wa s n ot s o ba d a s wh a t I m u s t ca ll th e killin g of s pa ce by pa vin g th e e n t ire Kö n igs p la tz with g ra n it e s la bs . Th is h a d it s orig in in Hit le r 's m a n ia for ba n n in g n a tu re from a rch it e ctu re . He wa s d is tu rbe d n ot on ly by a n ope n s pa ce be fore a la rge bu ild in g , bu t e ve n by th e la wn in fron t of th e Glyp toth e k. An d a ga in th e th e a t r ica l: to m a ke e n ou gh room for two m a rch in g colu m n s , th e e n t ire Kö n igs p la tz wa s t re a te d like th e t ra in in g fie ld of a n a rm ou ry. Wh e n I s a w th is im m e n s e de s e rt of s la bs I wa s d is gu s te d . Eve ry bu ild in g s u rrou n d in g th e Kö n igs p la tz wa s p ra ct ica lly kille d off, s h ove d a s ide , de p rive d of it s s ym m e t ry. In o th e r words , h e re Hit le r 's pa s s ion for de p loyin g t roops h a d com ple te ly
n e ga te d h is t ru ly g re a t fe e lin g for th e m on u m e n ta l. Wh a t th e Fü h re r p la n n e d for Be rlin , Nu re m be rg , Mu n ich , a n d th e re s t , is fa ir ly we ll kn own . Bu t wh e n I s a w S pe e r 's m ode l of th e fu tu re ca p it a l of th e Re ich , toge th e r with th e in d ividu a l de s ign s by va riou s a rch it e ct s , a n d th e d im e n s ion s we re e xp la in e d to m e , I wa s e ve n m ore fla bbe rga s te d . Na tu ra lly I took a pe rs on a l in te re s t in th e bu ild in g th a t wa s to h ou s e m y own office s . It wa s a g re e d to pu t u p a m e d iu m -s ize d bu ild in g in th e gove rn m e n t qu a rte r of Be rlin , a n d s e pa ra te bu ild in gs in th e n e w s ou th e rn s e ct ion of th e city for t ra in in g s ch ools a n d e xh ib it ion s . Th e re is n o n e e d to de s cribe Hit le r 's p la n s in de ta il. Bu t I m igh t m e n t ion th a t in s p it e of th e t e rr ific s u m s in volve d , th e y wou ld n ot h a ve cos t a s m u ch , a ccord in g to S pe e r, a s two or th re e m on th s of th e S e con d World Wa r. Be h in d a ll th is p la n n in g s tood a g re a t e n e rgy with re m a rka b le vis ion a n d g loriou s ide a s a bou t th e Re ich a n d Ge rm a n cre a t ive powe r. Hit le r p la n n e d t ru ly g re a t th in gs for Ge rm a n y, g re a t th in gs for h im s e lf, a n d e ve n m ore , if g re a te r re s ou rce s we re m a de a va ila b le to th e Ge rm a n pe op le . Th e s e h e wa n te d to a ch ie ve .
S ide by s ide with th e s e polit ica l m a n ife s ta t ion s of Hit le r 's ch a ra cte r we n t th os e of h is a rt is t ic n a tu re ; a n d in th is lie s m u ch th a t is de cis ive for a n u n de rs ta n d in g of h is pe rs on a lity. In 1 9 2 5 , wh e n h e a s ke d m e to t a ke ove r th e m a n a ge m e n t of th e Folkis h Obs e rve r, h e a ls o d is cu s s e d Lu de n dorff's da bb lin g in polit ics du rin g th e pa s t ye a r. He cla im e d th a t Lu de n dorff h a d to fa il polit ica lly be ca u s e h e wa s u n m u s ica l. He , on th e o th e r h a n d , a s a m u s ica lly s e n s it ive pe rs on , u n de rs tood m e n be t t e r , a n d a ls o wou ld be be t t e r a b le to le a d th e m . I n e ve r forgot th e s e words , re m e m be re d th e m ofte n , a n d wa s re m in de d of th e m qu it e force fu lly du rin g s om e of th e t e rr ib le h ou rs of 1 9 4 5 . Wh a t Hit le r wa n te d to s a y is th a t on ly a m u s ica l pe rs on ca n re a lly fe e l th e vib ra t ion s of a pe op le 's s ou l, a n d th u s fin d th e r igh t words to in flu e n ce it , s o th a t h e a lon e be fore a ll o th e rs , ca n t a ke th e p rope r s t e ps to le a d it polit ica lly. Bu t h is polit ica l com m on s e n s e , u s u a lly s o cle ve r a n d de libe ra te in th e we igh in g of pos s ib ilit ie s , wa s fre qu e n t ly de ra ile d by s u dde n ou tb re a ks of pa s s ion , ju s t a s th e p rofou n d u n de rs ta n d in g of s e riou s a rch it e ctu re oft e n ga ve wa y to th e irre s pon s ib le m u s ica l e m ot ion of th e m om e n t . In e ve ryda y life h e wa s a con s cie n t iou s d is cip lin a ria n , bu t a ls o a Boh e m ia n with ou t t ie s to fa m ily, cou rt , con ve n t ion , or wh a te ve r th e de cis ive a t t a ch m e n t to cu s tom or t ra d it ion m a y be ca lle d . All th is , I fe e l, h a s n oth in g to do with pe da n t ry or m ora lis in g on m y pa rt , bu t is m e re ly a n a t t e m p t to de s cribe a pe rs on a lity wh os e s u cce s s is ba s e d n ot u pon s t re n g th a lon e , bu t a ls o we lls from a s ou rce wh ich ca rrie d m a n y n e ga t ive a t t r ibu te s to th e s u rfa ce of h is life . For Hit le r th e on e in s t ru m e n t with wh ich to in flu e n ce pe op le wa s s pe e ch . In Me in Ka m pf h e re la te s h ow re lie ve d h e wa s wh e n h e h a d fin a lly p rove d to h im s e lf th a t h e cou ld s pe a k e a s ily a n d fre e ly be fore a crowd . Th e re is n o dou b t th a t th e s poke n word ca n m ove pe op le m u ch m ore de e p ly a n d ca n s pu r th e m on to a ct ion m u ch m ore re a d ily th a n th e writ t e n or th e p rin te d word . On th e o th e r h a n d , it is e qu a lly t ru e th a t th e e ffe ct of a s pe e ch , a lwa ys s om e wh a t h ypn ot is in g , is n ot s o la s t in g a s th e im pre s s ion m a de by a book wh ich ca n be re a d a n d re -e xa m in e d in a n y m ood . Th a t is wh y th e pu b lic m e e t in gs cou ld n e ve r be a llowe d to s top . Bu t th a t is a ls o wh y th is m e th od of s h a p in g th e will of th e pe op le wa s e xte n de d a n d im prove d by Hit le r in e ve ry pos s ib le wa y a p t to s t ir th e im a g in a t ion of th e m a s s e s . On e of th e s e m e a n s wa s th e n e w fla g . Eve ry s a crifice , e ve ry s u cce s s , wa s im p licit in th is s ym bol. It h a d be e n p re s e n t a t th e firs t g re a t m e e t in gs ; it h a d be e n s oa ke d with th e b lood of th e de a d in fron t of th e Fe ldh e rrn h a lle ; it fle w ove r th e g ra ve s of ou r m u rde re d com ra de s , a n d rode a t th e h e a d of m a n y m a rch in g colu m n s u n t il, on Ja n u a ry 3 0 , 1 9 3 3 , it wa s t r iu m ph a n t ly born e u n de r th e Bra n de n bu rge r Tor
(Bra n de n bu rg Ga te ) a n d in to Be rlin . It com bin e d th e o ld colou rs of th e Re ich , b la ck-wh ite -re d , with a n o ld Ge rm a n ic s ign . I wa s with Hit le r wh e n h e ca lle d on th e m a n u fa ctu re r of th e firs t s t a n da rd wh ich h e h im s e lf h a d de s ign e d . He wa s a s p le a s e d a s a lit t le boy. At th e e n d of Ja n u a ry, 1 9 2 3 , we witn e s s e d th e firs t form a l m a s s in g of th e colou rs du rin g ou r o th e rwis e ra th e r s im p le pa rty ra lly in Mu n ich . In th e m idd le of th e win te r , a pa ra de on th e Ma rs fe ld . Th e firs t s pe e ch of we lcom e in th e n a m e of o th e r n a t ion a lis t orga n is a t ion s de live re d by Colon e l von Xyla n de r. Th e n Hit le r s poke . He re vie we d th e pa ra de twice , rode ba ck to town to wa tch twice m ore th e m a rch th rou gh th e s t re e t s of Mu n ich . Th u s h is own cre a t ion a cte d a s a fort ifie r on h im s e lf. As a m e a n s of in flu e n cin g pe op le , Hit le r in va ria b ly u s e d th e s a m e h u ge re d p la ca rds th a t n ot on ly a n n ou n ce d a m e e t in g , bu t a ls o a rou s e d cu rios ity with s om e cle ve rly worde d t e xt . Afte r 1 9 2 4 , th e u n iform s of th e va riou s g rou ps we re a dde d to th e d is p la y, u n t il pa rty ra llie s a t Nu re m be rg tu rn e d in to a colou rfu l r itu a l th a t , con s ta n t ly re pe a te d , be ca m e a n e a s ily re m e m be re d t ra d it ion . Th is is h ow n a t ion a l cu s tom s a lwa ys e volve . Alon g with th e s e ca m e oth e r m a n ife s ta t ion s : cu ltu ra l ra llie s , con g re s s e s , s pe cia l m e e t in gs . Th e s e ye a rs m a de s pe a ke rs ou t of m a n y of u s . Bu t Hit le r 's in s is t e n ce th a t on ly g re a t s pe a ke rs , a n d n e ve r g re a t writ e rs , h a d m a de h is tory, s ou n de d du b iou s to m e . Gre a t m e n h a ve in flu e n ce d th e h is tory of n a t ion s in m a n y wa ys : a s s t a t e s m e n in office or le a de rs in th e fie ld , a s re volu t ion a ry s o ld ie rs (Crom we ll, Na pole on ) , a n d fin a lly a s powe rfu l s pe a ke rs . It wa s Lu th e r 's th e s e s a n d h is o th e r writ in gs th a t con ce ive d a n d s u s ta in e d th e g re a te s t re volu t ion th e Ge rm a n pe op le e ve r e xpe rie n ce d . In o th e r words , th e m e a n s by wh ich g re a t e ffe ct s h a ve be e n p rodu ce d a re e xt re m e ly va rie d , a n d th is s pe a kin g -writ in g com pa ris on is th e re fore n on s e n s e , th ou gh s u b je ct ive ly u n de rs ta n da b le , s in ce , a ft e r 1 9 1 8 , s pe e ch e s we re th e u n ive rs a lly u s e d m e th od of a pp roa ch be ca u s e e ve ry kin d of Pu t s ch h a d p rove d n ot on ly im pra ct ica l bu t id io t ic. Un de r th e s e circu m s ta n ce s , Hit le r 's a t t itu de wa s u n de rs ta n da b le , a n d h is a lle ga t ion m e re ly a n oth e r wa y of u n de rs corin g th e im porta n ce of s pe e ch m a kin g . I dwe ll on th is be ca u s e it a ls o tou ch e s u pon th e a rt is t ic fie ld . In e vit a b ly th e s pe e ch e s , th e m a s s in g of th e colou rs , th e form of s a lu te , a n d s o on , h a d in th e m a s t ron g ly th e a t r ica l e le m e n t . Th e t e m p ta t ion to da zzle th e e ye a n d in t r igu e th e im a g in a t ion in s te a d of a ppe a lin g to com m on s e n s e wa s g re a t , pa rt icu la rly wh e n th e Fü h re r h im s e lf s u ccu m be d to th e pom p of a g re a t m a s s de m on s t ra t ion , n ot on ly du rin g h ou rs of ju s t ifia b le e xa lt a t ion , bu t a ls o in h ou rs th a t ou gh t to h a ve be lon ge d to s obe r con te m pla t ion . It wa s qu it e r igh t , of cou rs e , to u s e a ll a va ila b le m e a n s to s t im u la te th e e m ot ion s , fa ith , a n d will, for it re qu ire d a s u s ta in e d s t a te of e xa lt a t ion to s t a rt from s cra tch - - with ou t a n a m e , with ou t m on e y, a n d in d ire ct oppos it ion to a ll e xis t in g pa rt ie s - - a m a s s m ove m e n t , de s t in e d s om e da y to e m bra ce a ll of Ge rm a n y. On ly on e wh o is u t t e rly in ca pa b le of com pre h e n d in g th e g re a t e ve n t s gove rn in g th e fa te of e n t ire n a t ion s will de n y th e e xis t e n ce of th e s e force s or th e ir im porta n ce . A m a n like Moltke , for e xa m ple , in 1 9 l9 , wou ld ce rt a in ly n ot h a ve ch os e n to fa ce a s e e th in g pe op le a n d , workin g t ire le s s ly, con s ta n t ly t ra ve llin g th e le n g th a n d b re a d th of th e la n d , con t in u ou s ly pou rin g h is h e a rt in to im pa s s ion e d s pe e ch e s , t ry th u s to ca p tu re it s s ou l. We a ll h a d to je t t is on ou r p re con ce ive d ide a s a s to wh a t wa s r igh t a n d p rope r in th e polit ica l a re n a . In s igh t in to fa ct s a s th e y we re , com bin e d with th is in toxica t ion by fa ith , we re th e s e cre t s of s u cce s s . For th a t , h is tory d id n ot n e e d a Moltke bu t a Hit le r . At le a s t , u n t il Ja n u a ry 3 0 , 1 9 3 3 . On th is da y th e t r ibu n e ce a s e d to e xis t . Th e t e s t of th e s t a te s m a n be ga n .
With in cre d ib le t e n a city Hit le r h a d re fu s e d a ll offe rs to a ppoin t h im vice ch a n ce llor . An d e ve n tu a lly h e d id s u cce e d in e n forcin g wh a t h e a n d m illion s of o th e rs
con s ide re d e s s e n t ia l. In doin g s o Hit le r fou gh t a d ifficu lt ba t t le with h im s e lf. Afte r h e h a d be e n ch a n ce llor for a s h ort wh ile h e to ld m e with e vide n t p ride : All we e k lon g I h a ve m a n a ge d e a ch da y to cle a r m y de s k of a ll cu rre n t work. I a ctu a lly fe lt like la u gh in g , for th is , of a ll th in gs , ce rt a in ly wa s n ot h is fort e . An d , s u re e n ou gh , h e s oon ga ve u p th e s e a t t e m p ts a t bu re a u cra t ic s ys te m a t is in g , n ot on ly be ca u s e La m m e rs , Me is s n e r, a n d o th e rs qu ickly a da p te d th e m s e lve s to h is n e e ds , bu t a ls o be ca u s e h e n ow be ga n to con ce n t ra te a ll h is e n e rg ie s on on e ra th e r th a n on m a n y p rob le m s . On ce im m e rs e d in th a t h e re fu s e d to lis t e n to th e p le a s a n d com pla in t s of a n y o th e r de pa rtm e n t u n t il h e th ou gh t h e h a d fu lly a cqu a in te d h im s e lf with a ll re le va n t de ta ils . Du rin g th e da ys of Mu n ich , for e xa m ple , h e on ce orde re d e ve ry a va ila b le book on th e fle e t s of a ll n a t ion s . Th e s e h e s tu d ie d for we e ks a t a s t re tch , oft e n u n t il fou r in th e m orn in g . Th e re s u lt wa s th a t h e wa s la t e r a b le to m a ke de cis ion s th a t s e n t th e a dm ira ls , wh o h a d ve ry s ce p t ica lly a rr ive d for a con fe re n ce , ou t of th e office of th e n e w ch a n ce llor s h a kin g th e ir h e a ds ove r th e e xpe rt kn owle dge h e h a d d is p la ye d . Eve n a ft e r Hit le r 's de a th , Adm ira l Ra e de r a dm it t e d e m ph a t ica lly: I oft e n fe lt like on e be in g t a u gh t , ra th e r th a n like a t e a ch e r. Adm ira l Dö n itz a dm it t e d h e h a d fe lt th e s a m e wa y. Or e ls e Hit le r wou ld orde r fifty or a h u n dre d bou n d volu m e s of o ld m a ga zin e s , to s tu dy th e t e ch n iqu e of crit icis m a pp lie d to m u s ic a n d th e d ra m a . He wa s e n ra ge d by m ode rn crit ics wh o com m e n te d on a rt is t s obviou s ly g ivin g th e ir be s t , with n oth in g bu t ca u s t ic wit t icis m a n d a rroga n t con de s ce n s ion . On ce h e to ld m e : How cle a n , de ce n t , a n d u n de rs ta n d in g th e crit ics we re , by a n d la rge , in 1 8 5 0 ! Th e y t r ie d h a rd to u n de rs ta n d a n d h e lp in s te a d of t e a rin g down a n d de s t royin g by s a rca s m . Th e s e s tu d ie s we re re s pon s ib le for Hit le r 's la t e r de m a n d th a t we forgo th e ide a th a t a crit ic's ch ie f is to crit icis e . In s te a d , h e s a id , th e y s h ou ld a pp roa ch m u s icia n s a n d a ctors in a s p ir it of be n e vole n ce . Hit le r 's e ffe ct ive n e s s h a d it s s ou rce in th is a b ility of h is to con ce n t ra te ; a corolla ry wa s th e n e g le ct in g of a g re a t m a n y oth e r p rob le m s . Hit le r n e ve r forgot th a t th e ge n e ra ls h a d looke d down u pon h im from th e p in n a cle of th e ir s t ra te g ic kn owle dge , a s th e corpora l of World Wa r I. Th a t is wh y h e s pe n t ye a rs s tu dyin g e ve ry s in g le type of m ilit a ry writ in g , th e pu b lis h e d works of ge n e ra l s t a ffs , a n d a ll th e n e w te ch n ica l im prove m e n ts . Fin a lly, a n d in s p it e of ce rt a in m e n ta l re s e rva t ion s , h e force d th e m to t a ke cogn is a n ce of h is a m a zin g kn owle dge , s o m u ch s o , th a t Colon e l Ge n e ra l Jod l on e da y fra n kly de cla re d th a t Hit le r wa s a g re a t s t ra te g ic th in ke r. Bu t be yon d th e pu re ly s t ra te g ic, Hit le r a ls o h a d th a t s pa rk wh ich e ve n m a n y ge n e ra ls la cke d wh e n fa ce d with m ode rn de ve lopm e n ts . Th e n e w ta ct ics u s e d in th e con qu e s t of Ebe n -Em a e l we re Hit le r 's pe rs on a l t r iu m ph , ju s t a s h e m a ppe d ou t th e ca m pa ign in Fra n ce , wh ich , in m a n y e s s e n t ia ls , d id n ot fo llow th e o ld S ch lie ffe n Pla n , bu t s pe cifie d a b re a k- th rou gh a n d th e ro llin g u p of th e e n e m y fron t towa rd th e Ch a n n e l. Th is wa s a n a ch ie ve m e n t qu it e a s g re a t a s th e forcin g of th e Ma g in ot Lin e , con s ide rin g a ll th e n e ga t ive m e m ora n da on th is p la n wh ich we re s u bm it t e d by ge n e ra ls wh o we re la t e r m a de fie ld m a rs h a ls . I d id n ot h e a r a bou t th is u n t il la t e r . From Hit le r h im s e lf on ly th is m u ch : Now th e ge n t le m e n wa n t th e ir m e m ora n da ba ck. Bu t I s h a ll ke e p th e m in m y s a fe for fu tu re s tu dy. Did s u cce s s in m ilit a ry m a t te rs a ls o p rodu ce - - m e ga lom a n ia ? I s a id a ls o . For in th e cou rs e of e ve n t s it be ca m e e ve r m ore a ppa re n t th a t Hit le r , wh o form e rly h a d be e n s o ope n -m in de d , wa s n ot on ly be com in g s tu bborn in polit ica l m a t te rs , bu t a ls o in th e fie ld s of a rt a n d s cie n ce , a n a t t itu de th a t fre qu e n t ly re s u lt e d in t e n s ion a n d in to le ra n ce .
