Nazi Conspiracy & Aggression And so it was that at 11 o'clock on 3 September a state of
war existed between Germany and England and between Germany
and France. The plans, preparations, intentions, and
determination to carry out this assault upon Poland which
had been going on for months, for years before, had come to
fruition despite all appeals to peace, all appeals to
reason. It mattered not what anybody but the German
Government had in mind or whatever rights anybody else but
the German nation thought they had. If there is any doubt
left about this matter, two more documents remain for
consideration. Even now, on 3 September, Mussolini offered
some chance of peace. At 6:30 hours on 3 September Mussolini
sent a telegram to Hitler:
"The Italian Ambassador handed to the State Secretary
at the Duce's order following copy for the Fuehrer and
Reich Chancellor and for the Reich Minister for Foreign
Affairs: "Italy sends the information, leaving, of
course, every decision to the Fuehrer, that it still
has a chance to call a conference with France, England
and Poland on following basis: 1. Armistice which would
leave the Army Corps where they are at present. 2.
Calling the conference within two or three days. 3.
Solution of the Polish-German controversy which would
be certainly favorable for Germany as matters stand
today.
"This idea which originated from the Duce has its
foremost exponent in France.
"Danzig is already German and Germany is holding
already securities which guarantee most of her demands.
Besides, Germany has had already its 'moral
satisfaction.' If it would accept the plan for a
conference, it will achieve all her aims and at the
same time prevent a war which already today has the
aspect of being universal and of extremely long
duration." (1831-PS)
[Page 723]
Perhaps even Mussolini did not appreciate what all Germany's
aims were, for his offer was turned down in the illuminating
letter which Hitler was to write in reply:
"I first want to thank you for your last attempt at
mediation. I would have been ready to accept, but only
under condition, that there would be a possibility to
give me certain guarantees that the conference would be
successful. Because, for the last two days the German
troops are engaged in an extraordinarily rapid advance
in Poland. It would have been impossible to devaluate
the bloody sacrifices made thereby by diplomatic
intrigues. Nevertheless, I believe that a way could
have been found, if England would not have been
determined to wage war under all circumstances. I have
not given in to the English, because, Duce, I do not
believe that peace could have been maintained for more
than one-half year or one year. Under these
circumstances, I thought that, in spite of everything,
the present moment was better for resistance. At
present, the superiority of the German armed forces in
Poland is so overwhelming in all fields that the Polish
Army will collapse in a very short time. I doubt
whether this fast success could be achieved in one or
two years. England and France would have armed their
allies, to such an extent that the crushing technical
superiority of the German Armed Forces could not have
become so apparent anymore. I am aware, Duce, that the
fight which I enter, is one for life and death. My own
fate does not play any role in it at all. But I am also
aware that one cannot avoid such a struggle permanently
and that one has to choose after cold deliberation the
moment for resistance in such a way that the
probability of the success is guaranteed and I believe
in this success, Duce, with the firmness of a rock.
Recently you have given me the kind assurance that you
think you will be able to help me in a few fields. I
acknowledge this in advance with sincere thanks. But I
believe also -- even if we march now over different
roads -- that fate will finally join us. If the
National Socialist Germany were destroyed by the
Western democracies, the Fascist Italy would also have
to face a grave future. I was personally always aware
of this community of the future of our two governments
and I know that you, Duce, think the same way. To the
situation in Poland, I would like to make the brief
remark that we lay aside, of course, all unimportant
things, that we do not waste any man in unimportant
tasks, but di-
[Page 724]
rect all on acts in the light of great operational
considerations. The Northern Polish Army which is the
Corridor, has already been completely encircled by our
action. It will be either wiped out or will surrender.
Otherwise, all operations proceed according to plan.
The daily achievements of the troops are far beyond all
expectations. The superiority of our air force is
complete, although scarcely one-third of it is in
Poland. In the West I will be on the defensive. France
can here sacrifice its blood first. Then the moment
will come when we can confront the enemy also there
with the full power of the nation. Accept my thanks,
Duce, for all your assistance which you have given to
me in the past and I ask you not to deny it to me in
the future." (1831-PS)
The
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Volume
I Chapter IX
Aggression Against Poland, Danzig, England &
; France
(Part 20 of 21)