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GERMANY PLEADS FOR PEACE
"I speak in the name of the entire German nation when I say that all of us most sincerely desire to root
out an enmity whose sacrifices are out of all proportion to any possible gain.
The German people are convinced that their honour has remained pure and unstained upon a thousand
battlefields, just as they see in the French soldier only their ancient but glorious opponent. We, and
the whole German nation, should all be happy at the thought that we could spare our children and our
children's' children what we ourselves as honorable men have had to watch in the long and bitter years
and have, ourselves had to suffer. The history of the last one hundred and fifty years, with all its
varied changes and chances, should have taught both at least one lesson; that important and permanent
changes can no longer be purchased by a sacrifice of blood.
All my followers, and I, as a National Socialist, absolutely refuse, however, by reasons of our national
principles, to acquire, at the cost of the life-blood of those who love and are dear to us, men and
women of a foreign nation who, in any case, will never love us. It would be a day of untold blessing
for the whole of humanity if the two nations once and for all would banish the idea of force from their
mutual relationships; the German nation is prepared to do this.
While boldly asserting the rights which the treaties themselves give us, I will, however, declare
equally boldly that in future there will be for Germany no more territory conflicts between the two
countries.
After the return of the Saar Basin to the Reich it would be insanity to think of a war between the two
states. For such a war there could no longer be, from our point of view, any reasonable or moral
excuse.
For nobody could demand that millions of young lives be destroyed in order to correct the present
frontiers. Such a correction would be of a problematical extent and even more problematical worth.
"The German nation has more than fulfilled its obligations with regard to disarmament. It is now the
turn of the highly armed states to fulfil similar obligations to no less extent."
- Adolf Hitler, October 14th 1933
A LAST CHANCE APPEAL FOR PEACE
On August, 25th, days before the outbreak of war, Hitler made a generous and comprehensive offer
of a final understanding with England. On August, 27th, 1939, an emissary, Dahlerus, took these
proposals to 10 Downing Street for presentation to Prime Minister Chamberlain and Foreign Minister
Lord Halifax. These proposals in essence were:
1. Germany would sign a Pact of Alliance with Britain
2. Britain would act as mediator with Poland for the return of Danzig and the corridor
to Germany with Poland being allowed the use of the port of Danzig.
3. Germany would guarantee the sovereignty of Poland.
4. Agreement on Germany's confiscated colonies.
5. Adequate guarantees for the well-being of German minorities in Poland.
6. Germany would provide aid in the defence of the British Empire when called upon to do
so.
Britain ignored these proposals choosing instead to guarantee Poland's unjust occupation and retention
of territory given to her as 'victors booty' following the first world war under the terms of the
Versailles Treaty.
"I hope that the outside world will realize that Hitler's government has no idea of steering towards
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