In th e cou rs e of th e Nu re m be rg t r ia ls s u ch m e d iocrit ie s a s S ch ira ch a n d Frit zs ch m a in ta in e d th a t th e Fü h re r h a d ch e a te d th e m , h a d to ld th e m u n t ru th s a n d ou t righ t lie s . High - ra n kin g office rs wh om Hit le r h a d e ith e r ke p t in th e da rk polit ica lly, or
h a d to ld on ly th e ba re s t e s s e n t ia ls , n ow cla im e d th is , too . As a m a t te r of fa ct , th e h e a d of th e s t a te wa s u n de r n o ob liga t ion wh a t s oe ve r to ke e p h is ge n e ra ls a n d m in is t e rs in form e d a bou t con fide n t ia l m a t te rs or th e de cis ion s h e m a de . Gos s ip h a d to be a voide d , th e re s pe ct ive pe rs on s m igh t be t ra n s fe rre d a n d , a ft e r a ll, it wa s Hit le r wh o m a de , a n d wa s re s pon s ib le for , a ll im porta n t de cis ion s . Wh a t m u s t be e xa m in e d is wh a t h e d id a n d orde re d , n ot wh e th e r h e in form e d ce rt a in officia ls a ccord in g ly. S ch a ch t on ce s a id th a t Hit le r 's book wa s writ t e n in th e wors t pos s ib le Ge rm a n , bu t n e g le cte d to e xp la in wh y h e con s ta n t ly ke p t on offe rin g h is s e rvice s to h im . Th is re m a rk tou ch e s u pon s om e th in g th a t , m ore th a n a n yth in g e ls e , e n a b le s th e obs e rve r to wa tch Hit le r 's g rowth . In h is you th h e h a d be e n de p rive d of a th orou gh s ch oolin g , a n d n o a m ou n t of s e lf- e du ca t ion ca n pos s ib ly m a ke u p for th a t . Be s ide s , h is work in Vie n n a took u p p ra ct ica lly a ll of h is t im e , n or d id fou r a n d on e -h a lf ye a rs of wa r a m on g re a l s o ld ie rs t e n d to im prove h is s tyle . Hit le r wrote a n d d icta te d , fu rth e rm ore , a s a s pe a ke r, a n d it wa s oft e n d ifficu lt to u n ta n g le h is s e n te n ce s a n d pou r th e m in to a m ore pe rm a n e n t m ou ld . I s t ill re m e m be r h ow S tolzin g -Ce rn y, th e e d itor of th e Folkis h Obs e rve r, s we a te d ove r th e ga lle ys of Me in Ka m pf a ft e r Hit le r h a d a s ke d h im to p roof re a d . Na tu ra lly, ce rt a in qu e s t ion a b le lin e s we re d is cove re d a n d corre cte d , bu t th e y s im p ly cou ldn 't be re writ t e n in to e n t ire ly n e w s e n te n ce s . In th e m e a n t im e , h owe ve r, Hit le r 's la n gu a ge a n d s tyle im prove d s o re m a rka b ly th a t s om e of th e s pe e ch e s h e la t e r m a de be fore cu ltu ra l ra llie s we re a bs olu te ly ou t s t a n d in g e xa m ple s of Ge rm a n lin gu is t ic a rt .
Th e Fü h re r corre ct ly d iffe re n t ia te d be twe e n th e re lig iou s be lie fs of th e in d ividu a l a n d polit ica l re a s on in g . Wh a t h is own be lie fs we re h e n e ve r to ld m e in s o m a n y words . On ce , a t t a b le , h e s a id a h igh -p la ce d It a lia n h a d a s ke d h im poin t -b la n k wh a t h is re lig iou s be lie fs we re . He h a d be gge d pe rm is s ion n ot to a n s we r th a t qu e s t ion . In h is s pe e ch e s Hit le r fre qu e n t ly re fe rre d to Provide n ce a n d th e Alm igh ty. I a m ce rta in th a t h e wa s in wa rd ly con vin ce d of a fa te p re de s t in e d in it s ge n e ra l ou t lin e s , bu t p re fe rre d n ot to form u la te wh a t pa rt s com pu ls ion a n d fre e will p la ye d . He be ca m e m ore a n d m ore con vin ce d th a t Provide n ce h a d e n t ru s te d h im with a m is s ion . Th is be ca m e n ot ice a b le u pon h is re tu rn from h is in ca rce ra t ion in th e La n ds be rg , a n d g re w e ve r m ore e vide n t a ft e r th e Ma ch tü be rn a h m e , u n t il, t owa rd th e e n d of th e wa r, it a s s u m e d pos it ive ly pa in fu l p roport ion s . Th is con vict ion th a t , a s Bis m a rck h a d on ce be e n ch os e n to u n it e th e n orth e rn Ge rm a n s in on e Re ich , s o h e wa s ch os e n to b rin g th e s ou th e rn Ge rm a n s (Au s t ria n s ) in to th is Re ich , wa s ce rt a in ly de e p - roote d in h im . As for th e Ch ris t ia n con ce p t of God , Hit le r de fin it e ly re je cte d it in p riva te con ve rs a t ion s . Th a t I kn ow e ve n th ou gh in th e cou rs e of th e ye a rs I h e a rd on ly two or th re e pe rt in e n t re m a rks . On ce h e to ld m e : Look a t th e h e a d of Ze u s ! Wh a t n ob ility a n d e xa lt a t ion th e re a re in th os e fe a tu re s ! Abou t com m u n ion : It is p rim it ive ly re lig iou s to cru s h on e 's God with on e 's t e e th . He h e ld a ga in s t Goth ic a rt th a t it s ym bolis e d e ve ryth in g da rk a n d b ra in -be clou d in g . La te r on h e g ra n te d a t le a s t th e im pre s s ive n e s s of th e ca th e d ra l in S t ra ß bu rg . Wh e n , in th e cou rs e of on e of th e s e con ve rs a t ion s , I ve n tu re d th e op in ion th a t on e cou ld n ot de s t roy th e ch u rch e s , bu t cou ld m e re ly a t t e m p t to fill t h e m g ra du a lly with n e w pe op le , h e re p lie d : Th a t is a ve ry wis e th ou gh t ! Fu n da m e n ta lly, a s fa r a s h is a t t itu de wa s con ce rn e d , Hit le r h a d ve ry de fin it e ly d is cou n te d ch u rch e s a n d Ch ris t ia n ity, a lth ou gh h e fu lly a ckn owle dge d th e im porta n ce of th e ir in it ia l a ppe a ra n ce on e a rth , g ra n te d e ve ryon e th e r igh t to h is own con vict ion , a n d s u pporte d th e We h rm a ch t in it s re lig iou s a n d con fe s s ion a l de m a n ds . In fa ct , by s e t t in g u p a Ch u rch Min is t ry a n d in s t itu t in g a Prote s ta n t Bis h op of th e Re ich , h e e ve n t r ie d to g ive th e s t r ife - torn Eva n ge lica ls a ch a n ce to u n it e in on e a ll- e m bra cin g
s ocia l g rou p . For th is pu rpos e h e re ce ive d in a u d ie n ce a de le ga t ion of Prote s ta n t b is h ops . Afte rwa rd h e s poke of th is m e e t in g with u t t e r con te m pt . You wou ld th in k, h e s a id a t d in n e r on e da y, th a t th e s e ge n t le m e n wou ld u n de rs ta n d th a t a n a u d ie n ce with th e Re ich Ch a n ce llor is in a wa y a ra th e r s o le m n a ffa ir . In s te a d th e y ca m e ga rbe d in th e ir cle rica l robe s , m os t of wh ich we re a lre a dy a b it t a cky with a ge , a n d th e th in g th a t wa s of th e g re a te s t im porta n ce for th e m wa s - - th e ir a llowa n ce ! I ' ll s a y th is m u ch for th e Ca th olics : if th e y h a d com e , th e y wou ld h a ve be e n m ore d ign ifie d .
Hit le r h a d s t e a d fa s t ly re fu s e d to le t h im s e lf be com e in volve d in a n y con s p ira cy. He u s e d h is a ppe a ra n ce a s a witn e s s in a t r ia l a t Le ipzig to e m ph a s is e th is a t t itu de , wh ich h e m a in ta in e d to th e la s t . In u t ilis in g h is g re a t g ift s a s a s pe a ke r, a n d in th orou gh ly orga n is in g h is pa rty, h e wa s m e re ly e xe rcis in g r igh t s e ve ryon e h a s . Th e ba t t le for th e s ou l of th e pe op le wa s wa ge d in b roa d da yligh t ; th e a rgu m e n ts of e ve ry s in g le pa rty we re a va ila b le . Th e a t t a cks a ga in s t u s we re viciou s , a n d we a n s we re d viciou s ly. Adm it t e d ly, a ll s ide s com m it te d occa s ion a l b lu n de rs . In lookin g ove r m y colle cte d a rt icle s , I a dm it t e d to m ys e lf th a t crit icis m cou ld occa s ion a lly h a ve be e n h a n d le d d iffe re n t ly. Bu t th e s e a rt icle s we re fre qu e n t ly writ t e n a t s e ve n o 'clock in th e m orn in g , we re ba s e d on re port s th a t h a d ju s t com e in , a n d we re th u s n ot a lwa ys con s ide re d op in ion s . In th e ir a t t a cks ou r oppon e n t s s pa re d u s a bs olu te ly n oth in g . For th e m idd le cla s s e s we we re ca m ou fla ge d Bols h e vis t s a n d a th e is t s , for th e Ma rxis t s , a ge n t s of De te rd in g , ca p it a lis t ic va rle t s , a n d m on a rch is t ic re a ct ion a rie s .
Afte r 1 9 3 7 , wh e n th e im pos s ib ility of a n a llia n ce be twe e n Gre a t Brit a in a n d Ge rm a n y wa s fin a lly a cce p te d by h im a s a n irre voca b le fa ct , Hit le r kn e w th a t h e n ow h a d to m a ke th e m os t of th e pe riod du rin g wh ich En g la n d s t ill wa s n ot re a dy for a n ope n con flict . Th is con vict ion gove rn e d th e ye a r 1 9 3 8 , th e ye a r of h is g re a te s t s u cce s s e s . He wa s s o m ove d th a t h e cou ld h a rd ly s pe a k wh e n , a s th e m a n wh o h a d fu lfille d a n o ld Ge rm a n lon g in g , h e e n te re d th e city of h is you th , Lin z, a n d wh e n from Vie n n a h e m a de h is m os t im porta n t re port to th e Ge rm a n pe op le . Bu t th e s e t t in g u p of th e Boh e m ia n -Mora via n p rote ctora te a n d , pa rt icu la rly, th e a t t a ck on Pola n d , we re e ve n m ore fa te fu l. Did Adolf Hit le r , th e n , fr ivolou s ly r is k th e e xis t e n ce of pe op le a n d Re ich ? Did h e , in th e p ride of h is h e a rt , a n d with th e a u to- s u gge s te d be lie f in h is m is s ion , s h rin k from a cce p t in g a d ip lom a t ic s e tba ck? Did h e con s ide r too ligh t ly Gre a t Brit a in 's p re pa re dn e s s for wa r? On ce m ore h e h e s it a t e d wh e n , a ft e r th e re ce ip t of Ch a m be rla in 's le t t e r , h e ca n ce lle d th e orde r to a t t a ck on Au gu s t 2 6 ; bu t la t e r h e le t fa t e t a ke it s in e xora b le cou rs e . Be ca u s e of con ce it ? For la ck of s e lf-d is cip lin e in a de cis ive h ou r? Or d id h e , a s a ppe a rs pos s ib le from s om e of h is s pe e ch e s th a t h a ve on ly re ce n t ly be com e kn own , fore s e e th e fo llowin g de ve lopm e n ts : a n a rre s te d e con om ic im prove m e n t , th e ch okin g off of Ge rm a n y's fore ign t ra de by th e in cre a s in g e ffe ct ive n e s s of th e boycot t ; a re ce s s ion in a g ricu ltu re , a n d a s h orta ge of g ra in re s e rve s in th e t e rr itorie s u n de r Ge rm a n con t ro l; th e im pos s ib ility of con t in u e d la rge im port s ; u n e m ploym e n t a n d h u n ge r? Th e on e g re a t a dva n ta ge Ge rm a n y h a d - - a n in com pa ra b le a ir a rm - - ou t s t r ippe d with in s ix to t e n ye a rs ? He h im s e lf con s ide ra b ly o lde r a n d in ca pa cit a te d by a s tom a ch a ilm e n t? An d fin a lly, th e e ve n th e n th re a te n in g e n circle m e n t a n d cru s h in g of th e Re ich , a n d th u s th e in g loriou s e n d of a g re a t re volu t ion ? Or d id h is vis ion e n com pa s s on ly th e s e cu rin g of s u b ju ga te d borde rla n ds , th e in corpora t ion in to th e Re ich of th e wh e a t -p rodu cin g t e rr itorie s in th e Ea s t , a b re a k th rou gh th e th re a te n e d e n circle m e n t , a n d th e con qu e s t of
la rge s pa ce s ? Ba t t le s in th e We s t a n d th e Ea s t wa ge d in s u cce s s ion , th u s a void in g a pos s ib le wa r on two fron t s ? Bu t e ve n if a ll th e s e th in gs wou ld com e t ru e in s ix to t e n ye a rs , d id h e h a ve th e r igh t to a n t icipa te fa te ? Cou ld n ot m a n y th in gs h a ppe n in th e in te rim , o ld a dve rs a rie s d ie , a n d n e w frie n ds be ga in e d? All th e s e a re qu e s t ion s wh ich on ly th e fu tu re ca n a n s we r. Th e im m e d ia te ou tcom e , of cou rs e , h a s be e n a com ple te colla ps e of pe op le a n d Re ich u n pa ra lle le d in h is tory. For a s h ort t im e th e fla g of th e Re ich fle w ove r th e Pyre n e e s , th e North Ca pe , th e Volga , a n d Libya , victoriou s a s n e ve r be fore . Toda y th is fla g lie s bu rie d u n de r ru bb le , torn a n d - - th is is th e h orrib le pa rt of it - - de file d by th e ve ry on e s Hit le r h a d ch os e n a s com pa n ion s in h is de cis ive ye a rs , pe op le wh o d id n ot fa vou r ca u t ion , d is cip lin e , a n d th e obs e rva n ce of ve n e ra b le o ld s o ld ie rly t ra d it ion s a n d n orm s , bu t wh o we re a ll for s t re n g th e n in g th e o th e r s ide , th e a rt is t ic, th e a t r ica l, pa s s ion a te , e goce n t ric s ide . An d th e o th e rs from e a rlie r da ys cou ld n o lon ge r be cou n te d on be ca u s e th e y h a d e ith e r be e n e lim in a te d or we re , like Ribbe n t rop , with ou t polit ica l con ce p t s a n d ide a s . All th is d id n ot occu r s u dde n ly. It de ve lope d ove r m a n y ye a rs . Th e fou n d in g of a p ropa ga n da m in is t ry, for in s ta n ce , wa s a ba s ic m is ta ke ; a llyin g it with th e a rt s , a s e con d on e . Th e e le va t ion of Him m le r to th e a ll-powe rfu l pos t of ch ie f of police , a n d th e s u s pe n s ion of th e a cce p te d form s of la w be yon d th e pe riod of th e a ctu a l re volu t ion , we re two g re a t da n ge rs for th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t ide a ; th e dom in a n ce of th e s t ron g m e n of th e S .S . ove r a rt s a n d s cie n ce s , a n oth e r. An d fin a lly, in th e wa r it s e lf th e re wa s th e a ba n don m e n t of a ll polit ica l p s ych ology. In th e be g in n in g th e Fü h re r e xpe cte d Te rbove n to con qu e r th e s ou l of Norwa y. Bu t h e s tu ck to h im e ve n a ft e r th is a rroga n t n itwit h a d fa ile d s o com ple te ly. From th e n on Hit le r re lie d on m igh t a lon e .
Th e root s go down to a n ove rra t in g of Fa s cis m . Blin d to a ll d is illu s ion in g e xpe rie n ce s of th e Firs t World Wa r, Hit le r s e e m e d con vin ce d , a t le a s t u n t il 1 9 4 3 , th a t th e will of Mu s s olin i h a d m a de ove r th e It a lia n pe op le , h a d lift e d th e m to a n e w le ve l, h a d m a de th e m s t ron g e n ou gh to be a b le to re s is t Gre a t Brit a in . Did h e a ctu a lly be lie ve th is , or wa s it m e re ly a n a t t e m p t to bols t e r th e m ora le of h is Fa s cis t a lly wh e n h e re a lis e d th a t En g la n d cou ld n ot be h a d? No, th e a t t e m p t to tu rn It a ly in to a wa rlike n a t ion h a d lon g s in ce be e n wre cke d by th e in d ividu a l It a lia n h im s e lf. An d it is e s pe cia lly s u rp ris in g th a t Hit le r , a n Au s t ria n , pe rs is t e d in h is de lu s ion wh e n e ve ry Au s t ria n s o ld ie r kn e w be t t e r . In th e cou rs e of th e wa r Gö rin g 's p re s t ige de clin e d ra p id ly. He wa s h e ld re s pon s ib le for th e in a b ility to ke e p e n e m y bom be rs a wa y. As I le a rn e d from m y a s s is t a n t , wh o h a d it from Hit le r 's s e cre ta rie s , th e Fü h re r wa s d is cu s s in g th e p rob le m of h is s u cce s s ion . Him m le r wa s m e n t ion e d by Hit le r; bu t h e a dde d im m e d ia te ly th a t Him m le r wa s d is like d by th e pa rty a n d wa s , fu rth e rm ore , a n in a rt is t ic m a n . Eve n in 1 9 4 5 , it a ppe a re d , th e re we re n o o th e r, in fin it e ly m ore we igh ty, re a s on s for th e ca n d ida cy of Him m le r be in g u t t e rly u n th in ka b le ! At a t im e wh e n it wa s m ore th a n obviou s th a t th e pe op le n o lon ge r n e e de d a rt is t ic pe rs on a lit ie s , bu t s h re wd a n d s obe r ch a ra cte rs ! Th e g re a t fou n de rs of world powe rs , in cide n ta lly, we re ce rt a in ly th e m os t in a rt is t ic of a ll pe op le - - Rom a n s a n d En g lis h m e n . Bu t u p u n t il a s h ort t im e be fore th e e n d , Adolf Hit le r a cce p te d va lu e s in a fie ld for wh ich th e s e ve ry va lu e s h a d n ot on ly p rove n de t r im e n ta l bu t fa ta l, wh ile h e re p la ce d polit ica l p s ych ology with th e n a ke d powe r of th e s word . In a n y ca s e , Adolf Hit le r will go down in h is tory a s a de m on ia ca l figu re of t re m e n dou s s ize . A g re a t fa ith in h is pe op le a n d it s m is s ion , a t e n a city th a t ove rca m e a ll obs ta cle s , a g ift for s im p lifica t ion , a n d th e cre a t ive powe r of a ge n iu s in m a n y fie ld s , a will be com e iron h a rd , ove rwh e lm in g pa s s ion , s u dde n e m ot ion a l e xp los ion s , s e lf- in toxica t ion by m e a n s of s pe cta cu la r s h ows , th e ove re s t im a t ion of dom e s t ic polit ica l pos s ib ilit ie s in th e ir fore ign polit ica l e ffe ct s , th e
ide n t ifica t ion of h is own will a n d h is own fa te with th a t of th e n a t ion a s a wh ole , a n d a fa n a t ica l be lie f in h is own m is s ion wh ich , towa rd th e e n d , a ctu a lly be ca m e in com pre h e n s ib le . I n e e d n o cou n s e llors . I go m y wa y in s om n a m bu lis t ic a s s u ra n ce , h e s a id in pu b lic s pe e ch e s . Th a t is h ow I s e e th e m a n wh os e life a n d a s ce n t I wa s a b le to wa tch from th e be g in n in g of h is polit ica l a ct ivit ie s . Firs t clos e by, th e n fa rth e r a wa y, a n d in th e e n d con s ide re d a d is com fit in g a dm on itor a n d livin g a ccu s a t ion a ga in s t th os e h is e m ot ion s h a d colle cte d a rou n d h im . I ve n e ra te d h im , a n d I re m a in e d loya l to h im to th e e n d . An d n ow Ge rm a n y's de s t ru ct ion h a s com e with h is own . S om e t im e s h a t re d r is e s in m e wh e n I th in k of th e m illion s of Ge rm a n s wh o h a ve be e n m u rde re d a n d e xile d , of th e u n s pe a ka b le m is e ry, th e p lu n de rin g of th e lit t le th a t re m a in e d , a n d th e s qu a n de rin g of a th ou s a n d -ye a r-o ld we a lth . Bu t th e n a ga in th e re a ris e s in m e th e fe e lin g of p ity for a m a n wh o a ls o wa s a vict im of fa te , a n d wh o love d th is Ge rm a n y a s a rde n t ly a s a n y on e of u s . A m a n wh os e fa te it wa s to be ro lle d , de a d , in to a b la n ke t , th rown in to a h ole , d re n ch e d with ga s olin e , a n d bu rn e d in th e ga rde n of th e Re ich Office , a m on g th e ru in s of a h ou s e from wh ich h e h a d on ce h ope d to re bu ild , a ft e r lon g s u pp re s s ion , th e h on ou r a n d g re a tn e s s of h is n a t ion . To u n de rs ta n d a ll th is in it s u lt im a te m e a n in g is im pos s ib le for m e . . . . .
