|
|
26 Nov. 45
"The population of non-German areas
will perform no military service, and will be available as a source
of labor.
"The Polish problem is inseparable from conflict with the
West.
"Poland's internal power of resistance to Bolshevism is
doubtful. Thus Poland is of doubtful value as a barrier against
Russia.
"It is questionable whether military success in the West can
be achieved by a quick decision; questionable too is the attitude of
Poland.
The Polish Government will not resist pressure from Russia.
Poland sees danger in a German victory in the West, and will attempt
to rob us of the victory.
"There is therefore no question of sparing Poland, and we
are left with the decision: To attack Poland at the first suitable
opportunity".--'That, if the Court please, is underscored in
the original German text.--
"We cannot expect a repetition of the Czech affair. There
will be fighting. Our task is to isolate Poland. The success of the
isolation will be decisive.
"Therefore, the Führer must reserve the right to give
the final order to attack. There must be no simultaneous conflict
with the Western Powers (France and England).
"If it is not certain that a German-Polish conflict will not
lead to war in the West, then the fight must be primarily against
England and France.
"Fundamentally, therefore: Conflict with Poland, beginning
with an attack on Poland, will only be successful if the Western
Powers keep out of it. If this is impossible, then it will be better
to attack in the West and to settle Poland at the same time.
"The isolation of Poland is a matter of skillful politics.
"Japan is a weighty problem Even if at first, for various
reasons, her collaboration with us appears to be somewhat cool and
restricted, it is nevertheless in Japan's own interest to take the
initiative in attacking Russia in good time.
"Economic relations with Russia are possible only if
political relations have improved. A cautious trend is apparent in
press comment. It is not impossible that Russia will show herself, to
be disinterested in the destruction of Poland. Should Russia take
steps to oppose us, our relations with Japan may become closer.
280
|