Text Version


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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.
 
 
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