Minister for the East
I h a d m a d e a rra n g e m e n ts fo r th e c e le b ra t io n o f a m e m o ria l d a y fo r
N ie d e rs a c h s e n ( Lo w e r S a x o n y ) , p u t t in g p a rt ic u la r e m p h a s is o n th e fig u re o f
He in ric h d e r Lö w e ( He n ry th e Lio n ) . I n s p it e o f th e fa c t th a t th e Fü h re r
c o n s id e re d h im a re b e l, h e s t ill g a v e h im a m o s t fit t in g re s t in g p la c e in th e
c a th e d ra l a t Bru n s w ic k , w h ic h w a s d e c la re d a n a t io n a l s h rin e . He re h e s a w ,
c o rre c t in g a fo rm e r, s o m e w h a t o n e - s id e d , a t t itu d e , th e tw o o f th e m e n te r in to
h is to ry : Ba rb a ro s s a a n d th e Lio n . I h a d n e v e r g a in s a id th e ir p la c e in h is to ry ,
a n d I v e n e ra te d th e Ho h e n s ta u fe n ; b u t th e o ld p ro b le m o f Ge rm a n h is to ry ,
I ta lia n c a m p a ig n s o r a n e a s te rn p o lic y , n e v e r le ft m e in p e a c e . Ha d n o t
Ge rm a n y o n c e re a c h e d a s fa r a s La ke Pe ip u s ? Tim e a ft e r t im e , th e
N ie d e rs a c h s e n p u s h e d a h e a d a g a in s t th a t Ea s t w h ic h th e y h a d o n c e s e t t le d in
th e w a ke o f th e re tre a t in g Go th s , th e Bu rg u n d ia n s , Va n d a ls a n d S la v s . W a s it
rig h t to s e t th e e n t ire n a t io n a l p o w e r o n Ge ro 's t ra il? I , fo r o n e , n e v e r s h ie d
a w a y fro m a irin g m y o p in io n s o n th is s u b je c t , n o t e v e n w h e n th e id e n t ic a l
q u e s t io n c a m e u p in a d iffe re n t fo rm : c o lo n ia l v e rs u s e a s t e rn p o lic y ? Ha d n 't th e
Ba ju v a re s fo u n d e d th e Os tm a rk ( Ea s te rn Te rrito ry ) ? W a s n o t th a t th e p ro p e r
p re c e d e n t? W a s it rig h t to p e rm it th e in tru s io n o f th e Lith u a n ia n w e d g e
b e tw e e n Pru s s ia a n d Liv o n ia th a t p re v e n te d a ll p e a s a n t m ig ra t io n ? I n a n y c a s e ,
th e p o w e r o f Ge rm a n d o m h a d d e c re a s e d , a n d th e Ea s t h a d a d v a n c e d a s a re s u lt
o f th e Firs t W o rld W a r. An d to d a y Ru s s ia re a c h e s , t e m p o ra rily a t le a s t , a s fa r
w e s t a s th e Elb e a n d b e y o n d W e im a r. Th a t c o u ld n o t h a v e h a p p e n e d to a
Ge rm a n re a lm re a c h in g fro m Aa c h e n to La ke Pe ip u s !
Occa s ion a lly R. W. Da rré ca lle d on m e . In it s da y I h a d con s ide re d h is firs t book a n e xce lle n t con t ribu t ion to th e u n ive rs a l n a t ion a lis t ic t re n d towa rd a re - rou t in g on th e la n d a ft e r th e lops ide d g rowth of th e cit ie s . In h is book h e t ra ce d Ge rm a n h is tory ba ck to th e Ge rm a n ic pe a s a n t ry. Th e re u pon Hit le r ca lle d u pon Da rré to jo in th e le a de rs h ip a s h e a d of th e s o-ca lle d a g ra ria n -polit ica l a ppa ra tu s . In Mu n ich I h a d m e t Da rré on ly ca s u a lly. On ce I a ccom pa n ie d h im on a vis it to th e h a lf-pa ra lys e d Prin ce He n cke l-Don n e rs m a rck. He to ld m e th e n th a t m y ide a s in th e Myth con ce rn in g th e form a t ion of a n e w n ob ility h a d in te re s te d h im pa rt icu la rly, s in ce h e h im s e lf wa s ju s t a bou t to fin is h a book on th e s u b je ct . I a lwa ys con s ide re d Da rré a ve ry va lu a b le a dd it ion to th e pa rty. Th is h e ce rt a in ly wa s , in s p it e of th e wa y h e wa s crit icis e d la t e r on . In 1 9 3 3 , Da rré a n d Him m le r (wh o h a d be e n g ra du a te d from a n a g ricu ltu ra l co lle ge ) be ca m e ve ry clos e . Th e pe a s a n t le a de rs u s u a lly jo in e d th e S .S . , a n d Da rré took ove r th e m a n a ge m e n t of th e Ra ce a n d S e t t le m e n t Office , wh ich h e bu ilt u p to a re m a rka b le de g re e of e fficie n cy. As Da rré to ld m e la te r on , th is a llia n ce wa s a ve ry p ra ct ica l on e . Wh e n I a n s we re d h im th a t , a s fa r a s I wa s con ce rn e d , I cou ld on ly s t a n d by m y own op in ion , e ve n if th a t s h ou ld m e a n m y be in g e n t ire ly a lon e , h e wa s a t r ifle e m ba rra s s e d . An d n o dou b t h e th ou gh t of th is con ve rs a t ion la t e r , wh e n h e wa s pu s h e d ou t of office by Him m le r. Th e pe a s a n t le a de rs be lon ge d to th e S .S . , a n d a n y ou t s ide a t t e m p t to d is e n ta n g le th e m from it wa s h ope le s s in vie w of th e police powe rs th e S .S . pos s e s s e d .
Da rré con s ide re d th is a b re a ch of fa ith on Him m le r 's pa rt , a n d th is wa s obviou s ly th e ca u s e of h is d is t ru s t . He fe lt h im s e lf con s ta n t ly wa tch e d , p roba b ly be ca u s e h e r igh t ly fe a re d th a t Him m le r wou ld t ry to e n circle h im e ve r clos e r to p re ve n t a n y pos s ib ility of in de pe n de n t a ct ion on h is pa rt . He re Borm a n n h e lpe d a lon g , a s I le a rn e d la te r; bu t e ve n com ple te ly u n b ia s e d obs e rve rs con s ide re d th e la t e r Da rré to be a m a n wh o h a d los t h is ba la n ce . Wh e n I be ga n to m a ke m y p la n s for fu tu re re s e a rch with in th e fra m e work of th e h igh s ch ool a s a t a s k for m y wa n in g ye a rs , Da rré , wh o h a d be e n s e n t on le a ve , vis it e d m e . We d is cu s s e d s e ve ra l p rob le m s s t ill ve ry m u ch in th e ir p re lim in a ry s t a ge s . Da rré p la n n e d to writ e a h is tory of a g ra ria n la w from it s Ge rm a n ic be g in n in gs , a n d a ls o s poke a bou t o th e r p la n s th a t ga ve e vide n ce of h is g re a t kn owle dge a n d in it ia t ive . I re ce ive d Da rré , wh o a t on e t im e h a d s poke n s o coolly a bou t s p ir itu a l com ra de s h ip , ve ry a m ia b ly. Afte r h e le ft Be rlin to live in a s m a ll h ou s e in th e S ch orfh e ide , I d id n ot s pe a k to h im a ga in u n t il h e wa s force d to m ove in to th e Bu n ke r Towe r in th e Tie rga rte n be ca u s e h e h a d to u n de rgo a d ifficu lt ope ra t ion . We both de p lore d th e con ve rs ion of th e pa rty in to a s p ir itu a l d icta tors h ip u n de r th e in com pe te n t h e a d of th e Pa rty Office ; s om e th in g th a t wou ld n e ce s s a rily h a ve to p rovoke oppos it ion . In o th e r words , h e a ls o d ia gn os e d a ce n t ra l illn e s s , of wh ich th e re h a d be e n ce rt a in s ym ptom s e ve n a s e a rly a s 1 9 3 9 , bu t wh ich on ly th e com in g of th e wa r m a de da n ge rou s for a ll we h a d fou gh t for th rou gh twe n ty ye a rs . Borm a n n 's de p lora b le rou n d- rob in le t t e rs , h is n a rrow-m in de d a t t itu de in con n e ct ion with th e a ppoin tm e n t of Ga u le it e r a n d th e ir a s s is t a n t s , h is in va ria b ly ra d ica l s t a n d on qu e s t ion s of policy, a n d s o on , we re con s ide re d by both of u s to be fa ta l for th e fu tu re . As for h is own e lim in a t ion from a ct ive du ty, Da rré s t a te d qu it e ca lm ly th a t , ju s t a s h e h a d form e rly a cce p te d th e pos it ive s ide of th e s ys te m , h e wou ld n ow h a ve to a cce p t th e n e ga t ive s ide , too , e ve n th ou gh it h u rt h im pe rs on a lly. Th a t h e wa s h u rt wa s obviou s .
Wh e n I wa s a ppoin te d Min is te r for th e Ea s t , I s u gge s te d S a u cke l, th e Ga u le it e r of Th u rin g ia , a s Re ich Com m is s ion e r for th e Ukra in e . Un fortu n a te ly, th is p ropos a l wa s re je cte d , to th e d is a dva n ta ge of th e Re ich . In s te a d th e Fü h re r a cce p te d Koch , wh o h a d be e n s u gge s te d by Gö rin g . Th e Fü h re r e s te e m e d S a u cke l pa rt icu la rly h igh ly, a n d wa n te d to ke e p h im a va ila b le for a be t t e r a ppoin tm e n t .
Wh e n I be ga n to p re pa re th e e a s te rn t e rr itorie s m in is t ry for a pos s ib le wa r, Doctor Tod t be gge d m e to in s t itu te a s pe cia l office for t e ch n ica l p rob le m s . Nor d id h e , in doin g s o , th in k of p re roga t ive s . He s im p ly wa n te d to h a ve re a lly com pe te n t t e ch n icia n s workin g in th e Ea s t . Ea rly in Ju ly, 1 9 4 1 , h e s pe n t a n a ft e rn oon a t m y office wh e re a ll pe rt in e n t p rob le m s we re s a t is fa ctorily s o lve d . He a dm it t e d with ou t qu e s t ion th e de s ira b ility of a ce n t ra l a dm in is t ra t ive office . I , in tu rn , a s ke d h im to a s s ign s om e ca pa b le m e n to m y ce n t ra l office in Be rlin , wh e re th e y cou ld h a n d le h is t e ch n ica l p rob le m s in a ccord with h is s pe cia l wis h e s . Tod t figu re d th a t m e n wh o, for ye a rs , wou ld be a ct ive in th e Ea s t , wou ld be va lu a b le for work in th e Re ich it s e lf la t e r on . S pe e r, h owe ve r, wa n te d a m ore r ig id orga n is a t ion a n d , a dorn e d with a ll th e la u re ls of a dva n ce pu b licity, m a n a ge d to coa x th e Fü h re r in to re m ovin g th e t e ch n ica l de pa rtm e n t from th e ju ris d ict ion of th e e a s te rn a dm in is t ra t ion . Th is wou ld n ot le t th e o th e rs - - m idd le -cla s s m in ds gon e be rs e rk - - re s t u n t il th e y h a d be e n g ive n th e ir own lit t le a u th ority ove r o th e r s u bd ivis ion s of th e e a s te rn a dm in is t ra t ion , wh ich s h ou ld , by r igh t , h a ve be e n s t r ict ly
u n ifie d . Wh e n I be ca m e Min is te r for th e Ea s t , I a s ke d Doctor Me ye r to a ct a s m y pe rm a n e n t re p re s e n ta t ive . He a cce p te d th e pos t im m e d ia te ly, a n d worke d h a rd to ge t a n in s igh t in to th e n e w p rob le m s . Th a t h e cou ld n ot fore ve r m a in ta in th is pos it ion a s th e vice - le a de r of a s u p re m e Re ich a u th ority, s in ce h e re m a in e d a t th e s a m e t im e a s u bord in a te , m a de h is work d ifficu lt a t t im e s . Bu t h e re m a in e d ju s t a s loya l a n d de ce n t th rou gh ou t th e ye a rs a s h e h a d be e n in th e be g in n in g . I wis h we h a d h a d s im ila r lit t le Ga u le it e r e ve rywh e re ! Wh e n th e la s t fe w da ys of th e wa r we re u pon u s , we took le a ve of e a ch o th e r. He we n t ou t to h e lp de fe n d h is Ga u . In Mon dorf I h e a rd th a t h e wa s de a d . Kille d? A s u icide ? Th a t m a n wa s a ge n u in e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t - - n ot Borm a n n - - n ot Him m le r!
Th e fa ct th a t th e Fü h re r h a d a s s ign e d m e to th e le a de rs h ip of ou r e a s te rn policy d is p le a s e d Him m le r a n d Borm a n n con s ide ra b ly. An d s in ce n oth in g cou ld be don e a bou t it d ire ct ly, th e y t r ie d in d ire ct ly. Th e Fü h re r, wh o u p to th e n h a d a cce p te d m y ide a s with ou t re s e rva t ion , s u dde n ly a s s u m e d a m u ch ch a n ge d a t t itu de wh e n h e re fe rre d to a m e m ora n du m wh ich , a ccord in g to h im , ga ve to th e e n t ire e a s te rn p rob le m a wh olly d iffe re n t a s pe ct th a n th e op in ion s h e ld by s om e of ou r ge n t le m e n , m e a n in g m e . Th e m ys te riou s m e m ora n du m , wh ich wa s m e n t ion e d a ga in la t e r , I n e ve r s a w. Th is , th e n , is h ow m y d ifficu lt figh t for a m ore ge n e rou s t re a tm e n t of th e fa te fu l p rob le m of th e Ea s t be ga n . S te p by s t e p th e m os t u rge n t m a t te rs we re t a ke n ca re of, bu t m u ch th a t wa s im porta n t wa s n e g le cte d . Pre ciou s , irre p la ce a b le t im e wa s los t . Bu t Ma rt in Borm a n n h a rs h ly u ph e ld th e in te re s t s of th e Re ich a ga in s t th e s oft Ros e n be rg wh o m igh t h a ve h a d m ore s ym pa th y for th e S la vic pe op le th a n wou ld be a dva n ta ge ou s to e a s te rn policie s in wa r t im e s , a n d Him m le r re in force d th is a t t itu de by in s is t in g u pon e xclu s ive a u th ority in com ba t in g th e pa rt is a n s .
Th e de m a n ds I m a de in m y s pe e ch of Ju n e 2 0 , 1 9 4 1 , on ou r e a s te rn policie s , we re tu rn e d down . Him m le r, Koch , a n d Borm a n n s wa gge re d a ll ove r th e p la ce . An d wh e n volu n te e r ba t t a lion s we re re cru it e d from a m on g th e e a s te rn pe op le , Him m le r m ove d h e a ve n a n d e a rth to ge t th e m u n de r h is com m a n d . Th is wa s e a s y with th e Es ton ia n s a n d th e Le t t s , s in ce th e y we re con s ide re d Ge rm a n ic pe op le s . Bu t wh e n it ca m e to th e o th e rs , form e rly s o de s p is e d a s As ia t ics , th e re wa s a g re a t to-do a t th e Le a de r 's He a dqu a rte rs a bou t de pos in g th e ge n e ra l of th e s e volu n te e rs with wh om I wa s on ve ry fr ie n d ly t e rm s . As for th e Cos s a cks , th e y we re a cce p ta b le , a t le a s t a s fa r a s th e ir u s e in th e Ba lka n s we n t . Th e Ru s s ia n Ge n e ra l Vla s s ov, m a lign e d a n d s pa t u pon for two ye a rs , wh os e a ppoin tm e n t I h a d e n dors e d s in ce 1 9 4 2 , s u dde n ly be ca m e popu la r towa rd th e e n d of 1 9 4 4 , wh e n Him m le r, with ou t in form in g m e , be ga n to in flu e n ce Hit le r in h is fa vou r. Th is wa s bou n d to offe n d a ll th e o th e r b ra ve n on -Ru s s ia n com ba ta n t s in th e Ea s t . Him m le r kn e w n oth in g a bou t th e Ea s t ; wh a t h e g ra du a lly le a rn e d from m e a bou t Be rge r wa s s u pe rficia l, a n d e ve n wh e n h e re a lis e d th a t m y ide a s we re r igh t , h e s t ill wa n te d to be th e on e to t ra n s la te th e m in to a ctu a lity, n o m a t te r h ow. S om e t im e s with ou t , s om e t im e s with , th e a id of Vla s s ov, de pe n d in g u pon h ow it s u it e d h is s ickly m a n ia for powe r. Not a s a s t ron g pe rs on a lity, n ot a s a b rillia n t th in ke r, bu t a lwa ys a s a n in s id iou s t ra du ce r a n d Je s u it ic t r icks te r .
