26 Nov. 45
"Before touching upon the
question of solving the need for living space, it must be decided
whether a solution of the German position with a good future can be
attained, either by way of an autarchy or by way of an increased
share in universal commerce and industry.
"Autarchy: Execution will be possible only with strict
National Socialist State policy, which is the basis"--that is
the basis of autarchy--"Assuming this can be achieved the
results are as follows:
"A. In the sphere of raw materials, only limited, but not
total autarchy can be attained:
"1. Wherever coal can be used for the extraction of raw
materials, autarchy is feasible.
"2. In the case of ores the position is much more difficult.
Requirements in iron and Light metals can be covered by ourselves.
Copper and tin, however, cannot.
"3. Cellular materials can be covered by ourselves as long
as sufficient wood supplies exist. A permanent solution is not
possible.
"4. Edible fats-possible.
"B. In the case of foods, the question of an autarchy must
be answered with a definite capital NO.
"The general increase of living standards, compared with 30
to 40 years ago, brought about a simultaneous increase of the demand
and an increase of personal consumption among the producers, the
farmers themselves. The proceeds from the production increase in
agriculture have been used for covering the increased demand,
therefore they represent no actual increase in production. A further
increase in production by making greater demands on the soil is not
possible because it already shows signs of deterioration due to the
use of artificial fertilizers, and it is therefore certain that, even
with the greatest possible increase in production, participation in
the world market could not be avoided."
I interpolate, that if I understand him he means
by that, "no autarchy; we must participate in world trade and
commerce."
"The considerable expenditure of
foreign currency to secure food by import, even in periods when
harvests are good, increases catastrophically when the harvest is
really poor. The possibility of this catastrophe increases
correspondingly to the increase in population, and the annual 560,000
excess in births would bring about an increased consumption in bread,
because the child is a greater bread eater than the adult.