The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich Lies and Deceit Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

"…the German Government solemnly declares to the French Government that it does not intend to use for its own purposes in the war the French fleet which is in ports under German supervision. Furthermore, they solemnly and expressly declare that they have no intention of raising any claim to the French fleet at the time of the conclusion of peace." (4.21.151)

The word "solemnly" is the dead giveaway. Hitler broke this promise, as he did countless others.

Quote #8

There was one further—and typical—piece of Hitlerian deceit. On November 13 the Fuehrer assured Pétain that neither the Germans nor the Italians would occupy the naval base at Toulon, where the French fleet had been tied up since the armistice. On November 25 the OKW Diary recorded that Hitler had decided to carry out "Lila" as soon as possible. This was the code word for the occupation of Toulon and the capture of the French fleet. (4.26.101)

What was Hitler's word worth? Zilch. Zip. Nada.

Quote #9

Though there were heartrending scenes [at Auschwitz] as wives were torn away from husbands and children from parents, none of the captives, as Hoess testified and survivors agree, realized what was in store for them. In fact, some of them were given pretty picture postcards marked "Waldsee" to be signed and set back home to their relatives with a printed inscription saying: We are doing very well here. We have work and we are well treated. We await your arrival. (5.27.37-38)

These were some of the cruelest lies of all. As the prisoners were led to the "showers," aka gas chambers, an orchestra of female inmates played light, cheerful music.