In Ju n e , 1 9 4 3 , I in vit e d two Ga u le it e r to a ccom pa n y m e on a t r ip to th e Ukra in e . Th e y we re wide -e ye d wh e n , from m y s pe cia l t ra in , th e y s a w th e va s t s pa ce s of th e Ea s t . Eve ryth in g th e re s im p ly bu rs t ou t of th e a ccu s tom e d d im e n s ion s : th e wh e a t fie ld s , th e Ta u ric s t e ppe , th e ch e rry orch a rds . Th e y h e a rd th e re port s of th e d is t r ict com m is s ion e rs on th e im m e n s e im prove m e n ts m a de in th e fie ld s of a g ricu ltu re a n d h a n d icra ft , a n d th e worrie s a n d wis h e s of th e loca l popu la t ion . Th e y lis t e n e d to th e b lu s te rin g of Re ich Com m is s ion e r Koch , wh o m ore th a n on ce d is p la ye d h is pe a cock- like va n ity. Th e n we vis it e d As ca n ia Kova , th e t re e a n d b ird s a n ctu a ry in th e s t e ppe , th e work of th e Ge rm a n colon is t Fa lz-Fe in . S h ort ly th e re a ft e r we we re in th e Crim e a , in it s m a gn ifice n t Bota n ica l Ga rde n s , a n d in th e pe a ce fu l m ood of th e e ve n in g d ra n k s om e of th e s we e t win e of th e cou n t ry. We vis it e d Liva d ia , a n d s le p t wh e re it h a d on ce be e n S ch in ke l's a rt is t ic d re a m to bu ild a ca s t le a bove th e Bla ck S e a . We pa s s e d th rou gh S im e is wh e re , twe n ty- s ix ye a rs a go, I h a d s pe n t a s u m m e r, a n d looke d down on th e Bla ck S e a from th e Ba ide r Ga te .
In 1 9 4 4 , wh e n th e Arm y Grou p Midd le a n t icipa te d a ba ckwa rd s h ift of th e fron t , a n d th e popu la t ion in th is s pa ce s e e m e d in da n ge r, Ge n e ra l Klu ge a s ke d th e Min is t ry for th e Ea s t to re m ove th e ch ild re n of t e n to fou rte e n in t im e to gu a ra n te e th e ir s a fe ty. I , h e s a id , wa s th e on e wh o wou ld h a n d le th is t a s k loya lly. Bu t wh e n th e s a m e p ropos a l re a ch e d m e from oth e r s ou rce s , I de clin e d be ca u s e I d id n ot wis h to la y m ys e lf ope n to th e ch a rge of h a vin g de porte d h e lp le s s ch ild re n . Howe ve r, wh e n I wa s p re s s e d
s t ill m ore u rge n t ly, a n d re a lis e d th a t a t le a s t a pa rt ia l e va cu a t ion wa s in e vit a b le , I a g re e d to do th e work, p rovide d th a t th e ch ild re n we re p rope rly ca re d for by a n u m be r of Wh ite Ru th e n ia n wom e n , a n d th a t it wa s m a de pos s ib le for th e m to com m u n ica te with th e ir pa re n t s , a n d s o on . Five th ou s a n d ch ild re n ca m e to De s s a u , wh e re I a s s u re d m ys e lf th e y we re g ive n a de qu a te ca re . Th e o lde r on e s de ce n t ly clo th e d , th e you n ge r on e s e ith e r in s ch ools u n de r Ru s s ia n t e a ch e rs , or in ou tdoor kin de rga rte n s . A Wh ite Ru th e n ia n wom a n th a n ke d m e with t e a rs in h e r e ye s . For th e o lde r boys th e Ju n ke rs Ae rop la n e Works h a d p re pa re d d ra win gs with Ru s s ia n t e xt s , g ivin g th e Ge rm a n n a m e s , in t ra n s lit e ra t ion , of a ll th e tools in u s e . Th e re la t ion s h ip be twe e n th e s e boys a n d th e Ge rm a n worke rs wa s e xce lle n t , in con t ra s t to th a t with th e It a lia n s wh o h a d be e n th e re be fore . Wh e n I re tu rn e d to Be rlin I to ld th e h e a d of th e you th de pa rtm e n t of th e Min is t ry for th e Ea s t , wh o h a d t a ke n ove r th e s u pe rvis ion of th is work: It wou ld be n ice if ou r own boys cou ld be t ra in e d like th is ; bu t th e y m u s t p ra ct ice s h oot in g in s te a d !
I h a d n e ve r con s ide re d it pos s ib le th a t Ga u le it e r Koch wou ld s om e da y p la y a ro le in m ore th a n a ve ry lim ite d t e rr itory, ce rt a in ly n ot a ro le th a t wou ld a ctu a lly re a ch ove r in to th e fie ld of world polit ics . Koch h a d be com e a Na t ion a l S ocia lis t a t th e t im e of th e Fre n ch in va s ion of th e Ru h r. He ca m e from Ba rm e n -Elbe rfe ld , th e twin cit ie s with th e 1 5 0 s e ct s , be ca m e a ra ilroa d officia l, a n d pa rt icipa te d in th e pa s s ive re s is t a n ce a ga in s t th e Poin ca ré Fre n ch . Arou n d 1 9 2 8 , Hit le r a ppoin te d Koch Ga u le it e r for Ea s t Pru s s ia . Wh a t h e d id th e re I do n ot re a lly kn ow. Afte r th e Ma ch tü be rn a h m e th e re we re ru m ou rs a bou t th e h a rs h m e th ods h e e m ploye d , bu t a ls o fa vou ra b le re port s a bou t h is d is p la y of in it ia t ive in th e e con om ic fie ld . In a n y ca s e , it wa s Ea s t Pru s s ia th a t wa s th e firs t Ga u to re port th e com ple te e lim in a t ion of u n e m ploym e n t . Th e fe w t im e s I t a lke d to Koch h e im pre s s e d m e a s be in g a ca re fre e o ld Na zi, g ive n to a b it of b ra gg in g a n d s om e wh a t lou dm ou th e d , bu t ra th e r kin d . Bu t la t e r I h a d a fe w e xpe rie n ce s th a t m a de m e d is t ru s t fu l of Koch 's ju dge m e n t a n d ch a ra cte r . In 1 9 3 3 a n d th e re a ft e r , Bols h e vik pole m ics a ga in s t th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t s we re , u n de rs ta n da b ly, e xt ra ord in a rily viciou s a n d we re cou n te re d by u s in kin d . Koch , h owe ve r, a s s u m e d a m a rke d ly d iffe re n t a t t itu de , p roba b ly be ca u s e h e wa n te d to ca ll a t t e n t ion to h im s e lf. His s p ir itu a l m e n tor a t th a t t im e wa s a writ e r by th e n a m e of We be r-Kroh s e , a s o-ca lle d la n ds ca pe -polit icia n . Th a t is , h e wa n te d to h a n d le a ll polit ics in re la t ion s h ip to th e g re a t p la in in th e Ea s t , of wh ich Pola n d a s we ll a s Ea s te rn Ge rm a n y is a pa rt . A con t ribu t in g fa ctor wa s th e in flu e n ce of Mö lle r va n de n Bru ck, a n a dm ire r of th e s o-ca lle d e a s te rn s p ir it . Koch pu b lis h e d a fe w a rt icle s on th e s u b je ct , a n d We be r ca lle d on m e a fe w t im e s a t m y office . In th e m os t com ra de ly wa y I poin te d ou t to h im th a t th e s e th e orie s we re com ple te ly u n te n a b le , th a t ve ry lit t le wa s ge n e ra lly kn own a bou t th e Ea s t , a n d I re qu e s te d h im to in form Koch a ccord in g ly. For a lon g t im e a ft e r th a t I pa id n o m ore a t t e n t ion to th e s e th in gs , bu t Koch pu b lis h e d h is colle cte d a rt icle s in a book e n t it le d Au fba u de s Os te n s (De ve lopm e n t of th e Ea s t ) . In it h e p re a ch e d th e u n ity of g re a t s pa ce s , e xp re s s e d h is t ru s t in th e you th of Dos toye vs ky a n d Joh a n n Hu s s , a n d ca lle d th e you th of S ovie t Ru s s ia , th e Orie n t of Ge rm a n you th . Koch be ca m e m ore a n d m ore a con ce it e d b ra gga rt . Bu t h e wa s a fa vou rit e of Gö rin g , wh o h a d a h igh re ga rd for Koch 's e con om ic t a le n t s . Wh e n th e p rob le m of a dm in is te rin g th e e a s te rn t e rr itorie s be ca m e a cu te , Koch 's n a m e poppe d u p . He wa s ba cke d by Gö rin g , wh o con s ide re d h im a n e xpe rt , a n d re com m e n de d by Borm a n n . I re a lis e d e ve n th e n th a t Koch wa s da n ge rou s be ca u s e h e wa s e rra t ic, a n d be ca u s e h e wa s re s olve d n ot to le t Be rlin in te rfe re . In th e be g in n in g I wa s a n xiou s to ke e p Koch ou t of th e Ba lt icu m , a n d s u cce e de d in doin g s o;
th e n I in te n de d to u s e h im in Ru s s ia p rope r, a n d to ge t s om e body e ls e for th e im porta n t Ukra in e . I h a d cou n te d on S a u cke l or Ba cke . As I le a rn e d la te r , Koch h a d n ot on ly worke d on Gö rin g , bu t h a d a ls o be gge d Ba cke a n d Fu n k for th e ir s u pport . He poin te d ou t h ow s u cce s s fu l h e h a d be e n in Ea s t Pru s s ia with th e ra is in g of p ig s , a n d p rom is e d to e xte n d th is p la n on a la rge s ca le ove r a ll of Ru s s ia , a n d th u s m a ke it a va s t s ou rce of m e a t s u pp lie s for th e Re ich . S o Gö rin g won th e a rgu m e n t in ou r con fe re n ce of Ju ly 1 6 , 1 9 4 1 , a n d Koch be ca m e Re ich Com m is s ion e r for th e Ukra in e . He wa s to ld a bou t m y oppos it ion , a fa ct wh ich con s ide ra b ly e m bit t e re d th e lit t le wou ld -be g re a t m a n . I s t ill do n ot kn ow de fin it e ly wh e th e r th e m e m ora n du m con ce rn in g th e Ukra in e h a d a de cis ive in flu e n ce on Hit le r , or wh e th e r it m e re ly ca u s e d m y oppon e n t s , a ccu s tom e d to pa y h e e d to Hit le r 's m oods , to re dou b le th e ir e ffort s a ga in s t m e ; a n d p roba b ly I will n e ve r kn ow. In a n y ca s e Koch , wh o h a d on ly re ce n t ly ca lle d th e S ovie t you th th e Orie n t of ou r own you th , wa s n ow th e m os t ra b id a dvoca te of n e ce s s a ry h a rs h n e s s on th e pa rt of th e Re ich , a n d th e re je ct ion of a ce n t ra lis e d gove rn m e n t a n d e con om ic-cu ltu ra l a u ton om y for th e Ukra in e . I t r ie d n o fe we r th a n e igh t t im e s to in du ce Hit le r to ch a n ge th is cou rs e . Twice h e ga ve m e a n a rgu m e n t th a t wa s a ls o ba n d ie d a bou t by Koch : On ce be fore , in 1 9 1 8 , h e s a id , Ge rm a n y h a d m e t th e Ukra in e h a lf-wa y. Th e re s u lt h a d be e n th e m u rde r of th e Ge rm a n Ge n e ra l, Fie ld Ma rs h a l von Eich h orn , by Ukra in ia n n a t ion a lis t s . He m a in ta in e d th a t it wou ld be da n ge rou s in th e m ids t of a wa r to pe rm it polit ica l ce n t ra lis a t ion . I a n s we re d b rie fly th a t I con s ide re d th e re port a bou t von Eich h orn 's m u rde r fa ls e . Th e S ta te Arch ive s a t Pot s da m h a d e n a b le d m e to fin d ou t wh a t h a d re a lly h a ppe n e d . Th e docu m e n ts a va ila b le s h owe d be yon d dou b t th a t von Eich h orn h a d be e n m u rde re d by a Ru s s ia n s ocia l re volu t ion a ry n a m e d Don s koi, a ide d by two Je ws wh o e s ca pe d a rre s t . Don s koi wa s e xe cu te d in Au gu s t , 1 9 1 8 . Th rou gh Borm a n n I in form e d th e Fü h re r a ccord in g ly, bu t n e ve r kn e w wh e th e r Borm a n n pa s s e d on th e re port to h im . Nor cou ld th e e n t ire m a t te r h a ve be e n con s ide re d a polit ica l a rgu m e n t , a n ywa y. Koch a n d a s m a ll circle s u rrou n d in g h im con s ta n t ly s n e e re d a t th e ba ckwa rdn e s s of th e S la vs , a n d s o on . Th is p rovoke d m e in to is s u in g a n orde r to th e e ffe ct th a t a ll boa s t fu l t a lk a bou t s u pe rior lord lin e s s wa s to be s toppe d , a n d th a t a de ce n t a n d ju s t a t t itu de towa rd th e Ukra in ia n s wa s to be obs e rve d . I a ls o is s u e d com pre h e n s ive in s t ru ct ion s on th e re orga n is a t ion of th e loca l s ch ool s ys te m . Bu t to e a ch on e of th e s e Koch m a n a ge d to a dd a twis t of h is own to e s ta b lis h h is in de pe n de n ce . Upon th e occa s ion of m y firs t vis it , in 1 9 4 2 , h e s t a rt e d a row with s om e of m y a s s is t a n t s . In 1 9 4 3 , h e con s ta n t ly h orn e d in on con ve rs a t ion s with Fie ld Ma rs h a ls Kle is t a n d Ma n s te in , a n d in s is t e d u pon com in g a lon g wh e n I in s pe cte d fa ctorie s a n d office s , a n d s o on , a lwa ys be ca u s e of th e fe a r borde rin g on m a n ia th a t h e m igh t be looke d u pon a s on e of th e in s pe cte d ra th e r th a n a s on e of th e in s pe ctors . A lit t le m a n , h e wou ld pa ce u p a n d down , h a n ds in pocke t s , s t r ide s a s lon g a s pos s ib le , a n d ga bb le a bou t th e th in gs h e h a d don e , h ow Rie cke h a d in te rfe re d with h is g ra n d ios e p ig - ra is in g p la n s , a n d s o on , a n d s o forth . He ba rke d a t a ge n e ra l com m is s ion e r, a n d re fu s e d to s h a ke h a n ds with a m e re d is t r ict com m is s ion e r wh e n h e wa s p rom ote d . Koch wa s a fo il for Borm a n n , wh o twice re fu s e d to a n s we r wh e n I a s ke d h im wh e th e r th e Re ich Com m is s ion e rs h a d be h in d m y ba ck s u bm it t e d m e m ora n da on m y a ct ivit ie s . Him m le r a ls o oppos e d m e con s ta n t ly. Accom plis h m e n ts of th e u s u a lly e xt re m e ly ca pa b le t e rr itoria l com m is s ion e rs a n d a g ricu ltu ra l le a de rs we re cre d it e d to Koch 's e n e rgy wh e n th e y we re re a lly du e to th e com m on s e n s e of th e le s s e r officia ls wh o we re in con s ta n t tou ch with th e pe op le . As I h e a rd in 1 9 4 5 , Hit le r on ce s poke a bou t Koch 's t ru s tworth y e ye s . In o th e r words , Koch 's ch e a p pe rform a n ce s a t th e Fü h re r He a dqu a rte rs h a d a lwa ys be e n e ffe ct ive . I won de r wh e th e r th e Fü h re r e ve n tu a lly re cogn is e d th e fa lla cy of h is a t t itu de ? Th e ve ry ca pa b le Dis t r ict Com m is s ion e r, S ch m e rbe ck, la t e r got , a ga in th rou gh Borm a n n , a la rge con s t ru ct ion job in con n e ct ion
with th e de fe n ce of Holla n d . He e xe cu te d th e t a s k we ll, bu t Borm a n n took th e cre d it . My la s t ch a n ce to s pe a k to Hit le r wa s in Nove m be r, 1 9 4 3 , bu t S ch m e rbe ck wa s u s h e re d in to h is p re s e n ce , for Borm a n n 's g lorifica t ion , a s la t e a s th e e n d of 1 9 4 4 . Te llin g m e a bou t h is con ve rs a t ion , h e s a id th a t th e Fü h re r e xp re s s e d h is g re a t a pp re cia t ion a n d , poin t in g to th e Rit t e rkre u z (Kn igh t 's Cros s ) a n d to th e Krie gs ve rd ie n s tkre u z (Wa r Me rit Cros s ) , s a id h e n ot ice d th a t S ch m e rbe ck a lre a dy h a d be e n de cora te d . S ch m e rbe ck: I re ce ive d th is de cora t ion from Re ich Min is te r Ros e n be rg . On ly be ca u s e h e h a d fo llowe d m y in s t ru ct ion s , h e a dde d , h a d h e be e n a b le to a ch ie ve s u cce s s in th e Ukra in e . If h e h a d lis t e n e d to Koch , h e wou ld p roba b ly h a ve be e n s la in by th e pe op le . Th e Fü h re r wa s s ile n t for a wh ile , obviou s ly a t r ifle e m ba rra s s e d , a n d th e n s poke a bou t s om e th in g e ls e . It wa s re a lly a ra th e r pa in fu l t ra ge dy th a t I wa s force d to t a n g le with th is pe rs on wh o h a d be e n pu s h e d in to th e fore g rou n d , wh ile o th e rs in th e ba ckg rou n d , th e m s e lve s irre s pon s ib le , s e cu re d th e p rote ct ion of th e Ch ie f of S ta te for th is pu ffe d -u p m a n n e qu in . Min e wa s a figh t for a la rge - s ca le con ce p t ion of th e e a s te rn p rob le m ; m y goa l, th e in corpora t ion of th e pe op le s of Ea s te rn Eu rope in to th e fa te of th e wh ole con t in e n t , a con s ta n t figh t a ga in s t th e p rim it ivity of o th e rs . I n ote in pa s s in g th a t a s la t e a s th e e n d of 1 9 4 4 , th e Fü h re r re p la ce d Lö h s e , wh o s u ffe re d from a n a ilm e n t th a t wa s pa rt ly re a l, pa rt ly polit ica l, by Koch . La m m e rs to ld m e a bou t it , h in t in g th a t I wa s n ot to in te rfe re . Th e n Koch a s s e m ble d a ll a dm in is t ra t ive le a de rs in Riga a n d , le a n in g h is h e a vy jowls on h is h a n d , s a id : I a m a ccu s tom e d to h a ve m y orde rs obe ye d . An yon e wh o forge t s th is , I ' ll b re a k. He fo llowe d th is u p with h is u s u a l t ira de s , e ve n th ou gh it wa s by th e n qu it e obviou s th a t th e re wa s n oth in g m ore to be don e th a n s u pe rvis e th e e va cu a t ion . I to ld La m m e rs a bou t th is m e e t in g , a n d a dde d a fe w we ll- ch os e n words of m y own . If a n yon e s h ou ld h a ve obe ye d Borm a n n 's orde r Be victoriou s or d ie !, it wa s th is lou d -m ou th e d Ga u le it e r of Ea s t Pru s s ia . Wh e n th e ba t t le ra ge d in th e s t re e t s of ve n e ra b le o ld Kö n igs be rg , h e wa s in Pilla u . Ye t wh e n th e com m a n de r ca p itu la te d , a lon g with th e re m a in de r of h is d ivis ion , Borm a n n - - obviou s ly a t Koch 's in s t iga t ion - - de cre e d th a t th e ge n e ra l be con de m n e d to de a th by h a n g in g for cowa rd ice . Th e Ga u le it e r h a d be e n com ple te ly t a ke n by s u rp ris e , s in ce h e wa s a t a d iffe re n t s e ctor of th e fron t . Th e a s s is t a n t Ga u le it e r a n d th e Kre is le it e r we re e n ga ge d in th e life a n d de a th s t ru gg le for Kö n igs be rg . In th e m e a n t im e , Koch boa rde d a fu lly loa de d s t e a m e r in Pilla u , a n d le ft h is Ga u pos t -h a s te . I kn ow th a t h e la t e r wa s in Fle n s bu rg a n d th e n ce fle d to pa rt s u n kn own . I d id n ot s e e h im . An d s in ce th e n I h a ve h e a rd n oth in g a bou t h im .
