He declared that only two tank divisions, one Alpine division and an 5. S, bodyguard were used in the fighting against: the British and Aus-italians in Greece, and paid a tribute io the quality of German weapons and munitions, adding: "We must maintain the lead we now have, German women must make an additional contribution to the national effort."
It Italy obtained territorial and political influence as a result of the Balkan campaign, stated the Fubrer, she has more than earned it by the great sacrifices in blood which she made for the future of ithe Axis since October last year."
Herr Hitlers arrival at the building was heralded by the playing of Deutschland Uber Alles." After a two-minute pause, the Chancellor entered the hall, and all members of the Reichstag rose to their feet, Later, members again stood when ihe names of some dozen members who have fallen in battle were read put by Marshal Goering.
Hitler began speaking shortly after pin. and was greeted with tremendous applause and shouts of "Sieg Hell"
He declared that at a time when deeds were everything, "I do not ántend to come before you more than is absolutely necessary. I turned to you for the first time at the outbreak of war, when, thanks to a Franco-British conspiracy against peace, $very attempt at a settlement with Poland, otherwise certainly possible, ad failed, "All my attempts to reach, with Britain particularly, permanent friendly ce-operation were frustrated by the wish and will of a small Clique. which fumed down every German proposal for an understanding. The moving spirit of this plan. as fanatical as it was diabolical. to get war at any price, was even at that time Churchill and his assistants, men who now form his government. The strongest open and concealed support was accorded these efforts by the so-called great democracies on both sides of the ocean, "At a time when discontent was increasing among nations, responsible men, with their failing art of government, considered that they could best master the problems for which there was ug longer any other solution, by a successful war, Behind them stood the great international Jewish banks and exchanges," was a most serious threat, to Germany, "Immediately after the failure of these plans, increased pressure was exerted by the British warmongers on Belgium and Holland. The aim was to advance the front to the Rhine and thus threaten to paralyze her iron and steel production centres.
"On May 10 last year. enemy fronts were broken up in a few days, and the stage was set for operations which culminated in the greatest battle of annihilation in the history of the world.
"On July 19, 1940, I convened the German Reichstag and again seized the opportunity of urging the world to make peace. I made it perfectly clear, however. in the light, of past experiences that such hope could only be small,"
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.