-11- I fear that there is no way by which the will to destroy Germany can be itself destroyed, except through a German victory. I believe that German might is such as to ensure the triumph of Germany but, if not, we will all go down together (and here he added the extraordinary phrase) whether that be for better or for worse." He paused a moment and then said textually, rapidly and with impatience, "I did not want this war. It has been forced upon me against my will. It is a waste of my time. My life should have been spent in constructing, and not in destroying." I said that the Chancellor would, of course, understand that it was the belief of my Government that if some way could be found towards a stable and lasting peace which promised security to all peoples, no nation could have to "go down", let alone all of them. For that reason I earnestly trusted that such a way and such a peace might still be found. Hitler looked at me, and remained quiet for a moment or two. He then said, "I appreciate your sincerity and that of your Government, and Ism grateful for your mission. I can assure you that Germany's aim, whether it must come through war or otherwise, is a just peace." I eplied by saying that I would remember the phrase the Chancellor had used. The interview then terminated. |