. NMT06-T0239
Volume VI · Page 239
| PARTIAL
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT NI-051 PROSECUTION EXHIBIT 509 |
|
| EXTRACTS FROM THE
REPORT ON GOERING'S SPEECH BEFORE LEADING INDUSTRIALISTS AT THE "PREUSSENHAUS", 17 DECEMBER 1936, CONCERNING THE EXECUTION OF THE FOUR YEAR PLAN* |
|
| Minister
President General Goering for the Execution of the Four Year |
|
| Plan Speech in the
big assembly hall of the "Preussenhaus" on 17 December 1936 |
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| After a short survey of world
politics and the dangers of bolshevism and the world revolution, Goering said
among other things — The old laws of economics have no longer their former value. In economics there are no laws of nature, but only those made by man. These are interpretations by man adapted to special circumstances. We see today the realization of things which only a few years ago appeared to be Utopia |
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| * * * * * * * * * * | |
| Two difficulties stand in the way
of rearmament: 1. The supply of raw material and foodstuffs 2. The shortage of labor |
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| We must create reserves of food supplies and raw materials, just as the Prussian King did in the Seven Years' War. The daily bread must be absolutely guaranteed. It is more important than guns and grenades. I have the complete confidence of the Fuehrer and a far-reaching power of decision. I am master of German money; but I am sorry to say not of foreign exchange. Here my work must begin. | |
| * * * * * * * * * * | |
| Then I always hear objections, such as — what is to happen to my investment, once rearmament is finished? Gentlemen! Inasmuch as we would have to increase our capacity in order to be prepared for any eventuality, that we cannot do. Whatever happens, our capacity will be far too small. The struggle which we are approaching demands a colossal measure of productive ability. No end of the rearmament can be in sight. The only deciding point in this case is victory or destruction. If we win, then the economy will be sufficiently compensated. Profits cannot be con- […sidered] | |
* This report was also introduced in the Ministries Case (United States vs. Ernst van Weissaecker, et al., Case 11), as Document NI-051, Prosecution Exhibit 964. The fall text of this report is reproduced in volume XII, this series, under section VI B, "Military Economy — The Four Year Plan — The Financing of Armament."