In th e be g in n in g Hit le r s e e m e d n ot d is in clin e d to a cce p t m y p ropos a ls th a t th e Ea s t be ru le d with th re e -qu a rte rs p s ych ology a n d on ly on e -qu a rte r force . Bu t la t e r h e got e n ta n g le d in o th e r ide a s , a n d los t a ll th a t fe e lin g for s pa ce wh ich h e s t ill h a d wh e n I wa s a ppoin te d : th e com pre h e n s ion th a t th e Ea s t wa s a con t in e n t in it s e lf, in con n e ct ion with wh ich I wa s to cou n s e l a n d h e lp h im . In 1 9 4 4 , I re a d Cou la in cou rt 's Me m oirs of Na pole on , a n d wa s a m a ze d to fin d th a t h is a t t itu de towa rd Ru s s ia wa s s im ila r to m in e . Cou la in cou rt wa rn e d Na pole on a bou t th e Ru s s ia n win te r , bu t Na pole on de cla re d th a t by th a t t im e th e wa r wou ld be ove r. Cou la in cou rt s a id Ale xa n de r wou ld n ot con clu de a pe a ce t re a ty. Na pole on re p lie d th a t n on e of th e m u n de rs tood polit ics , a n d h e h im s e lf kn e w be t t e r . On ce h e wa s in Mos cow, th e Cza r wou ld s oon e n ou gh m a ke pe a ce . In both ca s e s , lu ck we n t a ga in s t th e m be fore Mos cow. Ju s t a s Na pole on h a d re fu s e d to ca ll u pon th e Ru s s ia n pe a s a n t s to re volt , s o Hit le r , a pp la u de d by h is con fida n t s , re je cte d m y p ropos a ls re ga rd in g th e polit ica l a n d cu ltu ra l a u ton om y of a ll th e pe op le s of Ea s te rn Eu rope a n d th e ir in du ct ion in to th e life of th e con t in e n t .
End of the Third Reich -- end of a career
Th e g re a t S o v ie t o ffe n s iv e c a rrie d th e Re d a rm y to th e Od e r. A m ig h ty
b a t t le fo r Be rlin w a s im m in e n t . I s t ill w e n t d u t ifu lly to m y o ffic e , a ro u n d w h ic h
th e b o m b s fe ll a lm o s t c o n s ta n t ly . I w e n t to th e Mic h e n d o rf o ffic e o f th e
Min is t ry , w h e re e v e ry th in g p e rta in in g to th e c a re o f Ea s te rn p e o p le s h a d to b e
h a n d le d , to g e th e r w ith m a t te rs o f p ro c e d u re , h o u s in g re la t iv e s e s c a p e d fro m
Po s e n , a n d t ra n s fe rrin g s u b - d e p a rtm e n ts to Th u rin g ia a n d W e s tp h a lia . Ofte n
d u rin g th e d a y , a lw a y s th ro u g h o u t th e n ig h t , b o m b s o v e r Be rlin , a n d th e a ir-
ra id b u n ke r a p e rm a n e n t a b o d e fo r u s a n d th e fa m ilie s o f th e v ic in ity . I s t ill
m a d e a t t e m p ts to s e e th e Fü h re r, t o w h o m I h a d la s t re p o rte d o n N o v e m b e r 1 6
a n d 1 7 . I t rie d to re a c h h im b y w a y o f th e s e c re ta rie s o f a fe llo w - w o rke r, w ith
w h o m th e Fü h re r, a ft e r h is m ilita ry c o n fe re n c e s , fre q u e n t ly s p e n t th e t e a h o u r.
I h e a rd th a t h e h a d s a id : I w o u ld like to in v it e Ro s e n b e rg fo r t e a , b u t w h a t h e
w a n ts is a t e c h n ic a l d is c u s s io n . I a s ke d m y c h ie f o f s ta ff: W h a t is th e h e a d o f a
s ta te fo r, if n o t fo r t e c h n ic a l d is c u s s io n s ? At a Re ic h s le it e r a n d Ga u le it e r ra lly
h e ld o n Fe b ru a ry 2 4 , 1 9 4 5 , th e Fü h re r s p o ke fo r th e la s t t im e . He re it e ra te d h is
h o p e s fo r s u c c e s s in th e Ea s t , fo r th e d e fe n s iv e m e a s u re s in th e W e s t , a n d th e
re v o lu t io n a ry n e w U- b o a t w a rfa re , a n d p o in te d w ith p rid e to th e la t e s t
a e ro p la n e m o d e ls . Of c o u rs e , w e w a n te d to h a v e h o p e , b u t th a t h a d b e c o m e
in c re a s in g ly d iffic u lt c o n s id e rin g th e ty p e o f m e n w h o c o n s t itu te d Hit le r's s o le
re t in u e s in c e 1 9 4 1 . Afte rw a rd a s u p p e r, w ith o u t a c h a n c e to ta lk to h im . Th a t 's
th e la s t t im e in m y life I s a w h im .
Du rin g th e n igh t of Ma rch 2 1 , 1 9 4 5 , th e re wa s a n oth e r h e a vy bom bin g a t t a ck on ou r im m e d ia te vicin ity. S e ve ra l h ou s e s in th e n e igh bou rh ood bu rn e d down . Th e a ir p re s s u re wa s s o s t ron g th a t ou r own roof ca ve d in , a n d we h a d to m ove to th e ce lla r . On ly th e kit ch e n a n d a corn e r room we re s t ill u s e a b le . Th a t is h ow s p rin g be ga n . I d id wh a t s e e m e d im porta n t . Th e ga rde n wa s s pa de d , ve ge ta b le s a n d pota toe s p la n te d , a n d t re e s t ra n s p la n te d . My da u gh te r , Ire n e , wh o h a d be e n lookin g forwa rd to a s m a ll b ir th da y pa rty on Ma rch 2 2 , h a d to s pe n d th e da y in th e m ids t of du s t a n d ru bb le ; s h e wa s qu ie t ly re s ign e d . S h e s a t in h e r ce lla r room in fron t of h e r s m a ll type writ e r . Wh a t s h e wrote I don 't kn ow, bu t it wa s p roba b ly a bou t life in Be rlin , wh a t s h e s a w of de s t ru ct ion , a n d wh a t s h e h e a rd a bou t de a th in th e h e a rt of th e city. He r you n g im a g in a t ion h a d for a lon g t im e b rou gh t forth s u rp ris in g ly good poe m s with im pre s s ive im a ge ry a n d a rh yth m a ll th e ir own . He r fa iry t a le s a n d s h ort s torie s be t ra ye d a t a le n t th a t we in te n de d to le t r ipe n with ou t in te rfe re n ce . Th e n s h e we n t a cros s th e s t re e t to vis it h e r g ir l fr ie n ds . I s t ill s e e h e r be fore m e be ca u s e I h a ve m a de a n e ffort to ke e p h e r p ictu re in m y m e m ory: t a ll, you n g , with b lon d h a ir fa llin g down ove r h e r s h ou lde rs , d re s s e d in lon g s la cks a n d a g re y fu r coa t , ca rryin g a h a n dba g with lon g s t ra ps . I oft e n s tood on th e ba lcon y, ou r In go be s ide m e , h is pa ws on th e ra ilin g , both of u s wa tch in g Ire n e , wh o wou ld tu rn a rou n d fre qu e n t ly a n d s m ile . Th e s e vis it s we re h e r la s t joy. My wife d id h e r be s t to fe e d u s a s we ll a s pos s ib le . It be ca m e e ve r m ore d ifficu lt , e ve n th ou gh we d id ge t occa s ion a l h a n dou ts from th e com m is s a ry th a t wa s a bou t to be
d is con t in u e d . Ea rly in April I be ca m e be d r idde n . On a wa lk in Da h le m I ove rs t ra in e d m y a n kle , th u s b rin g in g a bou t a n in fla m m a t ion a n d a h a e m orrh a ge . Lyin g on m y cou ch , I re ce ive d wh is pe re d re port s a bou t m e a s u re s wh ich we re be in g t a ke n : firs t of a ll, t h e e va cu a t ion of a ll m in is t r ie s a n d pa rty office s ; con t ra d ictory orde rs , d is a pp rova l of th e t ra n s fe r of office s to Ba va ria . In th e office s th e m s e lve s th e y kn e w n oth in g a bou t it . Followin g in s t ru ct ion s , I d id s e n d docu m e n ts a n d s u pp lie s s ou th , bu t con s ide re d th e wh ole m a n n e r of p roce e d in gs u n fa ir , a n d re m a in e d in Be rlin m ys e lf.
Aga in I t r ie d to re a ch th e Fü h re r to fin d ou t wh a t h is in te n t ion s we re , bu t wa s re fe rre d to Borm a n n . Th e re u pon I wrote th e Fü h re r a pe rs on a l le t t e r - - th a t m u s t h a ve be e n on April 1 3 - - to t e ll h im th a t th e s e con t ra d ictory orde rs m a de a ba d im pre s s ion ; th e wa y office s we re be in g t ra n s fe rre d looke d like fligh t . Th e re pu ta t ion of m a n y of h is o ld coworke rs wa s a t s t a ke . Ou r h e a rt s to ld u s to re m a in in Be rlin . If re a s on s of s t a t e d icta te d o th e rwis e , th is wou ld h a ve to be a n n ou n ce d cle a rly a n d fra n kly. I wa n te d to kn ow wh a t I wa s to do . Th e re u pon word ca m e from S ch a u b th a t I m igh t a s we ll s t a y on in Be rlin . I in form e d m y a s s is t a n t s a ccord in g ly, a n d le ft it t o e a ch of th e m to de cide wh e th e r h e wa n te d to go to Ba va ria or re m a in in Be rlin . In a s h ort t a lk I we n t ove r ou r work for a la s t t im e a n d th a n ke d e a ch on e in d ividu a lly. Two da ys la t e r I le a rn e d th a t th e fr ie n d of m y you th , Arn o S ch icke da n z, h a d kille d h is wife , h is e igh t -ye a r-o ld da u gh te r a n d h im s e lf. He wa s a cle a r-h e a de d polit icia n , th e on ly on e with wh om I h a d be e n a b le to d is cu s s fra n kly th e da n ge rou s tu rn of e ve n t s wh ich n e ith e r on e of u s cou ld p re ve n t . Borm a n n a n d Him m le r we re to h im wh a t h e ca lle d th e m e ga lom a n ia ca l Pos e m u cke l. His wife wa s ill, a n d h e d id n ot wa n t to wa it for th e e n d . Wh e n Arn o S ch icke da n z we n t I los t a n o ld a n d t ru e fr ie n d . We , on ou r pa rt , h a d in wa rd ly p re pa re d ou rs e lve s for a s im ila r fa te . I h a d m a n a ge d to ge t h old of a s u fficie n t qu a n t ity of cya n ide , for it we n t with ou t s a yin g th a t n e ith e r I n or m y fa m ily wou ld volu n ta rily fa ll in to th e h a n ds of th e S ovie t s . My p le a s th a t th e y go to th e S e e h of ( la ke e s ta te ) we re e m ph a t ica lly re je cte d by both He dwig a n d Ire n e . Th e y wa n te d to s h a re m y fa te , n o m a t te r wh a t h a ppe n e d . On th e n igh t of April 2 0 , a n oth e r le n g th y bom b a t t a ck. At 1 : 3 0 A.M. a ca ll from th e Re ich Office : a ll m in is t e rs we re to m e e t a t Eu t in . De pa rtu re on th e m orn in g of April 2 1 . We pa ck a fe w th in gs ; th e d rive r s a ys good-bye to h is wife , wh o live s s om e wh e re in th e e a s te rn pa rt of Be rlin . It is ra in in g . I ca n n ot pu t on s h oe s ye t to wa lk for a la s t t im e th rou gh ou r on ce s o be a u t ifu l ga rde n . On ly a la s t look from th e win dow. Th e re th e pa th s wh e re we u s e d to s t ro ll; in th e ba ck, Ire n e 's s win g a n d th e h a lf-de m olis h e d ga rde n h ou s e . On th e r igh t th e s le n de r b irch re ce n t ly p la n te d . Eve ryth in g we s t ill pos s e s s m u s t re m a in be h in d , e ve n th e la s t fe w d ra win gs I s t ill h a ve from m y you th a n d from 1 9 1 8 . I h a n d ove r ke ys , m on e y, a n d s o on , to th e Ma n n s ch a ft s fü h re r ( com pa n y s e rge a n t ) from th e t ra in in g s ch ool, a n d t e ll h im th a t In go m u s t n ot be a llowe d to fa ll in to s t ra n ge h a n ds a live . I don 't fe e l a n y too e a s y a bou t le a vin g o th e rs be h in d . He dwig a n d Ire n e a re worrie d a bou t th e ir fr ie n ds . Th e m a n is qu it e ca lm : it is n a tu ra l th a t th e Fü h re r s h ou ld s e n d h is m in is t e rs a wa y. I s t roke In go 's h e a d . We h a ve to le a ve ou r good dog be h in d . Th e n ou r ca r with a t ru n k t ra ile r d rive s off towa rd th e n orth . Ou ts ide of Be rlin , fu g it ive s from th e Ea s t t ryin g to ge t to th e city. Alon gs ide th e roa d , ca m ps of re fu ge e s . On th e wa y, a n a e rop la n e a t t a ck. At la s t in Eu t in , a s top be fore th e gove rn m e n t office . Th e d rive r a s ks for in form a t ion . He dwig is s a d . S h e kn ows th is r ide m e a n s ou r s e pa ra t ion . How s h a ll I do it ? I h a ve los t m y cou ra ge . Ire n e , we a re los in g a good fr ie n d a n d a com ra de . Th e s u n s h in e s b righ t in to th e ca r , I s e e He dwig 's g re y h a ir with th e o ld b rown s t ill s h owin g th rou gh . Ire n e 's de lica te fa ce h a u n t s m y m e m ory. We s pe n d a n igh t a t Eu t in , th e n we go on to
Fle n s bu rg . Th e Kre is le it e r a rra n ge s for qu a rte rs with th e fa m ily of a ph ys icia n . Th e wom a n wa n ts to s e t t le He dwig a n d Ire n e s om e wh e re s a fe ly in th e cou n t ry. Afte r a fe w bom b a t t a cks n e a r Fle n s bu rg , we m a ke th e t r ip . A s m a ll, ve ry m ode s t h ou s e , two t in y room s , a ba n don e d , is o la te d .
I m ove a boa rd th e s t e a m s h ip PATRIA in Fle n s bu rg Ba y to a wa it re a r Adm ira l Dö n itz for th e fin a l de cis ion . Th e n e ws of th e Le a de r 's de a th m ove s u s de e p ly: h e wa s ou r fa te . On e e ve n in g I h e a r th a t m y wife is ba ck; s h e will be with m e s h ort ly. I m e e t h e r in a fre igh t ca r in Mü rwik. S h e h a d be e n p ra ct ica lly d rive n ou t of th e villa ge . S h e wa s a t t ra ct in g th e bom be rs ! Th e re tu rn e d h u s ba n d of h e r la n d la dy h a d be e n m os t a n ta gon is t ic. Th is wa s re pe a te d wh e n He dwig a n d Ire n e fou n d s h e lt e r in a de a con e s s 's h om e for th e a ge d in Glü cks bu rg . Th e ph ys icia n in ch a rge h u n te d for e xcu s e s . My wife : Le t 's be fra n k. You wa n t to ge t r id of u s be ca u s e I a m th e wife of Alfre d Ros e n be rg ! Bu t th a t I h e a rd a bou t on ly la t e r . In th e m e a n t im e I we n t da ily to th e n e w gove rn m e n t office of Dö n itz. Th e a tm os ph e re wa s om in ou s , ca p itu la t ion in e vit a b le , if a t le a s t a fe w th in gs we re to be s a ve d . On ce I s a w Him m le r. I d id n ot s pe a k a word with h im . I con s ide re d h im on e of th e g ra ve -d igge rs of th e Re ich , illu s ion a ry, a rroga n t , u n s cru pu lou s , u n de rn e a th a s m ooth m a s k. I s u pp re s s e d th e de s ire to s a y th a t h e a n d Borm a n n h a d b rou gh t Ge rm a n y to th is pa s s . Him m le r d is a ppe a re d . Word th a t Borm a n n m igh t com e to Fle n s bu rg p rom pte d th e de cis ion th a t h e wou ld be a rre s te d im m e d ia te ly. Eve n Ga u le it e r We ge n e r, wh om Borm a n n h a d form e rly h e lpe d , a g re e d to th is . I m ys e lf h a d to com e to s om e s ort of a de cis ion , s in ce I d id n ot wis h to be a bu rde n to th e Dö n itz gove rn m e n t , a n d s in ce Brit is h pa pe rs h a d re porte d th a t I wa s s t ill m is s in g . I h a d t a ke n le a ve of m y wife a n d ch ild in Glü cks bu rg . We h a d t a lke d of th e good a n d th e ba d ye a rs , of a ll th e de ce n t th in gs we h a d p la n n e d , of Ge rm a n y's fa te th a t n ow in volve d a ll of u s . Ire n e s tood le a n in g a ga in s t a t re e , cryin g , wh e n I d rove off. On Ma y 1 1 I wa lke d a lon g th e s e a s h ore a t Mü rwik th in kin g a bou t th e fu tu re . S h ou ld I ch oos e th e wa y of Arn o S ch icke da n z, or g ive m ys e lf u p? Th e h a rbou r wa s crowde d with s h ip s . Towa rd th e Ea s t , th e ope n s e a . S om e wh e re th e o ld h om e town , Re va l, with it s towe rs a n d ba t t le m e n ts . With th e Re d fla g a bove th e La n ge He rm a n n (Lon g He rm a n la n dm a rk) . . . . . On m y re tu rn to th e com m a n de r 's h e a dqu a rte rs , I s tu m ble d a n d h u rt m y le ft a n kle . A ba d h a e m orrh a ge . Off to th e Ma rin e Hos p it a l. On Ma y 1 2 , I wrote Fie ld Ma rs h a l Mon tgom e ry, pu t t in g m ys e lf a t h is d is pos a l. Th e le t t e r wa s h a n de d to th e Brit is h office r a t Dö n itz's qu a rte rs . I wa it e d , bu t n obody ca lle d for m e . My foot wa s h e a vily ba n da ge d , bu t s om e wh a t be t t e r . Th e n He dwig a n d Ire n e re tu rn , lookin g for s h e lt e r . Eve ryon e in Fle n s bu rg is a fra id to t a ke th e m in . An officia l a s s ign m e n t ca rd doe s n o good . On Ma y 1 7 th e y com e to m y room , ve ry t ire d . Th e Brit is h m ilit a ry gove rn m e n t h a s to ld th e Lord Ma yor th a t th e wive s of p rom in e n t Na t ion a l S ocia lis t s do n ot n e e d ca rds . Th e y a re with ou t s h e lt e r . Cou ld th e y s t a y with m e ? Th e y s t a ye d in m y room .
