Hitler Orders the Attack on Poland, 31 August 1939
Hitler Orders the Attack on Poland, 31 August 1939
Source : W. Michalka, Deutsche Geschichte 1933-45, (Frankfurt 1993), pp.171-172.
... As all the political possibilities are exhausted to eliminate by peaceful means a situation on its eastern border, which is unbearable for Germany, I have decided on a solution by using force. The attack on Poland is to proceed along the lines of the preparations for operation White', with modifications resulting from the now almost completed strategic movement of the army. There will be no change in the goal of the operation and the way the tasks are divided. Day of attack ΓÇô 1 September 1939 Hour of attack ΓÇô 4:45 This time is also for operations in the Gdingen-Danzig bay and the Dirschau bridge. In what regards the west, the responsibility for the beginning of hostilities has to be unmistakably placed with England and France.... The neutrality of Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland of which we have been assured, is to be carefully preserved.
