Hitler on Methods of his Jewish Policy and the Function of the Masses
Speech to the Party District Leaders at the Ordensburg Vogelsang, April 29, 1937
Source: Hildegard von Kotze Helmut Krausnick, 'Es spricht der Fuehrer. Sieben exemplarische Hitler-Reden' , (Guetersloh 1966), pp. 147-149.
... A few days ago I read a newspaper article by a man whom I will summon to me and with whom I will have a short talk. He wrote: 'We demand that Jewish shops be marked and that Jewish businesses be easily identifiable.' In the newspaper: 'We demand!' Now, I must say: 'Who is he demanding this from? Who can order this?' Only I can! So the editor is demanding of me, on behalf of his readers, that I do this. First of all: Long before this editor had any idea of the Jewish question I was already very thoroughly informed; secondly this question of identification has been constantly discussed for the past two or three years and will one day be put into operation anyway. The aim of our entire political program is clear to us all. For me it is only a question of not taking any step I might have to retract, and of doing nothing which could harm our cause. You know I go as far as I can, but no further. You have to have a good nose to be able to smell: What can I do and what can I not yet do?' (Cheers and applause). It is the same as when I am fighting an opponent. I don't force the opponent into a fight straight away, I don't say: Fight, because I want to fight', instead I say: I want to destroy you!' And now cunning will help me, so that I can drive you into a corner without coming to blows. Then I will deliver the final thrust, right to the heart. That's what I'll do! (Loud cheering). This is not something the masses can decide. You have to believe that a leadership, which has set itself a target, will eventually reach that target. ... These are fundamental considerations, which must be taken for granted. There is to be no other call whatsoever to the masses within the movement other than the call from the appropriate quarters. And our call is never intended to move the masses to make demands, but instead to try and explain to them something which is already accomplished or to prepare them for something which is about to be accomplished. Of course, we always want the closest possible relationship with the public, and the decision can only be effective when the greatest possible mass of people is behind it. It is therefore essential to explain every decision so simply that the people understand, that they say: Of course they should do that; yes, they are quite right if they do that, quite correct.' On the contrary, it must be so that the people, on hearing such a decision, say: Aha, we've been expecting that to happen for quite a long time (laughter); quite right too, it was to be expected; thank God for that.'...