On Ma y 1 8 , a t n in e o 'clock, qu ick s t e ps ou t s ide . Th e door is torn ope n : Brit is h m ilit a ry police . Arre s t . Re a dy in two m in u te s . I d re s s , pu t t in g on ly a s ock on m y foot . Cryin g , He dwig s t a re s a t th e floor. I kis s h e r a n d Ire n e good-bye , a n d h obb le ou t to wh e re s e ve ra l ca rs with h e a vily a rm e d gu a rds a re wa it in g . In th e Fle n s bu rg ja il I a m s e a rch e d . I a m m ove d ve ry s oon , p roba b ly by wa y of Re n ds bu rg to h e a dqu a rte rs . Wh y d id m y wife ca rry a re volve r a n d kn u ckle -du s te r? I e xp la in : Ye a rs a go s h e wa s a t t a cke d
on a s t re e t in Mu n ich , a n d s in ce th e n s h e h a s ca rrie d th e kn u ckle -du s te r . S h e wa s s u ppos e d to tu rn in th e re volve r. Th u s I kn ow th a t m y wife h a s a ls o be e n s e a rch e d . Th e En g lis h m a n te lls m e th a t s h e is u n de r th e s u rve illa n ce of th e Ge rm a n police , a n d ca n be re a ch e d th rou gh th e m . He a ls o t e lls m e th a t h e kn ows n oth in g a bou t m y le t t e r to Mon tgom e ry. In ja il a n En g lis h m a n p la ys Lili Ma rle n e on a n oca rin a . An oth e r on e t r ie s to wh is t le th e m e lody. Th e n I 've got to go . Wh e n I com e down s ta irs I s e e He dwig a n d Ire n e s it t in g in a corn e r. He dwig s t a re s s t ra igh t a h e a d ; Ire n e , be n t ove r dou b le , is cryin g . Th e la s t p ictu re of m y fa m ily. Firs t to th e ja il in Ne u m ü n s te r . My th in gs , a t ru n k fu ll of s u it s a n d lin e n , toge th e r with a ba g con ta in in g a n ove rcoa t a n d s h oe s , a re de live re d to th e wron g h ou s e . I n e ve r s a w th e m a ga in . S olit a ry con fin e m e n t . La u gh in g s old ie rs . I h e a r th e m con s ta n t ly m e n t ion in g m y n a m e , p roba b ly with a pp rop ria te com m e n t . Th e re is a lo t of wh is t lin g ; wh a t , I don 't kn ow. Bu t th e n a ga in , a fe w ba rs from Lili Ma rle n e . Com pu ls ory e xe rcis e in th e ya rd . I poin t to m y foot . Th e s e rge a n t fin ge rs h is re volve r: I a m to go down s ta irs a n ywa y. On e of th e Ge rm a n p ris on e rs , wh o is a ct in g a s orde rly, fe t ch e s m e a n o ld s lippe r to pu t on m y foot . In th e ya rd I s t a n d to on e s ide ; th e o th e rs , Na t ion a l S ocia lis t s , police office rs , a n d s o on , a lt e rn a te ly ru n a n d wa lk u pon com m a n d .
On e e ve n in g a Brit is h s e rge a n t com e s in . He s pe a ks Ge rm a n flu e n t ly. Cou ld h e h a ve a pe rs on a l t a lk with m e ? He h a d a t t e n de d on e of th e pa rty ra llie s in Nu re m be rg . I t e ll h im h ow I t r ie d for ye a rs to b rin g a bou t a Ge rm a n -Brit is h u n de rs ta n d in g a n d a s k: Wa s it worth it to re fu s e Ge rm a n y for twe n ty ye a rs a n y re vis ion of a n im pos s ib le t re a ty, ju s t to h a ve th e S ovie t s on th e Elbe , on th e At la n t ic, on th e wa y to th e Pe rs ia n Gu lf? He re p lie s th a t Hit le r wa n te d e ve ryth in g too qu ickly; h e s h ou ld h a ve wa ite d . S om e th in g I don 't de n y, with ou t kn owin g a n yth in g a bou t th e s pe e ch th e Fü h re r h a d m a de p riva te ly, a n d th a t wa s la t e r re a d a t th e t r ia l. Ne ve rth e le s s , th e re h a s be e n a la ck of wis dom on th e o th e r s ide , too . Th e s e rge a n t t a ke s h is le a ve ve ry polit e ly. On th e fifth da y, s h a ckle d , I a m loa de d in to a n a u tom ob ile . Th e s e rge a n t , a ccom pa n ie d by two h e a vily a rm e d m e n , s a ys s om e th in g a bou t Re n ds bu rg or Fle n s bu rg wh ich , I gu e s s , m e a n s th a t we a re n ot goin g to Re n ds bu rg bu t to Fle n s bu rg . In Fle n s bu rg th e s e rge a n t looks a rou n d for th e p la ce wh e re h e is to de live r m e , bu t ca n n ot fin d it . We cris s cros s th e city. I ke e p lookin g ou t of th e win dow, h op in g I m igh t ca tch a g lim ps e of He dwig a n d Ire n e . By ch a n ce we s top in fron t of th e h ou s e of th e form e r Kre is le it e r , to m a ke ye t a n oth e r in qu iry. I n ot ice h is la s t fe w pos s e s s ion s a re be in g loa de d on to a t ru ck. It tu rn s ou t th a t we h a ve m a de a m is ta ke . It wa s to Re n ds bu rg , a ft e r a ll, wh e re we we re s u ppos e d to go . S om e wh a t down ca s t , th e s e rge a n t s it s be s ide th e d rive r. Eve n in g com e s , bu t th e s ch e du le d h e a rin g doe s n ot t a ke p la ce . Th re e da ys la t e r I a m a ga in s h a ckle d . We bypa s s Re n ds bu rg . Wh e re to? Th rou gh th e s t re e t s of Kie l to th e a irfie ld . Afte r s om e t im e I a m le d ove r to a n a e rop la n e , wh e re a Brit is h ca p ta in re ce ive s m e . Th e h a n dcu ffs a re re m ove d . A twin -m otor s h ip . Th e two of u s , th e on ly occu pa n t s , o th e r th a n th e p ilo t . We a re h e a d in g in a s ou th -we s te rly d ire ct ion ; in o th e r words , towa rds Ha m bu rg , I th in k, p roba b ly to Mon tgom e ry's h e a dqu a rte rs . Th e ca p ta in a s ks m e in Ge rm a n wh e th e r I s t ill con s ide r th e th e orie s e xp re s s e d in m y Myth to be r igh t . He h a d re a d th e book a n d s pe a ks Ge rm a n qu it e we ll. I a n s we r: s om e th in gs in th e book a re n a tu ra lly t im e -con d it ion e d a n d ou tda te d , bu t I s t ill be lie ve th e e s s e n t ia l con te n t s a re corre ct . Th e n I a ga in de s cribe m y a t t e m p ts to b rin g a bou t a n u n de rs ta n d in g : An d th is is th e e n d ! We h a ve lon g s in ce le ft Ha m bu rg be h in d ; s u ppos e d ly on ly th e p ilo t kn ows wh e re we a re h e a d in g . Th e n be low u s I s e e Dü s s e ldorf a n d Cologn e , or ra th e r wh a t h a d on ce be e n
Cologn e . As if t ra m p le d down by g iga n t ic be a s t s , Cologn e 's ru bb le lie s h e a pe d a rou n d th e s ke le ton of th e ca th e d ra l. Blown -u p b ridge s in th e r ive r. A de s e rt g ivin g e vide n ce of th e t e rr ib le fa te of pe op le a n d Re ich . Now I be lie ve th a t I will p roba b ly be s e t down on Fre n ch s oil. I t ry to s e e m ys e lf from ou t s ide , th rou gh th e e ye s of a n oth e r pe rs on . Now we s h a ll s e e , Alfre d Ros e n be rg , h ow th e a dve n tu re of you r life will be con clu de d . Bu t I a m n ot ve ry s u cce s s fu l. Th e n we la n d a n d a re m e t by Am e rica n s . We d rive off in a s m a ll t ru ck. I n ot ice Ge rm a n s t re e t s ign s with a rrows poin t in g in th e d ire ct ion of Trie r . Lu xe m bou rg? Ye s , we pa s s th e town , ke e p on goin g , m a ke a tu rn , a n d s top in fron t of a la rge bu ild in g s t a n d in g a lon e . Ge n e ra l Re in e cke . Th a t ca lm s m e down a b it . Am e rica n s a re t a kin g m e ove r. It 's th e Pa la ce Hote l a t Mon dorf in Lu xe m bou rg . He re I fin d Dö n itz a n d a ll th e m e n from Fle n s bu rg . Th e n o th e rs a re b rou gh t in : S ch wa rz, Frick a n d m ore . S u rrou n de d by ba rbe d wire th re e m e te rs h igh , th e Mon dorf wa it be g in s - - u n t il th e m a te ria l ca n be a s s e m ble d by th e p ros e cu t ion to pe rm it th e ope n in g of th e t r ia l a t Nu re m be rg .
Ro s e n b e rg 's Po lit ic a l Te s t a m e n t
Th e le a d e rs h ip o f Hit le r w a s th e n e c e s s a ry re s u lt o f a g re a t n a t io n a l
a w a ke n in g , th e Fü h re r s ta te a n o rg a n ic a lly s o u n d re - c re a t io n o f th e id e a o f th e
Re ic h . Le a d e rs h ip is a s d iffe re n t fro m ru le rs h ip a s it is fro m c h a o s . Ty ra n t a n d
m a s s e s b e lo n g to g e th e r ju s t a s m u c h a s d o le a d e r a n d fo llo w e r. Th e tw o a re
p o s s ib le o n ly if th e y a re p a ire d , a n d a re h e ld to g e th e r in a c o m m o n b o n d o f
d u ty . Th e e v e r g re a te r p o w e r g iv e n Hit le r w a s a t e m p o ra ry e x c e p t io n ,
p e rm is s ib le o n ly a ft e r a fo u rte e n - y e a r- lo n g t e s t . Th is w a s n o t o n e o f th e g o a ls
o f th e N a t io n a l S o c ia lis t id e a o f s ta te . Th e firs t le a d e r h a d to c o m e in to p o w e r
a s Hit le r d id . All o th e rs w e re to b e e le c t e d to s e rv e o n ly fo r a lim ite d p e rio d o f
t im e . Th u s it w a s p ro v id e d , th o u g h n o W a h l- Gre m iu m ( e le c to ra l c o lle g e ) w a s
fo u n d e d . Be fo re th e Ord e n s ra t ( Co u n c il o f th e Ord e r) o f s ix ty - o n e m e n fro m a ll
w a lks o f life , a n y o n e c o u ld , a n d w o u ld h a v e to , s p e a k c o n fid e n t ly a n d fre e ly .
Be fo re it e v e ry m in is t e r w o u ld h a v e to d e fe n d h is m e a s u re s . I t w a s th e
N a t io n a l S o c ia lis t p la n to fin d a s t ro n g p e rs o n a lity fo r e v e ry g iv e n ta s k , a n d to
g iv e th a t in d iv id u a l a ll th e a u th o rity h e n e e d e d . Ad o lf Hit le r la t e r b ro ke th is
ru le w h ic h h e h im s e lf h a d m a d e w h e n , to a ll p ra c t ic a l in te n t s a n d p u rp o s e s , h e
p u t th e c h ie f o f p o lic e o v e r th e m in is t e r fo r th e in te rio r, w h e n h e a llo w e d
s p e c ia l a p p o in te e s in e v e r in c re a s in g n u m b e rs to b re a k in to fie ld s o f a c t iv ity
th a t h a d b e e n c irc u m s c rib e d b y e le c t io n s , a n d w h e n h e p e rm it t e d s e v e ra l
d is t in c t fu n c t io n s to b e c o n c e n tra te d in a s in g le n e w o ffic e . N a tu ra lly , th e s e
m a y h a v e b e e n e m e rg e n c y m e a s u re s , ju s t ifie d in t im e s o f re v o lu t io n a n d w a r;
b u t th e y s h o u ld n e v e r b e to le ra te d a s p e rm a n e n t p ra c t ic e s .
Th u s th e Min is te r for Cu ltu re of th e libe ra l e poch wa s , in h is da y, m ore in te g ra l th a n th e Re ich Min is te r for Edu ca t ion of th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t s t a t e . Be ca u s e a rt , s cie n ce a n d e du ca t ion be lon g toge th e r, it is n ot n e ce s s a ry to tu rn s cie n ce ove r to a m u s icolog is t . In a g re a t pe op le th e re a lwa ys will be a ce rt a in n u m be r of m e n , a rt is t ic in th e be s t s e n s e of th e word , wh o re a lly com pre h e n d th is u n ity. A Propa ga n da Min is t ry is com ple te ly s u pe rflu ou s . An In form a t ion De pa rtm e n t in th e office of th e Re ich Ch a n ce llor is s u fficie n t . Th e Ch ie f of Police m u s t n e ve r h a ve th e ra n k of a m in is t e r , bu t m u s t be s u bord in a te d to th e Min is t ry for th e In te rior , n or m a y h e h old a n y o th e r polit ica l pos t . Wh e th e r th e He a d of th e S ta te s h ou ld a ls o be Re ich Ch a n ce llor , a s in th e Un ite d S ta te s of Am e rica , is s om e th in g th a t ca n be de cide d la te r . In vie w of th e p rove n t e n de n cy of th e Ge rm a n to s e e e ve ryth in g ba s ica lly, it s e e m s s a fe r to ke e p th e s e two pos it ion s s e pa ra te ( in con n e ct ion with wh ich th e m a t te r of a u th ority ove r th e a rm e d force s m u s t be ca re fu lly we igh e d ) . Th e Re ich Ch a n ce llor , h owe ve r, m u s t n e ve r h a ve th e de cis ive voice in th e gove rn m e n t , bu t m u s t con fin e h im s e lf, a s lon g a s h e is in office , m e re ly to d ire ct in g policy. Th e e le ct ion of a body of s o-ca lle d pe op le 's re p re s e n ta t ive s a ppe a rs to re m a in a n e ce s s ity. Proport ion a l e le ct ion s , h owe ve r, h a ve le d to ch a os be fore . Wh a t is m os t e vide n t is th e n e e d for fin d in g a m e th od of e le ct ion wh ich m a ke s gove rn in g
pos s ib le . Nobody ca n gove rn a pe op le if th re e pa rt ie s form a coa lit ion , a n d a fou rth with on ly a fe w m e m be rs h olds th e ba la n ce of powe r. Th e s o-ca lle d ju s t ice of n ot wa s t in g a s in g le vote is , in re a lity, e vide n ce of th e g re a te s t n e g le ct of du ty towa rd th e e n t ire n a t ion . Th e re fore , a n d with ou t a t t e m p t in g to a pe th e En g lis h e le ct ion s with th e ir s m a ll e le ct ion d is t r ict s a n d pe rs on a l ca m pa ign s in e a ch , th e m e th od of e le ct ion m u s t in s u re th a t a m a jority win s , th e o th e rs los e ou t . Th e Re ich S e n a te , ch os e n pa rt ia lly by e le ct ion , pa rt ia lly by th e a ppoin tm e n t of s e le cte d m e n , m u s t h a ve a s it s fu n ct ion th e con fide n t ia l corre ct ion on th e pa rt of th e gove rn m e n t of ope n pa rlia m e n ta ry d is cu s s ion s . A on e -pa rty s ys te m wa s ju s t ifia b le a n d h is torica lly e ve n a n e ce s s ity in 1 9 3 3 . Bu t it wa s a n h is torica l m is ta ke to a t t e m p t to pe rpe tu a te it for a ll e t e rn ity. Th is wou ld h a ve be e n im pos s ib le a n ywa y, s in ce , a ft e r Hit le r 's de a th , a t le a s t th re e d is t in ct g rou ps with in th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t Ge rm a n Worke rs ' Pa rty wou ld h a ve e n te re d th e polit ica l a re n a . Na t ion a l S ocia lis m a t on e t im e wa s , s o to s pe a k, a s u bs t itu te n a t ion , wh e n th e cou n t ry wa s th re a te n e d with d is s olu t ion by th ir ty- two in d ividu a l pa rt ie s . Th e o ld pa rt ie s of th e cla s s a n d re lig iou s wa rs we re ou tm ode d a n d h a d ou t live d th e ir u s e fu ln e s s . Th e y h a d in m a n y re s pe ct s be com e n o m ore th a n h ollow s h e lls , a n d h a d to be re m ou lde d . Th is wa s a s in e vit a b le a s th e re s ign a t ion of th e twe n ty- th re e Ge rm a n dyn a s t ie s in 1 9 1 8 . Th u s it wa s th e h is toric t a s k of Na t ion a l S ocia lis m to be com e th e s p ir itu a l-polit ica l ba s is of life (Na t ion a lis m a n d S ocia lis m ) for th e e n t ire pe op le . With th is n a t ion a l u n ion n o lon ge r d is pu te d , ce rt a in win g -g rou ps cou ld h a ve be e n to le ra te d . Bu t wh ile th is s e e m e d de s ira b le to a la rge n u m be r of pe op le , it wa s n e ve r a pp rove d by Hit le r wh o ( toge th e r with Le y, Gö bbe ls , a n d th e re s t ) rode a good p rin cip le to de a th . Th is n e w ide a will s om e h ow h a ve to be th e s p ir itu a l ba s is for th e fu tu re . Wh a t e xpe rie n ce t a u gh t u s m u s t n e ve r a ga in be forgot t e n . Bu t s in ce we will h a ve to cou n t on m ore th a n on e polit ica l g rou p , th e Na t ion a l S ocia lis t ide n t ifica t ion of pa rty with s t a te is a u tom a t ica lly e lim in a te d . In fa ct , be twe e n 1 9 3 3 a n d 1 9 4 5 th is ide n t ity, n e ve r fu lly com pre h e n de d in it s e ffe ct , je opa rd is e d th e m os t ba s ic la ws gove rn in g th e ve ry life of a pe op le . Not on e of u s ca n cla im th a t we d id n ot u ph old th e d ictu m , th e pa rty ru le s th e s t a te . For a wh ile th is wa s ju s t ifie d , for th e n it wa s n ot th e s t a te th a t cre a te d u s , bu t we wh o h a d cre a te d th e s t a te . Tru e e n ou gh , bu t we re n 't we a lre a dy livin g in a th ou s a n d ye a r s t a t e - - a s t a t e th e pa rty wa s to s e rve ? Th is d iffu s e du a lis m cou ld n ot be ove rcom e by a pe rs on a l u n ion wh ile th e pa rty office on th e m in is t e ria l le ve l worke d towa rds th e t e rm in a t ion of th is ve ry u n ion . Th is wou ld h a ve s im p ly m e a n t th e pe rpe tu a t ion of a d icta tors h ip of th e a n te ch a m be r. In con n e ct ion with th e fu tu re m u lt ipa rty s ys te m , th e pos it ion of th e re p re s e n ta t ive s of th e in d ividu a l s t a t e s wh ich m a ke u p th e Re ich will h a ve to be in de pe n de n t . Th e cre a t ion of th e office of Re ich s s ta t th a lt e r wa s ba s ica lly s ou n d . Th e s ove re ign ty of th e Re ich wa s u ph e ld wh ile a t th e s a m e t im e th e va riou s Lä n de r ( s t a te s ) we re pe rm it t e d to gove rn th e m s e lve s . Th a t th is re qu ire d s t a te gove rn m e n ts ( a n d pe rh a ps e ve n Ch a m be rs of Cou n s e llors ) th ou gh n ot n e ce s s a rily La n d ta ge (S ta te As s e m blie s ) , is obviou s , if for n o o th e r re a s on th a n th e p re s e rva t ion of n a t ion a l s t re n g th . (Th e re p re s e n ta t ive s e le cte d to th e Re ic h s t a g from a g ive n La n d cou ld , in cide n ta lly, a ls o m a ke u p th e m a jority of th e s e Ch a m be rs of Cou n s e llors . ) Na t ion a l S ocia lis m tu rn e d in to le ga l ce n t ra lis m , bu t a ls o to pa rt icu la ris m in p ra ct ice . Ne ve r wa s th e u n ity of a ce n t ra l a dm in is t ra t ion m ore of a n obviou s n e ce s s ity th a n toda y, wh e n th e Re ich is d ivide d in to fou r zon e s . Th is , th e n , cou ld be th e ba s is : th e a ppoin tm e n t by th e He a d of S ta te of Re ich s s ta t th a lt e r (wh o a ls o s e rve a s Pre s ide n t s of th e S ta te Gove rn m e n ts ) , ca n d ida te s to be s u gge s te d by th e Re ich Ch a n ce llor . Th e s pe cia l in te re s t s of th e in d ividu a l s t a t e s to be s a fe gu a rde d by Ch a m be rs of Cou n s e llors , by re p re s e n ta t ive s e le cte d to th e Re ich s ta g , a n d by re p re s e n ta t ive s in th e S e n a t . Th e s h ockin g de ge n e ra t ion of police powe r in th e Th ird Re ich m a ke s it m a n da tory th a t in de pe n de n t ju dge s a n d du e p roce s s of la w on ce a ga in gu a ra n te e th e
s e cu rity of th e in d ividu a l. Tim e - te s te d Eu rope a n m e th ods m u s t s a fe gu a rd th e com m u n ity. Not e ve n th e m os t s h re wd ly con ce ive d con s t itu t ion ca n pos s ib ly gu a ra n te e pe rm a n e n t s e cu rity. If a de m ocra cy t e n ds towa rd ch a os , th e Fü h re r p rin cip le on th e o th e r h a n d m igh t le a d to m on ocra cy. Be s ide s th a t , fore ign polit ica l de ve lopm e n ts m igh t le a d to s ocia l con flict s , a n d h u m a n pa s s ion s , de s p it e a ll e ffort s to s u bdu e th e m , m igh t b re a k th rou gh . Fa te will n ot be con fin e d by pa ra g ra ph s . Ne ve rth e le s s it is im porta n t to bu ild u pon a fou n da t ion va lid for a ll, t h ou gh th is is pos s ib le on ly wh e n th e ch a ra cte r of a pe op le is fu lly u n de rs tood : it s h is torica l re a ct ion to th e world a t la rge , it s livin g s pa ce with it s own in h e re n t la ws , a n d , a s toda y, s om e im m e d ia te e xpe rie n ce th a t n e ce s s it a t e s , a s n e ve r be fore , th e e xa m in a t ion of on e a n d a ll e xis t in g p rob le m s . Na t ion a l S ocia lis m wa s both a n ide a l a n d a n orga n is a t ion , bu t it h a d n ot ye t t a ke n on fin a l form . Th is re a lis a t ion in t r igu e d m e lon g be fore th e wa r, a n d I be ga n work on a com pre h e n s ive book, t e n ta t ive ly e n t it le d Die Ma ch t de r Form (Th e Powe r of Form ) . Th e le itm ot iv wa s th a t in a n y g ive n h is torica l s itu a t ion re volu t ion s a re m a de victoriou s by ide a s . Orga n is a t ion s a re va ria b le form s of u t ilit a r ia n is m . Th e y ca n pe rpe tu a te a re volu t ion on ly wh e n th e y be com e form s , th a t is , n a tu ra l h a b it s , com m on ps ych olog ica l a t t itu de s , ch a ra cte ris t ic ge n e ra l re a ct ion s to th e s u rrou n d in g world , a n d e ve n tu a lly s p ir itu a l d is cip lin e s . Th is a lon e ca n gu a ra n te e a n orga n ic con t in u ity if th e cre a tor of th e ide a is de a d a n d fa te h a s n ot p rovide d a n a cce p ta b le s u cce s s or. On ly a ge n e ra l form of life - - on e m igh t a ls o ca ll it t ype of life , th ou gh n e ve r s ch e m e of life - - ca n th e n s e rve th e pu rpos e . Th is h olds good in e ve ry fie ld of h u m a n e n de a vou r. I h a d a d ra ft of a bou t fou r h u n dre d pa ge s re a dy - - th e y d is a ppe a re d du rin g th e wa r - - wh ich wa s a lit t le s h a rp in th e m ode of e xp re s s ion a n d wa s to be re writ t e n com ple te ly a n d a m plifie d a t a n o lde r, r ipe r a ge . Th e s e writ in gs on s t a te , s cie n ce , ch u rch , a n d a rt we re los t (on e copy in a n a ir-ra id s h e lt e r in Be rlin , th e s e con d in a m in e in Uppe r Au s t ria , th e th ird a m on g th e pa pe rs s e qu e s t ra te d in Ca s t le Ba n z) . S e e n e ve n from th is a n g le , a g re a t a ccom plis h m e n t of th e Ge rm a n n a t ion - - Na t ion a l S ocia lis m - - we n t to p ie ce s be fore it h a d h a d a ch a n ce to be com e form e d . If I pu t down a fe w th ou gh ts on th e form of a s t a t e , I do th is be ca u s e I h a ve e xpe rie n ce d th e b ir th , victory, a n d colla ps e of it s a u xilia ry s t ru ctu re ; for th e pa rty wa s n e ve r m ore th a n th a t , a n d th e s t ru ctu re of th e Re ich it s e lf h a d be e n t a ke n a pa rt with ou t e ve r be in g pu t toge th e r a ga in . Th e fo llowin g ou t lin e is pu re ly th e ore t ica l in n a tu re , s in ce th e p re s e n t is too da rk to a n a lys e it fu lly. Ide a s on fore ign policy ca n n ot be d is cu s s e d a t a ll, a s is obviou s in th e fa ce of e xis t in g re a lit ie s . Be s ide s , th is ou t lin e ca n n ot pos s ib ly be cou ch e d in le ga l t e rm in ology. It is n o m ore th a n a n e xp re s s ion of m y pe rs on a l a t t itu de , a im s , a n d p rin cip le s :
1 . Th e He a d of S ta te (Re ich Pre s ide n t , Fü h re r, Re ich Prote ctor, Re ich s fü h re r) is e le cte d by th e pe op le a s a wh ole . Th e m a jority of th e ba llo t s ca s t is de cis ive . In a ru n -off e le ct ion on ly th e two ca n d ida te s with th e g re a te s t n u m be r of vote s ca n pa rt icipa te . Th e t e rm is for five ye a rs . Th e He a d of S ta te is th e S u p re m e Com m a n de r of th e a rm e d force s . A pe rs on a l u n ion with th e office of Re ich Ch a n ce llor is n ot pos s ib le . Th e He a d of S ta te ca n be re - e le cte d a n y n u m be r of t im e s .
Re a s on s : Th e pos it ion a s He a d of S ta te p re s u ppos e s a we ll-kn own pe rs on a lity, a n d th e re fore a n e le ct ion by th e e n t ire pe op le s e e m s ju s t ifie d , s in ce u n de r th is s ys te m , ch a ra cte r , fe e lin g , a n d t ru s t com e d ire ct ly in to th e ir own , s om e th in g th a t m u s t be t a ke n
in to con s ide ra t ion in Ge rm a n y if a re a l re p re s e n ta t ive of th e e n t ire n a t ion is to be e le cte d . Th e Ge rm a n doe s n ot wa n t a m e re re p re s e n ta t ive n on e n t ity. Afte r th e p re s e n t colla ps e of con fide n ce , a pe rs on a l u n ion be twe e n th e office s of He a d of S ta te a n d Re ich Ch a n ce llor is n o lon ge r pos s ib le . For th e s a m e re a s on th e a rm e d force s m u s t be u n de r th e com m a n d of th e He a d of S ta te . His t it le ca n be le ft for th e fu tu re to de cide . A dyn a s ty n e e d n ot e ve n be d is cu s s e d , s in ce pe rs on a l re ve re n ce is u n th in ka b le , con s ide rin g th e b io log ica l de te riora t ion of a g ive n fa m ily, qu it e a pa rt from oth e r da n ge rs . If it we re pos s ib le to con du ct e le ct ion s u n de r th e de cim a l s ys te m , th e polit ica l rh yth m wou ld con form to th e rh yth m of th e re s t of life , s om e th in g th a t m u s t n ot be u n de re s t im a te d a s a cre a t ive force .
2 . Le a de rs h ip , gove rn m e n t , a n d re p re s e n ta t ion of th e pe op le a re in th e h a n ds of th e Re ich Ch a n ce llor , th e Re ich s s e n a t (Uppe r Hou s e ) , a n d th e Re ich s ta g (Hou s e of Com m on s ) . Th e Re ich Ch a n ce llor is s e le cte d by th e He a d of S ta te , th e Re ich Min is te rs a re a ppoin te d u pon th e p ropos a l of th e Re ich Ch a n ce llor by th e He a d of S ta te . Th e Re ich Ch a n ce llor is s u e s polit ica l d ire ct ive s , bu t doe s n ot h a ve th e de cis ive vote in th e ca b in e t . I t is th e du ty of th e Re ich s s e n a t to pa s s on th e re port s of th e Re ich Min is te r con ce rn in g im porta n t p ropos e d m e a s u re s . It h a s th e r igh t to s u bm it p ropos it ion s of it s own to th e Re ich Ch a n ce llor . Th e Re ich s s e n a t con s is t s of th ir ty e le cte d a n d th ir ty-on e a ppoin te d m e m be rs . Th e m in im u m a ge of a Re ich S e n a tor is forty ye a rs . Th irty s e n a tors a re e le cte d by Nä h rs ta n d ( a g ricu ltu re ) , S tä d te ta g (Un ion of Cit ie s ) , Ge rm a n la bou r u n ion s , re ctors of u n ive rs it ie s a n d ch u rch e s . Th e y re qu ire th e a pp rova l of th e He a d of S ta te . Th irty-on e s e n a tors a re a ppoin te d by h im . Th e s e s s ion s of th e S e n a te a re s e cre t , a n d n o m e m be r is pe rm it t e d to ke e p a d ia ry or to m a ke n ote s on th e m . Th e Re ich S e n a tors h old office for five ye a rs , bu t th e He a d of S ta te m a y re a ppoin t th e m a t th e e n d of th e ir t e rm s . Th e Re ich S e n a te ca n n ot be d is s olve d . Th e Re ich s ta g is e le cte d by th e pe op le for five ye a rs . Th e t e rr itory of th e Re ich is d ivide d in to five h u n dre d e le ct ion d is t r ict s in wh ich e a ch pa rty ca n n om in a te it s own ca n d ida te s . Th e ca n d ida te ge t t in g th e m a jority of vote s is e le cte d . Th e Re ich Ch a n ce llor a n d th e Re ich Min is te rs s u bm it th e ir p la n n e d polit ica l m e a s u re s to th e Re ich s ta g . Th e la t t e r is a ls o pe rm it t e d to in it ia t e la ws . If a b ill s u bm it t e d by th e Re ich gove rn m e n t is tu rn e d down in th re e re a d in gs , th e Re ich Ch a n ce llor m u s t s u bm it h is re s ign a t ion to th e He a d of S ta te . Th e He a d of S ta te m a y a ppoin t a n e w Re ich Ch a n ce llor , d is s olve th e Re ich s ta g a n d a n n ou n ce n e w e le ct ion s , or h e ca n ke e p th e Re ich Ch a n ce llor in office u n t il th e e n d of th e Re ich s ta g t e rm . Th e Re ich gove rn m e n t m u s t re s ign if th e Re ich s s e n a t a n d th e Re ich s ta g de m a n d it by a two th ird s m a jority. In th is ca s e th e He a d of S ta te m u s t a ppoin t a n e w Re ich Ch a n ce llor , or e ls e a n n ou n ce n e w e le ct ion s for th e Re ich s ta g . Th e He a d of S ta te de cla re s wa r on ly a ft e r con s u lt in g with th e Re ich Ch a n ce llor , th e p re s ide n t of th e Re ich s s e n a t , a n d th e p re s ide n t of th e Re ich s ta g .
Re a s on s : Con t in e n ta l de m ocra cy with it s p roport ion a l e le ct ion s ys te m n e ce s s a rily le a ds to pa rty a n a rch y. Un de r th e s ys te m ou t lin e d a bove it s e e m s pos s ib le to a ch ie ve con t in u ity, a re a lly re s pon s ib le gove rn m e n t , th e a voida n ce of m a jority de m a gogy, th e a t t ra ct in g of m e n of re a lly im porta n t a ch ie ve m e n ts from a ll wa lks of life to re s pon s ib le co-ope ra t ion , th e p re ve n t ion of a s p lin te rin g of th e pa rty. Th is m e th od of s e le ct in g th e Re ich Ch a n ce llor , of pa rt ly a ppoin t in g th e Re ich s s e n a t , a n d e le ct in g th e Re ich s ta g ,
gu a ra n te e s th e le a de rs h ip both n e ce s s a ry r igh t s a n d n e ce s s a ry con t ro ls .
3 . Th e m e m be rs of th e Re ich s s e n a t a n d th e Re ich s ta g h a ve th e r igh t a n d th e du ty of fre e ly e xch a n g in g op in ion s . Th e y m u s t n ot be ca lle d to a ccou n t for th e ir polit ica l op in ion s or m a lign e d in a n y wa y. In con n e ct ion with a n y o th e r de lict p rovide d for in la w, th e y a re h e ld re s pon s ib le ju s t a s is a n y o th e r cit ize n . Th e ir im m u n ity is pu re ly polit ica l.
Re a s on s : Th e im m u n ity of polit icia n s in th e de m ocra t ic Ge rm a n y fre qu e n t ly h a d g rote s qu e con s e qu e n ce s , in a s m u ch a s th e m e m be rs of th e Re ich s ta g we re a ct ive in th e ir p rofe s s ion s , bu t cou ld n ot be ca lle d to a ccou n t for s la n de r. Th is wa s a s m u ch a b re a ch of la w a s we re th e irre s pon s ib le police a rre s t s of th e Th ird Re ich .
4 . To gove rn th e in d ividu a l Ge rm a n Lä n de r, th e He a d of S ta te u pon p ropos a l of th e Re ich Ch a n ce llor a ppoin t s Re ich s s ta t th a lt e r wh o a re a t th e s a m e t im e p re s ide n t s of th e p rovin cia l gove rn m e n ts . Th e m e m be rs of th e Re ich s s e n a t a n d th e Re ich s ta g from h is p rovin ce a re a t h is s e rvice in a n a dvis ory ca pa city. Th e Re ich S ta d th olde r is bou n d by th e d ire ct ive s of th e Re ich gove rn m e n t . His t e rm is for t e n ye a rs .
Re a s on s : Th is a s s u re s th e u n ity of th e Re ich in th e fie ld of polit ics a n d th e p rin cip le s of ge n e ra l con du ct , bu t le a ve s th e Re ich s s ta t th a lt e r e ve ry fre e dom for th e cu ltu ra l de ve lopm e n t of h is h om e p rovin ce . He is con s ta n t ly ke p t in form e d by th e s e n a tors a n d re p re s e n ta t ive s , with ou t be in g bu rde n e d with a n a s s e m bly th a t in e a ch p rovin ce re p re s e n t s a t re m e n dou s s qu a n de rin g of e n e rgy. Th e t it le of S ta a t s m in is t e r (S ta te Min is te r) wou ld h a ve to be re p la ce d by th a t of S ta te Dire ctor.
5 . In h a b it a n t s a re cla s s ifie d a s cit ize n s of th e s t a te or m e m be rs of th e s t a te . Cou n te d a m on g th e la t t e r a re a ll re ce n t im m ig ra n t s . Th e Re ich Min is te r de cide s wh e n cit ize n s h ip m a y be g ra n te d . On ly cit ize n s h a ve th e r igh t to a ct ive a n d pa s s ive e le ct ion , a n d a re e lig ib le for a ppoin tm e n t to s t a t e pos it ion s . In e ve ry o th e r re s pe ct a ll s t a t e cit ize n s a n d s t a te m e m be rs a re e qu a l be fore th e la w. Pe rs on a l fre e dom is gu a ra n te e d . Arre s t s ca n be m a de on ly by cou rt orde r. In e m e rge n cy ca s e s th e policy m a y de via te from th is ru le , bu t m u s t t a ke th e ca s e to cou rt with in th re e da ys . In p rin cip le , a ju dge ca n n ot be u n s e a te d . He is in de pe n de n t in h is ju dge m e n ts , a n d s u b je ct on ly to th e d icta te s of th e la w a n d h is con s cie n ce . Th e Ch ie f of Police is u n de r th e ju ris d ict ion of th e Min is te r for th e In te rior , a n d m a y n ot h old a n y pos t o th e r th a n h is office . Th e Re ich s ge rich t is th e S u p re m e Cou rt . In ca s e of th e de a th , a bs e n ce or a n y in ca pa city of th e He a d of S ta te , th e Pre s ide n t of th e Re ich s ge rich t t a ke s ove r h is re s pon s ib ilit ie s .
Re a s on s : Th e pos s ib ility of a d iffe re n t ia t ion be twe e n polit ica l r igh t s m u s t be n e wly
in corpora te d in to th e con s t itu t ion on th e ba s is of wh a t th e e xpe rie n ce s h a ve be e n in va riou s cou n t rie s . I t is a n in ce n t ive for good be h a viou r, m a ke s th e s e cu rin g of cit ize n s h ip a m a t te r of a ch ie ve m e n t , a n d e lim in a te s from th e e le ct ion of polit ica l le a de rs e xte rn a l, pos s ib ly fin a n cia l, fa ctors . On th e o th e r h a n d a u n iform h u m a n e va lu a t ion p re clu de s th e pos s ib ility of a n y fe e lin g of in fe riority, a n d a ls o gu a ra n te e s th e le ga l e qu a lity of a ll. Th e e le ct ion of a s u bs t itu te for th e He a d of S ta te s e e m s u n de s ira b le . In ca s e of h is de m is e , th e t a kin g ove r of h is du t ie s by th e p re s ide n t of th e Re ich s s e n a t m igh t be con s ide re d . Th e e le ct ion of th e p re s ide n t of th e Re ich s ge rich t , on th e o th e r h a n d , wou ld pe rm it la w it s e lf to a s s u m e it s o ld h on ou re d pos it ion in Ge rm a n life .
6 . Th e m e a n s of d is s e m in a t in g in form a t ion a re ba s ica lly th e p rope rty of th e s t a te , or a re a t le a s t a t it s im m e d ia te d is pos a l, pa rt icu la rly, th e ra d io a n d th e p re s s . Th e officia l Ne ws a n d In form a t ion Bu re a u is u n de r th e ju ris d ict ion of th e Ch ie f of th e Re ich Office . He a llo t s th e s u pp lie s to a ll gove rn m e n t a n d p riva te pu b lis h in g e n te rp ris e s . Th e Re ich S ta d th olde rs is s u e pe rm it s for th e pu b lica t ion of n e ws pa pe rs , a n d e n ga ge th e e d itors . Th e la t t e r a re con t ribu tors to th e com m on we a l. Art icle s m u s t be pu b lis h e d u n de r th e fu ll n a m e s of th e a u th ors , or m u s t be ide n t ifia b le by in it ia ls . Books a n d m a ga zin e s ca n be fre e ly pu b lis h e d .
Re a s on s : Th e m is le a d in g of pu b lic op in ion by p riva te lu s t for s e n s a t ion a lis m is a polit ica l ca n ce r in a ll de m ocra cie s a n d a crim e a ga in s t th e s e lf- re s pe ct of a ll pe op le . No re fe re n ce to fre e dom of th e p re s s ca n ju s t ify wh a t h a s be e n don e by irre s pon s ib le jou rn a lis t s in world polit ics . On th e o th e r h a n d , th e a t t e m p t to in ve s t th e p rofe s s ion of e d itor with a g re a te r d ign ity e ve n tu a lly h a d qu it e th e oppos it e e ffe ct , wh e n th e Propa ga n da Min is t ry ke p t th e m u n de r con s ta n t s u rve illa n ce , a n d p roh ib it e d th e e xp re s s ion of a n y p riva te cu ltu ra l con vict ion s . It is s u gge s te d th a t a ll pa rt ie s , a ccord in g to th e ir n u m e rica l s t re n g th , h a ve lice n s e d n e ws pa pe rs , th e Re ich s s ta t th a lt e r to a ppoin t e d itors from th e ir re s pe ct ive ra n ks . Both th e fre e e xp re s s ion of op in ion s a n d th e in te re s t s of Re ich a n d pe op le wou ld th u s be s a fe gu a rde d . S im u lta n e ou s ly, le s s pa pe r wou ld be wa s te d . Th e Ge rm a n fore s t s m u s t n ot be fu rth e r de p le te d , n or th e im port s bu rde n e d , for th e s a ke of s h e e r s e n s a t ion a lis m . Eve ry e d itor is ob lige d to t re a t th e s u b je ct s u n de r d is cu s s ion with a ll s e riou s n e s s , a n d th e will to im prove is to be h is gu id in g ligh t . Oth e r p rovis os ca n be le ft s a fe ly to life it s e lf to de te rm in e . In th e cu ltu ra l a n d s cie n t ific m a ga zin e fie ld , p riva te in it ia t ive h a s fre e re ign . Th e Ch ie f of th e Re ich Office s e e m s th e be s t pos s ib le im pa rt ia l a ge n t to d ire ct a n d s u pe rvis e th e dom e s t ic a n d fore ign n e ws s e rvice . Th e qu e s t ion a s to wh e th e r or n ot th e ra d io s h ou ld be pu t e n t ire ly u n de r h is con t ro l m u s t be ca re fu lly con s ide re d , s in ce ra d io cove rs m a n y fie ld s . Th e s a m e h olds good for th e film in du s t ry, e s pe cia lly in con n e ct ion with it s we e kly n e ws re e ls .
7 . Ou r you th is th e fu tu re ge n e ra t ion of th e pe op le a s a wh ole . It h a s th e r igh t to orga n is e fre e ly in bu n ds . Th e s e bu n ds , h owe ve r, m u s t n ot be th e you th orga n is a t ion s of polit ica l pa rt ie s a n d s ocia l or con fe s s ion a l g rou ps . Th e ce n t ra l bu n d le a de rs h ip , con s t itu te d by th e re p re s e n ta t ive s of th e in d ividu a l bu n ds , is u n de r th e s u pe rvis ion of th e p re s ide n t of th e S e n a te . He a pp rove s s t a tu te s a n d by- la ws , a n d a lloca te s fu n ds for
you th s h e lt e rs , h ike s , a n d s o on .
Re a s on s : You th g rou ps of th e o ld pa rt ie s we re fre qu e n t ly th e orig in a l FOCI of d is s e n s ion a m on g th e pe op le . Th e s a m e is t ru e of con fe s s ion a l you th orga n is a t ion s with in wh ich th e g rou n dwork for th e pa rt icu la ris m of th e Ca th olic Ce n t re or th e Eva n ge lica l Bu n d wa s p re pa re d . In th e Hit le r You th orga n is a t ion , e xclu s ive n e s s , a ft e r th e in it ia l h e a lth y s pu rt , le d to a d is cip lin e u n be a ra b le to both you th a n d pa re n t s , a n d in th e a dm in is t ra t ion , to a con ce it th a t h a d a m os t in s a lu b riou s e ffe ct on ch a ra cte r . Howe ve r, th e Hit le r You th a s th e s u cce s s or to a n ou tm ode d you th m ove m e n t m u s t n ot be s im p ly forgot t e n . Wh a t m u s t be ca rrie d ove r in to th e fu tu re a re s e lf-d is cip lin e , th e de s ire for u n ity, th e re cogn it ion by th e le a de rs of th e ir re s pon s ib ility for th e ph ys ica l a n d m e n ta l h e a lth of th e you n g ge n e ra t ion . S u pe rvis ion by th e p re s ide n t of th e Re ich S e n a te s e e m s de s ira b le , in a s m u ch a s h e is n ot in volve d in e ve ryda y polit ics , th ou gh h e is d ire ct ly con ce rn e d with th e gu ida n ce of g rowin g life . Th e He a d of S ta te h im s e lf m u s t n ot be bu rde n e d with orga n is a t ion a l p rob le m s .
8 . All Ge rm a n s h a ve th e r igh t to orga n is e in polit ica l pa rt ie s a n d to h old m e e t in gs . Pre s u ppos e d is th e re cogn it ion of th e u n ity of Re ich a n d pe op le , a n d th e a bs e n ce of cla s s a n d con fe s s ion a l d is cu s s ion .
Re a s on s : Th is poin t m e rit s ca re fu l con s ide ra t ion . How ca n we be a s s u re d th e re will n e ve r a ga in be a h is torica l n e ce s s ity for a n oth e r Nove m be r 9 , 1 9 1 8 , or a n oth e r Ma y 8 , 1 9 4 5 ? How ca n d ivis ion a n d u n ity e xis t s ide by s ide ? How ca n wa ys a n d m e a n s be h on e s t ly fou gh t ove r if th e re is n o com m on goa l to p rovide a ba s is for d is cu s s ion s ? On ly a ft e r th e s e qu e s t ion s a re a n s we re d ca n s ocia l life be orga n is e d . It is u n th in ka b le th a t a n y pa rty s h ou ld t a ke orde rs from ou t s ide th e Re ich , n o m a t te r wh a t th e s e orde rs m a y look like . By s pe cia l la w it s h ou ld be e xp re s s ly forb idde n th a t pa rt ie s t ra in th e ir own t roops , e xce p t th e re gu la r Ordn u n gs d ie n s t (orde r s e rvice ) . Occa s ion a l orde rly pa ra de s m a y ve ry we ll be h e ld with ou t s u ch de ta ch m e n ts . Th e b re a kin g u p of a n y m e e t in g m u s t be s e ve re ly pu n is h e d by th e ba n n in g of a n y p rovin cia l orga n is a t ion , or e ve n e n t ire pa rty, wh os e le a de rs h a ve be e n fou n d gu ilty.
9 . Econ om ic a n d s ocia l orga n is a t ion s a re u n it e d in th e Nä h rs ta n d a n d th e Ge rm a n Un ion (Arbe it s fron t ) . Profe s s ion a l a n d cu ltu ra l g rou ps h a ve th e r igh t to orga n is e a s th e y s e e fit . Fre e dom of con s cie n ce a n d re lig iou s fre e dom a re a m on g ba s ic r igh t s of th e Ge rm a n s .
Re a s on s : Th e h e a lth y u n ion ide a be ca m e a vict im of pa rty fe u ds . Cla s s wa r a n d con fe s s ion a l wa r t r ie d to tu rn u n ion s in to a re s e rvoir of vote rs for th e ir own pu rpos e s . Th e Ge rm a n La bou r Fron t wa s ba s e d on th e s ou n d ide a of p re ve n t in g th is s p lit t in g in to fra gm e n ts a n d e n cou ra g in g coope ra t ion be twe e n e m ploye e s a n d e m ploye rs in s te a d of
a n ta gon is m . A s pe cia l la w s h ou ld gu a ra n te e th e pos s ib ility of s u ch co-ope ra t ion , a n d a t ru s te e of th e Re ich s h ou ld be a ppoin te d to a ct a s a n e u t ra l a rb it ra tor . A com m e rcia l firm is ju s t a s m u ch of a u n it a s a fa rm . S im ila r s t e ps s h ou ld be t a ke n in con n e ct ion with s kille d la bou r or a rt is a n s . De ta ils m u s t be worke d ou t m os t ca re fu lly, a n d pa rt icu la r a t t e n t ion g ive n to th e fa ct th a t th e fa rm e r, h is h e a lth a n d s e cu rity, a re th e ve ry fou n da t ion of th e n a t ion . It s h ou ld a ls o be de cide d wh e th e r th e p rofe s s ion s ( a t torn e ys , ph ys icia n s , a n d s o on ) ou gh t to be u n it e d in p rofe s s ion a l ch a m be rs . Th e Ka is e r Wilh e lm Aca de m y, th e Ge rm a n Aca de m y a n d o th e r h is toric in s t itu te s , s h ou ld be m a in ta in e d . Un ive rs a l fre e dom of con s cie n ce m u s t be gu a ra n te e d . Th e p rob le m of film ce n s ors h ip m u s t be s o lve d .
Th is ba s ic ou t lin e for a con s t itu t ion a pp rop ria te to th e Ge rm a n ch a ra cte r a n d h is toric s itu a t ion n a tu ra lly de m a n ds th a t a g re a t de a l of th ou gh t a n d s tu dy be de vote d to a g re a t m a n y p rob le m s . For e xa m ple , th e powe rs to be g ra n te d th e He a d of S ta te in ca s e of a n a t ion a l e m e rge n cy, corre s pon d in g to Pa ra g ra ph 4 8 of th e We im a r Con s t itu t ion , th e orga n is a t ion a l s t ru ctu re of th e Nä h rs ta n d a n d th e Ge rm a n Un ion , th e va riou s p rofe s s ion a l ch a m be rs , a n d s o on . Toda y a ll th is is m e re th e oris in g ; bu t a ll th e con s t itu t ion s p re pa re d du rin g th e occu pa t ion a re n ot t e s t im on ie s of a fre e will, bu t m e re ly in volu n ta ry a da p ta t ion s to th a t of th e occu pyin g powe rs . Con s ide rin g th e pos it ion of th e Ge rm a n n a t ion , th is is n ot a n a ccu s a t ion bu t m e re ly a s t a t e m e n t of fa ct . An y con s t itu t ion p re s u ppos e s n a t ion a l s ove re ign ty a n d a n e xt ra te rr itoria l a re a in wh ich a p rovis ion a l gove rn m e n t , h e a de d by th e le ga l Ch ie f of S ta te , ca n be g in th e work of re con s t ru ct in g th e Ge rm a n Re ich . Th is ide a of a n a t ion a l a n d gove rn m e n ta l u n ity ca n n ot , m u s t n ot , a n d will n ot be g ive n u p by a n a t ion th a t h a s fou gh t two world wa rs , n or by th e you n g m e n of 1 9 3 9 -1 9 4 5 . It is t ru e th a t t im e s a re da rk, th a t t e rr ib le pos s ib ilit ie s th re a te n to re le ga te e ve n th e be s t of th e orie s in to th e d is t a n t fie ld of h ypoth e s e s . Th e Com m u n is t world re volu t ion wa s re pu ls e d by th e a dve n t of e n e rge t ic pa s s ion a te m e n with ou t th e a id of th e bou rge ois ie of th e 1 8 th ce n tu ry, wh ich a lon e wa s in ca pa b le of th is a ccom plis h m e n t a n d wh ich qu ickly forgot it s own s a lva t ion . In fa ct th is bou rge ois ie e ve n a t t a cke d it s s a viou rs , s a fe on th e s o il of s a t ia t e d n a t ion s wh e re th is world re volu t ion a ry m ove m e n t h a d n e ve r be e n a b le to t a ke root . Above a ll th e s e t r ia ls of Na t ion a l S ocia lis t wa r crim in a ls , th a t s e rve n o o th e r pu rpos e th a n to be clou d a n e ve n t of world h is torica l im porta n ce , towe rs th is s ocia l-ph ilos oph ica l, a n d t ru ly t re m e n dou s , p rob le m . Na t ion a l S ocia lis m ca lle d th e a t t e n t ion of Gre a t Brit a in ( a n d th u s a ls o of th e Un ite d S ta te s of Am e rica ) to th e n e ce s s ity of a n a llia n ce with a s t ron g Ge rm a n y in h e r own in te re s t . To be s u re , Gre a t Brit a in re je cte d Com m u n is m , bu t s in ce 1 9 3 3 n o m a n of re a l s t a tu re h a s gu ide d th e de s t in y of th e Brit is h Em pire . Lon don fa ile d to u n de rs ta n d th e t ra d it ion a l con ce p t of a ba la n ce of powe r on th e con t in e n t of Eu rope a s it a pp lie s to th e n e w h is toric s itu a t ion , a ccord in g to wh ich S ovie t Ru s s ia s t a n ds on th e on e s ide , a n d on th e o th e r, th e re s t of Eu rope . With t ru e bou rge ois con ce it th e y re fu s e d to lis t e n to u s . Th e re wou ld n ot be a n y re a s on to com pla in if, a ft e r 1 9 3 3 , th e y h a d th ou gh t a n d a cte d in a m ode rn fa rs igh te d fa s h ion . Gre a t Brit a in wou ld be s t a n d in g firm e r th a n e ve r, Eu rope wou ld be s t ron g a n d in vu ln e ra b le , if on ly a com pe te n t s t a t e s m a n in Lon don h a d s t re n g th e n e d a n d b roa de n e d th e Fou r Powe r Pa ct , a n d th e wron g don e Ge rm a n y h a d be e n r igh te d by e xte n s ive re vis ion s in th e Ea s t a n d th e re tu rn of a t le a s t on e colon y. Th a t Adolf Hit le r los t pa t ie n ce a n d h ope is th e s e con d t ra ge dy in th is de ve lopm e n t wh ich , s o fa r , h a s b rou gh t a bou t on ly a g re a t a ccu s a t ion , n ot a n e w de cis ion . Be ca u s e of th e a t t a ck u pon Ge rm a n y's ba ck by th e We s te rn powe rs , th e S ovie t Un ion wa s a b le to s p re a d ou t s o fa r
th a t toda y a ll S la vic pe op le s a re u n de r h e r s wa y, a n d th e t e rr itorie s Ru s s ia n ow ru le s re p re s e n t th e g la cis for p la n s of con qu e s t in th e o lde s t Cza ris t t ra d it ion : th e Pe rs ia n Gu lf, th e At la n t ic, th e Da rda n e lle s . Toda y th e re a re , be yon d a ll th is , Com m u n is t pa rt ie s a ct ive in th e de m ocra cie s , a n d th re a t s of re volt a m on g th e colou re d pe op le s . Com pa re d with th e s e th re a t s th e a tom bom b is a m e re fire cra cke r. Tru e , in th e Ea s t th e S ovie t Un ion is m ore vu ln e ra b le th a n th e We s te rn powe rs ( e s pe cia lly th e Un ite d S ta te s of Am e rica ) ; bu t Gre a t Brit a in is we ll with in th e ra n ge of S ovie t a tom bom bs , s in ce En g la n d by h e r victory h a s e n a b le d th e Ru s s ia n s to a dva n ce a s fa r a s Lü be ck a n d Ma gde bu rg . Th u s we s te rn Ge rm a n y is n o m ore th a n a b ridge h e a d for th e An g lo-S a xon s , a n d it is de fin it e ly with in th e re a lm of pos s ib ility th a t th is b ridge h e a d m igh t be ove rwh e lm e d , th a t th e Ru s s ia n s m igh t a ppe a r on th e Ch a n n e l a n d h ois t th e Re d Ra g ove r Pa ris . Na tu ra lly ge n e ra l s t a ffs of e ve ry cou n t ry a re e ve n n ow d ilige n t ly s tu dyin g th is ve ry p rob le m wh ich , du rin g th e Nu re m be rg t r ia ls , is be in g con de m n e d with a g re a t de a l of m ora l s u a s ion a s crim in a l in p rin cip le . Bu t , on th e on e h a n d , is a n Am e rica n a rm y wh ich wa n ts to go h om e a n d doe s n ot fe e l th a t it is de fe n d in g it s own cou n t ry in Eu rope ; a n d on th e o th e r is th e d icta toria lly le d Re d Arm y wh os e m e m be rs a re livin g be t t e r th a n e ve r be fore a t th e e xpe n s e of th e con qu e re d cou n t rie s . Th e office rs of th e We s te rn powe rs m u s t look with wra th in th e ir h e a rt s u pon th e s e fre n zie d p ros e cu tors wh o a re be n t u pon killin g off th e la s t ve s t ige of m a n h ood in a Ge rm a n y wh ich a lon e cou ld fu rn is h a fa n a t ica l a rm y, bu t in s te a d is s u b je cte d to de fa m a t ion e ve ry da y. No dou b t in m a n y Ge rm a n h e a ds th e th ou gh t h a s croppe d u p th a t it m igh t be be s t , n ow th a t th e y a re p role ta ria n s a n ywa y, to tu rn th e ir ba cks on e ve ryth in g , to p rocla im a Ge rm a n S ovie t Re pu b lic, a n d th u s p re s e rve a t le a s t th e u n ity of pe op le a n d la n d , n o m a t te r on wh a t wre tch e d t e rm s . Howe ve r, wh a t is h a ppe n in g be h in d th e iron cu rta in h a s de fin it e ly pu t a da m pe r on th e s e th ou gh ts wh ich we re , n o dou b t , a ls o e n te rt a in e d by m a n y Na t ion a l S ocia lis t s . Th u s Ge rm a n y fin ds h e rs e lf s p ir itu a lly a n d polit ica lly in th e m os t t e rr ib le s itu a t ion , wh ich m a y a ctu a lly g row fa r wors e if th e g re a t con flict e ve rybody s e e s a pp roa ch in g s h ou ld be fou gh t ou t on h e r b lood - s oa ke d s oil.
Adolf Hit le r , th e fa s cin a te d d is cip le of Rich a rd Wa gn e r, lis t e n e d to th e Nibe lu n ge n lie d in th e Lin z Th e a t re . I h a d s om e on e poin t ou t to m e th e p illa r wh e re h e u s e d to s t a n d . Now, like Wota n , h e wa n te d to bu ild a Va lh a lla , bu t wh e n th e will to powe r a n d r igh t b roke a s u n de r, th is ca s t le fe ll to du s t . Hit le r e xpe rie n ce d Wota n 's t ra ge dy in h is own pe rs on with ou t be in g wa rn e d by it ; a n d h e bu rie d Ge rm a n y u n de r th e ru in s of h is Va lh a lla . Ye s , we m u s t n e ve r d is da in a g re e m e n ts , n or e ve r s u ffe r a Loki to wh is pe r ill cou n s e l in to ou r e a rs .
Th e Nu re m be rg s h ow t r ia ls will p re s e n t ly be ove r a n d ou r fa te s de cide d . Le t m y con fe s s ion s t a n d be h in d th e m : Na t ion a l S ocia lis m wa s th e Eu rope a n a n s we r to a ce n tu ry-old qu e s t ion . It wa s th e n ob le s t of ide a s to wh ich a Ge rm a n cou ld g ive a ll h is s t re n g th . It m a de th e Ge rm a n n a t ion a g ift of u n ity, it ga ve th e Ge rm a n Re ich a n e w con te n t . I t wa s a s ocia l ph ilos oph y a n d a n ide a l of b lood -con d it ion e d cu ltu ra l cle a n lin e s s . Na t ion a l S ocia lis m wa s m is u s e d , a n d in th e e n d de m ora lis e d , by m e n to wh om it s cre a tor h a d m os t fa te fu lly g ive n h is con fide n ce . Th e colla ps e of th e Re ich is h is torica lly lin ke d with th is . Bu t th e ide a it s e lf wa s a ct ion a n d life , a n d th a t ca n n ot a n d will n ot be forgot t e n . As o th e r g re a t ide a s kn e w h e igh t s a n d de p th s , s o Na t ion a l S ocia lis m too will
be re born s om e da y in a n e w ge n e ra t ion s t e e le d by s orrow, a n d will cre a te in a n e w form a n e w Re ich for th e Ge rm a n s . His torica lly r ipe n e d , it will th e n h a ve fu s e d th e powe r of be lie f with polit ica l ca u t ion . In it s pe a s a n t s o il it will g row from h e a lth y root s in to a s t ron g t re e th a t will be a r s ou n d fru it . Na t ion a l S ocia lis m wa s th e con te n t of m y a ct ive life . I s e rve d it fa ith fu lly, a lbe it with s om e b lu n de rin g a n d h u m a n in s u fficie n cy. I s h a ll re m a in t ru e to it a s lon g a s I s t ill live .